SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina convened an informational meeting with Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs, Members of Parliament and SOL representatives Mr. Collin Francis and Mr. Robert James to examine fuel supply costs, discuss electricity affordability and explore potential avenues for easing the burden on households and businesses.
Participating were MP Veronica Jansen-Webster (URSM), MP Ludi de Weever (PFP), MP Omar Ottley (UPP), MP Egbert Doran (NA), and support staff. Other MPs were invited to attend but due to other obligation could not be present.
The Prime Minister explained that the engagement followed questions directed to him in Parliament and concerns raised by residents about electricity bills. Bringing together representatives from the coalition and opposition provided an opportunity to seek explanations directly from SOL and discuss matters of shared national interest.
“People approach us with questions about their electricity bills, and some of those questions are the same ones we have,” Prime Minister Mercelina said. “We have a responsibility to listen, seek clear explanations and follow through. The purpose of this engagement is to better understand the issues and examine what can be done to alleviate the pressure on our people.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged MP Ottley’s continued engagement on utility matters and invited him to open the discussion. Participants raised questions about fuel sourcing, transportation, storage, pricing benchmarks, supplier margins and deliveries to GEBE.
Mr. Francis and Mr. James explained SOL’s supply arrangements and the distinction between gross margin and net profit, noting that personnel, maintenance, inspections, leases and investments are among the expenses paid from the company’s gross margin. Participants also examined other cost components and questioned how potential savings in fuel supply charges would translate into consumers’ electricity bills.
The discussion addressed GEBE’s operational fuel requirements, including the use of heavy fuel oil and diesel, and the importance of reliable demand forecasts. Participants highlighted the need to account for seasonal demand, new developments and changes in generating capacity when planning fuel purchases.
SOL described the supply and logistical risks associated with maintaining deliveries without a formal supply agreement. The exchange highlighted the importance of structured arrangements, accurate forecasting and continued coordination between GEBE and its supplier to support continuity of fuel supply.
Other options raised included competitive procurement, additional storage capacity, a possible maximum supplier margin and fuel hedging. Participants recognized that these possibilities require careful technical and financial assessment. The discussion also included a request for SOL to consider a contribution towards community relief, particularly for vulnerable households and seniors.
No agreement on these measures or a specific reduction in electricity bills was announced.
Addressing suggestions circulating on social media about the nature of the meeting, Prime Minister Mercelina stated that the Council of Ministers had been informed of the engagement. He also noted that coalition and opposition representatives were aware of the meeting and its purpose.
“The Council of Ministers was informed, and the meeting was discussed at our Tuesday meeting,” the Prime Minister said. “This initiative arises from a common concern: the pressure that electricity costs place on our people. The discussion was constructive and focused on technical questions.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the engagement respected the responsibilities of the relevant ministries and would not interfere with the ongoing supervisory review by the Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP). SOL indicated that it is cooperating with that process.
“The established procedures must be respected and allowed to proceed,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated. “This informational meeting does not replace that process or prejudge its findings.”
The Prime Minister thanked Minister Gumbs, the participating MPs, Mr. Francis and Mr. James, and support staff for their contributions, emphasizing that constructive dialogue must remain focused on the public interest.
