SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Following the interview with Chairlady Wescot-Williams, Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley finds it very disheartening to hear the same information that he has been screaming for the past two years is what is being highlighted today, the MP said in a press statement on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
MP Ottley remains very concerned about the Government’s/Coalition’s slow pace in taking action. “The people cannot afford to keep waiting when decisions need to be made”, stated MP Ottley.
As parliament received the 2027 Budget, MP Ottley is praying that some form of relief for GEBE has been included. However, this is difficult to fathom when the Government continues to say that it is waiting for yet another report from the Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP), even though the first BTP report was already issued in April 2025.
After 18 months and counting from the initial RAC - BTP Report, The People of St. Maarten are still waiting for action. If the new information received by the Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP) confirms the concerns surrounding GEBE's electricity tariffs and costs, What then? Ottley once again reiterates to regulate via Ministerial Regulation utilizing the Price Ordinance and absence of a LBHAM.
If and when the ‘new’ information confirms what has been argued all along, then government can no longer hide behind the excuse that the matter is still being studied. For two years, MP Ottley has been warning that the cost of electricity is placing an unacceptable burden on households and businesses.
At a certain period the fuel clause was going up while the price of oil per barrel was going down. He has repeatedly called on government to use the tools available, and since the government seems hesitant to adjust the tariff via MR then use its power to regulate the maximum prices on fuel imported for the purpose of electricity production.
Yet, the Government of Sint Maarten appears to be very proud of having submitted the 2027 budget on time. But submitting a budget on time is not the same as submitting a budget that actually addresses the problems confronting the people of Sint Maarten. An on-time budget means very little if it has zero revenue generating measures and doesn’t ease the burden of the people.
The MP has presented multiple motions, did town hall meetings, submitted a petition signed by the public and submitted a draft Ministerial Regulation to assist the people of St. Maarten. Despite his efforts the government has taken zero action, and we remain no step closer to seeing relief.
The people have waited through reports. They have waited through consultations. They have waited for regulatory changes. They have waited for promises of relief. And now they are being presented with Budget 2027. If there is no meaningful allocation or concrete mechanism for GEBE relief in that budget, then government must explain why.
The irony is difficult to ignore: government appears eager to meet the deadline for submitting a budget, while the people continue waiting for a government that meets its responsibility to provide regulation.
MP Ottley will meet with the government of Sint Maarten for a second time to address the continued high cost of living and the urgent need for meaningful relief for households and businesses on September 15th. Last attempt was in November 2025 with the Minister of TEATT where MP Ottley presented a draft Ministerial Regulation based on the Price Ordinance aimed at regulating maximum prices for water, electricity, HFO, LFO and Lubricants. This time, the meeting will be with Prime Minister Luc Mercelina.
MP Ottley’s aim to reiterate to the Government the tools currently available in hopes that transparency on electricity and fuel prices can be provided within months and not another year and half, as suggested by the current Government’s proposal of regulation via an LBHAM.
During the upcoming meeting, MP Ottley will again highlight the Price Ordinance and the ability of Government to regulate maximum prices and profit margins where necessary. The people of Sint Maarten have heard enough about studies, frameworks and future intentions. They need to see and feel the difference in their monthly bills and their daily cost of living.
