SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Tuesday September 15th, Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley and the Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina met to discuss his proposed interim solution for regulating GEBE pricing to consumers, MP Ottley said in a press statement on Tuesday.
The MP expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s willingness to cross party lines and find an amicable solution. “GEBE will take care of GEBE, but the Government has to take care of the people,” stated MP Ottley.
During the meeting, MP Ottley reiterated that time is of the essence and if the Government and GEBE maintain that electricity and water tariffs can only be regulated through an LBHAM, the Government should, in the interim, use the tools already available under the Price Ordinance.
An LBHAM will not come to fruition for at least a year and the people need assistance now. MP Ottley has urged the Government to regulate the price and profit margin of fuel sold to GEBE for electricity generation. If there are concerns about regulating the electricity tariff directly through the Price Ordinance, then we should look at what can be done immediately to address one of the major costs that impacts GEBE’s electricity generation,” said MP Ottley.
The Price Ordinance could also be used to provide greater transparency regarding maximum water tariffs, giving consumers clearer information on the maximum rates that are fair.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister committed to discussing with SOL a viewing the possibilities of regulating the profit margin on oil sold to GEBE for fuel generation.
A follow-up meeting with the Prime Minister, Minister Teatt, and MP Otlley will be scheduled to discuss further solutions and explore how it can be implemented as an interim measure while the necessary legislation is being drafted.
MP Ottley stressed that the two processes can move forward simultaneously: Government can work on the long-term legislative framework while taking practical interim steps to provide greater transparency and address costs affecting consumers today.
The MP vows to continue fighting for the people until a solution is found. The Prime Minister and his team has expressed willingness to finally get the ball rolling and today’s meeting was a significant step.
