SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah A. Wescot-Williams has written once again to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, following up on her August 17, 2025, letter regarding GEBE’s governance, electricity relief, and consumer protection.
In her August correspondence, MP Wescot-Williams urged government to urgently address the ongoing electricity and billing crisis by merging the findings of GEBE’s internal assessments with the government-commissioned relief report. She also called for the implementation of key measures such as:
- A means-tested social tariff for electricity and water;
- Temporary waiver of the concession fee to enable consumer relief; and
- Legislation to establish an independent electricity and water regulator to ensure transparency and protect consumers.
“Nearly three months later,” Wescot-Williams stated, “we have seen some developments, including Minister Brug’s announcement of a social relief initiative and GEBE’s senior relief plan. These steps are commendable, but they remain short-term fixes. The average consumer is still struggling with high bills, billing confusion, and no clear sense of when true stability will return.”
The MP reiterated that what is now required is a more sustainable and equitable approach, one that balances immediate social support with long-term affordability, governance, and accountability.
“Relief must go beyond temporary payments or discounts,” Wescot-Williams emphasized. “It should include proper tariff regulation, consumer protection, and transparency in how costs are calculated and passed on. Until we address those fundamentals, consumers will continue to bear the brunt of inefficiencies.”
The MP noted that GEBE remains a vital national utility and that respect for corporate governance principles must remain central to restoring public trust and operational stability.
“As I said in August, the focus must return to the real issue, affordable and reliable electricity for every household,” she said. “I therefore urge the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to move beyond ad hoc relief and deliver a coherent, sustainable plan for energy security and consumer protection.”
MP Wescot-Williams reaffirmed her support for all efforts that genuinely ease the burden on residents, while calling for greater transparency, faster implementation, and lasting reforms to ensure fair and affordable utility services for the people of Sint Maarten.
https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=63731:wescot-williams-relief-plans-welcome,-but-consumers-need-sustainable-support&Itemid=450
