~Power plant lacks materials for maintenance, as $300M unaccounted for.~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Workers at GEBE powerplant is unable to locate the cause of the system tripping in Building 5 which shuts down all their engines at the Powerplant leaving the entire island in total darkness. It is understood that GEBE had about 7 island-wide blackouts within the past week, the most recent being on Sunday morning.
According to information provided to SMN News the company only has one mechanic on duty while there is a high rate of absenteeism from workers that are not satisfied with the current management especially its Chief Operations Officer and Chief Executive Officer.
It is further understood that the powerplant does not have basic materials such as backflush filters to conduct maintenance. SMN News further learned that the schedule for maintenance is over a year behind time, another big setback is that the workers at the powerplant are not keeping track of their maintenance records.
Workers said that the powerplant has been neglected because the CEO Kenrick Chittick appointed a young in-experience worker as interim powerplant manager. The workers said that Anthony Hodge does not have the work experience required to manage the powerplant while the CEO appointed him in order to safeguard his own position when his management contract expires at the end of 2019. According to Chittick’s management contract, he is entitled to return to his old position if he is not reappointed as CEO.
Another big set back GEBE is facing is the fact their financial statements are poor which is obstructing the Dutch funding. Sources say the financials of GEBE started to go down since 2016 when the current management board took office.
SMN News learned that GEBE had over $300M in their accounts which is down to less than $30M.
One of the concerns is that GEBE management has been issuing questionable contracts that it is alleged are being overcharged. Contractors are using this modus operandi since the COO does not have any technical knowledge to determine when the company are being overcharged.
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/30971-exclusive-gebe-engines-lack-maintenance-powerplant-workers-can-t-locate-cause-of-system-tripping.html
