VSA Minsiter Richinel Brug and GEBE Transition Manager Thomas Roggendorf (both centre) with VSA’s DLASS representatives and GEBE staffers.
PHILIPSBURG--Government and NV GEBE have launched a one-year pilot programme to provide up to XCG 50,000 in monthly utility bill relief for vulnerable members of the community.
The initiative, set to begin on December 1, 2025, is being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA through its Division of Labor Affairs and Social Services (DLASS).
The programme will assist eligible financial aid recipients and community members with up to XCG 250 per month in utility bill deductions. “This partnership represents our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said NV GEBE Transition Manager Thomas Roggendorf. “By working together with the Government and Social Services, we can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during challenging economic times.”
Relief will be distributed through a voucher system, with each voucher valued at XCG 50. Qualifying individuals can receive up to five vouchers monthly. DLASS will determine eligibility based on its registry of vulnerable residents and will conduct reassessments every two months to ensure the programme benefits those most in need.
The monthly allocation includes XCG 25,000 for existing registered financial aid recipients and another XCG 25,000 for new eligible applicants approved through Social Services. To qualify, individuals must be private customers (not legal entities), have utility bills in their own name, and be registered with or approved by Social Services under the National Ordinance on Financial Aid.
VSA Minister Richinel Brug underscored the importance of the programme, calling it a demonstration of the government’s commitment to social care. “This pilot programme demonstrates our government's dedication to social services and ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens have access to essential services,” Brug said. “We are grateful to NV GEBE for their partnership in this vital community support effort. I would like to thank Drs. Dros-Richardson and the entire staff of Social Services for their dedication in seeing this pilot programme through.”
Community members interested in applying are encouraged to contact Social Services to determine eligibility. The department will assess applications and issue vouchers to qualifying individuals, which can then be redeemed at NV GEBE’s office when making bill payments.
DLASS Division Head Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson urged residents in need to apply. “We encourage anyone facing financial hardship with their utility costs to reach out to Social Services,” she said. “Our team is ready to assess applications and provide support to those who qualify for this important relief programme.”
The pilot will run for one year, with the possibility of extension depending on its success and continued collaboration between NV GEBE and the government. The public is encouraged to look out for radio interviews, FAQ sheets, and additional information to be shared in the coming weeks ahead of the December 1 launch.
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/gebe-relief-pilot-programme-launched-up-to-xcg-50k-monthly-for-vulnerable
