GREAT BAY--Leader of the Nation Opportunity Wealth Party Christophe Emmanuel on Sunday said the renewed recruitment process at NV GEBE should be limited to the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, while Temporary Manager Iris Arrindell should be formally appointed as Chief Executive Officer.
Emmanuel said Arrindell’s decades of experience within GEBE, her knowledge of the company’s internal culture, and her understanding of its operational challenges make her the most suitable person to lead the utility company through its current transition.
“She is already there with decades of experience. She knows the culture of that company, its shortcomings, and what needs to happen. Nobody should come into that company and be placed over her at any time whatsoever. Just go ahead and make the appointment official,” Emmanuel said.
The MP said his position is consistent with previous calls he has made for qualified local professionals to be elevated into key leadership positions. He pointed to his earlier support for Dr. Felix Holiday to head the St. Maarten Medical Center as an example.
“Enough is enough with bypassing our own qualified people,” Emmanuel said. “Her job will require a timeframe of at least five years to stabilize GEBE and rebuild public trust in the company.”
According to Emmanuel, GEBE was once viewed as a dependable corporate partner in the community, and Arrindell would understand what is needed to restore that relationship.
“There was a time when GEBE was a dependable corporate partner for the community in many ways. Iris was there. She can recall those times and understand what needs to be done to bring that back. Do not bring in a stranger who cannot appreciate those links, because those links should form part of many decisions moving forward,” he said.
Emmanuel said St. Maarten has seen too many examples of external executives entering key institutions, receiving significant compensation packages, and leaving without lasting accountability to the country.
“We have just seen examples of people who come here, collect big salaries, with cars and homes paid for by our companies. Let us not make that mistake again,” he said.
The MP said the Supervisory Board of NV GEBE and, by extension, the shareholder, must send a clear message that qualified St. Maarten professionals are enough.
“Our people are enough. If they fail, if they stumble, they are our people, and we will stumble with them and pick them back up. They will not jump on a plane and run anywhere. This is a test for the new board and the shareholder. Appoint Iris now. We are all watching,” Emmanuel said.
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced last week that the Supervisory Board of NV GEBE has decided to reopen the recruitment process for the company’s three C-suite level positions: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer.
The Prime Minister said the renewed recruitment process is intended to ensure maximum transparency, objectivity, fairness and credibility as the country’s utility company continues through an important management transition.
According to Dr. Mercelina, the recruitment exercise will be handled professionally by a third-party firm, with the goal of identifying the most qualified candidates for the CEO, CFO and COO positions.
Emmanuel, however, said the recruitment process should not be used to overlook a qualified local professional who is already in position and understands the company from the inside.
He said GEBE’s recovery will require stability, institutional knowledge, public trust, and leadership that is rooted in the community.
“This is not the time to gamble with GEBE’s leadership. This is the time to make the right decision for the company and for the people of St. Maarten,” Emmanuel said.
