GREAT BAY--NV GEBE will no longer handle applications, determine eligibility or select beneficiaries for its Senior Citizens Relief Program beginning in 2027, following a new agreement with the Government of St. Maarten that transfers those responsibilities to the Department of Social Services within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA).
Under the new arrangement, GEBE will continue providing financial support for senior relief, but the Government will assume responsibility for administering the assistance and determining which senior citizens qualify.
The utility company announced that the agreement was executed on behalf of Government by the Ministry of VSA and is intended to ensure that assistance reaches seniors who meet the eligibility requirements and are most in need of support.
For many years, GEBE has administered its Senior Citizens Relief Program directly, traditionally launching the initiative around March. The program has provided assistance to eligible elderly residents, particularly those experiencing financial difficulties.
Beginning next year, however, seniors will no longer submit their applications directly to GEBE. Instead, the Department of Social Services will receive and assess applications, determine eligibility and select beneficiaries.
The change represents a restructuring of the program rather than its discontinuation, according to the company.
NV GEBE Temporary Manager Iris Arrindell said the partnership would allow the utility company to maintain its financial contribution while leaving individual assessments to the Government department responsible for social assistance.
“NV GEBE remains committed to supporting our senior citizens. The decision to work through the Social Services Department allows us to continue contributing financially to senior relief while ensuring that the assessment of individual circumstances and determination of eligibility are handled by the appropriate government agency,” Arrindell said.
She explained that the Department of Social Services is better positioned to evaluate applicants' circumstances and identify those requiring assistance.
Arrindell also emphasized the importance of maintaining support for the country's elderly population.
“Our seniors have contributed significantly to the development of our country and remain an important part of the community we serve. NV GEBE considers it important that our support for seniors continues in a meaningful and sustainable way,” she said.
Details concerning the eligibility criteria, application procedures, deadlines and required documentation for the 2027 program have not yet been announced.
GEBE said those details will be communicated subsequently by the Government through its official channels.
The company has also not disclosed the amount of funding it will contribute under the new agreement or the anticipated number of seniors who will receive assistance.
GEBE said it looks forward to continued cooperation with the Ministry of VSA and its Department of Social Services to ensure that available funding provides meaningful assistance to eligible seniors.
The transition means that seniors accustomed to applying directly through GEBE will need to follow the new Government-administered process once the application arrangements are announced.
