~Reopening recruitment for CEO, CFO, and COO positions reignites debate over local leadership at the utility company~

PHILIPSBURG:---  The government's decision to reopen recruitment for the top executive positions at NV GEBE has reignited a longstanding debate in St. Maarten: Why does the country continue to look abroad for leadership when local professionals have repeatedly been called upon to rescue the utility during its most difficult moments?

The discussion emerged prominently during Friday's GEBE press conference, where Temporary Manager Iris Arrindell, former CFO and current Facilities Manager Kenrick Chittick, and other members of the management team found themselves fielding questions not only about the utility's finances and operations, but also about its future leadership.

The issue came just days after Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced that the recruitment process for GEBE's three top executive positions — Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operations Officer (COO) — would be reopened.

For many in the community, the announcement raises more questions than answers.

ARRINDELL NOT INTERESTED IN TOP POST

One of the most revealing moments of the press conference came when Arrindell was asked whether she would apply for the CEO position once the recruitment process resumes.

Arrindell, who has served NV GEBE for more than 35 years and is expected to retire in 2027, made it clear that she is not interested in pursuing the position.

Having already stepped into leadership roles multiple times during periods of transition and crisis, Arrindell indicated that retirement remains her focus.

Her response effectively removes one of the company's most experienced executives from consideration and leaves the succession question unanswered.

The revelation is significant given Arrindell's role in steering the company through the aftermath of the 2022 cyberattack and the ongoing financial challenges facing the utility.

CHITTICK REFUSES TO RULE IT OUT

Former CEO Kenrick Chittick was also asked whether he would consider returning to the top position if approached.

Rather than providing a definitive answer, Chittick responded that he does not make major decisions without prayer and reflection.

A man known for openly expressing his Christian faith, Chittick told reporters that significant decisions are guided by prayer before any commitment is made.

His answer was interpreted by some as leaving the door open to a possible return, while others viewed it as a diplomatic way of avoiding speculation.

What is clear, however, is that Chittick remains one of the most experienced utility professionals on the island, having previously served as CEO and continuing to play a key role within the company's management structure.

ORAL GIBBES: "YOU ALL FIXED IT"

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the press conference came from former Supervisory Board member Oral Gibbes.

Addressing Arrindell, Chittick and the rest of the management team directly, Gibbes praised the group for repeatedly stepping forward when the company faced crisis.

Gibbes recalled the difficult years of 2015 and 2016, when GEBE was struggling with major operational challenges and public confidence in the utility had declined.

According to Gibbes, it was not foreign executives who stabilized the company during that period.

Instead, it was local professionals who already worked within the organization.

"You all fixed it," Gibbes told the management team.

"It's shameful that almost ten years later we're sitting here again seeing what this company is going through."

He commended Arrindell, Chittick, and other members of management for their dedication and commitment to the utility, describing them as professionals who love the company and have consistently put its interests first.

LOCAL TALENT OR FOREIGN RECRUITMENT?

Gibbes' comments reflect a broader sentiment shared by many residents who believe St. Maarten possesses qualified professionals capable of leading major institutions.

For years, critics have argued that local candidates are frequently overlooked in favor of foreign executives recruited at considerable expense.

Supporters of local leadership point out that many of the same individuals who were bypassed during previous recruitment exercises ultimately became the people responsible for stabilizing operations when leadership transitions failed or executives departed.

The argument is simple: if local managers are trusted to rescue the company during crises, why are they not trusted to lead it permanently?

COST OF RECRUITMENT UNDER SCRUTINY

The reopening of the recruitment process also raises questions about cost.

Over the years, GEBE has undergone multiple recruitment exercises for senior executive positions. Each process involves recruitment firms, consultants, interviews and administrative expenses.

Those costs come at a time when GEBE itself is facing significant financial challenges.

The company disclosed that only 58.6 percent of customers paid their bills in May 2026 and that more than 9,500 customers remain delinquent.

The company is also attempting to address aging infrastructure, secure funding for new generators and recover from the lingering effects of the 2022 cyberattack.

Against that backdrop, some residents are questioning whether another expensive international recruitment process is justified.

EXECUTIVE SALARIES A GROWING CONCERN

Concerns have also emerged regarding the compensation packages often associated with foreign executive recruitment.

The issue gained attention following reports that a recent candidate for a senior management position declined an offer after compensation expectations could not be met.

For many residents struggling with rising utility bills and an increasing cost of living, the prospect of paying substantial salaries and benefits packages to foreign executives has become difficult to justify.

Critics argue that local professionals who already possess institutional knowledge of the company may be able to provide continuity and stability at a lower cost.

A QUESTION OF CONFIDENCE

Beyond salaries and recruitment procedures, the debate ultimately centers on confidence.

Should St. Maarten continue looking outside its borders for leadership solutions, or should it place greater trust in the professionals who have spent decades building careers within the utility?

The current management team includes individuals with decades of experience in electricity generation, water distribution, finance, human resources and infrastructure management.

Many have worked through hurricanes, financial challenges, management changes and the devastating cyberattack that crippled the company in 2022.

For supporters of local leadership, that experience represents an asset that cannot easily be imported.

THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR GEBE

As government prepares to relaunch recruitment for the CEO, CFO and COO positions, the future leadership of GEBE remains uncertain.

What is certain is that the discussion has moved beyond simply filling vacancies.

The debate now touches on broader questions of national development, institutional knowledge, succession planning and confidence in local expertise.

With Arrindell preparing for retirement, Chittick refusing to rule out future possibilities, and public calls growing louder for qualified locals to be given an opportunity, the next recruitment process could become one of the most closely watched in GEBE's history.

For many residents, the question is no longer whether St. Maarten has the talent.

The question is whether that talent will finally be given the opportunity to lead.

Sint Maarten:--- The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), in collaboration with the National Employment Service Center (NESC), successfully hosted its Marine Industry Immersion Day on Wednesday, June 17th, bringing together government officials, policy makers, educators, labor representatives, and industry stakeholders for a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the scale, diversity, opportunities, and challenges of Sint Maarten’s marine industry.

Designed to create greater awareness and understanding of one of Sint Maarten’s most important economic sectors, the event combined an industry tour, panel discussion, and interactive roundtable sessions aimed at encouraging dialogue and collaboration around the future development of the marine sector.

The day commenced with an immersion tour aboard Boomerang Charters through the Simpson Bay Lagoon, allowing participants to gain a broader perspective of the concentration of marine businesses operating within the lagoon and their contribution to the island’s economy.

The first stop was at IMM Shipyard, where attendees were introduced to the vital role shipyards play within the marine industry. Participants learned about the extensive maintenance, repair, and refit work carried out on vessels ranging from private yachts to commercial craft. The visit also highlighted the significant investments made by local businesses to attract vessel owners from around the world to undertake work in Sint Maarten and, in many cases, base their vessels on the island year-round, generating economic activity across multiple sectors.

The tour then continued to Island Water World, one of the Caribbean’s largest chandlery businesses. Founded in Sint Maarten in 1967 and now operating multiple locations throughout the region, Island Water World showcased the wide range of products and services it provides to the marine community while also discussing ongoing workforce and staffing challenges faced by the industry.

Following this visit, participants divided into smaller groups and rotated between three additional marine-related organizations. At FKG Marine Rigging, attendees toured various workshops and gained insight into the specialized services provided by the company, including rigging, fabrication, welding, ropework, and custom marine solutions. The visit demonstrated the highly technical and diverse skill sets required within the sector.

Electec welcomed participants into its facilities, highlighting the importance of all the existing dealerships of major international brands being held by them and other companies alike for Sint Maarten, explaining the technical expertise required to support these types of dealerships in the marine and construction industries.

The Maritime School of the West Indies provided an overview of the internationally recognized certifications available through its training programs, including STCW, Powerboat, Yacht Master, and Keelboat certifications under the International Yacht Training (IYT) system. Participants also learned about the school's Kidz at Sea program, which provides opportunities for underserved youth by offering maritime certifications, soft skills training, and career guidance to facilitate entry into the marine industry. The program currently boasts an impressive success rate of approximately 80 percent.

The final stop brought participants to Lagoon Marina, home to numerous marine businesses including Nomad Solutions, Tropical Sail Loft, and several other industry service providers. Attendees were also shown a vessel that underwent extensive repairs in Sint Maarten following severe damage sustained during Hurricane Irma, serving as a tangible example of the collaborative expertise available within the local marine sector and the capability of local businesses to undertake complex restoration projects.

Following the tour, participants gathered at IGY Marinas Isle de Sol, which served as the host venue for the remainder of the event. The afternoon program opened with welcome remarks from Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, who also serves as Interim Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA).

A panel discussion followed, focusing on the three strategic pillars currently being prioritized by the SMMTA: Human Capital, Economic Development & Competitiveness, and Marine Infrastructure. Panelists included Jesse Peterson, President of the SMMTA; Chris Marshall, former SMMTA President and regional marine industry expert; Shervin Frederick, Senior Policy Advisor for the Ministry of TEATT; and Drs. Peggy-Ann Richardson, Division Head of Labor Affairs and Social Services.

The discussion explored both opportunities and challenges facing the marine sector, including workforce development, education and certification pathways, infrastructure needs, permitting processes, policy alignment, and the industry's overall competitiveness within the Caribbean region.

Reflecting on the discussion, Jesse Peterson expressed appreciation for the level of engagement demonstrated throughout the event. "What stood out most was the quality of the dialogue and the genuine interest shown by participants. The panel discussion generated thoughtful questions and meaningful exchanges between industry professionals, government representatives, and educators. It demonstrated a shared willingness to better understand the challenges facing the sector and to explore practical solutions together. These conversations are essential if we want to continue strengthening the marine industry and the opportunities it creates for the people of Sint Maarten," Peterson stated.

To further encourage participation and gather stakeholder input, attendees then took part in interactive roundtable discussions. Working in groups, participants analyzed a series of industry-related statements and opportunities, identifying potential enablers, obstacles, practical solutions, and the likelihood of successful implementation. The exercise provided valuable feedback and generated numerous ideas for future collaboration between government, educational institutions, labor organizations, and private sector stakeholders.

The event concluded with a summary of key findings from the discussions, closing remarks from the organizers, and an invitation for marine businesses and employers to participate in the upcoming NESC Job Fair scheduled for September 24, 2026.

Peggy-Ann Richardson stated: “The future competitiveness of Sint Maarten depends not only on the strength of our industries, but on the strength of our people. Through collaboration and continued investment in human capital, we are committed to developing a resilient local workforce and creating sustainable opportunities that benefit our community and future generations.”

Both SMMTA and NESC expressed their appreciation to the participating businesses, government representatives, educators, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event.

The Marine Industry Immersion Day forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the marine industry and public sector partners, ensuring that Sint Maarten remains competitive as a maritime destination while creating sustainable career pathways and economic opportunities for future generations.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) informs the general public that a candlelight vigil will be held this evening, June 19th, 2026, in Dutch Quarter, in remembrance of a young man who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident on the French side of the island approximately one week ago.

KPSM acknowledges the deep emotional impact this loss has had on the family, friends, and the wider community, and recognizes the importance of allowing residents to gather peacefully to pay their respects. The Force extends its sincere condolences to all those affected.

However, KPSM expresses serious concern regarding recent dangerous and unlawful behavior involving scooter riders and other motorists during funeral-related gatherings on Thursday, June 18th, 2026. During these events, a number of individuals engaged in reckless driving and illegal stunts on public roads, placing themselves, other road users, and police officers at risk. These actions continued despite clear warnings issued by officers on the scene.

KPSM strongly condemns such conduct and reminds the public that solemn gatherings must never be misused for reckless or illegal behavior.

To ensure the safety, dignity, and orderly conduct of this evening’s candlelight vigil in Dutch Quarter, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) will deploy additional officers in and around the area.

The following measures will be in place:

• Strict enforcement of all traffic laws and regulations
• Active monitoring of road behavior by officers on the ground
• Deployment of police drones to support situational awareness and documentation
• Identification and follow-up legal action against individuals engaging in reckless driving, illegal stunts, or other traffic violations

KPSM emphasizes that all available evidence, including digital recordings, may be used to identify offenders and support enforcement actions where necessary.

KPSM calls on all attendees and road users to act responsibly, respect the solemn nature of the occasion, and comply fully with instructions from law enforcement officers.

The candlelight vigil is intended to be a peaceful moment of remembrance. Any behavior that endangers public safety or disrupts order will not be tolerated

~Former CEO Kenrick Chittick argues public frustration is driven by fuel costs, not base utility rates~

PHILIPSBURG:---  As public pressure mounts over electricity and water bills, former GEBE CEO and current Facilities Manager Kenrick Chittick is urging residents to look beyond perception and compare St. Maarten's utility rates with those of neighboring islands.

During Friday's GEBE press conference, Chittick challenged the notion that St. Maarten's electricity and water prices are among the highest in the region, citing figures published earlier this month that compare utility rates in Curaçao and St. Maarten.

According to Chittick, consumers in Curaçao currently pay approximately 76 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity, while GEBE customers pay roughly 70 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The comparison, he said, becomes even more striking when looking at water rates.

"The water rate in Curaçao is 15 guilders and 40 cents per cubic meter of water. GEBE is $2.50 for the last 18 years," Chittick stated.

His comments came amid ongoing public debate surrounding rising utility bills and demands from the Association for Consumer Protection (ACP-SXM) for relief measures.

FUEL CLAUSE DRIVING COSTS

While defending GEBE's base rates, management acknowledged that consumers are feeling the impact of rising fuel costs.

Temporary Manager Iris Arrindell said the fuel clause remains the primary factor contributing to higher electricity bills and noted that global fuel prices have risen significantly since 2022.

The company presented figures showing fuel costs reaching levels not seen since previous oil price spikes and warned that ongoing international developments could place additional pressure on future utility bills.

According to Arrindell, many customers continue to compare their current bills with what they paid before the 2022 cyberattack. However, fuel prices increased substantially during that period, meaning payments based on historical averages are no longer sufficient to cover actual consumption.

QUESTIONS OVER FEES AND TAXES

Despite Chittick's comparison with Curaçao, members of the media raised concerns about various charges appearing on utility bills.

Among the issues discussed were fuel-related fees, government taxes and allegations that certain costs are effectively being passed on to consumers multiple times.

Journalists also questioned whether taxes associated with fuel purchases and other surcharges contribute significantly to the final amount customers pay each month.

Arrindell responded that some charges reflected on bills are government-imposed taxes rather than fees retained by GEBE.

She specifically noted that a 25-cent stamp charge, often criticized by customers, is a government tax and not a fee collected by the utility.

Regarding concerns over taxes embedded within fuel pricing, management indicated that many of those issues would ultimately need to be addressed through discussions between government and fuel suppliers rather than by GEBE itself.

"NO DECREASE" EXPECTED

Perhaps the clearest message delivered during the press conference was that customers should not expect utility rates to decline in the immediate future.

Asked whether consumers could reasonably anticipate reductions in electricity or water prices, Arrindell was unequivocal.

"I don't believe there will be a decrease," she said.

"On the contrary, we see increases."

She pointed to continued volatility in global fuel markets and rising operational costs as factors that make lower utility prices unlikely in the near term.

PRESSURE ON THE UTILITY

The debate over utility costs comes as GEBE faces its own financial challenges.

Management disclosed that only 58.6 percent of customers paid their May 2026 bills and that thousands of accounts remain delinquent.

Officials warned that the utility's ability to maintain infrastructure, invest in new generators, and improve service depends on significantly improving collection rates.

For Chittick, however, one point remains clear: while consumers may be frustrated by rising bills, St. Maarten's utility rates compare favorably with those of at least some neighboring Caribbean islands.

The challenge, he suggested, lies less with the base rates themselves and more with the realities of fuel costs, taxation, and the global energy market.