PHILIPSBURG:--- Engine 18 at GEBE Power Plant caught fire on Thursday morning.SMN News learned that two turbo chargers were also damaged. According to information provided to SMN News states that each of the Turbo Chargers cost over $50. 000.00. Currently, engine 18, 19 and 20 are down. Residents of St. Maarten could expect more load-shedding in the coming days.SMN News learned that workers at GEBE power plant have not been reporting to work but have been calling in sick as they protest against what they describe as gross mismanagement of the company. SMN News understands that the workers are upset with at least two members of the management team namely Kenrick Chittick the former Operations Manager and now CEO of NV GEBE. Some of the workers describe Chittick as arrogant and someone that they are unable to work with. The workers are also complaining about the Chief Operations Officer Veronica Jensen Webster whom they said lacks knowledge and is also someone that does not know how to address the workers. According to information provided to SMN News GEBE power plant is presently running at N-0 output since the 3 main engines are down.
It is understood that while engine 18 caught fire on Thursday morning not one member of the management team went to the power plant up to 12:30 on Thursday.
So far GEBE management team has not released any accurate information on the state of affairs of the utility company. It is expected that the company management will share information on Friday morning at a scheduled press conference.
