PHILIPSBURG:--- The embattled Supervisory Board of Directors (SBOD) at NV GEBE has once again found itself at the center of controversy, as two members, former Minister of Justice and Prime Minister Denis Richardson and Charles Sydney, tendered their resignations last week. Their terms, originally set to expire in October 2026, were cut short amidst mounting chaos within the organization. Meanwhile, the terms of Anthony Brooks and Chairman Denisio Boasman have also come to an end, leaving the SBOD in a state of flux.
In a decisive move, the government has stepped in to appoint four new members to the SBOD: Henry Ellis, Julian Lake, Mario Gumbs, and Attorney-at-Law Thaisa Heymans. This new board is expected to comply with shareholders' directives and implement the urgent relief measures outlined by the Council of Ministers.
The intervention comes at a critical juncture for NV GEBE, a government-owned utility company plagued by governance issues and internal strife. Last Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten announced that she issued a directive for GEBE to submit its tariff structure within 30 days, signaling the government’s intent to restore order and accountability.
A Legacy of Dysfunction
The recent resignations and appointments signal a significant shift in NV GEBE's leadership, following a period of mounting challenges. With the departure of Denis Richardson and Charles Sydney, alongside the conclusion of terms for Anthony Brooks and Chairman Denisio Boasman, the Supervisory Board has undergone a substantial overhaul.
The government’s swift action to appoint four new members, including Henry Ellis, a former VROMI Inspector, Julien Lake ( TELEM Employee), Mario Gumbs (TELEM Employee), and Attorney-at-Law Thaisa Heymans ( Attorney for Brooks and Associates), reflects an urgent effort to stabilize the organization. This new board is tasked with addressing shareholder directives and implementing the relief measures outlined by the Council of Ministers, as the company faces increasing scrutiny over its operations and governance.
A Call for Accountability
The appointment of the new SBOD members represents a glimmer of hope for NV GEBE’s future. However, the road to recovery will be fraught with challenges. The new board must act swiftly to address the concerns of shareholders, employees, and the public. Failure to do so will only perpetuate the cycle of dysfunction that has come to define NV GEBE.
The people of St. Maarten deserve better. In the meantime, the government has announced the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help steer NV GEBE forward. However, no Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has been appointed, as an investigation is currently underway regarding the candidate CEO, who previously served as the Temporary Manager of NV GEBE following the passing of former Temporary Manager Troy Washington. It is time for decisive action to end this ongoing saga and restore stability at NV GEBE. Anything less would be a betrayal of public trust.