PHILIPSBURG:--- At NV GEBE, we know that rebuilding trust begins with open, honest, and consistent communication. Today, Tuesday, June 30, we want to reaffirm our commitment to communicating directly with our customers as we continue working together toward a stronger relationship and a brighter future for our community.
Our priority is simple: to ensure every customer receives clear, accurate, and timely information directly from us about their accounts, available support, payment options, and the steps we are taking together to help customers become current with their payments.
As part of this customer-focused approach, we have decided to discontinue further discussions with the Association for Consumer Protection St. Maarten (ACP-SXM). Instead, we will communicate directly with our customers and the public through our official communication channels and the media, ensuring that the information you receive comes directly from NV GEBE.
When we first met with ACP-SXM, our intentions were sincere. We hoped to help bridge the gap that had developed between NV GEBE and our customers while finding constructive ways to provide greater clarity, support and service. Unfortunately, following our initial meeting and the subsequent public discussions, we concluded that this process was no longer helping to reduce uncertainty or provide the clarity our customers deserve.
Rather than bringing reassurance, the situation created additional confusion and concern for many customers who are simply seeking straightforward answers about their bills, their accounts and the way forward.
"Our responsibility is first and foremost to our customers," said Temporary Manager Iris Arrindell. "We are entrusted with providing reliable electricity and water services, but we also have a responsibility to communicate with empathy, transparency and honesty. At this stage, we believe the best way to rebuild trust is by speaking directly with our customers and ensuring they receive accurate information from NV GEBE."
We recognize that many customers continue to have questions and concerns following the challenges of recent years. We understand that trust is not rebuilt overnight; it is earned through consistent actions, respectful communication, and a genuine commitment to serving our community.
Our immediate focus is helping customers become current with their 2026 utility payments. While our collection policy remains in place, our goal is to work alongside customers by providing a clear, manageable path toward bringing current accounts up to date.
Once customers have addressed their 2026 obligations, we will introduce a separate approach to assist those who continue to have outstanding balances from the 2022 through 2025 period.
"This approach provides clarity and structure," Arrindell explained. "We want customers to clearly understand their current obligations first. Once those accounts are brought current, we will work with customers on addressing older balances from 2022 to 2025 through a separate plan."
We also encourage customers to rely on official NV GEBE information rather than rumors or unofficial interpretations of company policies. Every customer's situation is unique, and the most accurate guidance can only come directly from our Customer Care team.
In addition, we encourage everyone to remain mindful of the global factors that continue to influence the cost of producing electricity and water. International fuel prices, supply chain conditions, and geopolitical developments directly affect utility operations worldwide, including here in St. Maarten.
"We encourage our customers to be conscious of what is happening globally," Arrindell said. "Electricity and water are essential services that we all depend on, but they are also costly to produce. By using these resources wisely and conserving where possible, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future."
We remain committed to serving the people of St. Maarten with transparency, accountability and respect. As we continue moving forward together, we encourage customers to contact NV GEBE directly through our official Customer Care channels for information regarding their accounts, payment arrangements or any questions they may have.
Together, through open communication and mutual understanding, we can continue rebuilding trust and creating a stronger future for our community.