PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has welcomed the October 8 meeting between SOL, Government and fellow MPs, describing the engagement as an important first step toward better understanding fuel pricing and exploring relief for electricity consumers in St Maarten.
In a statement issued Thursday, Ottley said the meeting followed a commitment from a September discussion involving him, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, and GEBE.
During that earlier meeting, Ottley said he stressed that Government needed to engage SOL directly on the cost of fuel supplied to GEBE, review the utility company’s calculations, and address its maintenance needs.
Direct Engagement on Fuel Costs
Ottley thanked the Prime Minister for following through on one of the agreed points and arranging the discussion with SOL. He also welcomed Mercelina’s recognition of his continued involvement and knowledge of the issue.
According to Ottley, SOL was willing to engage in constructive dialogue and provided information on its pricing structure and the factors driving its costs.
He described that openness as a starting point for the cooperation needed to examine fuel pricing and identify possible solutions.
“All hands are on deck. At the end of the day, this is about finding solutions that can bring relief to the people of Sint Maarten,” Ottley said.
More Structured SOL–GEBE Agreement Sought
Ottley thanked SOL representatives Robert James and newly appointed General Manager Collin Francis for their participation and wished them success in their new roles.
He said he was pleased to have helped open the door to renewed dialogue about a more structured and mutually beneficial agreement between SOL and GEBE, with benefits ultimately reaching Sint Maarten.
His statement did not announce a finalized agreement, a reduction in fuel prices or a specific saving on consumers’ electricity bills.
BTP Findings Still Awaited
Ottley said his work on fuel pricing and GEBE has continued for the past three years, including motions and a draft ministerial regulation under the Price Ordinance.
He also expressed interest in the forthcoming findings from the Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP), which he believes will provide important additional information.
The engagement with SOL therefore comes while the regulatory process remains underway, with its findings still expected to inform further discussions.
Accountability Must Continue
Ottley pledged to continue holding Government accountable for its commitments while working constructively with the parties involved.
“This is ultimately about the people of Sint Maarten. I will continue to ask the hard questions, push for accountability and do my part to ensure that we explore every possible avenue for relief. Today was an important step, and I am hopeful that we can build on it.”
For households and businesses facing high electricity costs, the practical outcome remains to be established: whether the dialogue produces concrete measures, how much relief those measures could deliver and when consumers would benefit.
