Govt Activates First-Ever Oversight of Gebe: A Turning Point for the Future of Electricity

The Government of Sint Maarten has formally activated legal oversight of NV GEBE for the first time by designating the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post as supervisor under the Electricity Concession Ordinance. Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten said the move is meant to restore transparency, stability, and accountability after years of weak supervision, unreliable supply, tariff concerns, and public distrust. The supervisor can request data, inspect and audit GEBE, monitor concession compliance, and provide verified information needed for lawful tariff decisions. The government says this approach avoids short-term political fixes and supports reliable, affordable electricity long term