Emmanuel: GEBE’s next local appointment must deliver competence and accountability

GREAT BAY--Former Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel says any move by government to appoint a local temporary manager at NV GEBE must be based on competence, a clear mandate and public accountability, not symbolism. “It cannot be business as usual with a local face. The public needs results.”

He said the reported leadership fallout at the utility company reinforces his years of warnings that GEBE needs stable, qualified leadership that understands St. Maarten and its people, can restore public trust, chart a renewable energy path forward and is given clear instructions to address billing, operations, staff confidence, consumer concerns and the company’s overall direction. Above all, he said, the government should be very concerned that the public confidence in the company cannot sink any lower as a result of years of counterproductive actions.  

Emmanuel’s comments follow reports that NV GEBE Transition Manager Thomas Roggendorf submitted a conditional resignation, with his final day reportedly set for June 12. Reports have also indicated that Roggendorf gave government an ultimatum tied to his appointment as CEO, while other members of the management team are also said to be taking firm positions in discussions over the company’s future leadership.

Emmanuel said the situation should not be viewed as an isolated management dispute, but as part of a broader pattern he has warned about for years. “This is exactly the type of situation I warned about,” Emmanuel said. “GEBE cannot keep moving from one crisis to the next while the people are left to deal with high bills, poor communication and uncertainty about who is really in control.”

He said that his top concern has remained consistent: public companies must not overlook local capacity while turning to outside actors without clear justification and full transparency. “This has always been about accountability,” Emmanuel said. “If outside people are brought in, the public must know why, what they are being paid, what value they are adding and how their work benefits the people of St. Maarten.”

"The management at GEBE were strangers to the people of St. Maarten and we never received clear indication about what their deliverables were. Obviously now we can see that nothing was delivered, they received nice cars and homes fully paid for, and will now leave us here holding the bag once again, he said.

In 2023, Emmanuel also raised concerns about GEBE’s financial position, consultant spending, delayed financial statements and the lack of clear information being provided to the public. He said many of the questions he raised then remain relevant today.

According to Emmanuel, the latest developments show why government-owned companies must be managed with clear mandates, transparent reporting and leadership that understands its responsibility to the public.

“GEBE is not a private business for a few people to control,” Emmanuel said. “It is a public utility. Every decision affects households, businesses, seniors, schools and working families.” He said the country cannot afford continued instability at GEBE, especially at a time when consumers remain concerned about billing, disconnections, fuel costs, customer service and the general direction of the company.

Emmanuel said if government moves forward with the appointment of a local temporary manager, that appointment must come with a clear mandate and public explanation. “The people must know what this temporary manager is being asked to do,” he said. “Is the mandate to stabilize operations, review contracts, improve billing, protect consumers, restore staff confidence, or prepare the company for permanent leadership? Government must be clear.”

He added that appointing a local person should not be treated as symbolic, but as part of a serious effort to restore confidence in the company. “Local leadership must mean competence, accountability and commitment to St. Maarten,” Emmanuel said. “It cannot be business as usual with a local face. The public needs results.”

Emmanuel said GEBE’s latest leadership dispute should prompt a full review of how the company has been managed, how executive decisions have been made, and how much has been spent on consultants, temporary managers and outside expertise over the years.

He also called on government and the Supervisory Board to provide the public with a clear update on the company’s financial position, leadership structure, pending appointments and steps being taken to protect consumers.

“For years, I asked for transparency at GEBE,” Emmanuel said. “Today, the public can see why those questions mattered. The company must be brought back under disciplined, accountable and people-centered leadership.”

Emmanuel said the focus now should be on restoring public trust, protecting consumers and ensuring that St. Maarten’s most important utility company is not allowed to continue operating under uncertainty.

“The people deserve a GEBE that works for them,” he said. “Not more confusion, not more excuses and not more expensive mistakes.”

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