MP Ottley: Tourism is up, costs are up, and relief is still missing

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Omar Ottley used the 2026 budget debate to demand concrete relief for GEBE consumers, question decisions surrounding the authorization of a doctor to practice, and challenge government over delayed revenue measures, Justice commitments and several policy matters that he said have remained unresolved for too long.

Ottley said government can no longer continue telling Parliament that measures are being considered or worked on without producing results, particularly with the country already eight months into 2026 and the 2027 budget reportedly already approved by the Council of Ministers.

Ottley: Any GEBE Loan Must Bring Relief to Consumers

A significant part of Ottley’s contribution focused on NV GEBE and the continuing cost of electricity.

Ottley said he would not support government assuming additional debt for GEBE unless the financing is directly linked to relief for households and businesses.

Government has discussed financing new generation capacity for the utility, but Ottley questioned why taxpayers should ultimately carry debt associated with GEBE while consumers continue paying high electricity bills.

He stressed that new generators are important for long-term stability, but argued that the public needs help now.

Ottley also questioned the timeline surrounding the acquisition of new generators, noting that manufacturing, shipping and installation could take considerable time. In his view, government therefore needs a parallel plan that addresses what consumers will experience while waiting for new generation capacity to become operational.

He recalled that relief has been promised to residents on multiple occasions and said the country should not enter another budget cycle without seeing tangible results.

Ottley also referred to a report concerning GEBE’s financial and tariff position which, according to him, indicated that the company had collected significantly more from consumers than required. He asked government to clarify the status of that report, what it cost and whether its recommendations are being followed.

Ottley Says Existing Law May Allow Government to Act on Tariffs

Ottley challenged the position that government has limited ability to intervene in electricity pricing.

He specifically asked the Prime Minister and Minister of TEATT to obtain advice from Legal Affairs on whether the Price Ordinance provides government with authority to regulate electricity and water tariffs through ministerial regulation.

Ottley argued that the legal framework should be examined before government concludes that nothing can be done.

He pointed to Curaçao, saying similar legislation has been used there to regulate electricity and water tariffs and establish special tariff arrangements.

Ottley also referred to Article 2 of the Price Ordinance, arguing that it provides government with a mechanism to intervene where prices for goods and services threaten the public interest.

His position is that government should determine conclusively whether those powers can legally be applied to utility tariffs in St. Maarten rather than waiting indefinitely for broader legislative reform.

Ottley recalled an earlier period when GEBE reduced its fuel clause after international oil prices declined, citing this as evidence that consumers should benefit not only when costs rise, but also when underlying costs decrease.

“The people feel the bite right away when the price increases, so they should also feel the relief when the price decreases,” was the principle Ottley said government should apply.

Ottley Questions Decision Involving Doctor

Ottley also directed a series of questions to the Minister of VSA concerning a doctor whose authorization to practice had previously been the subject of discussion and parliamentary concern.

The MP said the matter had been handled by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina while serving as acting Minister of VSA shortly before the current VSA Minister assumed office.

Ottley questioned whether a decision or request was made that could allow the doctor to practice more broadly despite concerns that, according to Ottley, had previously been raised through professional advice.

He contrasted that with a decision taken during his own tenure as VSA Minister, saying that when he permitted the doctor to work, the authorization was limited to work within the hospital environment where supervision was available.

Ottley said the current issue, as he understands it, concerns whether the doctor should be allowed to practice independently outside that supervised setting.

He asked the current VSA Minister whether he agrees with such an arrangement and whether it should be considered normal practice when professional advice may indicate otherwise.

Ottley was careful to frame the matter as one requiring answers from the minister, particularly concerning the legal and professional basis for any authorization granted.

He also referred to a motion previously adopted by Parliament calling for a review of the process and said Parliament has not yet received the information it expected as a result.

Ottley further questioned why action concerning the matter was reportedly taken immediately before the new VSA Minister assumed office, asking why the incoming minister was not allowed to review the issue himself after being sworn in.

His concern, he said, is whether the incoming minister was given sufficient opportunity to independently assess the professional advice and determine the appropriate course of action.

Visitor Tax Status Remains Unclear

Ottley also demanded clarity on the proposed visitor tax, which he described as one of government’s most important potential revenue measures.

He recalled that the Minister of Finance had previously indicated publicly that the legislation had been submitted to the Council of Advice.

However, Ottley said answers provided during the current budget process indicate that submission is expected later in 2026.

He asked government to explain the discrepancy and provide Parliament with the exact status of the legislation.

Ottley said the visitor tax had been developed while he served in government and formed part of a broader effort to strengthen government revenues and address mounting financial obligations.

Justice Workers and Prison Rehabilitation

Ottley also sought updates on outstanding financial commitments to Justice workers, including retroactive compensation and pension-related matters.

He recalled that Justice personnel had previously threatened industrial action and were promised financial compensation and asked whether those commitments were honored.

The MP additionally questioned responsibility for the early-release process and called for a clearly defined system to prevent perceptions of unequal treatment.

Ottley asked for an update on rehabilitation programs at the prison, including GED classes, and questioned what has replaced educational services previously offered by an outside group.

He said prison reform cannot focus only on detention and infrastructure, but must also provide inmates with educational and rehabilitation opportunities that improve their prospects after release.

Economic Growth Must Reach Households

While acknowledging St. Maarten’s strong tourism performance, Ottley said the country's economic statistics mean little if residents continue struggling with electricity, food, housing and other basic expenses.

He credited continued destination marketing for helping St. Maarten maintain visitor activity deeper into what would traditionally have been the slower season and encouraged the Minister of TEATT to maintain adequate marketing resources for 2027.

However, he said increasing visitor numbers must ultimately translate into stronger government revenues and improvements in household finances.

Ottley also expressed support for a proposed motion to increase civil servant salaries and said Parliament should not simply accept another assurance that government is working on the matter.

His message throughout the debate was that government must move from plans and promises to implementation.

“Government, get your act together,” Ottley said, urging ministers to seek assistance where necessary and focus on delivering measurable results for the people of St. Maarten.

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