MP Wever proposes freezing GEBE fuel clause at lower rate to ease financial burden on residents

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Christopher Wever has proposed that government explore temporarily freezing GEBE's fuel clause at a lower rate, suggesting 30 cents per kWh as a possible starting point, in an effort to provide immediate financial relief to households and businesses struggling with high electricity bills. He urged the Council of Ministers to examine whether a reduction could be implemented while investigations and discussions surrounding the country's energy costs continue.

Speaking during Wednesday's continuation of the 2027 national budget debate, Wever questioned whether government, in its capacity as shareholder representative of the utility company, could intervene to reduce the fuel clause from its current level of approximately 45 cents to a more manageable rate for consumers.

He recalled that during his tenure as a minister, government agreed to freeze the fuel clause at approximately 18 cents during the COVID-19 pandemic, when residents and businesses were also facing considerable economic uncertainty.

Wever suggested that a similar approach could be explored under the present circumstances, acknowledging that a return to 18 cents might not be financially feasible but arguing that even a smaller reduction would make a difference.

He proposed examining whether the rate could be temporarily frozen at 30 cents or, if necessary, 32 cents, depending on GEBE's financial position and the potential consequences for the company's operations.

The MP also questioned whether GEBE could absorb part of the financial impact through reduced profits, rather than continuing to pass the full burden on to consumers. He used the example of a company earning two million guilders in profit potentially accepting a lower return of 1.5 million guilders to provide relief, presenting it as a scenario worth examining rather than an assessment of GEBE's actual finances.

Wever maintained that government should consider the broader economic circumstances affecting residents and businesses, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding energy costs and the length of time consumers may be required to continue paying elevated rates.

He asked the Council of Ministers to determine whether a temporary reduction could be accommodated without compromising the utility company's financial stability and ability to provide electricity.

Special Needs Education and Direct Assistance for Families

Beyond electricity costs, Wever devoted considerable attention to the financial and educational challenges facing children with special needs and their families.

He urged the Minister of Finance to examine whether the country's tax system could provide direct relief to parents and institutions responsible for special needs education.

The MP emphasized that he was not referring solely to financial assistance provided through foundations or other organizations, but to measures that would directly benefit families and educational institutions dealing with the additional costs associated with special needs.

He pointed to the expenses of specialized assessments, educational materials and qualified teachers, noting that these requirements place significant financial pressure on both parents and schools.

Wever welcomed the Ministry of Education's announcement of a roadmap for special needs education but requested clarification on when it would be completed and implemented, and whether sufficient funding has been included in the 2027 budget.

He also offered to work with the Minister of Finance on exploring possible tax adjustments or other measures that could provide practical assistance.

Questions Garbage Tender and Qualifications of Contractors

Turning to the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Wever questioned several aspects of the garbage collection tender.

He asked whether the current process was an entirely new tender or a retendering of the original procurement and what changes had been introduced between the two processes.

The MP specifically questioned whether the original tender restricted companies to one collection parcel while the subsequent process allowed contractors to receive more than one.

He also sought clarification on whether a newly established company without previous garbage collection experience or the necessary equipment could qualify for multiple parcels.

Wever questioned how government intends to ensure that contractors have the operational capacity to perform the services required under their contracts.

He also raised concerns about companies reportedly experiencing delays in obtaining official tax documents required for their tender submissions. The MP questioned whether bidders should face consequences when documentation requested on time was delayed by the government entity responsible for issuing it.

He further requested clarification on roadside cleaning, the funds allocated for maintaining public areas and whether garbage collection contractors are now being expected to perform additional work for reduced compensation.

According to Wever, the deterioration of roadside conditions, including overgrown vegetation and accumulated garbage, requires attention before the situation worsens.

Renewed Call for Homeownership Opportunities

On housing, Wever revisited an initiative discussed during his tenure as minister that would allow residents occupying certain government-owned and emergency homes to become homeowners.

He referenced properties in Foga and emergency housing areas, explaining that discussions had previously taken place with the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation concerning the possible transfer of ownership to existing occupants.

The MP argued that such an arrangement could benefit residents by providing opportunities for homeownership while potentially reducing the government's financial obligations for maintaining properties requiring repairs.

He asked whether the current Minister of VROMI had met with the foundation to advance the proposal and, if not, when such discussions would take place.

Wever also raised concerns about the backlog in building permit applications and suggested exploring external technical assistance to review and prepare files before final processing by the ministry.

Traffic Solutions Must Go Beyond Building Roads

Addressing traffic congestion, Wever encouraged government to consider a combination of transportation and infrastructure improvements rather than relying exclusively on new roads.

He referenced the Spatial Development Plan 2030, which identifies potential transportation links, parking facilities and water taxi connections.

Among the options he suggested examining were additional parking garages in Simpson Bay and Philipsburg, designated school bus pickup locations and alternative transportation systems.

He questioned whether school buses stopping frequently along established routes contribute to morning congestion and whether designated collection points could improve traffic flow.

Wever also requested an update on earlier discussions concerning improvements to the road near the airport runway leading toward Beacon Hill, including whether the airport and other stakeholders might still be willing to participate in the project.

On road safety, he welcomed the repainting of pedestrian crossings but called for proper road markings at roundabouts and traffic lights, particularly stop lines at intersections.

Financial Assistance and Government Revenue

Wever also questioned the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor about funding for financial assistance to vulnerable households.

He referenced a proposed requirement of approximately 12 million guilders compared to the 8.2 million guilders included in the budget, requesting clarification on how government intends to cover the shortfall and ensure eligible residents receive assistance.

Addressing the Ministry of Finance, he requested estimates of the potential revenue government expects from proposed measures, including the tourist tax and revisions to existing fees and concessions.

On digital governance, the MP questioned what safeguards will be established to protect citizens' personal information and whether the 2027 budget includes provisions for a dedicated data protection officer.

He also suggested exploring stronger incentives to recruit qualified personnel into the public service, including the possibility of increasing student loan repayment assistance for graduates who commit to working for government for a specified period.

Wever's contribution focused on identifying measures that could provide direct financial relief to residents while addressing longstanding challenges in education, housing, infrastructure and government services. His proposal to reduce and temporarily freeze GEBE's fuel clause placed particular emphasis on the possibility of using government's position as shareholder to explore immediate relief for electricity consumers.

‍