NV GEBE Partners with Government of Sint Maarten to Launch Utility Relief Pilot Program for Vulnerable Community Members

N.V. Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf Bovenwindse Eilanden (NV GEBE) and the Government of Sint Maarten, 

through the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor's, Division of Labor 

Affairs and Social Services (DLASS), announced today the launch of a groundbreaking oneyear pilot program to provide utility bill relief for vulnerable members of the community.

Program Overview

The pilot program will provide up to XCG 50,000 in monthly relief to eligible financial aid 

recipients and community members, helping to ease the financial burden of utility costs for 

those most in need. Through this collaborative initiative, qualifying individuals can receive 

up to XCG 250 per month in utility bill deductions.

"This partnership represents our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members 

of our community," said Mr. Thomas Roggendorf, Transition Manager of NV GEBE. "By 

working together with the Government and Social Services, we can make a meaningful 

difference in people's lives during challenging economic times."

How the Program Works

The relief will be administered through a voucher system, with each voucher valued at XCG 

50. Eligible members can receive up to five vouchers per month, providing a maximum 

monthly relief of XCG 250 on their utility bills. Social Services will determine eligibility 

based on their registry of vulnerable community members and will conduct reassessments 

every two months to ensure the program reaches those who need it most.

The program allocates:

• XCG 25,000 monthly for existing registered financial aid community members

• XCG 25,000 monthly for new eligible members within the community who apply 

through Social Services

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the program, individuals must:

• Be a private person (not a legal entity)

• Have utility bills in their own name as an existing NV GEBE customer

• Be registered with Social Services as a vulnerable member of the community or be 

approved as a new eligible member after assessment

• Meet the requirements – as set forth in the National Ordinance on Financial Aid 

Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug, emphasized the 

importance of this initiative: "This pilot program demonstrates our government's dedication 

to social services and ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens have access to essential 

services. We are grateful to NV GEBE for their partnership in this vital community support 

effort. I would like to thank drs. Dros-Richardson and the entire staff of Social Services for 

their dedication in seeing this pilot program through"

Application Process

Community members interested in the program should contact Social Services to 

determine their eligibility. Social Services will handle all assessments and provide qualified 

individuals with vouchers that can be redeemed at NV GEBE's office when making utility bill 

payments.

Mrs. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson, Division Head of Labor Affairs & Social Services, added: 

"We encourage anyone facing financial hardship with their utility costs to reach out to 

Social Services. Our team is ready to assess applications and provide support to those who 

qualify for this important relief program."

Program Duration

The pilot program will run for one year from the date of implementation, with 

implementation date set to be December 1, 2025, with the possibility of extension based 

on the program's success and continued collaboration between the parties. The public is 

strongly encouraged to listen out for radio interviews, FAQ sheets and more important 

information to be shared in the coming weeks – ahead of December 1, 2025.

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