NA faction calling for an urgent meeting to amend budget due to GEBE crisis

~ In support of the initiative of Irion, the faction is calling for an urgent meeting to amend budget for purchase of generators amid GEBE crisis ~

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – The National Alliance (NA) has written to the Honorable Chairlady Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament, requesting an urgent public meeting to address the ongoing crisis at the utility company N.V. G.E.B.E. and the island's electricity generation.

In the letter, they express their dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity following a meeting on June 17th with the Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and other officials to discuss potential solutions for N.V. G.E.B.E. He states that the general public remains confused about the way forward and immediate next steps.

Irion strongly disagrees with the Prime Minister's assertion that renting a power barge, a proposed solution, is too expensive given the severity of the crisis. "I do not believe that any solution which can bring immediate relief should be deemed too expensive, without proper explanation of the determining factors." Irion writes.

As an alternative, the MP suggests using funds allocated for containerized generators to instead rent a power barge for six weeks while awaiting the purchase and installation of the generators. He proposes that N.V. G.E.B.E. can make a one-year payment plan with the government through the concession agreement.

The members of the National Alliance faction fully agree with the steps proposed by MP Irion to ensure a stable electricity supply for the island.

Irion is calling for the urgent convening of Parliament and requesting the attendance of the Prime Minister, the Minister of VROMI, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of TEATT. The purpose is to discuss and amend the 2024 budget, specifically the capital expenditure, to facilitate the purchase of generators for N.V. G.E.B.E.

"The current crisis surrounding N.V. G.E.B.E. and the island's electricity generation has reached a critical point," Irion states in the letter. "With no immediate solution in sight, it is imperative that we take swift action to address this issue."

The MP emphasizes the urgency of the situation, citing the unbearable conditions faced by the population, especially during the summer months due to the heat.

Irion believes that convening the relevant Ministers in Parliament will expedite the necessary steps to resolve the crisis and ensure a swift resolution to this urgent issue, which is crucial for the well-being of the community.

The press release provides the key details from MP Irion's letter, highlighting his call for urgent action, his proposed solution, and the request for an emergency meeting of Parliament to address the N.V. G.E.B.E. crisis and amend the budget accordingly.