Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
It was obviously well-intended and the objective is clear, but the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) calling the relief afforded by utilities provider GEBE to pensioners "discriminatory" indeed seemed a bit far-fetched (see related stories). While it's undoubtedly true that the government-owned company's concession prohibits discriminatory practices, one also could claim creating special lines for seniors to pay their bills falls in the same category.
What should be taken into account as well as is that the discount is being applied only to people 62 years of age or older and below a certain income level, who in many cases depend on their AOV old age pension to survive. Considering that the latter, although it was increased recently, still amounts to a maximum of just NAf. 1,000 per month depending on the number of years the recipient legally resided in St. Maarten, the argument certainly can be made that it involves one of the socially weaker groups in society and if anyone is to get a break, why not them?
Having said that, there appears to be some justification for the unions' concerns about in particular the high electricity cost for the rest of the population. This is especially the case in light of the fact that GEBE no longer has to subsidise its former activities in St. Eustatius and Saba, reportedly to the tune of 5-7 million guilders annually.
An adjustment to the calculation of the dreaded fuel clause not too long ago did make a positive difference, but the tariffs seem to have gone back up again since then. Of course, these are determined to a large extent by international oil prices, but part of it also has to do with operational issues.
One important aspect that should not be forgotten is the need to continue educating consumers on saving energy and thus money. GEBE did so on a regular basis in the past and still promotes this kind of awareness in its radio and television commercials, but more surely can be done in this regard.
If indeed across-the-board relief for the general public is feasible few would oppose it, but that's no reason to withhold such from retirees in the meantime. Hopefully the other clients will follow soon.
