SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – NV GEBE will continue its longstanding commitment to supporting senior citizens in Sint Maarten through a renewed approach to senior relief beginning in 2027.
Under a new agreement between NV GEBE and the Government of Sint Maarten, executed on behalf of the Government by the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), NV GEBE will provide funding for senior relief to be administered by the Ministry’s Social Services Department, which will be responsible for the assessment, eligibility determination, and selection of seniors who qualify for assistance.
The new approach is intended to ensure that NV GEBE’s contribution to senior relief continues to provide meaningful support while placing the assessment and administration of assistance with the government agency best positioned to evaluate individual circumstances.
For many years, NV GEBE has demonstrated its commitment to the senior community through its Senior Citizens Relief Program, traditionally launched around March of each year. The program has been an important part of the company’s community support efforts, assisting eligible seniors, particularly those experiencing financial challenges.
Beginning in 2027, NV GEBE will transition from directly administering the application and selection process to supporting senior relief through a formal funding agreement with the Government of Sint Maarten, executed by the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, with the Social Services Department administering the program. This change represents a new way of delivering NV GEBE’s longstanding support rather than an end to that commitment.
Temporary Manager of NV GEBE, Mrs. Iris Arrindell, emphasized the importance of the new approach.
“NV GEBE remains committed to supporting our senior citizens. The decision to work through the Social Services Department allows us to continue contributing financially to senior relief while ensuring that the assessment of individual circumstances and determination of eligibility are handled by the appropriate government agency. The Social Services Department is better positioned to assess the needs of applicants and identify those who are most in need of assistance.”
She further noted that NV GEBE recognizes the significant contribution seniors have made to the development of Sint Maarten.
“Our seniors have contributed significantly to the development of our country and remain an important part of the community we serve. NV GEBE considers it important that our support for seniors continues in a meaningful and sustainable way. Through this partnership, we are maintaining our commitment while strengthening the way in which assistance is assessed and administered.”
Under the new arrangement, NV GEBE will no longer be responsible for receiving applications, assessing eligibility, or selecting individual beneficiaries for the 2027 senior relief initiative. These responsibilities will fall under the Department of Social Services.
Seniors and members of the public are therefore advised that applications and eligibility assessments for the 2027 relief program will not be handled directly by NV GEBE. Subsequent communication will be forthcoming from the Government of Sint Maarten on the criteria and eligibility requirements for all applicants, as well as the application process, applicable deadlines, and any required supporting documentation, through the appropriate official communication channels.
NV GEBE views this partnership as an opportunity to build on its longstanding community commitment while working together with the Government of Sint Maarten to ensure that available support is directed toward seniors who meet the established eligibility criteria and are most in need of assistance.
NV GEBE looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Sint Maarten, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, and the Department of Social Services, and remains committed to supporting initiatives and partnerships that contribute to the well-being of senior citizens and the broader community of Sint Maarten.
