GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has revealed that fuel supplier SOL has involved its lawyers and informed government that it cannot provide all the financial information requested to examine the fuel costs affecting St. Maarten's electricity bills. The Minister also questioned the value of a recent meeting between the company, the Prime Minister and MPs saying discussions mean little if they fail to produce the answers government and the public need.
Heyliger-Marten made clear that she was not satisfied with the information provided by SOL or the outcome of the meeting, particularly as government continues examining whether the costs passed on to electricity consumers are properly supported and justified. "I'm not going to be mincing my words with SOL," the Minister declared.
She explained that the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP), which is conducting an independent technical review involving GEBE's electricity rates and fuel-related costs, has raised concerns about the buildup of fuel costs and how those costs compare with other markets.
According to Heyliger-Marten, SOL initially provided some information and requested additional time to respond to BTP's questions. However, the company subsequently indicated that it could not disclose much of the additional information requested and had engaged legal representation.
The Minister was particularly critical of this development given SOL's position in St. Maarten's fuel supply infrastructure.
"SOL owns the fuel pipe, the fuel tank. GEBE can't ask another company, please bring it for us through that pipe. No, it's SOL that owns it," she said.
"SOL is the monopoly on this country and SOL has told us they have lawyered up and told us I can only give you a few information, not much," Heyliger-Marten stated.
Her remarks highlighted concerns about government's ability to independently verify the fuel costs associated with electricity production when the supplier does not provide the complete financial information requested by the regulatory review.
The Minister also addressed the meeting with SOL that Prime Minister Luc Mercelina had previously mentioned, challenging the notion that such discussions should automatically be regarded as productive.
"The value of any meeting is measured by the answers it produces, not how successful it was described afterwards," she said.
"An informational meeting may help explain SOL's position. It does not establish whether the prices charged are justified."
Heyliger-Marten said the meeting did not produce the information necessary to resolve the central questions surrounding fuel pricing.
She stressed that government had already initiated a technical examination through BTP and that discussions with the fuel supplier should contribute to that process by producing verifiable answers rather than simply restating the company's position.
"The public deserves better," she said.
The Minister explained that BTP's examination goes beyond the fuel clause on electricity bills. The broader review also considers GEBE's customer rate arrangements, billing and financial controls, and the allocation of electricity costs associated with water production.
Although BTP has completed part of its work concerning fuel costs, Heyliger-Marten cautioned that this does not mean every question about the fuel supply arrangements has been resolved. The separate electricity base rate study also remains underway.
She emphasized that BTP's responsibility is to examine the available evidence and provide independent technical advice, while decisions concerning electricity tariffs remain with the competent authorities and must follow applicable procedures.
The Minister indicated that the full BTP report is expected sometime in November and that she intends to make its findings public, subject to confidentiality restrictions arising from the nondisclosure agreement signed by BTP.
She acknowledged that certain commercially sensitive information and matters involving negotiations cannot be disclosed publicly, but maintained that the public should receive the findings that can legally be released.
Despite the outstanding technical work and difficulties obtaining information from SOL, Heyliger-Marten suggested that she has already developed a clear position on the direction government should pursue.
"I exactly know where we need to go. I have the answer, just want to make sure that it's completed in writing," she said.
The Minister indicated that she expects the process to move toward a conclusion soon, but did not disclose the specific decision or measures she believes government should take.
Her comments place renewed attention on SOL's role in St. Maarten's electricity supply chain, the transparency of fuel pricing and government's ability to determine whether the costs ultimately borne by consumers are justified.
For Heyliger-Marten, the central issue is no longer simply whether meetings are taking place or technical reviews are being conducted, but whether those efforts produce the financial evidence necessary for government to act in the public interest.
