That NV GEBE Transition Manager Thomas Roggendorf has submitted his "conditional resignation" (see related story) is big news. It comes as the government-owned company appears at odds with its shareholder, particularly on how to lower utility costs and persistent billing issues.
Although -meanwhile former- Minister of Public Health, and Social Development and Labour VSA Richinel Brug was later able to arrange assistance with bills for vulnerable households, Prime Minister Luc Mercelina (General Affairs) got snubbed with his demand for reduced rates based on a study by Regulatory Authority Curaçao (RAC) in cooperation with Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP) St. Maarten. He then told NV GEBE’s Supervisory Board to resign, which they refused at the time.
When Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) subsequently did not receive a new tariff structure proposal as asked for, she adopted a ministerial decree making BTP Supervisor under the Electricity Concession Ordinance. This up-to-now unused legal option means the company cannot deny or ignore relevant requests for relevant information by its new regulator.
To Roggendorf’s credit, he basically leaped into the dark when intended CEO Troy Washington died unexpectedly. However, a handsomely paid introductory interview with USA Today did not work in his favour locally.
It is not clear if the manager’s announced departure per Friday, June 12th is related to the aforementioned recent developments. His notice said the board of directors would provide additional information on this change in leadership.
Hopefully they will do so soon, because more and continued uncertainty is about the last thing NV GEBE, its staff but also customers need, especially with a public peaceful protest against company policy next Monday and plans for a class action lawsuit.
