~ GEBE power plant head suspended ~
PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Energy Christophe Emmanuel apologised to utilities company GEBE customers for the current load shedding schedule taking place. “We are working on getting this problem solved. We know what is happening with businesses and I feel the need to apologise,” said Emmanuel Wednesday.
Meanwhile Facilities Head Marlon Ricardo was suspended with pay on Wednesday. There was no word from GEBE management what prompted the suspension.
The Daily Herald understands that GEBE employees were e-mailed by management on Wednesday informing them that Ricardo is suspended and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Veronica Jansen-Webster will take his place for the time being. This caused some concerns from workers at the power plant because they believe Jansen has no experience with technical aspects of the power plant.
GEBE announced earlier this week that due to continuing issues with several engines at the production plant, load shedding will continue throughout the week. The company announced that two of the larger units are still out of service while a smaller unit developed a mechanical problem.
The mechanics, technicians, and engineers at the power plant have been working continuously to remedy all issues surrounding the units. It was also stated that the parts for one of the larger engines are scheduled to arrive on the island this week. Once the part arrives the engineers will safely install, test the engine and put the unit back into normal operation.
With three units out of service, the need to shed load is important. Load shedding is done country wide as a controlled option to respond to unplanned events to protect the electric power system from a total blackout.
“St. Maarten is not a third world country and as such the people of St. Maarten should not have to deal with issues that people in a third world country are dealing with. I assure the community that I am in close contact with GEBE management and ask for a bit more patience,” stated Minister Emmanuel.
