GEBE/VSA outline procedures of 50,000 relief program

(𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘺 & 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘍𝘈𝘘 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦).

GREAT BAY—NV GEBE and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, through the Division of Labor Affairs and Social Services, have formalized a one-year utility relief pilot program designed to ease the financial burden on vulnerable households across St. Maarten. The program, effective December 1, 2025, will run for 12 months and provide structured assistance through a monthly voucher system managed jointly by Social Services and NV GEBE. GEBE made all required information and documents public on Friday.

According to the newly issued Policy and Procedures Manual, the initiative represents a coordinated effort to improve well-being, strengthen social protection, and create a measurable framework for providing utility support to residents in need. The pilot allocates XCG 50,000 per month, split evenly between existing financial-aid recipients and newly assessed applicants, with a maximum benefit of XCG 250 per eligible household each month.

The manual outlines several core goals: providing financial relief to vulnerable individuals struggling with utility costs, ensuring coordinated support between NV GEBE and Social Services, and establishing data-driven evaluations to determine whether the program should be expanded after its first year. The program also aims to strengthen national development by supporting access to essential services for vulnerable groups.

Eligibility is determined solely by Social Services. Applicants must be NV GEBE clients with accounts in their own names, be legal residents of St. Maarten, and either be existing financial-aid recipients or assessed as vulnerable based on submitted documentation. NV GEBE does not determine or influence eligibility. Reassessments occur every two months to ensure only qualified individuals remain in the registry.

How the Voucher System Works

The program operates through a structured utility voucher system, each valued at XCG 50. Eligible participants may receive up to five vouchers per month, depending on household size and income level. Voucher amounts vary by income bracket and number of household members, with the highest relief—XCG 250—reserved for the most financially vulnerable and larger households.

Each voucher is printed with the applicant’s name, contract and meter numbers, issuance date, signatures from both NV GEBE and Social Services, and a unique QR code for verification. Vouchers cannot be transferred, sold, exchanged for cash, or used on another account.

The program manual also lays out strict protocols for lost, damaged, or expired vouchers, including reporting procedures, verification checks, and fraud-prevention measures to protect the integrity of the program.

Operational Procedures

The program follows a monthly issuance cycle:

• By the 25th of each month, Social Services compiles and submits a verified list of eligible applicants to NV GEBE, including contract and meter numbers and the number of vouchers allocated to each individual.

• NV GEBE prepares the vouchers, adds QR codes, and signs and stamps each one before returning them to Social Services.

• Social Services completes the process by stamping, dating, and distributing the vouchers to beneficiaries, along with instructions on usage and validity periods.

• Beneficiaries redeem vouchers at NV GEBE offices, where staff verify authenticity, check expiration dates, and apply deductions to the bill. Any remaining balance must be paid or entered into a payment arrangement for the voucher to be accepted.

Access for New Applicants

Individuals not currently registered with Social Services may still qualify by completing an application process that includes proof of identity, residence, income, utility bills, and any documentation demonstrating financial hardship. Social Services assesses the vulnerability criteria and updates its registry accordingly. Applicants who do not qualify are formally notified and may reapply if their circumstances change.

Program Monitoring

The manual sets a clear monitoring structure for the year-long pilot, including:

• Monthly reports from both NV GEBE and Social Services

• Bimonthly eligibility reviews

• Quarterly joint evaluations between the two entities

• A comprehensive annual assessment to determine whether the program should be extended or adjusted

Key performance indicators include voucher redemption rates, program reach, processing efficiency, budget utilization, and the program’s impact on reducing utility disconnections among vulnerable clients.

Privacy, Compliance, and Anti-Fraud Safeguards

The program includes extensive compliance and confidentiality requirements, aligning with the National Ordinance on Personal Data Protection. NV GEBE and Social Services must safeguard personal information, maintain strict access controls, and respond appropriately to any data breaches. Fraud prevention measures include QR-code authentication, reporting protocols, and restrictions on replacements for lost vouchers.

With both government and NV GEBE working jointly, the pilot aims to provide meaningful relief while building a structured, transparent model for potential long-term utility assistance across St. Maarten.

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