Roy Marlin resigns
from GEBE board
~ Lambert nominated for post ~
PHILIPSBURG--Commissioner Roy Marlin resigned Tuesday as chairman and member of utilities company GEBE’s supervisory board of directors to comply with the company’s recently updated articles of incorporation that stipulate a government official, particularly a commissioner, cannot sit on the board.
This move by Marlin, who had been on the board for more than five years, comes at a time when the boards of government-owned companies are under the microscope in terms of good corporate governance practices and direct involvement of politicians in the companies’ decision-making process.
To fill the vacant spot, Marlin has nominated retired GEBE managing director Julius Lambert. His resignation and Lambert’s nomination were officially accepted by the Executive Council and have been forwarded to the GEBE Shareholding Foundation.
Marlin explained in a press statement that government had been busy since March with the updating of the outdated articles of incorporation and his resignation “is in keeping with one of the key changes which stipulated that one cannot hold a government position and serve on the board of GEBE.”
He stated, “I believe the future of GEBE to meet the challenges and demands of St. Maarten and its people is a bright one. The addition of Lambert, once finalised, should only serve to strengthen GEBE by making use of his wealth of information and knowledge.”
Marlin added that the Executive Council also believed Lambert’s years of experience and service to GEBE made him an asset in assisting the supervisory board and provided necessary advice for the benefit of the company and consumers.
“I thank the Shareholder Foundation for having had the opportunity to serve on the board and I wish the board and management of GEBE much success in all their future endeavours,” Marlin said.
