ACP is manipulating the people with emotionally charged code words

Dear Editor,

I was happy to see GEBE finally push back against what I believe has become a very emotional narrative from ACP-SXM.

Let us be honest. GEBE has been a public concern for years. People have questions about bills, fuel charges, disconnections and customer service. GEBE also has itself to blame for part of the public distrust because its communication over the years has been poor. In fact, its public relations and customer communication need a serious overhaul.

But that is exactly why ACP-SXM must be careful. When people already distrust GEBE, it becomes easy to pull on their emotions and frame every issue as a conspiracy. Many people will not read the full details. They will only react to the loudest headline or the angriest statement. That is dangerous.

For all of GEBE’s flaws, the company has made an effort to sit with ACP-SXM and discuss the issues. GEBE did not have to do that. The company could have simply said: “Take us to court if you wish, but we will continue our procedures.” Instead, GEBE paused disconnections, admitted that some things must be clearer, and committed publicly to working on a temporary collections policy.

I am not a defender of GEBE. I am a realist. If you follow my writing, you know I call things as I see them. GEBE has made mistakes. GEBE must do better. But ACP-SXM must also be responsible. You are already in the room. You have GEBE’s attention. Use that opportunity wisely. Tone down the chest-thumping and stop twisting words. You will get further by being clear, firm and honest with the public.

The simple message ACP-SXM should be sending right now is this: Pay your 2026 bills.

That is the part many people are missing. GEBE has made it clear that current 2026 bills must be paid. A pause on disconnections does not mean free electricity. It does not mean old or new bills disappear. It does not mean people can sit back and do nothing.

But ACP-SXM is not making that clear enough. Instead, the public is being fed long statements that keep emotions high while leaving out the most practical point: people still have to pay what they owe for 2026.

Let us stop pretending. There are many honest people who are confused and need help. There are people with real disputes. There are people who need payment plans. GEBE must treat those people fairly and with respect.

But there are also people who simply do not want to pay. They will go into GEBE, get an explanation, have their bill clarified, then walk outside and say they still do not understand. Some do understand. They just do not want to pay.

Now that disconnections have been paused, watch what happens. Watch how many people actually go into GEBE and pay their 2026 bills. I hope I am wrong, but I believe payments may drop because too many people now think they have an excuse not to pay. From what they explained GEBE is looking at 2022 to 2025, NOT 2026. Read the people statement.

People are living a dream that ACP is re-enforcing. People think that somehow GEBE will get to the point and say you know what, nobody have to pay, everything being wiped out. No people, it won't happen because most people are lying about their billing! We all know this!

That is why ACP-SXM has a responsibility to educate the public, not just excite the public. Fighting for fairness is one thing. Making people believe they do not have to pay their current bills is something else. And ACP is doing this by using code language. Certain words are repeated because when people see those words, the conclusion comes right after without reading anything for themselves. ACP is manipulating the people with emotionally charged code words. Responding to every push back on Facebook just so people don't wake up and understand the narrative. It. Is. Wrong. And Ms. Iris from GEBE seems to have finally have enough. Good for her!

GEBE still has plenty of work to do. The company must improve communication, explain bills better, treat customers with dignity and make its policies clear. But ACP-SXM must also act responsibly. Stop keeping people angry for the sake of public pressure. Tell them the truth plainly.

Yes, question GEBE. Yes, demand accountability. Yes, fight for proper procedures.

But also tell people clearly: Go pay your 2026 bills.

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