It was 1960, when the electricity company NV GESM was formed as an equal partnership between OGEM, a Dutch Company in Willemstad, Curacao and the Central Government of the NA, with OGEM having full managerial control. GESM shortly after changed its name to NV GEBE to reflect the fact that it was set up to supply and distribute electricity to the then Island territories of the Windward Islands of St. Maarten, Saba and Statia.
The OGEM management period lasted 22 years. The central government took full ownership of GEBE after OGEM ended its operations in 1982. The company has been managed by St. Maarteners since 1995 and has been handling water distribution for the island government.
The year 2005 marked a double celebration for GEBE, the first decade of St. Maarten management and the 45th anniversary. In 2006 the Windward Island territories took full control of GEBE from the central government.
In December 2013 another proud milestone was achieved where the official signing of the Transfer of Shares gave St. Maarten 100% ownership of the utility company.