Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean

Saba radiated pride and jubilation as the island joyfully marked the 50th edition of Saba Day. This milestone celebration drew the Governors of Curaçao, Aruba, St. Maarten, Bonaire, and St. Eustatius, along with several other dignitaries and the entire community for a spirited, heartfelt gathering. The festivities began in the …

The Dutch government is considering a Public Service Obligation (PSO) to safeguard essential air connections for the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba). This measure is intended to ensure reliable and affordable air transport on routes where commercial operations alone are not sufficient. What the PSO Is Ensuring Connectivity: …

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment will adjust the amounts for minimum wage, child benefit, and social security benefits on Bonaire, St.Eustatius, and Saba as of 1 January 2025, based on 2025 inflation figures. The statutory minimum wage will be indexed across all three islands. For Bonaire, it will …

The bill to expand the island councils and executive boards of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba will be submitted to the House of Representatives. The Cabinet, after consulting the Council of State, approved the proposal by State Secretary Van Marum of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. If the law passes, …

The growing migration and aging population on the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba have significant consequences for the local economy and prosperity. To address these challenges, both the national government and local authorities must make decisive choices in the coming years. Key priorities include addressing infrastructure maintenance backlogs, …

The investigation into the murder of Saban firefighter Sheldon John­son is 80% complete, and a trial could take place as early as May 2026, a prose­cutor told the Court of First Instance in a preliminary hearing on Thursday. Two men — A.N.W. (26) and R.V.v.H. (36) — have been charged …

The Public Entity Saba is pleased to announce that orthodontic services will resume as of January 2026 under the care of Dr. Jonkman, an orthodontist based on Bonaire who also provides services on St. Maarten. During his regular visits to St. Maarten, Dr. Jonkman will make his services available to …

The Dutch government’s decision to acquire shares in Winair, the St. Maarten–based airline, has failed to achieve its intended purpose. The goal of the investment was to ensure affordable air connections between St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Maarten, and, by extension, the rest of the world. However, this objective has not …

From November 18–20, Saba’s emergency partners participated in Crisis Training. The three days were dedicated to sharpening skills, strengthening coordination, and reviewing protocols through workshops, tabletop sessions, and scenario trainings. These trainings involved PES’ departments, including Public Health and Sports, Communication and Public Relations, and Public Order and Safety, together …

Arrest for possession of suspected narcotics during ferry check On Friday, November 28th, a 26-year-old man with the initials J.N.T.R. was arrested on a ferry from Sint Maarten during a multidisciplinary operation by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar), the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (RIEC), the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KPCN), and Customs. …

On November 28, 2025, students and staff at Saba Comprehensive School came together to create a Lip Dub, a popular social-media format where participants lip-sync and act out songs in a humorous way. Earlier in the term, Interim director Marco de Vries shared the idea and formed a committee supported …

The Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure (Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur, RDI) has granted Starlink a concession to provide satellite communication services on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. The concession is valid for a period of fifteen years.  In July 2024 the RDI instructed Starlink to stop providing satellite services in the …

As of 1 January 2026, the Equal Treatment Legislation will come into effect on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Consequently, the National Institute for Human Rights will take on additional tasks on the islands. Residents of the Caribbean Netherlands will be able to file a complaint with the independent Institute …

During deliberations with the Executive Councils of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, the Board of Financial Supervision of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Cft) drew attention to the necessity to enhance the administrative strength of the Public Entities. This enhancement is needed since the budgets of the islands have seen …

 On November 17, the Public Entity Saba held a groundbreaking ceremony at Fort Bay to mark the official start of construction on the Black Rocks Harbor Project and recognize the contributions of all stakeholders. The event brought together key officials, including Commissioner Bruce Zagers, representatives from Ballast Nedam, and local …