The Council of Ministers has approved a proposal to amend aviation legislation in the Caribbean Netherlands, allowing the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). The changes to the BES Air Traffic Decree, Flight Operations Decree, Aircraft Decree 200B, and Aviation Licensing Decree establish a “robust regulatory framework“ for safe drone flights on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, …
Read More »Karremans: BES-exemption for healthcare workers no longer required after July 1st
The temporary pause in orthodontic care is not related to the quality of care provided, but rather to regulatory requirements that apply to all healthcare professionals who practice on the BES islands. The State Secretary for Youth, Prevention and Sport, Vincent Karremans, promised to investigate the procedure of the BES exemption …
Read More »Saba Strengthens Regional Tourism Ties at SMART 2025
Saba made a strong impression at the St. Maarten / St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART 2025), held from March 31st to April 4th, 2025, reinforcing its position in the Caribbean tourism market and fostering valuable connections with global travel trade professionals. The event gathered tour operators, travel agents, writers, and event planners from …
Read More »Caribbean Fire Chiefs Strengthen Cooperation
Last week, fire chiefs from Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba) convened for a two-day meeting, joined by representatives from the Netherlands Fire Department and the National Fire Academy. The discussions focused on reinforcing collaboration and establishing new agreements for the future. This …
Read More »Feral Cat Management in St. John’s Area
The Public Entity Saba informs the community that cat traps will be placed in the St. John’s area on the following dates: April 9 & 10 April 15 & 16 Feral cats pose a significant threat to Saba’s native wildlife, including endangered species such as the red-billed tropic bird, anoles, …
Read More »Saba Comprehensive School Celebrated World Forest Day with Essay Contest on Reforestation
In honor of World Forest Day, the Sea & Learn Foundation, in collaboration with Public Entity Saba, organized an essay contest for students at Saba Comprehensive School. The competition encouraged young minds to reflect on the importance of reforestation in safeguarding the island’s natural beauty and ecological health. Participants delved …
Read More »SURVEY RESULTS ON KINGDOM RELATIONS REVEAL LIMITED AWARENESS AMONG DUTCH PUBLIC
The full findings of Professor Wouter Veenendaal’s opinion survey on Kingdom Relations were published today, highlighting limited familiarity with the topic among European Dutch respondents. Key insights include: Familiarity Breeds Positivity – Respondents knowledgeable about Kingdom Relations tend to view ties with the Caribbean islands more favorably than those less familiar …
Read More »Public Entity Saba Working Toward a Solution for Orthodontic Care
The Public Entity Saba recognizes the concern within the community regarding the recent interruption of orthodontic services on the island. We understand the impact this situation has on families—particularly those with children in the middle of treatment—and we are actively engaged in finding a sustainable solution. Although orthodontic care is …
Read More »COMMITTEE BEGINS WORK ON CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS HEALTHCARE REFORM
The newly established Caribbean Netherlands Care 2025 Committee held its first in-person meeting on Bonaire to address the future of healthcare on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. Led by chairman Frits Goedgedrag, the committee aims to tackle pressing challenges, particularly accessibility issues on the smaller islands. The group will develop policy recommendations for State Secretary Maarten van …
Read More »US Import Tariffs have Implications for Saba and Sint Maarten
On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced sweeping import tariffs affecting most countries worldwide, with rates ranging from at least 10% to over 50%. Sint Maarten was subjected to the minimum 10% tariff. But what will this mean for Saba? The relatively “low” tariffs imposed on these three Caribbean …
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