Letters to the Editor

By National Ombudsman, Reinier van Zutphen Since 17 November 2017, based on Article 133(4) of the Constitution (Gw), rules can be laid down for the public entities in the Caribbean part of the Netherlands, and other specific measures can be taken in view of special circumstances that distinguish these public …

Opinion: Internet Consultation as The Hague’s Booby Trap for the BES Islands In his contribution published today on, among others, The BES-Reporter, former island registrar Willem A. Cicilia makes a crucial point: internet consultations are a completely unsuitable instrument for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. They appear to be a …

Dear Editor, I am writing to bring to urgent attention a serious accessibility issue affecting disabled passengers traveling on Winair flights throughout the Dutch Kingdom’s territories. Last week, while traveling from Saba to Sint Maarten on a Winair flight, I witnessed a disturbing scene that highlights the inadequate provisions for …

Dear Editor I want to file a formal complaint regarding the unacceptable seating arrangements for additional non-dialysis patients on the Tuesday-Thursday dialysis patient flights operated by Windward Express Airways under ZJCN/ZVK coverage. Issue Description: The current aircraft configuration presents serious safety and comfort concerns for additional non-dialysis patients. While the …

In her column on the site Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties, Jessica Besselink shares her observations from the medical care on Saba: If you live on Saba, you know the drill: the “school trip” to Sint Maarten. Not for beaches or shopping, but for a “medical”—the island’s shorthand for a doctor’s appointment. For …

Dear Editor, I would like to see a plaque placed on the outside walls of The Saba University School of Medicine in memory of the Saban Junior Minister of State Max Nicholson for the population to become aware that he was the Founder of the Saba School of Medicine. He …

Dear Editor, I would like to draw attention to an ongoing challenge faced by the hardworking fishermen of Saba, particularly when it comes to the customs clearance process for fish exports to Sint Maarten (SXM). The current system for clearing fishing vessels in and out of Saba is not only …

Dear Editor, As a parent and con­cerned member of the Saba community, I believe it is important to bring to light the growing concerns sur­rounding Saba Compre­hensive School (SCS). For years, many have pointed fingers at the elementary school, diverting attention from the equally troubling issues at SCS. However, ig­noring …

Dear Editor; As a concerned parent of a student at Saba Comprehen­sive School, I am writing to express my extreme unease regarding the current state of the school. The situation is severely affecting my child’s education and well-being, and I believe immediate ac­tion is necessary to address these issues. The …

Since the resumption of classes at Saba Comprehensive School on August 26th, 2024, I have observed a concerning pattern of frequent notices regarding late starts and early dismissals. This is particularly troubling for the Form One students, who are critically transitioning from primary to secondary school. These early disruptions can …