The Caribbean Netherlands experienced notable departure rates among new arrivals, with Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire all showing high turnover within seven years. This trend was most pronounced among newcomers from the European Netherlands. Between 2011 and 2016, approximately 8,700 people from outside the Caribbean region of the Kingdom of …
Read More »Vagueness Dominates Debate on Social Minimum
A debate in the Second Chamber Committee yesterday on Kingdom Relations with State Secretaries Zsolt Szabo (BZK) and Jurgen Nobel (SZW) has failed to provide clarity on how the government plans to address the purchasing power decline for minimum-income households in the Caribbean Netherlands. The discussion centered on the report “A …
Read More »Support and leadership program for political office holders BES
On Tuesday, December 10, State Secretary Zsolt Szabó of Kingdom Relations and Digitalization signed a memorandum of understanding to support the leadership and governance program for Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. Szabó formalized the agreements with the island governors of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, alongside representatives from professional associations …
Read More »Non-native iguanas will be culled on Saba
The Public Entity Saba wishes to inform the general public that culling of non-native iguanas will take place from December 12th, 2024. Non-native iguanas are a threat to Saba’s nature and biodiversity, as they outcompete the native Saba Black Iguana and can carry pests and diseases that can be transferred to …
Read More »Dutch coalition focuses on lowering living costs in Caribbean Netherlands
The coalition parties PVV and VVD have emphasized the need for structural price reductions in the Caribbean Netherlands as the primary solution to combat poverty, showing little support for subsidies as a measure. This stance was evident during a recent debate on the cost of living in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, …
Read More »“BES Residents Deserve More Than Promises—They Deserve Action”
“Residents of the Caribbean Netherlands must have a meaningful say in decisions that directly impact their lives. What concrete steps is the State Secretary taking to ensure their voices are heard and reflected in policy?” asked Member of Parliament Faith Bruyning (NSC) during today’s debate in the Second Chamber on …
Read More »“Burden or Benefit?” zooming in on the 70th anniversary of the Kingdom Charter (Statuut)
“Burden or Benefit?” is the title of a new compilation in which forty stakeholders from across the Kingdom share their perspectives on the significance of the Kingdom Charter (Statuut), which will mark its 70th anniversary on December 15. Compilers René Zwart and Glenn Thodé chose a broader approach than focusing …
Read More »Police report of Wednesday, the 4th of December until Monday, the 9th of December 2024
Arrest assault with a weapon On Sunday, the 8th of December, around 3:35 AM, a 43-year-old woman with the initials J.S.R. was arrested on Peak Street on Saba for assault with a weapon, vandalism, and threat. The arrested suspect argued with a man during which both assaulted each other with …
Read More »Police Staff Shortages Hamper Response to Domestic Violence in the Caribbean Netherlands
The site DossierKoninkrijksrelaties reports that police staff shortages hamper response to domestic violence in the Caribbean Netherlands. A critical barrier to effectively addressing domestic violence in the Caribbean Netherlands is staff shortages within the police force, according to a recent report by the Council for Law Enforcement. Key Challenges Identified: Capacity …
Read More »Changes to health insurance package for BES residents
Care and Youth Caribbean Netherlands ZJCN has announced that, as of January 1, 2025, the health insurance entitlements package for residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (the BES islands) will be amended. The BES Health Insurance Entitlements Regulation RazBES outlines which healthcare services are covered for ZJCN policyholders. Starting …
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