The Public Entity Saba will commence dredging operations at Gary’s Pond beginning Monday, July 7, 2025. This maintenance project is scheduled for completion by week’s end. The government thinks that Gary’s Pond continues to provide an excellent alternative to Cove Bay for recreational activities, as it remains largely unaffected by …
Read More »Caribbean Netherlands Employment Grows 12% in 2024
The Caribbean Netherlands experienced significant employment growth in 2024, with the employed labor force (aged 15 to 74) reaching 17,500 people—a 12% increase from 2022. This growth was driven primarily by Bonaire, while Saba saw modest gains and St. Eustatius experienced a decline, according to the latest Caribbean Netherlands Labour …
Read More »Sargassum Seaweed Accumulation in Cove Bay area
PES wishes to inform the public that we are actively monitoring the current accumulation of sargassum seaweed, particularly in the Cove Bay area. Reports indicate that this year’s sargassum influx has been more abundant than in previous years and has arrived earlier than expected. Residents of lower Hell’s Gate are …
Read More »State Secretary Van Marum aims to improve anti-poverty measures BES
The Dutch government is working to improve coordination and policy alignment in its fight against poverty on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES islands), according to caretaker State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eddie van Marum. In a detailed update to Parliament, Van Marum outlined ongoing and upcoming measures following recommendations …
Read More »Proposed Constitutional Amendment Allows Judicial Review of Laws to Protect Fundamental Rights
Citizens who believe a law violates their constitutional rights may soon be able to challenge it in court—a power currently unavailable under Dutch law. The government has proposed a constitutional amendment to enable judicial review, aiming to strengthen the protection of fundamental rights. Minister Uitermark of the Interior and Kingdom …
Read More »Dutch regulator adjusts electricity tariffs for Caribbean Netherlands
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) has updated maximum electricity tariffs for the Caribbean Netherlands, effective July 1, 2025. The changes reflect adjustments based on higher-than-expected oil prices compared to December 2024 estimates. Average household impacts vary by island: Bonaire and Saba will see monthly increases of approximately …
Read More »Central Committee and Island Council Meetings – July 10th
Public Notice: Central Committee Meeting Date: Thursday, July 10th, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM Location: Government Administration Building, Saba The Central Committee of the Public Entity Saba cordially invites the public to attend its upcoming meeting. The agenda is as follows: Agenda Opening Approval of the Agenda Approval of Minutes Central Committee Meeting (CCM) …
Read More »Saba’s Longest-Serving Governor Jonathan Johnson Announces End of Tenure After 17 Years
Jonathan Johnson, who has held the office of Gezaghebber (Island Governor) of Saba since 2007, announced on Tuesday that he will not seek reappointment when his current term concludes next year. His decision marks the end of a historic 17-year tenure—the longest in the island’s history—following two reappointments.* Johnson announced …
Read More »Top justice and govt. officials address safety challenges across BES islands
Senior officials responsible for justice, public order, and safety convened on Saba on June 25 for a key meeting of the “Grote Driehoek” (Grand Triangle), aimed at strengthening coordination among law enforcement and public safety services across Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (the BES islands). The meeting focused on strategic collaboration …
Read More »BES electricity tariffs changed
Dutch competition authority ACM has reset the maximum tariffs for electricity distribution in the Caribbean Netherlands. As of July 1, the average household in Bonaire and Saba will now pay about US $2 more per month, while the average household in St. Eustatius will pay about $3 less. “The changes …
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