Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean

The website BES-Reporter has announced that the Makana ferry service connecting Sint Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius will continue operating through 2027, following an extension of a Dutch government subsidy. This is stated in the progress report on economic development and self-reliance submitted to the House of Representatives by State …

The Dutch bank ING intends to begin offering banking services on Saba and St. Eustatius by the end of 2026, improving access to essential financial services for residents, businesses, and local governments. Customers will be able to manage their daily personal and business banking in U.S. dollars, and ING aims …

On December 4, 2025, Saba Electric Company N.V. (SEC) marked a major milestone by signing the contract for its Renewable Energy Phase 3 Project, advancing its vision for a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy future. SEC Managing Director Mark Zagers and Dr. David Kaul, Vice President of Engineering and Operations …

Following additional laboratory testing conducted in the Netherlands, the previously reported case has been confirmed as a false positive. False positives can occur in infectious disease diagnostics, and Public Entity Saba appreciates the cooperation of all partners involved in verifying the results. There are currently no confirmed active cases of …

A delegation of the Saba Island Council is in the Netherlands from December 8–16, 2025 for a series of strategic meetings and events focused on strengthening governance, deepening Kingdom relations, and celebrating Saba’s cultural heritage. The delegation will meet with major institutions—including the Second Chamber, the Council of State, and …

The Saba Tourist Bureau welcomed prominent U.S. media and European travel professionals throughout November as part of a strategic effort to raise the island’s international profile and strengthen tourism partnerships. Working with U.S. public relations partner Diamond PR, the bureau hosted two award-winning journalists—one contributing to Condé Nast Traveler and …

The Public Entity Saba has officially signed the contract for the construction of the new Gym and Technical Center in St. John’s with Antillean Construction Management (ACM). This milestone marks a major step forward in expanding educational and recreational opportunities for Saba’s youth. Following a comprehensive tender and bidding process, …

The public entities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, together with the Dutch Ministries of VWS, JenV, OCW, SZW, and BZK, have signed a new Administrative Agreement 2026–2029 to prevent and combat violence against women, domestic violence, and child abuse in the Caribbean Netherlands. The agreement strengthens the joint commitment …

CBS reports that over 80 percent of school students in the Caribbean Netherlands want to live somewhere else after they finish secondary education. Exploring the world, studying abroad or working elsewhere are the reasons that were mentioned the most often. Around a quarter of school students do not enjoy life …

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, …