Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
Arrest for Assault On Saturday, the 6th of June, at approximately 10:30 PM, a 50-year-old man with the initials K.A.W. was arrested on E.A. Johnson Road on Saba for assault. The case is under investigation Arrest for Insulting a Public Official on Duty On Saturday, the 6th of June, around 6:30 PM, a 37-year-old woman with the initials N.G.M.W.H. was arrested on Booby Hill Road on Saba for insulting a public official on duty. During a mediation, the suspect insulted the officers on the scene, after which she was arrested and taken to the police station. Lobster Theft On Saturday, the 6th of June, a report was filed regarding the theft of lobsters from a lobster trap moored at a pier on Bay Front Street on Saba. Unknown individuals took approximately 27 lobsters with a total weight of about 80 to 90 pounds. The case is under investigation. KPCN
Higher temperatures, heavy downpours, stronger wind speeds, rising sea levels, and hurricanes of the most severe category: the climate will continue to change in the future. That is why the Central Government is drawing up a new National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS). It states what is required for the Netherlands to be climate-resilient: now and in the future. Starting from 9 June, individuals can share their thoughts on the ambitions and targets for the Caribbean Netherlands. This process is possible by reacting to the draft of the National Climate Adaptation Strategy 2026. The strategy is adopted at the end of 2026. Minister Vincent Karremans (Infrastructure and Water Management): “Of course, much attention and many resources have been dedicated to the reduction of greenhouse gases in recent years, but considerably less to how we can best adapt to a changing climate. While that is wise, we can already see how heavy downpours result in erosion of the coastline, and the temperatures are already significantly higher than a couple of years ago. We now need to look ahead: how can we keep our kingdom safe and resilient? Clear choices are necessary over time, which is why it’s crucial to decide on these measures promptly”. The strategy outlines the ambitions and targets for each sector. The strategy outlines the ambitions of the central government and the targets established for each sector. A distinction is made between the European and the Caribbean Netherlands. We aim to keep infrastructure functional, ensure safety from flooding and hurricanes, and protect important cultural heritage across the Netherlands, despite the differing effects of climate change. Improve knowledge, then measures. Currently, we are strengthening the knowledge about the effects of climate change on the three islands. The report indicates the points on which we want to improve that knowledge. This step is expressly not the finish line: in parallel, measures must also be elaborated. There will be a specific approach per island, in the course of which the climate plans that the islands are currently developing form an important basis. The public entities are developing these climate plans in collaboration with the residents. More information: From Tuesday, 9 June, up to and including Monday, 20 July 2026, everyone can submit an opinion on the draft program National Climate Adaptation Strategy (Draft NAS) and the related environmental impact assessment (EIA plan). More information can be found at https://english.rijksdienstcn.com/infrastructure-and-water-management/climate-adaptation. RCN
~~Johnson represents Saba~~ Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced on Wednesday that Kevin James will replace Tadzio Bervoets as St. Maarten’s representative on the board of Saba Bank Resources NV at the company’s next shareholders meeting on June 17. The announcement came during the continuation of a parliamentary meeting concerning allegations of integrity breaches against the Prime Minister. The issue arose after Member of Parliament Dimar Labega sought clarification on whether St. Maarten currently has representatives serving on Saba Bank Resources NV. In response, Mercelina said that St. Maarten is represented on the board and said Bervoets had been serving in that capacity until now. According to the Prime Minister, Bervoets will be replaced at the next shareholders meeting, scheduled for June 17, by Kevin James, who will become St. Maarten’s new representative on the board of Saba Bank Resources NV. Earlier in the meeting, Mercelina had explained that a separate vacancy existed for the position representing the public entity of Saba. He stated: “Saba Bank NV had a vacancy for the position representing the public entity of Saba. Thus, the person in question fills that vacancy for the public entity of Saba after having received the necessary approvals of the Council of Ministers of St Maarten, Curacao, the executive council of St. Eustatius and most importantly, the executive council of Saba for which the person represents.” The representative serving on behalf of the public entity of Saba is Stuart Johnson. The Daily Herald.
As part of its ongoing commitment to student success and programme development, the team at USM recently conducted a qualitative assessment of the Caribbean Foundation Year Program (CFY), engaging students and stakeholders from St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius. The assessment, led by USM Marketing Consultant Shobhan Giterson, included interviews and discussions with current and former CFY students from St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius, as well as coordinators and community stakeholders, to gather feedback on the program’s first year of implementation. The Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY) Programme, recently renamed from the Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) Programme, was introduced to provide students with an accessible pathway into higher education while helping them strengthen academic, personal, and professional skills needed for success at the tertiary level. Throughout the visit, a series of interviews and discussions were conducted to better understand participant experiences, identify strengths of the program, and explore opportunities for future improvement. Discussions focused on student transition experiences, academic support, communication, program delivery, and the overall impact of CFY on participating students. According to Giterson, hearing directly from students and stakeholders is essential to ensuring that the program continues to evolve and meet the needs of the students it serves. The purpose of this visit was to listen, observe, and learn. We wanted to understand what worked well, where improvements can be made, and how we can continue strengthening the program for future students. The feedback received from students, coordinators, community partners, and stakeholders was incredibly valuable and demonstrates the importance of maintaining strong connections with the islands we serve,” Giterson added. The findings from the qualitative assessment will be used to support future program enhancements, strengthen student support services, and inform upcoming recruitment and outreach activities planned for both islands. The visit also provided an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and explore additional ways of supporting students throughout their educational journey. The university extends its sincere appreciation to all CFY students from St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius, the New Challenges Foundation, the Saba Reach Foundation, the coordinators, Gwendoline van Putten School and its students, community partners, and stakeholders who participated in the assessment and generously shared their experiences and recommendations. USM thanked the Mega D Youth Foundation and Acting Governor Sharon Hassell for taking the time to meet during the visit. Their insights, support, and commitment to youth development contributed greatly to the discussions and further highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating educational opportunities and pathways for students across the region. With applications now open for the August 2026 intake, USM encourages prospective students from St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius to explore the opportunities available through the CFY Program and other academic pathways. Persons interested in learning more can attend the upcoming USM Information Session on June 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM on the USM campus, where faculty, coordinators, and admissions staff will be available to answer questions and provide guidance on the application process and program options. The Daily Herald.
The Second Chamber in The Hague has approved legislation that will increase the number of Island Council members and island deputies on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba beginning with the next island elections in March 2027. The proposal, known as the Increase Act (Verhogingswet), was introduced by State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Digitalisation Eric van der Burg and is intended to strengthen democratic representation and administrative capacity on the three Caribbean municipalities. Under the legislation, the number of Island Council seats will increase in stages. Bonaire’s council will expand from nine to 11 members, while St. Eustatius and Saba will each increase from five to seven council members following the elections scheduled for March 17, 2027. The number of island deputies will also grow. Bonaire’s Executive Council will expand from three to four deputies, while St. Eustatius and Saba will each increase from two to three deputies. The changes form part of a broader revision of the Public Entities Act for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (WolBES). The number of council members and deputies has remained unchanged since 2010 despite population growth and increasing administrative demands on the islands. According to the Dutch government, island authorities have repeatedly indicated that the current number of deputies is insufficient to handle the growing workload. Once all phases of the legislative reform have been completed, the number of Island Council members and deputies will be linked to population size, similar to the system used by municipalities in the European Netherlands. Van der Burg welcomed the House’s approval of the proposal. “I am pleased that Parliament handled this bill so quickly and approved it,” he said. “By increasing the number of Island Council members and deputies, we are strengthening both democracy and the administrative capacity of the islands. I will continue discussions with the island governments and work on the support measures previously agreed upon for implementation and financing.” Lawmakers also approved an amendment submitted by Member of Parliament Don Ceder and others requiring an evaluation after the first increase in the number of council members and deputies. Under the amendment, all three public entities must first be evaluated before any further expansion of seats can take place. The bill will now be considered by the Dutch Senate (Eerste Kamer). If approved, the amendments will become law and are expected to take effect in time for the March 2027 Island Council elections. The Daily Herald
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Arrest for Assault On Saturday, the 6 th of June, at approximately 10:30 PM, a 50-year-old man with the initials K.A.W. was arrested on E.A. Johnson Road on Saba for assault. The case is under investigation Arrest for Insulting a Public Official on Duty On Saturday, the 6 th of June, around 6:30 PM, a 37-year-old woman with the initials N.G.M.W.H. was arrested on Booby Hill Road on Saba for insulting a public official on duty. During a mediation, the suspect insulted the officers on the scene, after which she was arrested and taken to the police station. Lobster Theft On Saturday, the 6 th of June, a report was filed regarding the theft of lobsters from a lobster trap moored at a pier on Bay Front Street on Saba. Unknown individuals took approximately 27 lobsters with a total weight of about 80 to 90 pounds. The case is under investigation. Scheduled traffic check During the morning hours of Friday, the 5 th of June, a scheduled traffic check was conducted on Samuel A. Charles Street in The Bottom on Saba. During the check, 11 vehicles were stopped and checked. All drivers had their documents in order. The police will continue to conduct these types of checks on a regular basis. Strict action will be taken against drivers who do not have their documents in order or who do not comply with traffic rules. Anyone who does not follow the rules risks a fine.
- June 8, 2026
State Committee Calls for Fundamental Shift in Government Approach to Discrimination and Racism
The State Committee against Discrimination and Racism today published its final report, Dismantling Discrimination: Towards a Government that Combats and Prevents Discrimination and Racism. The report presents a ten-point action agenda for a more equal and inclusive Netherlands. It concludes that discrimination and racism remain structural problems within and by the Dutch government and calls for a fundamental change in how public institutions address these issues. Established by the House of Representatives in 2022, the Committee conducted extensive scientific research into discrimination and racism in both the European and Caribbean Netherlands. The report brings together years of findings and offers a roadmap for creating a government that actively promotes equality, prevents discrimination, and reflects the diversity of the society it serves. “The government must not only refrain from discrimination itself but also actively promote equality and equity and set an example for society,” the Committee states. According to the report, progress in tackling deeply rooted forms of discrimination has been hindered by three interconnected challenges: limited diversity and participation in policymaking, a predominantly reactive approach focused on individual incidents rather than prevention, and insufficient political and administrative leadership. To address these shortcomings, the Committee proposes a comprehensive action agenda that includes five priority areas and ten concrete measures. Key recommendations include: Ensuring government institutions better reflect the diversity of society. Systematically involving citizens and affected communities in policymaking, implementation, and oversight. Strengthening data collection, monitoring, and knowledge development on discrimination. Increasing understanding and cooperation between the European and Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. Strengthening national leadership and coordination on anti-discrimination efforts. Introducing discrimination impact assessments across the public sector. Ending the use of data-driven profiling in government services and enforcement. Updating anti-discrimination legislation and introducing stronger preventive obligations for public authorities. Making equality and equity central principles in the Caribbean Netherlands. Encouraging all sectors of society to actively contribute to greater equality. The Committee emphasizes that combating discrimination and racism requires a long-term commitment and collective effort. It therefore recommends establishing an independent compliance and monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of its recommendations. “Breaking down discrimination requires courage, moral leadership, concrete measures, resources, diverse voices, and the ongoing commitment of all of us,” the report concludes. The State Committee Click HERE to read the full report (in Dutch) About the State Committee against Discrimination and Racism The State Committee against Discrimination and Racism was established by the Dutch House of Representatives in 2022 to conduct independent scientific research into discrimination and racism in the Netherlands and to advise on measures to prevent and combat these issues.
- June 8, 2026
Antique Clock Donated to the Harry L. Johnson Museum
The Harry L. Johnson Museum is proud to announce the addition of a remarkable antique clock to its permanent collection. The beautifully preserved timepiece, estimated to be more than 100 years old, was generously donated by Mr. Allen Busby of Sint Maarten, whose family has long-standing ties to the island of Saba. Mr. Busby chose the museum as the new home for the clock in recognition of the importance of safeguarding the island’s heritage for future generations. The clock is not only a fine example of craftsmanship from a bygone era, but also a meaningful link to the stories and traditions that shape Saba’s cultural identity. The donation was formally presented to Mr. Glenn Holm and Mr. Roland Holm of the Harry L. Johnson Memorial Foundation on Friday, June 5th, 2026. Special care was taken by Mr. Glenn Holm to transport the clock safely to Saba, ensuring its preservation for many years to come. The timepiece is now proudly displayed at the museum as part of its growing historical collection. The Harry L. Johnson Museum extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Busby for his generosity and trust. His contribution strengthens the museum’s ongoing mission to collect, preserve, and share artifacts that reflect the history and heritage of the Saban people. The museum remains committed to protecting cultural treasures such as this antique clock and presenting them to the public with pride and care.
- June 7, 2026
PCN consultations June 22-23
- June 7, 2026
Jonathan Johnson: serving the interests of Saba
Who says Saba says Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of The Netherlands. But anyone who has followed Saba’s development in recent decades knows that the island has risen in more ways than one. This is equally true of Saba’s growth as a special municipality of the Netherlands. One name, in particular, stands out in that development: Jonathan Johnson. Since 2008, Jonathan Johnson has served as Island Governor of Saba. A former teacher, he has long been a familiar and trusted figure in the island’s public administration. As chair of both the Executive Council and the Island Council, guardian of public order and safety, representative of Saba in its relationship with the European Netherlands, and above all, as someone who knows the island inside and out, he has played a central role in Saba’s governance for many years. I have come to know Jonathan as a leader who remains calm, even when circumstances make that difficult. He is not a man of grand gestures or administrative theater. He is a man of insight, perspective, and sound judgment. He knows when to press forward and when to exercise patience. He always has one objective in mind: serving the interests of Saba. That may well be one of his greatest achievements. Jonathan mastered the art of navigating the relationship between Saba and The Netherlands. He understood that the relationship between a small Caribbean special municipality and the ministries in The Hague is not automatically an equal one. To achieve results for Saba, it is not enough to be right; one must also understand how decisions are made, who is involved, and when the moment is right to make a case. Jonathan understood how The Hague worked, even as the people and structures within it changed over time. Just as importantly, he ensured that those around him understood it as well. He recognized the value of placing the right people in key positions: individuals who understood both Saba and the workings of the Dutch government. These were people who could bridge the realities of a small Caribbean island with those of ministries, policy papers, budgets, and political decision-making in The Hague. Jonathan’s ability to build bridges showed in how he translated local needs into concrete administrative proposals. He could articulate the island’s priorities in a way that was administratively recognizable, politically persuasive, and practically achievable. The Saba Package is a particularly relevant example. It was more than a list of requests; it was a coherent presentation of the island’s challenges and ambitions, inviting the Netherlands to contribute in a targeted and constructive way. Jonathan understood that a successful proposal requires not only substance but also timing, form, and a compelling narrative. His administrative strengths became especially visible during times of crisis. One striking example was Hurricane Irma in 2017. As one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Caribbean, Irma brought profound uncertainty and exposed the vulnerability of island communities. Throughout that period, Jonathan did what effective leaders do: he prepared, communicated, remained visible, and provided reassurance. After the storm had passed, the value of that preparation became clear. There was damage, certainly, but there was also order, coordination, and a community that knew where it stood. Jonathan was never distant from the situation. He was present, approachable, and engaged. He knew the people, the places, the risks, and the practical challenges that emerge in the aftermath of such an event. The same qualities were evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Saba’s first citizen, Jonathan provided the kind of leadership that national authorities later recognized. The Council for Public Administration specifically highlighted the “decisive and communicative” local leadership shown by figures including Jonathan Johnson, noting its contribution to the effective management of the pandemic in the Caribbean Netherlands. Perhaps nowhere was Jonathan’s ability to represent Saba more visible than during visits by ministers, members of parliament, and members of the Royal House. He consistently conveyed the story of Saba with clarity and conviction. He knew what was working, where challenges remained, and what support was needed. He could translate concerns into concrete proposals and then turn those proposals into practical agreements. Through all of this, Jonathan has meant a great deal to Saba. He has provided continuity and stability in government. He has strengthened cooperation with the European Netherlands. He has helped bring greater recognition to Saba’s unique position as a special municipality. And throughout the years, he has demonstrated that small scale need not be a weakness. On the contrary, much can be achieved when a community is well organized, when people know and trust one another, and when governance remains close to those it serves. If I may mention one small disappointment from my current role as Chair of the Chapter for the Civil Orders, it is this: Jonathan has devoted less attention to Royal Decorations than we might have wished. I understand why. As a holder of public office, he may find it difficult to place such recognition in the spotlight. Perhaps it is also simply part of his character. Yet on an island like Saba, where volunteerism, community spirit, and quiet dedication are so important, visible appreciation matters. There are undoubtedly residents who have devoted themselves to society for many years and for whom a Royal Decoration would be deeply meaningful. It is a small observation in the context of a long and distinguished career, offered both with a smile and with sincerity. Jonathan, you have fulfilled a demanding role for many years. On a small island, governance is never abstract. People know you. They speak with you. They look to you when circumstances become difficult. You have carried that responsibility with dignity. Not through grand words, but through your presence, by bringing together the right people, by articulating Saba’s interests with clarity and by achieving results step by step. Thank you for your service to Saba. Thank you for your contribution to the Caribbean Netherlands. Thank you for your role within the Kingdom. […]
