Recent posts on Saba News

President of the All For I Union, Charles Woodley, representing the St. Eustatius Healthcare Foundation (SE­HCF), speaking to healthcare workers prior to the meeting. Negotiations between employers and unions over a new Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) for healthcare workers in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba have been suspended after five days of intensive discus­sions. The negotiations, which took place from August 24 through August 28, ended without an agreement. The parties said they regret that they were unable to reach a deal. At the centre of the negotia­tions is the shared goal of achiev­ing employment conditions for healthcare workers in the Carib­bean Netherlands that are equiv­alent to those in the European Netherlands. The parties agree that residents of the European Netherlands and the BES islands are equal citi­zens of the Netherlands and that healthcare employees in the BES should therefore have equivalent employment conditions. Employ­ers, however, must also have the financial resources to implement those conditions. The main differences in em­ployment conditions concern the working week, salaries and pen­sions. 36-hour working week. The introduction of a 36-hour working week has emerged as a key point in the negotiations. Unions are calling for the shorter working week to be introduced as of January 1, 2027. Employers said they are unable to meet the demand because the financial re­sources required to imple­ment the measure are not available. All parties agree that a 36-hour working week would contribute to greater equal­ity in employment condi­tions. They also acknowl­edge potential benefits for employee wellbeing, work-life balance and the labour market position of the BES islands. At the same time, the par­ties agree that the availabil­ity and continuity of health­care for residents must be taken into account when considering the introduc­tion of a 36-hour working week. Unresolved issues  The impasse over the working week also prevent­ed the parties from reaching agreements on several other issues where progress had reportedly been made. These include a salary in­crease, improved continued payment of wages during illness and special leave ar­rangements. After five days of negotia­tions, the CLA parties con­cluded that an agreement could not be reached at this stage. The parties have docu­mented the status of the negotiations in a suspen­sion agreement and are now considering how to proceed. All parties expressed their regret that they were unable to reach an agree­ment, while reaffirming their commitment to con­tinuing discussions towards improved and more equal employment conditions for healthcare workers in the BES. The Daily Herald.

The Island Councils of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba have warned the Dutch House of Representatives that a promised €30 million in structural funding may not deliver what it was intended to: measurable relief from the high cost of living in the Caribbean Netherlands. A Promise at Risk The €30 million was included in the coalition agreement to help reduce living expenses on the three islands, where prices remain considerably higher than in the European Netherlands. The Island Councils are concerned, however, that from 2028 onward an estimated €19 million of the fund will be used for existing subsidies for electricity, drinking water, telecommunications, and transportation. Until now, the budgets of the responsible ministries have largely financed these. Their argument is simple: maintaining existing subsidies prevents costs from rising but does not provide additional relief. Using the new €30 million to replace existing ministry spending would therefore shift costs between government budgets rather than make life more affordable. The councils also fear the move could set a precedent, allowing other existing ministerial responsibilities to gradually transfer to the new fund. The Electricity Gap Electricity illustrates the problem. Households on Ameland pay roughly €0.26 per kilowatt-hour, while rates on the BES islands can reach about US$0.56 per kilowatt-hour. Existing subsidies help prevent this difference from becoming even greater. But the councils argue that the additional €30 million was intended to narrow such gaps, rather than simply finance measures already needed to maintain the status quo. Islands Want a Say The councils also criticize the process. They say they have had little meaningful involvement in how the money will be spent in 2027, even as those plans are included in the national budget. They argue that this conflicts with the principle of partnership: decisions directly affecting daily life on the islands should be developed with the islands, not decided in The Hague and explained afterward. What the Councils Want For 2027, they are asking Parliament to examine whether any of the €30 million is replacing expenditures that should remain the responsibility of individual ministries. For 2028 and beyond, they want the full allocation reconsidered in genuine consultation with Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, recognizing that each island faces different circumstances. The Central Question The dispute ultimately hinges on one question: Is the €30 million genuinely additional funding to reduce the cost of living, or is it becoming a new way to finance existing government obligations? The Island Councils are asking Parliament to safeguard the original promise: use the money to make life more affordable and give the islands a meaningful role in deciding how that is achieved. BES Island councils

Arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol on Saba On Saturday, the 5th of September, at around 6:35 PM, a 50-year-old man with the initials S.B.v.H. was arrested on Thais Hill Road on Saba for driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspect reversed his pick-up truck into another vehicle. In accordance with the “botsen is blazen” policy , a breathalyzer test was administered, which revealed that he had consumed more alcohol than legally permitted. He was arrested and taken to the police station. Because a formal breath analysis could not be conducted, the public prosecutor decided to withhold the suspect’s car keys until the following day. Additionally, the suspect was issued an official report for driving under the influence. KPCN

Caribbean libraries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands made significant progress during a week-long conference in El Salvador, signing a joint network plan that outlines shared ambitions and collaboration going forward. The plan, developed with guidance from Common Eye, focuses on strengthening the libraries’ positioning and building future-proof institutions. The KB (the national library of the Netherlands and the BES islands) and Rijnbrink, both partners in the network, attended as knowledge and expertise supporters, with Rijnbrink contributing to organizational and content development, and both organizations helping advance the plan’s goals. Beyond the network agreement, the week included visits to libraries in El Salvador, where Caribbean library professionals exchanged knowledge and practical experience with local counterparts, comparing working methods and drawing mutual inspiration. The organizers described the conference as a successful combination of network-building and international exchange, with connection and shared learning as central themes. Going forward, the libraries plan to continue implementing the ambitions set out in the network plan and deepen collaboration across the islands. Queen Wilhelmina Library

Saba has maintained its QualityCoast Silver Award status from Green Destinations following its latest sustainability assessment and audit, reaffirming the island’s commitment to sustainable destination management. The QualityCoast Award is part of the Green Destinations Awards and Certification Program and recognizes destinations for their efforts and progress toward more sustainable and responsible destination management. Maintaining Silver status reflects Saba’s ongoing work to balance tourism development with the protection of the island’s natural environment, cultural heritage and the well-being of its community. A comprehensive assessment of Saba Maintaining QualityCoast recognition involves an extensive assessment process that looks at sustainability across the destination as a whole. As part of the audit, detailed information and supporting documentation had to be provided across a range of areas, including destination management, nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, social well-being, and business and communication. The process extends beyond tourism alone and considers how sustainability is incorporated into the management and development of the island. It requires input and information from different sectors and organizations and provides an opportunity to take stock of Saba’s progress, identify areas of strength and determine where further improvements can be made. “This renewed Silver status is a welcome recognition of Saba’s continued commitment to sustainability,” said Director of Tourism Courtney Hassell. “Maintaining this recognition requires ongoing work across many different areas. The audit gives us an opportunity not only to demonstrate what Saba has accomplished, but also to identify where we can continue to improve. Sustainability is an ongoing process, and the recommendations received will help us determine our next steps.” A collaborative effort Saba Tourism extends its appreciation to all organizations, partners and individuals who assisted by providing information, documentation and input during the audit. The contributions from stakeholders across the island were important in providing a comprehensive picture of Saba’s efforts and progress in the different areas assessed. Their cooperation also highlights the importance of working together as Saba continues to strengthen its approach to sustainability. With its Silver Award status, Saba will continue to be featured in the Green Destinations Collection, providing international visibility alongside other destinations committed to improving sustainability and responsible tourism practices. For more information about Green Destinations and the QualityCoast program, visit www.greendestinations.org. PES.

The Island Council of the Public Entity Saba is pleased to announce that Island Registrar Akilah Levenstone will participate in a professional working visit to England from September 6 to 12, 2026, together with members of the Dutch Association of Registrars (Vereniging van Griffiers). The visit is designed to strengthen professional knowledge and explore innovative approaches to local government administration and democratic governance. The week-long program includes visits to local government institutions, meetings with public sector leaders, and participation in the annual conference of the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) at the University of Warwick. The ADSO conference brings together government professionals, registrars, and local government experts from across the United Kingdom to exchange ideas and discuss current developments in public administration. During the visit, participants will engage with officials from local councils, including meetings with representatives of Wandsworth Council and Sevenoaks District Council. These sessions provide opportunities to learn about governance structures, citizen engagement, council operations, and service delivery within the British local government system. “This visit is an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge with fellow professionals and learn from international best practices,” said Akilah Levenstone. “The insights gained will contribute to strengthening administrative processes, enhancing service delivery, and supporting good governance on Saba.” The Island Council of the Public Entity Saba remains committed to investing in professional development and fostering international partnerships that support effective governance and high-quality public services for the people of Saba. PES.

After more than a year of intensive training, professional development, and personal growth, 16 recruits from the 2025 Junior Coast Guard Crew Member Program (JBK) have successfully completed their training. The graduates represent Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, including recruits from Saba and Sint Eustatius. Among them is Saban Devon Benders, one of the proud graduates. This class marks a significant milestone for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. For the first time, someone from Sint Eustatius has successfully completed the Junior Coast Guard Crew Member Program. The best JBK graduate this year is a young woman from Aruba. The JBK program prepares recruits for the diverse and demanding responsibilities of Coast Guard service. Alongside maritime training and boarding procedures, the program included first aid, firearms training, physical and mental development, and law enforcement training delivered in collaboration with the Opleidingsinstituut Rechtshandhaving & Veiligheidszorg (ORV). Recruits were trained in criminal law, criminal procedure, report writing, arrest procedures, and self defense. The expertise and commitment of the ORV make an important contribution to the professional preparation of future Coast Guard members. The recruits also gained practical experience through training and internships across several islands and aboard the Coast Guard cutter ships. The Stronger Together program at the beginning of their training established the foundation for the values that remained central throughout the program: learning, growing, overcoming challenges, and supporting one another. With the completion of their JBK program, the 16 graduates will be promoted to the rank of Able Seaman within the Coast Guard. They now begin a new chapter, putting their knowledge and skills into practice to help protect and serve communities along the coast and at sea. The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard extends its appreciation to the JBK instructional staff, all participating departments and units, Naval Base Suffisant for housing the recruits, and especially the ORV for its valuable partnership and significant contribution to the training program. The partnership between the Coast Guard and the ORV has continued to grow stronger in recent years. The graduates will once again receive a jointly recognized JBK diploma, highlighting the importance of this cooperation. Devon stated: “One year of what was probably the most intense experience of my life, but I pushed through because this is what I wanted for myself.” Congratulations.    

On September 2 the Island Council of Saba has departed for Bonaire to participate in the annual Bonaire Day celebrations and the BES Summit. The delegation includes Island Council Members Rolando Wilson, Julio Every, and Vito Charles. Also accompanying the Council are Commissioner Bruce Zagers, Island Secretary Bram Streppel, and Olivia Johnson, Administrative Assistant to the Office of the Island Registrar. The BES Summit will bring together representatives from Saba, St. Eustatius, and Bonaire to discuss matters of mutual importance, reflect on any progress made during the year, and identify priorities for continued cooperation across the Caribbean Netherlands. The visit also provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships among the three public entities and to exchange experiences on shared challenges and opportunities looking ahead. As part of the visit, the delegation will join the people and leadership of Bonaire on Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6, in commemorating and celebrating Bonaire Day. Following the BES Summit and Bonaire Day celebrations, Island Secretary Bram Streppel will remain in Bonaire on Monday, September 7, and Tuesday, September 8, to participate in a two-day working session with RCN and representatives of the three public entities, focused on jointly improving public service delivery across the Caribbean Netherlands. The Island Council looks forward to constructive discussions at the summit and meaningful engagement with its sister islands. Following the meetings, the delegation will share further updates on its participation and the outcomes of the BES Summit. SIC

The Caribbean Netherlands Tax Office BCN is aware of the limited postal services on Saba in recent months. As a result, some residents may have had less time to respond to a pay­ment reminder or to arrange a payment plan. To take this situation into account, BCN is introducing a two-month grace period. The grace period runs from September 1 until October 31. The grace period applies to all taxpayers on Saba who re­ceived a payment reminder dated between January and July 2026. For this group of taxpayers, the payment reminder fee of US $8 will be automatically waived. Persons do not need to submit a request for this, BCN said in a press release. Any outstanding tax debt must be paid in full by Octo­ber 31, BCN said. “After this date, BCN will resume the regular collection process for any amounts that remain outstanding.” The Daily Herald.

This week, the first 14 X-Blocks arrived on the island, marking another important milestone in the development of the breakwater that will protect our new harbor. Because Saba lacks sufficient local rock and manufacturing capacity for heavy marine armor, the breakwater utilizes a combination of regional and international supplies, including armor rock from St. Kitts and specialized concrete units. Concrete Xbloc armor units for Saba’s Black Rocks Harbor project were manufactured and shipped from Poland, arriving via transit in St. Kitts in April 2026. Core Physical Dimensions: Volume: 14 m³ per individual block. Weight: Approximately 35 tons per block. Material Density: Standard marine concrete mix with a mass density of approximately 2,400 kg/m³. Shape: Single-layer, random-placed X-shaped structure patented by Delta Marine Consultants (DMC). The distinctive angular “X” legs are engineered specifically to provide maximum structural interlocking when placed side by side. Hydraulic & Structural Design Criteria Hurricane Resilience: The 14 m³ size was specifically calculated and chosen to withstand extreme wave actions generated during Category 5 hurricane conditions local to the Leeward Islands. Stability Mechanism: Unlike traditional rock armor layers that rely solely on dead weight to resist waves, Xblocs derive their primary stability from hydraulic interlocking with adjacent units. When wave energy impacts the slope, gravity and hydraulic forces pull the blocks together, locking them more tightly into place.  Slope Placement: The units are engineered for high-stability performance on steep marine breakwater slopes. Design Validation: The specific cross-sectional geometry, wave overtopping prevention, and structural response of the 14 m³ blocks were validated using 3D physical wave-tank model testing completed in 2025 Commissioner of Infrastructure & Spatial Development, Bruce Zagers, is pleased to see this important phase of the project taking shape and shares his thoughts with the community of Saba on this significant milestone and the progress being made toward this vital infrastructure project. Watch the video to hear from Commissioner Zagers and learn more insight on the X-Blocs and their journey to our shores.