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The 11th meeting of the BES Summit was held on September 4th 2026, at the Corallium Conference Room in Bonaire. The summit brought together the island councils of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba to discuss matters of shared importance and to strengthen cooperation among the three public entities. Sint Eustatius currently chairs the BES Summit and will continue to do so until June 2027. One of the agenda items that was discussed during the summit was the results of a new study by the University of Curaçao on the choice between the current OCT status (LGO) and a possible status as an outermost region, UPG. The report was commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the researchers were tasks with an analysis of the pros and cons of a OCT or UPG status for the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands. As a focus of this study 4 of the 6 islands were included mainly Aruba, Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius. In a reaction to the findings of this study, the public entities had an exploratory session where each island took note of this research and the findings and exchanged their initial views on the matter. The island councils reaffirmed that, before considering a position relating to a possible change in status, they will explore relevant and objective expert information. Information is needed to provide the councils and communities with a clear understanding of the potential advantages, disadvantages, opportunities, and implications of a possible transition. The councils agreed that citizen participation must be a priority in any decision concerning the future status of the islands including whether the manner of association to the European union should be revised. Further due diligence will be pursued by each island as they commit to return to the discussion as soon as possible. During the summit concerns were also raised for a current topic that is being discussed in the second chamber. This relates to the 30 million allocated by the ministries to address the high cost of living on the BES islands. During the discussion, concerns were raised regarding the distribution and allocation of these funds that were allocated through the coalition agreement of the current government. The main purpose of these funds, which according to the coalition agreement is meant to lower the cost of living on the islands, is being distributed and allocated in a manner that merely keeps the cost of living afloat as opposed to lowering it. The councils agreed to prepare a joint letter outlining their concerns and seeking further clarification regarding the allocation of the 30 million and to direct this to the house of representatives. In a continuous effort to provide structural, efficient and sustainable mechanisms of cooperation, the summit also discussed the importance of documenting the developments, achievements, and ongoing goals of the BES Summit. In preparation for upcoming elections and possible new councilmembers, the importance of transition and transfer documents was emphasized. The proposed transfer document would serve as a guide for incoming island councils, providing them with an understanding of the purpose of the BES Summit, its history, the issues addressed, and the work that remains ongoing. The summit also raised the importance of establishing an overview that captures the developments of the BES Summit to date and identifies which goals and action points have already been accomplished. The importance was also raised that the eventual transfer document should include the history and reasons behind the establishment of the BES Summit, ensuring that future councils understand its origins, purpose, and continued importance. As a continuation of the previous BES Summit, a dedicated section was included for the petit committees, which were specifically tasks with priority issues and action points of shared importance to the islands. During the meeting, the petit committees on healthcare, education, and the establishment of a BES Representative provided updates on their progress and made agreements on the way forward. Education The petite committee on education explored the joint principles that the education system on the islands need to be guided by. To this end a proposal was presented for a joint motion on education, aimed at encouraging and strengthening cooperation between the islands and establishing stronger on island organizational capacity with the intention to address the challenges facing each island’s education system. The proposed motion will be reviewed by the respective island councils, with the intention of having it formally ratified on each island and work towards structural improvement. BES Representative The petite committee working on the establishment of a BES Representative provided an update on the steps being taken to secure financing for the position. The committee also discussed a proposed profile and detailed description of the position. Agreements were made regarding further actions and a timeframe, with specific follow-up points assigned to each island. Healthcare The healthcare petite committee is working toward establishing a more structured and documented approach to gathering information directly from the communities. The goal is to better identify and highlight challenges and experiences within the healthcare system. To this end the committee is reviewing a collective data gathering process that will be launched across all three islands. The results of this process will give strategic data markers to be presented to the policy makers and law makers that better suit the needs of the people of the island. The next BES Summit will take place in December The island councils remain committed to continued cooperation, open dialogue, and joint action on matters that directly affect the communities of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba and look back on a successful summit. PES.

From September 14th to October 2nd, the Netherlands Armed Forces in the Caribbean will be conducting their annual hurricane emergency response exercise on the Windward Islands. The exercise takes place on Sint Maarten and Saba and is known as “Calm Horizon”. The purpose is to deploy troops quickly and effectively in case a hurricane passes us and we request assistance. Following their deployment to the islands, small-scale activities will take place on both islands. For this purpose, amongst others, drones will be used in coordination with relevant local authorities in the morning hours of September 18th, 21st, and 24th. The deployed teams will also use their time on the islands to familiarize themselves with the local terrain and to engage with relevant stakeholders, including government organizations, non-governmental organizations, and companies that play a key role in disaster response. As part of getting to know our community better, Saba’s community is invited and encouraged to participate in a trail run that is organized on Saturday, September 19th starting at 05:30 a.m. at the Ladder Bay Trailhead and ending at Cove Bay. For more information and sign up: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=444179. Another trail run takes place on September 22nd and 25th. However, please note that on those days it is only for the armed forces. The majority of the military personnel involved are already stationed in the Caribbean region. Participating units include personnel from the Marine Detachment Sint Maarten, the Curaçaoan and the Aruban unit (respectively CURMIL and ARUMIL). Exercises like ‘Calm Horizon’, contribute to the armed forces being optimally prepared to provide emergency assistance, support civil authorities, and maintain public order immediately after a hurricane has passed. This is one of the three core tasks of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence in the Caribbean Region. PES.

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