Recent posts on Saba News

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.

Twentyfour professionals from Statia, Saba, and Bonaire have completed a three-day Protocol and Eti­quette Training in Statia, strengthening regional co­operation and profession­al standards in protocol, official representation, and government commu­nication. The training was organ­ised and hosted by the Statia Government from August 25th to 27th after identifying the need to further strengthen prac­tical protocol capacity, particularly as the island prepares for major official events and visiting del­egations. Colleagues from Bonaire and Saba were invited to participate, creating an opportunity to build capacity together and strengthen coopera­tion across the Caribbean Netherlands. The programme covered precedence, national sym­bols, greeting and seat­ing arrangements, forms of address, cultural dif­ferences, diplomatic and business etiquette, net­working, and the man­agement of official cer­emonies and dignitaries. Participants also worked through practical scenar­ios involving interaction with dignitaries and the handling of difficult situ­ations. The training was delivered by Protocolbu­reau, based in The Hague, and led by Director Bengt-Arne Hulleman. The final day included a practical case study on Statia Day 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the First Salute, before con­cluding with a certificate ceremony and the sign­ing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Saba and Statia. The agreement was signed by Island Governor Jocelyn Levenstone on behalf of Saba and Island Governor Alida Francis on behalf of Statia. It provides a framework for closer cooperation in communication, public information, media rela­tions, crisis and emergen­cy communication, and protocol and ceremonial affairs. It also supports knowledge sharing, pro­fessional exchanges, joint training, and mutual assis­tance during major events, emergencies, and periods of increased workload. The Statia Government thanked the governments of Bonaire and Saba, and all participating col­leagues, for joining the initiative and contributing to three days of practical learning, knowledge shar­ing, and stronger regional cooperation. The Daily Herald.

Saba’s goat removal project began in 2021, targeting free-roaming goats that were damaging vegetation, causing erosion, and affecting coral reefs through sediment runoff. The original population was underestimated at around 5,000; the government now says the actual number was likely much higher, since roughly 8,750 goats have been removed to date (about 5,100 by local hunters). Fewer than 100 are believed to remain, though the final animals are proving hardest to track down. Ecological Results Satellite data show vegetation greenness increased 33.7% between 2017 and 2025, suggesting ecological recovery, though the government says longer-term monitoring is still needed. Costs Total funding allocated since 2019 is $2.61 million, with about $2.23 million spent by mid-2026. Major costs include external hunters ($690,000), goat farming/meat handling ($600,000), and bounty payments ($275,000, at $65/goat, paid to 12 hunters between Jan 2022–Jan 2025). Remaining funds ($383,575) will go toward training Saba’s own animal control team. Controversy Goat owners and hunters raised concerns about property loss, cultural traditions, carcass retrieval, and animal welfare during culling. The government maintains that since roaming goats weren’t tagged or registered, ownership couldn’t be verified, and owners aren’t entitled to compensation for illegally roaming animals under local law. It has since hired local help for carcass retrieval and trained hunters to minimize suffering. Outlook The program isn’t close to finished — officials expect at least 2 more years to eliminate remaining goats, plus 1–2 years of monitoring afterward, warning that stopping early could let the population rebound and waste the investment made so far.

Starting Friday, August 28th, at 8:00 a.m., Public Entity Saba will launch the new centralized system for ordering and coordinating water deliveries. With the launch of the new system, all water orders will be placed through the centralized ordering system. Orders can be placed by calling +599 416 5363 directly or through WhatsApp, or through the new online ordering system at saba-water-delivery.vercel.app/login. The centralized system is intended to provide a clearer overview of outstanding requests and better coordinate the available water supply and trucking capacity. Ordering Water Telephone and WhatsApp calls can be made to +599 416 5363 during the following hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The online ordering system is available 24/7 at https://saba-water-delivery.vercel.app/login. Please Be Patient During the Initial Launch As the new system becomes active at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, a high volume of calls is expected, particularly during the first few days. You may receive a busy signal or experience a wait before your call can be answered. If you need water immediately and are unable to reach dispatch by phone, you can place your request through the online ordering system. If your water situation is not urgent, please consider ordering online or waiting a few days before calling. This will help keep the telephone line available for those who may need more assistance in ordering. How Water Requests Will Be Handled When placing an order, you will be asked to select either Normal or Critical. Normal requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The system automatically assigns each order to one of the five participating truckers in rotation to distribute orders evenly among the truckers. Critical should only be selected when your current water situation requires more immediate attention. You will be asked to provide additional information explaining your circumstances. Critical requests are flagged for review by the distribution team. Based on the information you provide, the team will determine whether the request should be moved to a different position on the delivery list. The team will consider the circumstances described in the order such as vulnerable residents, available water supply, existing orders and their circumstances, and available trucking capacity. Selecting Critical does not guarantee immediate delivery. Please ensure you provide complete and accurate information, as the distribution team can only assess a Critical request using the information submitted with the order. Cost and Payment The cost of delivered water remains $40 per load, with a maximum of two loads per order. Payment will continue to be made directly to the trucker at the time of delivery. No payment is collected through the centralized ordering system. More Information Detailed information about ordering water, including first-time orders, online account setup, ordering for multiple properties, moving to a new property, and placing future orders, is available at https://www.sabagov.nl/residents/water-services/order-ro-water-delivery Please note that the water distribution system is still under development. Adjustments may be made as we continue to improve the ordering and distribution process. Public Entity Saba asks for patience during the initial launch and as the new system is put into use. PES.  

Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (so-called BES islands) can achieve a stronger, more stable economy through a number of measures. Among other things, it is important that residents receive better consumer protection and that rules regarding competition are established. This is stated by the advi­sory organisation “Econo­misch Bureau Amsterdam” (EBA). The Dutch govern­ment informed Parliament that it will respond to these recommendations in the autumn. “According to EBA, a more coherent system for consumer protection and fair competition would contribute to better mar­ket functioning, stronger consumer protection and a more predictable business and investment climate,” wrote the Ministry of Eco­nomic Affairs and Climate Policy in an explanation of the “Fair Markets, Better Protection” report. The reason for the study was a proposal from the So­cial Minimum Committee Minimum for the Carib­bean Netherlands in 2023 regarding the approach to poverty on the three is­lands. Better consumer protection and competition legislation could lead to lower prices on the islands, according to the committee chaired by Glenn Thodé. Commissioned by the min­istry, EBA investigated the possibilities. Researchers concluded that consumer protection on the three is­lands is at the lowest level within the Kingdom. This protection is necessary be­cause a number of entre­preneurs take advantage of their dominant position. “During the investigation, several serious signs of anti­competitive practices were found in various sectors. (…) Additionally, there were ex­amples of unsafe products posing significant risks to consumers,” according to EBA. The advice is to improve consumer protection and competition policy in several phases. The first step focusses on raising awareness regard­ing consumer rights and im­proving cooperation between the organisations involved. This will be followed by the introduction of legislation. The final step is cooperation between consumer and com­petition organisations within the Kingdom. Minister Heleen Herbert said the report will be studied by her ministry, the govern­ments of Bonaire, St. Eusta­tius and Saba, the Authority for Consumers and Markets as well as other stakeholders. “Possible next steps will be determined jointly and with due regard to the local context. Your House will be informed further about this in the autumn of 2026,” she wrote in an explanatory note. The Daily Herald.

Jan Helmond has requested the King to grant him resignation as Acting Kingdom Representative effective January 1, 2027. Although his statutory appointment continues until he reaches the age of 70, he has chosen to retire earlier. Until that time, he will continue to dedicate himself fully to the interests of citizens and governments in the Caribbean Netherlands and the Kingdom. After this period, he will apply his knowledge and experience broadly in an independent role as a networker/advisor within the Kingdom at his own company.  Jan Helmond: “After having held this wonderful position for nine years, it is time for someone else to take over. It is also a natural moment, as the discussion regarding the renewal of the WolBES and the FinBES will in all likelihood require a different type of administrator. Over the past few years, I have experienced intense moments, such as the reconstruction following the hurricanes, COVID, the many changes in leadership, and the administrative intervention on Sint Eustatius. But I have also seen wonderful initiatives that contributed to the well-being of the citizens on the islands. Much has improved, but there is still much to be done.” RCN