Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
Freedom will be celebrated across the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom on 5 May. On Curaçao, a Freedom Meal will be held at Fort Amsterdam, featuring a performance by the Royal Netherlands Air Force Orchestra and a chance to speak with the governor over dinner. On Bonaire, hundreds of residents will gather for a community meal, while Saba will host no fewer than six Freedom Meals spanning the length and breadth of the island , from the schools to a home for the elderly, with a sit-down meal open to all ages. Together, these events reflect the many ways freedom is celebrated across the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. All of Saba joins in Saba’s six Freedom Meals will bring young and old together to share a meal and conversation. Alongside the food, visitors can watch films about the Second World War in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, while trilingual dialogue cards will help spark meaningful exchanges between generations. All Freedom Meals in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are listed on the Freedom Meal Map. The Freedom Meals are an initiative of the National Committee for 4 and 5 May, in association with Vfonds. About the National Committee for 4 and 5 May The National Committee for 4 and 5 May is responsible for shaping and sustaining the commemoration and celebration of the Second World War in the Netherlands. It organizes national events on 4 and 5 May, as well as educational projects, public information campaigns, and applied research, working alongside a broad network of local, provincial, and national partners. National Committee 4en5mei.nl
Prime Minister Rob Jetten will visit St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Aruba and Curaçao from 8 to 14 May 2026. It will be Mr Jetten’s first visit to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom in his capacity as prime minister. The fact that this visit is taking place at the start of his term of office highlights the importance the government attaches to strong, productive working relationships within the Kingdom. During the visit, Mr. Jetten will meet with all prime ministers, governors, and members of the States of Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten, as well as the island executives and members of the island councils of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. Subjects for discussion will include resilience, security, and sustainability. The visit will also encompass a varied program of meetings with residents, business owners, and civil society organizations. Saba On Sunday 10 May the prime minister will continue on to Saba. Here, he will visit the Saba Cares Nursing Home and speak with older residents about their lives there. He will also visit the St. John’s Enrichment Centre, a multifunctional community center being built between existing school buildings on the island. RCN
- April 29, 2026
BESt Care New Supplier for Medical Aids and Supplies on Saba
Best Care, the authorized supplier of medical aids and supplies, will open a new store on Saba at Lambee’s Place in Windwardside on May 4th, 2026. The new store will offer a wide range of products, improving both the availability and accessibility of medical aids and supplies on Saba. All medical aids and supplies will continue to be covered under the same conditions. However, most medical aids and supplies can now only be obtained through BESt Care. Reimbursement remains subject to the maximum quantities as stipulated by law. The following items will also remain available at Saba Wellness Pharmacy: glucose test strips lancets aero chambers injection needles syringes cartridge-based injection pens Questions about the new store can be directed at info@bestcarezorgwinkel.org. If you have a question about reimbursements or claims, please contact info@zorgverzekeringskantoor.nl. RCN
The Dutch Government has outlined three main priorities for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, aimed at strengthening economic growth, improving living standards, and enhancing regional resilience across the six Caribbean islands. In a policy letter on Kingdom Relations, State Secretary Eric van der Burg stated that the government intends to focus on delivering “visible results” for residents and businesses. He stressed that public authorities must be able to deliver concrete improvements in daily life. “Inhabitants and entrepreneurs must be able to rely on a government that delivers results,” Van der Burg said. He added that new policies introduced in the European Netherlands will, in principle, also apply to Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, unless there are compelling reasons not to do so. The first priority focuses on building more effective and results-oriented public administration. Together with Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, the Dutch government aims to strengthen governance structures, improve legal frameworks, and enhance administrative capacity. This includes ongoing reforms under the Good Governance Agenda for the Caribbean Netherlands, as well as revisions of key legislation such as WolBES and FinBES. The government also aims to prevent governance failures and strengthen institutional integrity, following concerns raised in previous cases. Efforts to combat integrity breaches will continue, with the islands set to participate in the Integrity and Safety Monitor starting this year. Public services are also expected to improve further, with the goal of bringing service levels in the Caribbean Netherlands in line with those in the European Netherlands, including digital, telephone, and in-person services. The second priority focuses on strengthening economic resilience and self-sufficiency across the islands. A Caribbean Economic Growth Platform will be established to better connect innovation, entrepreneurs, and investment opportunities across the region. In addition, the planned National Investment Institution will be made accessible to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, in cooperation with the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs, and Finance. A dedicated fund will also be created to improve access to financing for entrepreneurs such as farmers and fishermen, allowing them to expand their businesses. To address poverty, the government will allocate 30 million euros annually starting in 2027 for Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. The funding is intended to support measures that improve the cost of living and ensure a more sustainable minimum standard of living. The third priority focuses on improving cooperation between the countries within the Kingdom. The government proposes a Kingdom Conference to strengthen and structure collaboration between Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten, and the Netherlands. The aim is to create a recurring platform where governments can discuss shared challenges, developments, and opportunities for cooperation. According to the policy letter, geopolitical changes may also create new opportunities, particularly in areas such as energy, trade, and logistics. The Dutch government said it will continue working with the Caribbean countries and islands in the coming period to further develop and implement these priorities. The Daily Herald.
- April 26, 2026
Inflation Up in the Caribbean Netherlands
Saba Prices on Saba rose by 2.6% in Q1 2026 compared to Q4 2025, again driven by housing, water, and energy. Electricity became 38.8% more expensive, with both fixed and variable rates rising, as did drinking water prices. Clothing and footwear fell 1.5%. Bonaire Consumer goods and services on Bonaire were 2.0% more expensive in Q1 2026 year-on-year, down from 2.8% inflation in Q4 2025. Quarter-on-quarter, prices rose by 3.4%, driven mainly by housing, water, and energy costs, which increased by 10.6%. Drinking water and electricity rose by 36.6% and 29.3% respectively, following reductions in subsidies that pushed up both fixed and variable rates. Health-related goods and services were 13.1% more expensive, and air passenger transport also increased. Petrol prices fell 4.6%, and clothing and footwear were down 1.9%. St Eustatius Consumer prices on St Eustatius rose by 2.1% in Q1 2026 compared to Q4 2025. As on Bonaire, the main driver was housing, water, and energy. Electricity rose 16.1% due to subsidy changes and higher variable rates. Drinking water prices increased 12.9%, with fixed rates now fully subsidised since Q1. Solid and liquid fuels rose 17%. Clothing and footwear fell 2.2%. CBS
The report, Strong Foundations for Sustainable Growth, prepared by the advisors of Amsterdam Bureau of Economics, identifies education and skills development as central to Saba’s ability to build a more self-sustaining economy. https://saba-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/strong-foundations-Saba-final-report-EBA.pdf You know your neighbors. You feel safe. You’re surrounded by nature that people fly across the world to see. Life moves differently here—slower, closer, more connected. But if you live here, you also know the other side. You know what it costs to fill a grocery basket.You know how expensive and unpredictable flights can be.You’ve probably heard someone say, “I’d stay, but I can’t find a place to live.” And if you’re raising a family or thinking about the future, you’ve probably wondered:How sustainable is life on Saba, really? A Plan That Feels Closer to Reality A new strategy, “Strong Foundations for Sustainable Growth,” tries to answer that question. And what stands out is how grounded it feels. It doesn’t promise that Saba will suddenly boom. It doesn’t talk about becoming a major tourist destination or a big economic hub. Instead, it starts with something simpler: What do people here actually need to do to live well? The Everyday Struggles We All Recognize Reading through the report, a lot of it feels familiar. The cost of living? Too high.Housing? Insufficient quantity and high cost.Workforce shortages? There are shortages in every sector, ranging from healthcare to hospitality.Getting off the island? The process of getting off the island remains costly and occasionally complex. These aren’t abstract policy issues; they’re things people deal with every day. And the report acknowledges something important: these challenges aren’t going away just because we want growth. Fixing What Matters First Before talking about big ideas, the strategy focuses on basics: Making flights and ferry transport more affordable Speeding up the process of bringing in workers Building more (and more affordable) housing Improving how decisions are made with better data Making sure the government actually has the capacity to follow through It’s not glamorous. But it’s real. Because without these things, any bigger plans don’t stand a chance. Growth, But on Our Terms When people talk about “economic growth,” it can sound like more tourists, more construction, more change. But that’s not really what this plan is about. It talks about keeping Saba, Saba. Tourism, for example, isn’t about becoming crowded. It’s about attracting people who appreciate the island—divers, hikers, nature lovers—and who contribute without overwhelming it. There’s also talk of expanding research and education, building on what’s already here instead of importing something entirely new. The message is clear:👉 We’re not trying to become something else—we’re trying to make what we have work better. The Cost of Living—The Issue Everyone Feels If there’s one thing that connects almost everyone on the island, it’s the cost of living. You feel it every time you shop. Every time you pay rent. You experience it each time you purchase a ticket. The strategy doesn’t pretend it can fix everything—but it does suggest practical steps: Better storage for food to reduce waste and prices Smarter import systems Exploring more direct trade routes Small changes, maybe—but the kind that could actually make a difference. Thinking About the Future There’s also a quieter concern running through the report:What will Saba look like in 10, 20, 30 years? The population is aging. Healthcare needs are growing. Young people leave—and don’t always come back. So the plan talks about: Improving education Supporting healthcare and elderly care Making it easier for people to live and work here Because growth isn’t just about the economy—it’s about whether people can see a future for themselves on the island. Protecting What We Love If you live on Saba, you don’t need to be told how important nature is. It’s not just scenery—it’s part of daily life. It’s also what brings visitors here. But it’s fragile. The strategy makes it clear that development and nature can’t be separated. Tourism, infrastructure, and growth all have to respect the environment—or they undermine everything. The Real Question: Will It Happen? Maybe the most honest part of the report is what it says about implementation. Saba has had plans before. The difference this time will come down to: Whether there’s enough funding Whether governments work together Whether the community is involved Whether the plan is followed as a whole—not piece by piece Because without that, even the best ideas stay on paper. A Future That Feels Possible What I take away from this strategy isn’t big promises. It’s something more grounded. A future where: Living here is a little more affordable Getting on and off the island is a little easier There’s a bit more opportunity And the things that make Saba special are still intact Not dramatic change. But steady improvement. PES
- April 25, 2026
Public Entity Saba Introduces Monuments Council
Following the announcement of the establishment of an official Monuments Council for the island of Saba on March 3, 2026, the Public Entity Saba has taken the next step in strengthening heritage protection. On April 21, 2026, the introductory meeting of the newly formed Monuments Council was held, marking the formal start of its work. The meeting brought together members of the Working Group for Monuments alongside the appointed council members. Representing the Working Group were Lukas van der Steen (Senior Policy Advisor – Infrastructural & Spatial Development), Shaigan Marten (Culture & Education Policy Advisor, Department of Community Development & Culture), and Sharifa Balfour (Director of the Saba Archaeological Center Foundation / Saba Heritage Center). The official Monuments Council is comprised of Mr. Teddy Johnson, Ms. Olga Simmons, Mr. Glenn Holm, Mr. Michael Newton, and Ms. Nanette de Jong, with Mr. Shaigan Marten acting as Coordinator and Liaison between the public entity and the Monuments Council. During the session, attendees introduced themselves and received detailed guidance on the structure and function of the Monuments Council. Discussions covered the roles and responsibilities of members, the frequency of meetings, and the council’s duty to serve and represent the interests of the Saban community in matters related to heritage preservation. The establishment of the Monuments Council forms part of broader efforts by the Public Entity Saba to formalize heritage protection policies. This includes the identification, designation, and conservation of monuments across the island, ensuring that Saba’s historical sites, architecture, and cultural landscapes are preserved in a sustainable and structured manner. By bringing together local and regional expertise and community representation, the Monuments Council will play a key advisory role in evaluating monument status, guiding preservation initiatives, and supporting responsible development that respects Saba’s cultural identity. The Public Entity Saba looks forward to the council’s contributions as it continues to implement measures to protect and celebrate the island’s heritage. PES
Scheduled Traffic Check SABA On Wednesday, the 22nd of April, a scheduled traffic check was held on JZ Ridge Road on Saba. During the check, fifteen vehicles were stopped and checked, resulting in three fines being issued. • One fine for driving without a valid driver’s license; • One fine for driving without wearing a seatbelt; • One fine for driving without valid insurance. On Monday, the 20th of April, a scheduled traffic check was also held on E.A. Johnson Road on Saba. During the check, six vehicles were stopped and checked, and a passenger in one car received a warning for driving without wearing a seatbelt. The police will continue to conduct these types of checks regularly. Strict action will be taken against drivers who do not have their documents in order r who do not comply with traffic rules. Anyone who does not follow the rules risks receiving a fine. KPCN.
Minister Sterk (Long-Term Care, Youth and Sport) is making a five-day working visit to the three Dutch Caribbean islands to get acquainted with local care and welfare institutions and discuss the state of healthcare, youth care, and social services with island governments. The visit concludes on Saba with a meeting with the Executive Council, a stop at the Domestic Violence Shelter, and a visit to Saba Cares, which includes the opening of part of a new nursing home. Overall, the visit reflects a focus on domestic violence, youth care, mental health, and elderly care across the three islands. RCN
- April 24, 2026
Dutch cabinet launches Economisch Groeiplatform Carib
The Dutch cabinet is launching Economisch Groeiplatform Carib, a new economic growth platform aimed at strengthening the six Caribbean islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The initiative focuses on three priorities: Better governance: strengthening public administration on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, tackling integrity issues, and improving public services to match the level of the European Netherlands. Economic resilience: connecting innovation, entrepreneurs, and capital across the islands via the new platform; opening a National Investment Institution to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom; and creating a fund for entrepreneurs, like farmers and fishermen, to access financing. Starting in 2027, the government will allocate €30 million annually to combat poverty and reduce the cost of living. Kingdom-wide cooperation: establishing a recurring Kingdom Conference bringing together the four governments of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands to explore collaboration on topics like energy, trade, and logistics. State Secretary Eric van der Burg emphasized that residents and businesses should see concrete, tangible results from their government. Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties
