Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
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
- April 24, 2026
DUO expands digital services for students across six islands
The Dutch education implementation agency DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) is expanding its services across the Caribbean, strengthening both digital accessibility and student preparation programmes in St. Maarten, Aruba, Curacao and the Caribbean Netherlands. DUO has offered video consultations with staff in the Netherlands since the COVID-19 period, allowing (former) students to ask questions about student finance, study grants and loan repayment. However, time zone differences between Europe and the Caribbean limited appointment availability. With the new video calling service now operating through the Curacao office, DUO says accessibility has significantly improved. Students and former students across St. Maarten, Aruba and the Caribbean Netherlands can now schedule appointments more easily and at more convenient times. The service is also available to users in Curacao when an in-person visit is not possible. Consultations can be conducted via laptop, tablet or mobile phone, and appointments are booked through www. duo.nl/cariben. The Daily Herald.
- April 24, 2026
VVD revives bill to ease exit Caribbean countries
The VVD faction in the Dutch House of Representatives has revived a legislative proposal aimed at making it easier for Caribbean countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands to pursue independence. MP Renate den Hollander (VVD) informed the Speaker of the House that she will take over the defence of this bill, which was originally introduced in 2019 by former MP Andre Bosman. The proposal had remained inactive following Bosman’s departure from Parliament. The initiative seeks to amend the Kingdom Charter to allow Curacao and St. Maarten -like Aruba- to independently decide on independence. It would also create the possibility for the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba) to leave the Dutch constitutional framework if they choose to do so. A key aspect of the proposal is the lowering of procedural thresholds for exiting the kingdom. The requirement to first consult the population through a formal process would be removed, and a two-thirds majority in the local Parliament would no longer be mandatory. The move is not entirely unexpected. In the coalition agreement of the current Dutch government, VVD had already emphasised that the charter should explicitly allow Caribbean countries to declare independence if they wish. The proposal is likely to spark renewed debate within the kingdom, particularly in Curacao and St. Maarten, where questions about autonomy, governance and future relations with the Netherlands remain politically sensitive. The Daily Herald.
- April 23, 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.
The Talent Ontwikkel Programma Caribisch Nederland (TOP CN) for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES islands) is set to relaunch in September 2026, offering a one-year work and training opportunity for recently graduated professionals with Caribbean roots. Applications for the 2026-2027 TOP CN traineeship officially opened on Wednesday, April 22. The programme provides participants with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within government institutions, including public entities and the Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland. Successful candidates will begin their placements in August or September 2026, working in roles aligned with their qualifications while simultaneously following the structured trainee program. The traineeship will officially commence on September 14, 2026, and spans a total of 10 months. Throughout the programme, participants will receive professional guidance and take part in a wide range of training sessions and workshops. These include topics such as strategic stakeholder management, policy development skills, and language proficiency. Organisers say the program is designed to foster both professional and personal growth, strengthening career prospects for participants while also enhancing institutional capacity in the Caribbean Netherlands. TOP CN specifically targets young professionals of Caribbean descent who are willing to return to Bonaire, St. Eustatius, or Saba within three years of completing their higher education (HBO or university degree). Interested candidates have until Tuesday, May 12, to apply. More information is available at www.topcn.nl. The Daily Herald.
- April 22, 2026
Cabinet: No oil extraction near Saba
There will be no oil extraction near Saba. Minister of Climate and Green Growth Stientje van Veldhoven stated this tonight during the parliamentary debate on the cabinet measures to mitigate the consequences of rising oil and fuel prices. Member of Parliament Frederik Jansen (Forum for Democracy) pointed out the presence of an oil field near Saba that could potentially be tapped if a fuel shortage threatens. “I want to know if the Minister is willing to launch an investigation into oil extraction off the coast of Saba, which is, after all, a Dutch municipality. Various scientific articles estimate that an oil field the size of 500 million barrels lies there.” Van Veldhoven: “Multiple studies have been conducted into this. No extraction plan was ever drawn up for it by those parties. They were commercial parties. Moreover, it is located right next to a protected coral reef. So, from both an economic and ecological perspective, no possibilities have been found for oil extraction near Saba.” Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties.
The board governing the Sacred Heart School on Saba is no longer subject to enhanced supervision by the Dutch Ministry of Education and Emancipation. State Secretary Judith Tielen has announced that the formal designation order against Stichting Katholiek Onderwijs Saba (SKOSaba) has been officially withdrawn. The designation was introduced in 2024 after the Education Inspectorate reported serious and structural mismanagement. The board had failed over an extended period to safeguard educational quality, and its financial management fell short of legal requirements. Under the terms of the order, the board was required to carry out a comprehensive recovery program. In November 2025, the Inspectorate conducted recovery reviews at both school and board levels. Investigators found that the board had made visible and substantive improvements. A functioning quality assurance system is now in place, pupil development is actively monitored, financial resources are linked to concrete goals, and the board has been strengthened with new members whose roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. Although some shortcomings remain, the Inspectorate is satisfied that mismanagement has ended and that improvement is ongoing. Oversight of the remaining points now returns to the Inspectorate under its standard supervisory framework. State Secretary Tielen expressed confidence that the board, under continued Inspectorate supervision, will sustain and build on the progress made. Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties
The Island Council of Saba has officially launched its new website, providing the public with more direct access to information about the council and its work. Developed over several months and led by SIM Caribbean in collaboration with the Island Registrar’s Office and ICT and Communications Department, the project focused on implementing a range of digital enhancements, resulting in a fully integrated online platform. Key features include the iBabs Council Information System and public portal, as well as live and on-demand webcasting powered by Company Webcast. One of the most notable improvements is the ability for residents to watch council meetings directly on the website, with access to related documents discussed during the meetings. Meetings will also continue to be available on the Public Entity Saba YouTube channel. With this launch, the Island Council of Saba aims to become more digital and accessible, strengthening transparency and encouraging greater public engagement. View the full Island Council website here: Island Council of Saba PES
