Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
A newly established working group on collections from a colonial context has held its first in-person meeting on Saba, marking an important step toward strengthening Caribbean involvement in decisions regarding cultural artifacts acquired during the colonial period. The working group was created following a decision by the ministers of the Four-Country Ministerial Consultation to ensure that museums and heritage institutions in the Caribbean region have a stronger voice in the management, preservation, and potential return of cultural objects, based on the principle of equal partnership. Hosted by the Saba Heritage Center and the Eugenius Johnson Center, the meeting focused on developing recommendations to be presented to the Four-Country Ministerial Consultation in November 2026. Discussions addressed key themes including collection management and preservation, digitization, professionalization of the heritage sector, climate-resilient infrastructure, community engagement, knowledge sharing, and regional cooperation. The gathering brought together government representatives and heritage experts from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius and the Netherlands, alongside external advisors. The collaborative structure is designed to combine policy expertise and practical museum experience from both the Caribbean and European parts of the Kingdom. As part of the program, participants explored Saba’s cultural heritage through visits to local museums and historical sites, highlighting the island’s contribution to preserving and sharing Caribbean history. The working group will continue developing recommendations on the return of cultural items and the future management of museum collections, with support from consultancy firm Scriptis. The final advice is expected to help shape a more inclusive and cooperative approach to heritage management across the Kingdom. RCN
The Commission Supervision Personal Data Protection BES (CBP BES) has concluded that the Immigration and Naturalization Service Caribbean Netherlands (IND-CN) must take additional measures to better protect citizens’ personal data. Following an investigation into IND-CN’s handling of personal data and its compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law BES (Wbp BES), CBP BES found that while the organization understands its legal responsibilities and has a privacy statement in place, important shortcomings remain in the areas of data security, storage, access control, and data management. The Commission identified particular concerns regarding the Foreign Management System (FMS), which external parties largely manage. IND-CN currently lacks sufficient oversight of the system’s security and management. In addition, personal data is sometimes stored outside the system, increasing the risk of unauthorized access. CBP BES is especially concerned about the handling of sensitive information such as criminal record files and judicial data. The report stresses the need for clear rules governing access, storage, retention periods, and deletion of these data. The investigation also found that the information provided to citizens could be improved. The current privacy statement is only available in Dutch and may be difficult for many people to understand. CBP BES recommends that the statement be made available in the official languages of the Caribbean Netherlands and rewritten in plain language. The Commission is urging IND-CN to give priority to improvements in data security, governance, storage, access management, retention, and deletion practices. While IND-CN has already taken some steps, CBP BES warns that failure to implement the recommended measures could leave citizens’ personal data at risk and make it difficult for the organization to demonstrate compliance with privacy laws. CBP BES expects IND-CN to develop a clear implementation plan and complete the necessary improvements within established timeframes. The Commission will actively monitor progress through regular reporting and follow-up assessments. CBP BES
The Law Enforcement Council has identified significant risks in the screening and re-screening of justice personnel, concluding that current practices do not always comply with applicable laws and regulations. In a recently published report, the Council found that while all justice organizations require a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) for employment, some organizations are deviating from established screening procedures. In addition, mandatory security screenings are not always conducted or renewed on time, creating potential integrity and security risks. The Council notes that some organizations have expressed concerns about the limited information available through the current VOG process and have resorted to informal methods to gather additional background information on applicants. While recognizing the need for reliable screening, the Council emphasizes that all organizations must operate within the legal framework and warns that informal practices can themselves create integrity risks. The report also highlights shortcomings in the implementation of security screenings. Some positions are ineligible for screening because they lack formal designation as positions of confidence, and legally required five-year re-screenings are inconsistently conducted. The Council is urging immediate action to bring several organizations into compliance, specifically the Coast Guard, the Immigration and Border Protection Service (IGD), and the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM). It also notes that the formal designation of confidential positions within the Coast Guard remains outstanding. To strengthen integrity and reliability across the justice sector, the Council has issued four recommendations aimed at improving compliance with screening requirements and safeguarding public trust. Law Enforcement Council
Two Arrests After a Brawl On Monday, the 15th of June, around 12:20 PM, the central control room received a report of a brawl at a restaurant in The Bottom on Saba. Upon arrival of the police, it appeared that a fight had indeed taken place inside the restaurant, leaving several broken glass bottles on the floor. Following a further investigation, two suspects were arrested on charges of assault. They are a 34-year-old man with the initials E.A.L. and a 41-year-old man with the initials E.A.M.U. Both suspects were injured during the fight and received medical treatment. The case is under investigation. KPCN
Public Notice The Central Committee of the Public Entity Saba hereby cares to inform the public that there will be a Central Committee meeting on Tuesday June 23rd, 2026 at 9:00 am at the Government Administration Building. You may also view the Central Committee meeting on the Saba Island Council website and the Saba Government YouTube page. The agenda is as follows: 1. Opening 2. Approval of the agenda 3. Approval of the minutes 4. Citizens right to speak on agenda points 5. Oral Question round: concerning announced questions from the Island Council incoming and outgoing correspondence list during the period April 11th, – May 15th, 2026 (Article 18) 5.1 Island Council incoming and outgoing correspondence -EC letter 136.26 ICM – Proposal for 2026 Budget Amendment; Monuments Council and Monuments Fund -Letter from Top Tier Rentals – Concerns Regarding Access to Airport and Harbour for Car Rental Services -Letter from Mr. Otto DeVries – Formal Submission Documentary Record Template, the Case for Differentiated Treatment of Saba within the BES Framework 5.2 Executive Council decision list -EC Decision list – April 14th, 3.0.1, building permit Troy Hill Road 24-26 The Bottom -EC Decision list – April 14th – 3.0.3, visit to ministers in The Hague and attending the IPDC conference, -EC Decision list – April 21st – 3.0.6 Provision building and road maintenance -EC Decision list – April 28th, 3.1.0, Assistance monitoring and start up rainwater management 5.3 Written questions to the Executive Council (article 35) 5.4 Answers to written questions to the Executive Council (article 35) 6. Island Ordinance Audit Chamber Saba 7. Island Council Proposal 2026.1: Saba Language Policy 2026 – 2030 8. Island Council Proposal 2026.3: Annual Report 2025 9. Closing Looking forward to your attendance. Sincerely, The Island Registrar, A. M. Levenstone The Chairlady of the Central Committee, E.O.F. Peterson ======================================== PUBLIC NOTICE The Island Governor of the Public Entity Saba hereby cares to inform the public that there will be a Island Council meeting on Thursday June 23rd, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Government Administration Building. You may also view the Island Council meeting on the Saba Island Council website and the Saba Government YouTube page. The agenda is as follows: 1. Opening and announcements 2. Approval of the agenda 3. Approval of the minutes 4. Oral Question time (article 36) 5. Incoming and outgoing correspondence and announcements from May 16th, – May 29th, 2026 5.1 Island Council incoming and outgoing correspondence 5.2 Executive Council decision list 5.3 Written questions to the Executive Council (article 35) 5.4 Answers to written questions to the Executive Council (article 35) 6. Island Council Proposal 2026.1: Saba Language Policy 2026 – 2030 7. Island Council Proposal 2026.3: Annual Report 2025 8. Motions 9. Closing Sincerely, The Island Governor, J.G.A. Johnson M. Ed.
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PUBLIC NOTICE The Island Governor of the Public Entity Saba hereby cares to inform the public that there will be a special Island Council meeting on Thursday June 25th, 2026 at 10:00 am, at the Government Administration Building. You may also view the public meeting on the Saba Island Council website and the Saba Government YouTube page. The agenda is as follows: Opening Approval of the agenda Address by Island Governor Mr. J.G.A. Johnson Words of appreciation Token of appreciation Closing Sincerely, The Island Governor, J.G.A. Johnson M.Ed.
The island’s Filipino community gathered to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for the Philippines’ freedom, proof that patriotism travels wherever its people go. On the occasion of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, Filipinos living on the island of Saba came together in a celebration as warm and spirited as the archipelago they call home. The gathering was more than a calendar event; it affirmed identity, memory, and ties no ocean crossing can sever. “Despite being far from their homeland, their connection to the Philippines remains strong.” In a message shared by the Filipino Community of Saba, the day was described as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and unity that continue to define Filipinos wherever they settle. For those who have built lives on this small Caribbean island, independence is not merely a historical milestone; it is a living value, carried in language, in food, in faith, and in the act of showing up for one another. The celebration also highlighted something the community holds dear: the preservation of Filipino culture, traditions, and values in a new land. Far from diluting who they are, life on Saba has deepened the community’s sense of solidarity, weaving its threads into the island’s already-vibrant multicultural fabric. None of this happens in isolation. The event was made possible through the generosity of local businesses and individuals who chose to stand alongside the community, a quiet but meaningful gesture of belonging. This annual observance has become a fixture in Saba’s calendar, a moment when heritage and hospitality meet and when the island’s Filipino residents can celebrate not just where they came from but who they are and who they are becoming, together. BES Reporter
From Thursday 18 June to Tuesday 23 June, a team from the National Ombudsman will return to St. Eustatius and Saba to hold walk-in sessions. Island residents who are having problems with a government body, such as the Public Entity or the Tax Administration, can discuss their complaints with us. Complaints or questions for the Ombudsman for Children are also welcome. The dates, times and locations for the free walk-in sessions are as follows: Saba Monday 22 June from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, The Library Tuesday 23 June from 09:00 to 11:00 AM, The Library At all walk-in sessions, you can ask your question or make your complaint in Dutch, English, Papiamentu and Spanish. You can submit a complaint or question at any time Anyone who is unable to come to a walk-in session can ask their question or submit their complaint in other ways. To contact the National Ombudsman call +31 70 356 35 63 (on working days until 11:00 AM) send a WhatsApp message to +31800 33 55 555 use the complaint form on our website To contact the Ombudsman for Children call +31 70 8506 995 (on working days until 12:00 AM) send a WhatsApp message to +31 800 876 54 32 send an email to ombudswerk@kinderombudsman.nl Nationale Ombudsman
On Saturday June 13th, the farewell ceremony for Island Governor Jonathan Johnson was held. Many gathered for a moving ceremony, filled with reflection, tribute and gratitude after his 18 years of faithful, dedicated and impactful service. The evening began with an ecumenical service at Sacred Heart Church in The Bottom. Following the service, attendees proceeded to the Princess Juliana Sports Field, where Master of Ceremonies Suzy Guido Peterson welcomed guests and opened the formal program. The ceremony began with a ballet-themed dance performance by the Child Focus Foundation. Commissioner Zagers: A Career Built Around Giving Back to His Island Commissioner Bruce Zagers reflected on Governor Johnson’s lifelong commitment to giving back to the island he loves. He highlighted Governor Johnson’s years in education, including his service as a primary school principal and later as director who had the difficult responsibility of restructuring the high school. He noted that the common thread throughout Governor Johnson’s career has always been investing in the people of Saba. Commissioner Zagers also praised Governor Johnson’s consistency, his willingness to make tough decisions and stand by them, and emphasized that while “he was governor by profession, first and foremost, he is Saban.” Saba Life Center: Community Must Carry on His Legacy Representatives from the Saba Life Center described Governor Johnson as a leader who “watched over our island, guiding it through calm waters and stormy seas alike,” and commended his ability to turn challenges into opportunities and doing so with compassion, trust, and vision. They also called on the community to continue the work Governor Johnson began, honoring his legacy “as one community, one family, and one island.” Acting Island Governor Nicholson: “Leadership Is Service” Acting Island Governor Shamara Nicholson shared that Governor Johnson was “more than a leader” but also “a steady hand, a calm voice, and a heart that beats in the rhythm of the people he served.” She shared a story about how Governor Johnson supported her with patience and grace in her role, recalling his words: “Take your time, we will work through it.” That moment, she said, made her feel seen and supported, and helped her understand why so many people placed their trust in him. Nicholson reminded those present that “leadership is service,” adding that Governor Johnson’s impact “will outlast his tenure.” Orders of Merit During the ceremony, Governor Johnson presented Orders of Merit to his three Acting Island Governors: Hubert Roy Smith, James Franklin Wilson, and Shamara Nicholson, in recognition of their dedicated service representing the island. Family Tribute A touching moment followed when Governor Johnson’s children, Mia, Nolan, and Owen Johnson, took the stage to present a poem honoring his devotion as a parent who balanced public service with family life. Child Focus Foundation performed another dance, before Island Governor of Sint Eustatius Alida Francis took the stage. A Gift from St. Eustatius Island Governor Alida Francis of Sint Eustatius presented Governor Johnson with a symbolic gift: a painting of a turtle, created by Dutch artist Hanneke Floor who lives on Sint Eustatius. “Turtles universally symbolize longevity, endurance, wisdom, and protection,” Governor Francis said. “Because of their slow steady movements and immense life spans, they are a powerful reminder of patience, resilience and the value of persistence over speed and I believe this truly embodies the man you are, and the leader that you are to your people and your family.” Rosa Johnson: Tribute from Island Governor Johnson’s Wife Rosa Johnson, Island Governor Johnson’s wife, offered a personal tribute, and spoke of the sacrifices and dedication she witnessed over the past eighteen years. “I have watched him give his time, his energy, and his wisdom to Saba,” she said. “He has served with integrity, patience, and a deep respect for the people of this island.” She also shared on the unique nature of leadership on a small island, where the people you serve are also your neighbors, friends, and family, and honored the memory of Governor Johnson’s parents, noting that they too would be immensely proud of the legacy he has created. Before welcoming State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Effective Government, Eric van der Burg to the stage, the crowd was filled with the powerful sounds from the Riddim Nation drum band. State Secretary van der burg presents Royal Decoration to Island Governor Johnson State Secretary Eric van der Burg then took the stage, and paid attention to Island Governor Johnson’s many years of service, including his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes Irma and Maria, and other defining moments in Saba’s recent history. On behalf of His Majesty the King, Governor Johnson was appointed as Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau, a distinguished royal decoration recognizing his longstanding commitment to good governance, social cohesion, and the strengthening of Saba’s position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. State Secretary Van der Burg highlighted Governor Johnson’s role in major developments such as the constitutional reform of 10-10-10 and the realization of a new port, praising his ability to ensure that Saba always had a strong voice within the Kingdom and in The Hague. “You are more than [the resident’s] governor,” Van der Burg said. “You are part of their history.” Governor Johnson’s Farewell Address In his closing speech, Governor Johnson reflected on the privilege of serving the island of his birth for nearly two decades and the lessons he was able to learn from those that carried similar responsibilities. “Calm judgment matters, listening matters, and your ego must never get in the way of the responsibility you carry,” he said. He emphasized that leadership is never about one person, but about trust and service, and reminded attendees that the true beauty of Saba lies not only in its mountains, seas, and villages, but in its people and their support for one another. Governor Johnson also reflected on difficult moments during his tenure, including natural disasters and emergencies, noting that even in moments of loss and crisis, we must find the resolve to build something better for the […]
- June 14, 2026
Invasive Species Control Measures
The Public Entity wishes to inform the general public that intensified invasive species control measures will be implemented in the period between June 15th and September 30th. While hiking trails will generally remain open, some trails may be closed if necessary for safety reasons. In those cases, the respective trails will be closed on hunting days and opened up as soon as a hunting activity is finished. The Saba Tourist Bureau and the Saba Conservation Foundation will be updated daily on where hunting activities will be taking place and on trail closures when applicable. We kindly request visitors who plan to go hiking to contact them via the phone numbers below in order to be advised on the accessibility of trails. Current invasive species control measures include hunting of roaming livestock and non-native iguanas, as well as removal of feral cats, rats and chickens. The Public Entity works closely together with the Saba Conservation Foundation in these invasive species control activities. For inquiries or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the Public Entity at info@sabagov.nl. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Saba Tourist Bureau: +599-416-2231 / 2322 Saba Conservation Foundation: + 599 416-3295 / 2709 PES.
