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Recent posts on Saba News

  • Planned traffic checks  On Sunday, the 8th of March, a planned traffic check was held on Samuel A. Charles Street on Saba. During the check, eight (8) vehicles were checked, resulting in one (1) fine being issued for driving with an invalid license plate. In addition, three (3) warnings were given to drivers for driving without a seatbelt, driving without a driver’s license, and driving without proof of insurance. The latter two drivers must still come to the police station to show their documents. If they fail to do so, a fine will still be issued. The KPCN will continue to carry out checks at various locations on the island and warns all road users to have the necessary documents in order. The police will continue to carry out these types of checks to ensure the safety of all road users. It is very important to comply with traffic rules and thus contribute to safe traffic on the island. KPCN

  • By Otti Thomas The new Dutch government is at­tentive to the entire King­dom, including the Carib­bean countries and munici­palities. This was evident from Prime Minister Rob Jetten’s remarks after the first Kingdom Council of Ministers RMR meeting and an online explanation provided by State Secretary Eric van der Burg of King­dom Relations. Security, in particular, is a key issue. Jetten began his weekly press conference by refer­ring to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. “It was good to speak with the ministers plenipotentiary of Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten about matters that affect our entire Kingdom. And that is important, be­cause the strong bond be­tween the countries of the Kingdom makes the Neth­erlands much more than just a delta on the North Sea,” said the D66 leader. “The entire Caribbean part of our Kingdom, in­cluding Bonaire, St. Eusta­tius and Saba, adds a rich culture, its own history, and a rich diversity to the Netherlands. This cabinet therefore looks forward to good cooperation based on equality within the King­dom, with many opportu­nities on both sides of the ocean to strengthen society and the economy there as well,” he said. According to Van der Burg, Jetten’s words are a sign that the Dutch government values its relationship with the Caribbean coun­tries and islands. He was responding to a question about whether the Carib­bean part of the Kingdom can count on the support of the Netherlands, the largest country in the King­dom. This was in response to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, but also in the Caribbean region. According to the state sec­retary, this is certainly the case. Defence is a Kingdom task, so the Netherlands has a significant responsi­bility for security. “Things have, of course, been quite tense recently surrounding Venezuela. You have seen that we, as the Netherlands, emphatically state that we are there for the security of the Kingdom,” he said. The Prime Ministers of Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten had also asked for attention to safety during their online meeting with the state secretary. The Daily Herald.

  • Dutch State Secretary Eric van der Burg of Kingdom Relations and Decisive Government will visit Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao in April. A month later, he will tour St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba. The new state sec­retary announced this on Friday during the first online press conference with Caribbean media. “I spoke with the three ministers plenipotentiary this morn­ing and am very much looking forward to getting started with the portfolio. I hope to be on a plane to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao on April 12th, and a little less than a month later to St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, and Saba,” he said after the first Kingdom Council of Ministers RMR meeting. Immediately after his appointment, Van der Burg also had online contact with the Island Governors of Bonaire, St. Eu­statius and Saba, and the Prime Ministers of Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten. The latter three will also visit The Hague, but no date has yet been set. “They will of course speak to me, but it is also about contact with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands,” he said The Daily Herald.

  • The Saba women’s football team is on its way to St. Maarten for its very first friendly match! This is an exciting moment for the team as they continue to grow, gain experience, and proudly represent Saba. The team is traveling with Coach Michael Bautista and Coach Harrien Baptiste, who have been guiding and supporting the players every step of the way. We wish the team safe travels and lots of success in their match. Go Saba! PES

  • A cautious majority appears to be emerging in the House of Representatives in favor of not postponing the expansion of the Executive Councils and Island Councils in the Caribbean Netherlands until 2031. The most outspoken party is the Christian Union, which, with Don Ceder, has the only member of the House Committee for Kingdom Relations who has any prior experience with this. This lack of knowledge is evident in the questions submitted by the other parties regarding the bill to strengthen local democracy on the islands. The Christian Union “considers increasing the number of island council members and island deputies and agreeing with the current working methods regarding municipalities essential for effective and democratic governance in the Caribbean Netherlands. Given the upcoming elections in 2027, these members see the need to process the bill quickly.” The party does stipulate, however, that the government honors all (fundamental) agreements made during the 2024 BES summit in De Bilt, including the increase in the remuneration of deputies and island council members. Read all questions (in Dutch) asked to State Secretary Van der Burg HERE Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties.

  • Saba’s newest boutique accommodation, the Scenery Hotel, officially opened its doors on Tuesday, March 3, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and project partners. The ceremony featured Island Governor Jonathan Johnson and PCN board chair Harald Linkels, who jointly cut the ribbon to inaugurate the hotel formally. The project was developed by Participatiemaatschappij Caribisch Nederland (PMCN), the investment arm of Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN). Located in the heart of Windwardside and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and access points to several hiking trails, the hotel is expected to enhance Saba’s appeal as a destination for diving, hiking, and nature tourism. Years in the making The development of the Scenery Hotel has been several years in the making. The project began with the acquisition of the site in late 2020. Planning and preparations continued throughout the COVID-19 period before construction officially started in February 2023. The building reached its highest point in June 2024, and after months of finishing work, the hotel is now ready to welcome guests. Economic impact Once fully operational, the hotel is expected to create approximately 25 jobs, including positions in hospitality and at the on-site restaurant. The development is also anticipated to stimulate additional business for local operators such as dive shops, tour guides, taxi services, and restaurants. Speaking during the opening ceremony, Governor Jonathan Johnson expressed appreciation to PCN for investing in the island. He noted that the new hotel represents an important contribution to Saba’s economy and tourism sector, strengthening the island’s capacity to accommodate visitors while supporting local employment. Investment in the BES islands Walter Blijleven, project lead and managing director of PMCN, gave an overview of the project’s development and the challenges encountered during construction. He highlighted the support received from contractors, local partners, and the broader community throughout the process. PCN board chair Harald Linkels emphasized that the Scenery Hotel aligns with the fund’s broader strategy of combining long-term investment returns with economic development across the Caribbean Netherlands. According to Linkels, the hotel represents PCN’s largest single investment on the BES islands — Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. With its opening, the Scenery Hotel adds a new lodging option to Windwardside and is expected to further strengthen Saba’s position as a boutique destination for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and tranquility. BES-Reporter

  • Residents and businesses in the Ca­ribbean Netherlands will be able to file their 2025 income tax returns start­ing Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Returns may be sub­mitted either online or on paper. The Belastingdienst Cari­bisch Nederland has, in recent years, expanded its digital services, allowing both individuals and busi­nesses to file their tax re­turns online. Those who choose to file electroni­cally can already do so via www.MijnCN.nl. Paper re­turns will be available from March 18. In the final week of Feb­ruary, the tax office began sending out invitations to file the 2025 income tax return. These are being dis­tributed by post as well as through the digital mailbox system, Berichtenbox CN. According to the tax office, filing online offers several advantages. In most cases, taxpayers immediately see whether they are entitled to a refund or required to make a payment. A digital confirmation is also issued upon submission. The deadline for filing the 2025 income tax re­turn is Monday, May 18, 2026. The Tax Administra­tion applies a processing period through November for returns submitted on time. The earlier a return is filed, the sooner it can be processed. In cases where additional information is required, processing may take longer. Belastingdienst Caribisch Nederland is encouraging all taxpayers to submit their 2025 income tax returns on time, no later than May 18. The Daily Herald.

  • Each year, in the weeks after graduation, a familiar scene unfolds on the small Caribbean islands of Sint Eustatius and Saba. Suitcases are packed, tearful goodbyes are exchanged at the airport, and young students leave home to begin the next chapter of their lives thousands of miles away. For many of them, the decision of where to study is not simply about choosing a university. It means navigating two vastly different education systems, languages, and financial realities. Students from the two smallest islands of the Caribbean Netherlands usually face a difficult choice: continue their education in the Netherlands, which is often promoted as the more affordable option, or study in the United States, where tuition costs are higher, but classes are taught in English. In an exploration for Caribbean Network, Hazel Durand spoke with students at different stages of their academic journeys — including current students abroad, recent graduates, and others who have temporarily returned home. Their experiences reveal that the transition from island schools to international universities is rarely straightforward. Every year, between August and January, roughly 20 students leave Statia to study abroad. On Saba, the number is closer to 10. Despite their different ambitions and backgrounds, many encounter the same obstacles along the way. Language barriers, differences in educational pathways, and financial pressure repeatedly shape their experiences. Delays and detours For students graduating with the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) — a qualification roughly comparable to the Dutch MBO level — the journey can be particularly complicated. Many struggle to find programs that recognize their credentials, forcing them to take longer and more indirect routes toward a degree. Statia student Angelo Maharaj knows this challenge well. When he finished high school, Angelo initially hoped to continue his studies in the United States. But the cost was too high, so he decided to move to the Netherlands instead. His goal was simple: complete a bachelor’s degree within four years. Three years later, he is still searching for the right academic path. After enrolling in a Marketing Communications program taught in English, Angelo eventually had to restart the same program — this time in Dutch. When he first arrived in the Netherlands, he did not speak Dutch fluently. Over time, however, he realized that mastering the language dramatically expands academic opportunities. “Today I speak Dutch with everyone, including my teachers,” he said. “I’ve realized that I barely use English anymore. Sometimes I even forget English words, but remember them in Dutch. While it feels like I’m losing my first language, I’m gaining another — and right now that’s a major advantage.” Choosing another route Not all students can follow the Dutch path. Statia student Ishn Courtar originally hoped to study in the Netherlands, but quickly discovered that his CVQ level did not meet the entry requirements for the program he wanted. Following the traditional Dutch pathway would have required him to move through several levels of the MBO system — a process that could take nearly eight years before reaching a bachelor’s degree. Instead, Ishn chose a different route. He completed the General Educational Development (GED) exam, which allowed him to apply to universities in the United States. Today, he is in his first semester of a four-year bachelor’s program in Communications. Saba student Alejandro Benders faced a similar dilemma. After graduating at the CVQ level and completing the GED exam, he applied to several schools in the Netherlands despite being warned that the qualification is rarely recognized there. None accepted him. Instead, Alejandro moved to the United States, where he spent two years studying at a community college before transferring to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in automotive studies. Recently, however, his study funding was cut off. To complete his degree, he is now working while finishing his final semester online, paying approximately $6,000 out of pocket. The Netherlands: promise and reality While studying in the Netherlands is frequently presented as the more affordable option, several students say the reality can be far more complicated. Saba student Alma Johnson learned this after experiencing both systems. In 2022, she spent one semester studying in the United States. When financial difficulties made it impossible for her parents to continue supporting her there, she transferred to the Netherlands and enrolled in an English-taught bachelor’s program in Early Childhood Education. The transition was challenging from the start. “My first year was hard because I felt like I had to do triple the work to catch up,” she said. Although she nearly completed all the required credits that year, she soon discovered a major problem: while the institution itself was accredited, the specific program was not. Even if she completed the degree, she would not qualify for a teaching license. “To become accredited to teach in the Netherlands, I would have to learn Dutch and go to a Dutch university for another year or two,” she explained. “If I wanted to teach in English, I would have to go to the United States or England and study again.” Despite realizing the limitations of the program, Alma continued into her second year and eventually switched to a secondary education track. Still, she felt she was already behind other students. Looking back, she says her semester in the United States felt far less stressful. “The United States is expensive — that’s obvious — but I feel there is more support and they care about you understanding the concepts,” she said. “The Netherlands was glorified to me. Nobody told me the cons.” She also pointed out that many living costs in the Netherlands are hidden. Students must arrange and pay separately for rent, utilities, and other expenses. “In the United States, you make one payment, and most things are included,” she said. When language closes doors Language barriers can also determine what students are able to study. Billy Jean Rodriguez from Saba arrived in the Netherlands hoping to pursue a career in medicine. But she quickly discovered that most healthcare programs require a high […]

  • The remuneration of administrators and representatives in the Caribbean Netherlands must be increased simultaneously with the expansion of the Executive Councils and island councils. Member of Parliament Don Ceder (Christian Union) has submitted an amendment to this effect. On Wednesday, the House Committee for Kingdom Relations will reopen the budget debate. The reason for this is the controversy surrounding the decision by former State Secretary Eddie van Marum to decouple the expansion of the island councils from the general revision of the WolBES and FinBES. This revision is being delayed because The Hague – to the anger of island politicians – has reneged on the agreement to abolish the position of Kingdom Representative. Out of stubbornness (and fear of new parties), Bonaire, in particular, lobbied heavily to have the expansion postponed. The GroenLinks-PvdA faction yielded to this. Other parties are not immune to Kralendijk’s accusation of not listening, but also recognize the urgent need to strengthen the islands’ administrative capacity and democracy. The islands themselves are also divided: Sint Eustatius wants the expansion to take effect with the March 2027 elections. Ceder’s amendment addresses Saba’s concerns about preconditions such as the Island Council’s housing and party support. A second amendment stipulates that the second phase of the expansion, scheduled for 2031, can be postponed once by four years if the evaluation of the first phase warrants it. DossierKoninkrijksRelaties.

  • The Executive Council of the Public Entity Saba plans to establish a Monuments Council to help protect the island’s cultural and historical heritage. Members of the council will soon be nominated. Important decisions have already been made about creating a Monuments Register and setting up funding to support heritage protection. These steps are the result of collaboration between the Public Entity Saba, the Saba Archaeological Center Foundation (SABARC) / Saba Heritage Center, the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF), and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE). Role of the Monuments Council The Monuments Council will serve as an independent advisory body to the Executive Council. It will provide advice on the designation, registration, modification, and protection of monuments on Saba. Under the Monuments Ordinance Saba (2010), monuments may include historic homes, public buildings, churches, archaeological sites, artifacts, or areas that are important to the island’s history, culture, architecture, or science. The Monuments Register will serve as the official list of protected monuments. Once a site is registered, any changes, restoration work, or demolition must be carefully reviewed. First Phase: Testing the System As part of the first phase, at least one monument in each village will be identified and evaluated. The Monuments Council will review these sites and provide recommendations to the Executive Council before they are officially registered. This initial phase will help test and improve the process and ensure clarity for property owners and government departments. Community Participation Residents and members of the Saba diaspora will also have the opportunity to suggest buildings or sites that they believe should be protected as monuments. More information will be shared soon on how the public can participate in the process. Temporary Protection for Older Buildings In the meantime, the Executive Council has taken a preparatory decision to protect historic buildings while the monument system is being developed. As a result, buildings older than 50 years cannot be fully or partially demolished without a permit. This decision is in effect for 30 days and can be viewed at the Government Administration Building or online. Property owners planning demolition or major alterations to buildings older than 50 years are asked to contact the Infrastructure and Spatial Development Department for guidance. These measures represent an important step toward preserving Saba’s historic character for future generations, while creating a clear and transparent system for property owners and the community. PES

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