Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
The Sea & Learn Foundation kicked off 2026 with a green initiative: “Roots & Routes,” a 12-week campaign celebrating Saba’s forests and diverse tree species while encouraging residents and visitors to explore the island’s outdoors. Running from January through March, the campaign invited participants to discover trees across Saba’s five unique climate zones—from coastal areas to the lush cloud forest surrounding Mount Scenery. Through the Tree Hunt & Share, community members hiked local trails, photographed trees and plants, and uploaded their findings to the citizen science platform iNaturalist. These observations contribute valuable biodiversity data while helping people look more closely at the natural world around them. To ensure everyone could take part, the campaign also introduced a Creative Tree Challenge, inviting people of all ages to submit tree-inspired artwork. Throughout the twelve weeks, the foundation shared weekly social media posts highlighting notable tree and plant species found on Saba, along with interesting facts about the island’s forest habitats and ecological zones. The campaign wrapped up with a lively Tree Jeopardy Night at Colibri Cafe, where teams gathered to test their knowledge of Saba’s forests, trees, and habitats. The evening also celebrated community participation, with prizes awarded for Tree Hunt observations, creative artwork, and trivia champions. Winners received a range of locally handcrafted prizes, including walking sticks, a handmade knife, coconut-carved keychains, woven manta ray artwork, and bamboo cutlery. Through a mix of exploration, creativity, and citizen science, the Roots & Routes campaign helped reconnect the community with one of Saba’s most valuable natural assets—its forests. The initiative was made possible with support from the Nature and Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP), protecting nature, reviving resources, and sustaining our islands. Sea & Learn Foundation
- March 13, 2026
Labour Inspectorate launches information campaign
The Labour Inspectorate Caribbean Netherlands has launched an information campaign to raise awareness about labour laws and safe working conditions. The campaign started on March 12 on Bonaire and will later continue on Sint Eustatius and Saba. According to the Inspectorate, workplaces do not always fully comply with safety regulations, often because employers and employees are not sufficiently familiar with the rules. Over the coming weeks, inspectors and partner organisations will visit workplaces, distribute information brochures, and answer questions about labour legislation. The goal is to promote fair, healthy, and safe working conditions through information and awareness. Enforcement will be used only when necessary in cases of clear violations. RCN
Arrest for Theft On Wednesday, the 11th of March, around 3:50 PM, a 19-year-old man with the initials J.E.S.D.L. was arrested on Peak Street on Saba for theft. The case is under investigation KPCN
Healthcare institutions on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba are introducing a new Electronic Client Record system this month, marking a significant step in the digitalisation of healthcare services across the three Caribbean Netherlands islands. Six healthcare organisations will go live with the Electronic Client Record (ECD) as part of the DigiCare project, an initiative aimed at improving the quality, continuity and safety of care through modern digital systems. Five institutions that provide long-term care will be using a digital system for the first time. These include Zorg en Welzijn Groep (ZW Group), Fundashon pa Kwido di Personanan Desabilita (FKPD) and Kalor di Hogar on Bonaire, as well as St. Eustatius Health Care Foundation (SEHCF) and St. Eustatius Auxiliary Home Foundation on Statia. Until now, these organisations relied primarily on paper files to manage patient information. The transition to a digital client record system is expected to significantly improve how information is recorded, stored and shared among healthcare professionals. A sixth institution, Mental Health Caribbean (MHC), which operates on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, will also transition to a new digital system. While the organisation already works with electronic records, the new platform has been specifically designed to better support mental healthcare services and future developments within the sector. With the new digital client record system, healthcare professionals will be able to record and retrieve patient information more quickly and accurately. The system also allows for easier collaboration between care providers, ensuring that staff always have access to up-to-date information about clients. Officials say the new technology will improve the quality and safety of care while ensuring that services remain consistent and well-coordinated. The long-term care institutions jointly selected the same digital system, a move that leaders say was essential for small organisations operating in relatively limited healthcare markets. Genara Silberie, director of Zorg en Welzijn Groep, said the collaboration among the institutions made the transition possible. “This cooperation is very important for us because it made digitalisation achievable for relatively small organisations like ours,” Silberie said. “Together we have created a strong foundation for the future and increased our opportunities for further development.” Healthcare administrators say the transition has been carefully planned over the past several months. Staff members have received training in using the new system, and internal processes were adjusted where necessary to ensure the technology can be used effectively. According to Herbert Barnard, director of Healthcare and Youth Caribbean Netherlands at the Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland, the introduction of the Electronic Client Record represents a major milestone for healthcare on the islands. “1 am proud and grateful for this development and for the commitment of all healthcare administrators, professionals and the DigiCare project team who made this step possible,” Barnard said. The DigiCare project aims to modernise healthcare administration and improve the sharing of medical information among care providers. By replacing paper-based systems with secure digital records, healthcare organisations can work more efficiently while reducing the risk of errors or missing information. Officials say the introduction of the Electronic Client Record also prepares the healthcare sector in the Caribbean Netherlands for future digital innovations and improved coordination between institutions. For residents of Bonaire, Statia and Saba, the system is expected to contribute to more reliable and higher-quality care, particularly in long-term and mental health services where accurate and up-to-date records are essential. The launch of the digital client record systems represents one of the most significant steps toward modernising healthcare administration across the Caribbean Netherlands in recent years. The Daily Herald.
- March 12, 2026
Opinion: Sneaky Twos – Hiring and Firings
Dear Editor, Sometimes I have to wonder on Saba about the way some things go: is it by fate, or by design? Recently, there have been some out-of-the-ordinary hiring and firing taking place, which makes me question what kind of procedures, if any, are in place on this island. Are there rules that only a select few have to adhere to? Who makes these rules, and who is meant to follow them? Do the same rules apply to everyone, or only to locals? Many of us have experienced this – people coming to the island, never really coming out of their own circles, and then somehow dictating how things should go. Never interacting with locals, but somehow, they always know what is best for Saba and Sabans. They arrive, with their own agendas, and almost demand that things should go their way, buried under the excuse of “That’s the way things are done in the European Netherlands”. I ask this then as an open question for anyone to answer – how can board members hire themselves for a director position? How is it that government, board members, and directors who should have the answers cannot give answers, and also don’t even push for transparency? Imagine a close group of Sabans in the European Netherlands, promising each other jobs – would that be allowed? Or would full transparency on all hirings and firings be demanded? At the end of the day, which is more important – the interests of a few focused on trying to gain power in any way they can, or the best interests of the children? Ask yourselves – Who really benefits from these decisions? My final question is simply, who is going to be next on the list of hiring and firings? Name withheld on request
On 11 March, Island Governor Jonathan Johnson and Island Secretary Bram Streppel welcomed a delegation from the Marine Detachment of Sint Maarten (hereafter: MARNSDET SXM) on Saba. The delegation, consisting of the Detachment Commander of Sint Maarten, Majoor der Mariniers (Niels) Houtenbos and Liaison Officer Civil-Military Cooperation, Luitenant Lodewijk Portielje, was introduced to the island. Central in the conversations was the collaboration between MARNSDET SXM and Saba. During the visit, the delegation spoke with the local Commandant of the Brandweerkorps Caribisch Nederland on Saba, Mr. Julio Every. The delegation also received a tour and explanation of the Fire Station at the airport. During conversations with the Head of Public Order and Safety, Walle Bos, and Advisor on Crisis Management, Shalini Bisram, information about Saba’s crisis and disaster organization was exchanged. Amongst others, it was discussed how important maintaining good relations is in the case of a crisis or a disaster. Hence, opportunities to strengthen collaboration by, for example, organizing joint exercises will continue to be explored. The Sint Maarten Marine detachment is the first designated unit to provide military support to Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius. The detachment assists the local authorities on the three islands as well as the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard’s Sint Maarten Coast Guard Substation. PES
With the growing need for affordable housing on Saba, Public Entity Saba is inviting residents to participate in a housing survey aimed at gathering valuable information about the housing needs of the community. The survey has been specially designed to better understand the housing needs, preferences and priorities of residents on Saba, as well as Sabans living abroad who may wish to return to the island in the future. Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey, which can be found here Community Survey Housing Needs on Saba, and share their views to help shape the future of affordable housing on Saba. While many Saban families wish to pursue homeownership, current market conditions make it difficult for lower- to middle-income households to buy or rent a suitable home. The proposed project aims to address this challenge by developing housing options that are financially accessible for Sabans, especially those who earn too much to qualify for low-income assistance but not enough to comfortably afford expensive market-rate homes. The feedback collected through the survey will help guide the development of this upcoming affordable housing project, which will be supported by a special grant and an interest-free loan from the Ministry of Housing. This follows from a request submitted by the Island Council at the end of last year. The results of the survey will also then be used to develop a Program of Requirements for the new homes, helping determine the types of houses, design preferences, household needs and affordability levels that should be considered in the project. By participating in the survey, residents have an opportunity to help shape housing solutions and ensure that projects reflect the needs and priorities of the community. PES
Dear Editor, This document shall serve as a Formal Complaint issued to Bruce Zagers, owner of The Hideaway restaurant and bar, located in Breadline Plaza, Windwardside, Saba. We believe that The Hideaway restaurant and bar is licensed to “play music,” which now is karaoke, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. If the license is for different hours, please have your attorney send a Notice of Hours of Operations to Claire Frankel, nyclaire@aol.com On Fridays, the “music” starts at 3 p.m. On some Friday nights and every Saturday night, the “music” or noise/music continues until 1:30 a.m. This includes boom boxes and karaoke. With the Hideaway’s windows and doors open, coupled with enormous loudspeakers and boom equipment, the noise/music is blasted throughout Windwardside village. No one can sleep, make a phone call, or have a conversation while this noise/music is blasting away. The noise/music must be kept within The Hideaway; soundproofing of the room is recommended. Informal complaints to the Police, to the Governor, to Mr. Bos, etc., have been made since January 2026. The Saban government and police must take steps to compel The Hideaway to comply with its license. The noise/music must be turned OFF at 11 p.m. or at the hour designated in The Hideaway’s license. Failure to comply with the license shall result in the following legal charges: • Creation of a public nuisance • Disturbing the peace • Violation of the license agreement Ultimately, if the noise continues after 11 p.m. or the hour designated on the license, further action may include suspension of the liquor license and closure of the bar/ restaurant. Respectfully submitted, Claire L. Frankel,
-
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
- March 9, 2026
Jetten looking forward to cooperation with islands
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.
