Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
A ceremony was held this morning at the Mount Scenery tower site to mark the significant progress that has been made on the construction of the new tower. In attendance were Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of the Material and IT Command (COMMIT), representatives from the Ministry of Defence, HANAB, Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, the Saba Conservation Foundation, and other representatives of the Public Entity Saba. The event highlighted the successful installation of the first section of the radar tower which took place on June 15, 2026. That moment marked a major milestone in the project. Work on the second section is in progress, however recent weather conditions have hindered helicopter operations. Opening the ceremony, Island Governor Johnson expressed his appreciation to all project partners and contractors, including the Ministry of Defence, HANAB, the Saba Conservation Foundation, Coast Guard, engineers, and everyone who had contributed to bringing the project to life. “Your professionalism, dedication, and expertise will result in a facility that will serve an important national purpose for many years to come,” said Governor Johnson. He added, “Building this facility on Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is both fitting and symbolic. From this unique place, Saba continues to contribute to the strength, resilience, and security of the entire Kingdom.” Admiral Hartman also expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the project, acknowledging the collaboration and dedication that have made the project possible. He also took a moment to recognize the many individuals who worked tirelessly during the recent search for Erik Matthijsen, who was part of the HANAB team. “Above all, my thoughts remain with Erik’s family, friends, and colleagues,” said Admiral Hartman. Admiral Hartman further acknowledged Governor Johnson’s years of dedicated service to Saba, and particularly his leadership during the search efforts, saying “You have shown that leadership is not about standing above people, but standing alongside them.” Speaking on the importance of the project, Admiral Hartman noted, “This radar tower is more than steel and technology. It will become part of a modern radar chain that strengthens maritime awareness across the Caribbean region… May [this tower] serve Saba well. May it strengthen our cooperation on future projects across the islands. And may it remind us that whatever challenges lie ahead, we will face them together.” During the ceremony, the Ministry of Defence, together with HANAB, presented Governor Johnson with a plaque in recognition of his 18 years of dedicated service, unwavering commitment, and continued cooperation with the Ministry towards strengthening safety in the region. The recognition also honoured his diligent leadership and tireless commitment during the search for Mr. Matthijsen. For these reasons, the Ministry of Defence used the plaque to name the tower after Governor Johnson. The Public Entity Saba extends its sincere gratitude to all the teams, contractors, and partners whose hard work, professionalism, and dedication have made this project possible, and who continue to work steadfastly toward its completion. PES.
The Public Entity is aware of the concerns expressed by members of the community following the euthanasia of a stray dog in The Bottom earlier today. Over recent months, Public Entity, together with veterinarians and other personnel, attempted to safely capture and remove the dog from the area using non-lethal methods. These efforts included locating the dog, attempting sedation using specialized equipment (dart gun), and establishing a regular feeding routine to gradually gain the dog’s trust so it could be safely sedated and removed. Despite these repeated efforts, the dog remained too wary for anyone to successfully approach or capture it. During this period, concerns regarding public safety were raised. After careful consideration of the circumstances and the options available, the decision was made to euthanize the animal in accordance with the 2013 Dog Ordinance. Local animal handlers developed the plan to do so in consultation with expert invasive species hunters, the police, and the Department of Public Order and Safety. A veterinarian was involved in Wednesday’s assessment and planning and was present during the operation this morning. Following the euthanasia, the dog was examined, scanned for a microchip, and its overall condition was documented before the body was safely removed and disposed of. We understand that questions have also been raised regarding the collar the dog was wearing. While the collar suggested the dog belonged to someone, no owner came forward during the period the dog was being monitored. The dog was unmicrochipped and unknown to veterinary services, so identifying an owner through available veterinarian records was impossible. We understand that many residents are saddened and distressed by this outcome and that the photographs shared on social media have further added to the emotions of our community. Decisions involving the welfare of animals are never taken lightly, and we recognize the strong emotions this matter has generated. The Public Entity remains committed to both public safety and responsible animal welfare. We will continue working with the relevant partners to strengthen the management of stray animals. We appreciate that members of the community care deeply about the welfare of animals. While opinions may differ regarding this decision, we respectfully ask that discussions remain constructive and respectful toward everyone involved. Link to Ordinance: https://lokaleregelgeving.overheid.nl/CVDR354126/1?fbclid=IwdGRjcASqFEhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeKClmPYRTHCrzkNOfTAcbefNwHo7CfKnTI0m3zMT51vvlInwXcFwTjWeScMs_aem_8ukEvv3HBQ-HN6gjU20M4A PES Automated translation to English:
Last week, Saba Tourism, in collaboration with PR firm Hopscotch, hosted a familiarization trip for three Dutch journalists representing travel and lifestyle magazines and an influential newspaper & website. The visit highlighted Saba as an ideal destination for the growing slow travel trend among Dutch travelers. Slow travel encourages visitors to immerse themselves in a destination by embracing local culture, authentic experiences, and a relaxed pace rather than rushing from one attraction to the next. With its unspoiled nature, welcoming community, and tranquil atmosphere, Saba perfectly suits this style of travel. During their visit, the journalists participated in a bird weaving workshop with a local artist, toured the Harry L. Johnson Museum, enjoyed a leisurely lunch, and explored the island on a guided tour through Saba’s four villages. Their day concluded with a relaxed dinner, allowing them to fully experience the island’s peaceful pace and warm hospitality. By offering meaningful experiences and an opportunity to truly slow down, Saba continues to position itself as a Caribbean destination for travelers seeking a more mindful vacation and a genuine sense of escape. Through collaborations such as this FAM trip, Saba Tourism continues to strengthen awareness of the island in the Dutch market and inspire future visitors to discover the unique charm of the Unspoiled Queen. PES
The BES-Reporter reports: The Court on Bonaire today sentenced two defendants to prison terms of 28 and 21 years in connection with the murder of firefighter Sheldon J. The court sentenced W. to 28 years in prison. According to the ruling, he was responsible for organizing the shooting in which Sheldon J. lost his life. He was also found guilty of the attempted murder of the victim’s girlfriend and of drug-related offenses uncovered during the investigation. Co-defendant V.H. was sentenced to 21 years in prison. The court found that he acted as an accomplice in the murder of Sheldon J. However, he was not convicted in connection with the attempted murder of the victim’s girlfriend or the drug-related charges. The court also awarded the victim’s girlfriend compensation of $5,000 for the impact and consequences of the shooting. Any additional claims for damages will need to be pursued through civil proceedings. Also present at the verdict hearing was Sheldon J.’s sister, Jermel, who had traveled to Bonaire for a medical appointment. This also gave her the opportunity to attend the proceedings as part of the prosecution’s side. She was accompanied and supported by a friend. Despite the verdict, the family remains with mixed emotions. According to the relatives, no sentence will ever bring their brother back. “No matter how long the sentences are, our brother will never come back,” Jermel said following the ruling. The case has had a profound impact on the community of Saba. For the family, the verdict represents an important step toward justice, but the grief of losing Sheldon J. remains a daily reality. Jermel concluded her response with an emotional message to her late brother: “Fly high, my brother Sheldon.” The BES-Reporter.
- June 25, 2026
Redevelopment of Mount Scenery Tower Begins
The dismantling process of the Mount Scenery Tower is completed. The completion means that the next phase of the redevelopment will begin, with the construction of the new tower. The next phase entails approximately 4 weeks of construction, depending on the weather conditions. June 15th, therefore, marked a major milestone as the very first layer of the new Mount Scenery tower was successfully installed. The four foundation sections of the tower legs are now in place, providing a solid base for what will become an extraordinary structure. With this achievement completed, the focus now shifts to the next phase: installation of the temporary support structure—the blue steel framework currently visible on the roof. Step by step, the tower is rising, with many thanks to the teams working on this project. This progress was nothing short of spectacular, and the momentum continues as we move closer to bringing this remarkable project to life. PES
- June 24, 2026
Stray dog management
Scheduled animal management activities will take place between June 24 and June 26. Public Entity Saba wishes to inform the public that a stray dog located in/around the Gap in The Bottom has been the subject of ongoing efforts to safely capture and remove it from the area. Over an extended timeframe, multiple attempts have been made to safely capture the dog using non-lethal methods that would not be disruptive to the community. Despite these efforts, the dog has remained inaccessible, and capture attempts have been unsuccessful. Due to concerns regarding public safety, it has been determined that no practical options remain available for safely capturing the dog. As a result, local animal handlers will collaborate with the visiting invasive species specialists to locate and euthanize the dog. On Wednesday, June 24 between 5 am and 7 am, they will assess the scene and determine the best approach for removal. Following their assessment, they plan to euthanize and remove the dog on Thursday, June 25, between 5 am and 7 am. If the dog eludes these attempts, the team will carry out further removal efforts on Friday, June 26, also between 5 am and 7 am. Residents are asked to avoid the immediate area during the scheduled operation and to keep pets secure indoors or on a leash as a precaution. Residents are also encouraged to report any public safety concerns regarding animals such as roaming dogs directly with the police via 112 or 911. We thank the public for their understanding and cooperation. PES
- June 24, 2026
Rainwater Management Pilot Project Begins
Public Entity Saba has begun the implementation of a pilot project focusing on rainwater management, erosion control, and environmental monitoring as part of ongoing efforts to improve water retention and strengthen the island’s resilience to climate change. Hydrologist Javier Dinten Fernandez has returned to Saba for a two-week working visit to support the initial implementation of the Rainwater Management and Erosion Control Plan. Javier previously contributed to the development of the plan during his traineeship with Rijkswaterstaat, working closely with local stakeholders to assess the island’s unique water management challenges and opportunities. A key component of the project is knowledge transfer and local capacity building. Throughout the visit, local staff are receiving hands-on training in the installation, operation, and maintenance of monitoring equipment and erosion control measures, helping to build local expertise for future monitoring and implementation efforts. As part of the project, monitoring equipment is being installed at several locations, including time-lapse cameras and a rainwater runoff sensor in the Fort Bay gut. The equipment will collect valuable information on how rainwater moves across the landscape during heavy rainfall events. This information will help identify opportunities to slow runoff, reduce erosion, and improve water infiltration. Retaining more rainwater in the landscape allows water to soak into the ground rather than flow rapidly downhill, supporting vegetation, reducing soil loss, and contributing to the replenishment of groundwater resources that play an important role in Saba’s long-term water security. In collaboration with the ongoing reforestation project, small barriers are also being tested at a pilot location to slow runoff, capture sediment, and improve water infiltration around newly planted trees. These pilot measures will help evaluate practical solutions that may be expanded to other areas of the island in the future. The project supports the objectives outlined in the Nature and Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP) and Saba’s upcoming Climate Plan, both of which identify improved rainwater retention, erosion control, environmental monitoring, and ecosystem restoration as priorities for the island’s sustainable future. PES
Three Saba Cares staff members have successfully completed the pilot Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Blended Programme conducted by Windward Islands Emergency Medical Services (WIEMS), marking an important step in strengthening emergency response capacity on Saba and across the wider region. WIEMS announced on Monday, June 22, the successful completion of the programme by Miguel Spanner, John R. Simmons and Jacklyn Simmons-Childs, who were formally recognised during a graduation and certification ceremony held on June 6. The EMR programme equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to provide immediate life-saving care in emergency situations while awaiting, or supporting, higher levels of medical assistance. Training included patient assessment, basic airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), trauma response, medical emergencies and coordinated emergency scene management. The three graduates completed the pilot blended training model, which cornbined online theory sessions with in-person practical skills training. WIEMS noted that all students maintained a commendable 100% attendance rate throughout the programme. Lead instructor and education coordinator Micaela Hart said the blended structure helped participants connect the material directly to their day-to-day work. “The students were able to tie the theory of what they were learning into their real-time job, which helped them understand much more what they do,” Hart said. WIEMS President Merlin Aventurin described the graduation as a milestone for both organisations and the wider Windward Islands. “It is an honour to be part of this historic EMR graduation ceremony on Saba,” Aventurin said. “This successful pilot programme marks an important milestone for WIEMS and Saba Cares as we continue working together to expand emergency medical training and services throughout the Windward Islands and beyond.” WIEMS extended congratulations to the newly certified emergency medical responders and expressed confidence that they are now better equipped to respond in medical emergencies with the necessary skills and confidence. Special thanks were also extended to Interim Board of Directors member Danny Rojer and Care Coordinator Sophie Coffie for their joint efforts in helping to launch the pilot programme successfully. The initiative forms part of a broader collaboration between WIEMS and Saba Cares aimed at building local emergency medical capacity and expanding training opportunities within the region. The Daily Herald.
- June 23, 2026
Integrity violations reports BES to be taken seriously
Government must take action when there are reports of possible integrity violations in the Caribbean Netherlands. This is stated by Transparency International in its “The Indispensable Link” study. The conclusions and recommendations align with an earlier report by the Scientific Research and Data Centre WODC. After the summer, the Dutch government will announce its plans in this area. “Civil society organisations know how to find their way to existing reporting channels well. However, they observe that insufficient action is taken regarding their signals or reports of misconduct. This has diverse and complex causes, such as a lack of coordination and political-administrative blockades. Solutions require a decisive government that dares to make decisions, and not a government that simply refers people elsewhere,” states the document. Transparency International conducted the research commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and Security. They specifically examined the role of civil society or ganisations, for example in the areas of the environment, the LGBTQ+ community, consumer rights and employee or employer interests. Two of the 12 interviewees wished to remain anonymous. That in itself is a signal that improvements are needed, wrote Transparency International. In the interviews, patronage — also known as cronyism — is frequently cited as a form of integrity violation. “In this context, civil society organisations on Bonaire pointed to political elites within the political system who are able to grant favours to “the ordinary Bonairean” who in exchange supports the political party of those elites. They emphasise that the occurrence of clientelism and patronage is an open secret. The small scale and mutual financial interdependence are seen as a cause of integrity violations, but also as a reason why individual citizens are reluctant to report incidents. There is a culture of silence and distrust, according to the researchers. Reports are often made through the larger organisations. “Consider, for example, the waste problem raised by Pro Lagun,” the researchers wrote. Transparency International advises the Dutch government and the Executive Councils of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES islands) to take reports seriously. There should also be a form of structural consultation between government and civil society organisations. “Too many civil society organisations do not feel represented by politics, neither at the local nor at the kingdom level,” the report stated. Additionally, there is a need for financial support to the organisations. Minister of Justice David van Weel responded positively. The three islands will each receive a legal aid desk this year for legal assistance and equal treatment, he writes. In addition, work is being done on anti-corruption policy in cooperation with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK and the National Service Caribbean Netherlands RCN. The recommendations may be incorporated into this. “I will inform you about the progress of this after the summer recess,” Van Weel told Parliament. The Daily Herald.
Arrest for Burglary On Saturday, 20th of June, around 5:20 PM, a 33-year-old man with the initials I.D.R. was arrested on Thais Hill Road on Saba for burglary and vandalism. On Thursday, the 30th of April, the suspect must have broken into a building on Matthew Levenstone Street and stolen cash, among other items. The investigation into the case is ongoing. Arrest for Threats On Saturday, 20th of June, around 1:20 PM, a 41-year-old man with the initials E.A.H. was arrested at the police station on Saba for making threats. The case is under investigation. KPCN
