Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
- June 4, 2026
Motions to support BES governance expansion
Members of the Dutch House of Representatives (“Tweede Kamer”) believe that Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (so-called BES islands) must receive sufficient additional support for the planned expansion of the number of island council members and commissioners. State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg responded positively to motions for such and also promised to enter into discussions with the islands regarding the position of National Representative. Most parties consider the phased administrative expansion a good idea. “CDA believes it is important that the administration of the islands can do its job well. There is currently a large amount of work that does not fit with the low number of island council members and deputies,” said Member of Parliament (MP) Tijs van den Brink. “Expansion offers more room for the representation of minorities and more implementation capacity,” added D66 MP Heera Dijk. However, expansion alone is not enough, parties felt. They emphasised the necessity of support. GroenLinks-PvdA MP Mikal Tseggai mentioned financial assistance. “We are receiving signals from the islands that the estimated joint resources are insufficient if we also want to arrange support for the island- and executive councils.” She specifically mentioned the costs of housing for the two governance bodies. Partly on behalf of Tseggai, CU MP Don Ceder submitted a motion regarding support. “We request the government to make concrete agreements with the islands’ In a second motion, he asked the state secretary to also seriously consider the remuneration for administrators on the islands. The Advisory Committee on the Legal Status of Political Office Holders will issue advice on this later this year. Van der Burg responded positively to both motions and mentioned various forms of support. In addition to a financial contribution, these include, for example, a support programme for political office holders and attention to citizenship in education. The organisations ProDemos and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy are organising a project to get people enthusiastic about politics. Interest in this has been higher than expected. There is also attention for housing. In principle, the island administrations themselves are financially responsible for renovations, just like municipalities in the European Netherlands. Government is now stepping in because the extra space needed is a result of national legislation, the state secretary told VVD MP Renate den Hollander. He will consult with the islands shortly after the summer regarding financial aid and will then also assess whether the reserved 300,000 euros is sufficient for housing. Lawmakers also mentioned the position of National Representative. It was agreed in 2024 that this position would be abolished and several MPs emphasised that the Netherlands must adhere to agreements. Moreover, Ceder considers the abolition of the position a good signal to the local administration. “Shouldn’t you call upon the island council members and commissioners to take more responsibility and have a direct relationship with the responsible minister?” Van der Burg stated that no final decision has been made yet, but that he has a slight preference for retaining the National Representative. The lack of an administrative layer like a province plays a role, as do the problems with waste management on Bonaire. “And the distance of 8,000 kilometres complicates a number of processes,” he said. The state secretary added that he will discuss the subject with the island administrators shortly after the summer. If the House of Representatives and Senate (“Eerste Kamer) agree, the number of island council members and commissioners would be expanded as early as the elections in March 2027. Whether this will lead to improvements must be determined by an evaluation, a wish of both Bonaire and Saba. If the review is legally mandated, it will also apply to Statia. The Daily Herald.
Burglary at a residence in Windwardside On Sunday, the 31st of May, a burglary was reported at a residence in Windwarside on Saba. Unknown individuals gained access to the residence and took a large quantity of food from the refrigerator. The case is under investigation. KPCN
On June 13, we will honor 18 years of leadership by our Island Governor, Jonathan Johnson. The ceremony will consist of an ecumenical service at the Sacred Heart Church in The Bottom at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at the Princess Juliana Sports Field. The public is warmly invited to celebrate Governor Johnson’s years of service to our island.
- June 3, 2026
CariFoodFund is established
An initiative aimed at boosting food security across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has officially been launched with a working visit to Curacao by the future chair of the newly established CariFoodFund. Jamy Goewie, intended chair of the foundation’s supervisory board, met with farmers, financial institutions and representatives of the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten as preparations move forward for the operational start. The proposed fund will serve Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, providing financial support for agricultural and food-production projects designed to reduce the islands’ heavy dependence on imported food. Financing Local Food According to the initiative’s founders, the Caribbean islands remain highly vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains and international price fluctuations because much of their food supply is imported. CariFoodFund aims to address that vulnerability by providing loans to entrepreneurs and organisations involved in agriculture, fisheries, food processing, and related sectors. The fund should have contingency plans in place to secure operations, protect employees, and minimise potential damage to property and surrounding communities.” ODM is reminding business owners that loose materials commonly found around warehouses and storage facilities can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Items such as plywood sheets, shipping pallets, food pallets, metal strapping, and other unsecured materials can easily become airborne and cause significant damage to buildings, vehicles, and neighbouring properties. Business operators are therefore encouraged to inspect their facilities and surrounding areas and develop plans for the rapid removal or securing of materials whenever a tropical storm or hurricane threat is forecast for St. Maarten. Every effort should be made to keep storage yards and warehouse surroundings free of loose debris and unsecured materials that could pose a threat during severe weather conditions. Property owners should ensure that all hurricane preparedness measures can be implemented within a short period when necessary. ODM also encouraged households and businesses alike to review their hurricane preparedness plans and identify any weaknesses that need to be addressed while there is still sufficient time to prepare. The peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season typically begins in mid-August and continues through October. “The primary objective is the protection of lives first and foremost, followed by the protection of property and surrounding residential communities,” Richardson emphasised. ODM reminded all businesses that when a Tropical Storm Watch or Hurricane Watch is issued — typically 48 hours before the expected impact of a weather system — business continuity and hurricane preparedness plans should be activated immediately. Timely action during this period can significantly reduce risks and improve resilience. ODM will continue to provide preparedness information throughout the hurricane season and encourages all sectors of the community to remain vigilant, informed, and prepared. The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and preparedness resources for families, homes, and businesses by visiting the Government website at sintmaartengov. org/hurricane, where the “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide” and “Hurricane Tracking Chart” can be downloaded. The information is also valuable for new residents. Residents are encouraged to listen to Government radio station SXMGOV 107.9 FM for official information and news before, during, and after a hurricane. Weather-related updates and national addresses by the Prime Minister, who chairs the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), can also be followed via the SXMGOV Facebook page. For official weather-related information, residents can visit the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten at meteosxm.com or follow the department’s Facebook page sxmweather. The Daily Herald.
Representatives from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten on Friday signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in agriculture, livestock and fisheries across the Dutch Caribbean. The agreement was signed under the framework of the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DC ALFA) and marks an important step toward further formalising long-term collaboration between the six islands in areas such as food security, sustainable agriculture, fisheries development, climate resilience, and regional policy coordination. Signatories to the agreement included Aruba’s Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever; Bonaire Commissioner Clark Abraham; Curaçao Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyrone Boekhoudt; Saba Commissioner Bruce Zagers; Sint Eustatius Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam; and Sint Maarten’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten. The updated MoU builds on the initial agreement signed in 2023 and establishes a more structured and future-oriented framework for cooperation through 2035. The agreement outlines a shared commitment among the participating islands to strengthen food security, reduce import dependency, promote sustainable and climate-smart practices, stimulate resilient economic growth, and increase opportunities for youth and women within the primary sector. The renewed framework also supports the continued development of the DC ALFA Roadmap 2025–2035, which will guide regional collaboration and strategic priorities moving forward. An important component of the new agreement is the intention to work toward formalising DC ALFA into an independent legal entity capable of supporting stronger governance structures, accessing external funding opportunities, and facilitating long-term regional project implementation. Speaking at the signing, Minister Heyliger-Marten underscored the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening food security and economic sustainability within the Dutch Caribbean; working together collectively in more ways than one. “Regional cooperation is essential as we work to strengthen food security, support local producers, and create more innovative and sustainable agricultural systems across the Dutch Caribbean. This renewed partnership allows us to share knowledge, align efforts, and build stronger opportunities for future generations. Let’s continue to make this industry attractive for all,” the minister stated. The Memorandum of Understanding took effect upon signing and will remain in force through December 31, 2035. The Daily Herald.
- May 29, 2026
Jocelyn Levenstone new Island Governor of Saba
Mr. J.R. (Jocelyn) Levenstone will be the new Island Governor of Saba. State secretary Van der Burg of Kingdom Relations and Effective Government nominated him for appointment in the council of ministers. Jocelyn Levenstone (57) was born on Saba and was Director of the Immigration and Border Protection Service (IBP) on Sint Maarten from 2023 to early 2026. Between 2018 and 2023 he worked as Head of the Support Post of the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard on Sint Maarten. He was previously – from 2012 to 2018 – amongst other things, Safety and Security Head of the Sint Maarten harbor. Mr. Levenstone followed the police training and started his career at the Netherlands Antilles Police Corps. During his career, he followed various leadership and management training courses. The appointment of Mr. Levenstone as Island Governor of Saba will take effect on July 1 st 2026. RCN.
- May 28, 2026
Cft visited Sint Eustatius and Saba
On May 25 and 26, the Board of Financial Supervision of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (Cft) visited Sint Eustatius and Saba. The Cft discussed the current financial situation, the government-owned entities, and ongoing projects with the executive councils and the island councils. On Saba, the Cft bade farewell to the outgoing Island Governor, Jonathan Johnson. On both islands, the Cft observes a stable improvement of the financial management, and it emphasizes the importance of continued caution in a changing environment. Saba The Cft reiterates its appreciation for the high quality of Saba’s financial management. The budgets are in order and have been submitted timely. Furthermore, the Cft observes that Saba maintains these positive developments. Furthermore, with the Saba Electric Company (SEC) and Satel, Saba holds two government-owned entities that carry out a public task and possess an important infrastructure. The available information shows that the performance of these entities is also relatively stable, although they face operational challenges. The Cft also bade farewell to Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, who is stepping down after 18 years. Mr. Johnson has made a significant contribution to Saba’s current financial situation and administrative stability. The Cft has sincerely thanked him for his years of dedication and effort. Lastly, both islands operate in a world that is currently in a state of flux, which requires ongoing attention for careful and resilient financial policy. CFT
On 1 January 2026, the population of the Caribbean Netherlands stood at over 33 thousand. That was an increase of 1,249 (4 percent) over the previous year. The increase was largely due to population growth on Bonaire, mainly as a result of migration. On St Eustatius and Saba, the population also grew due to migration. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports these numbers on the basis of newly released figures. The population of the Caribbean Netherlands grew by 4 percent in 2025, year on year. The increase was largely due to migration. The population of Bonaire grew by the most, while Saba and St Eustatius also saw an increase in their population. Saba’s population increase by 5 percent The population of Saba stood at 2,270 on 1 January 2026. That was an increase of 112 (5 percent). More people came to live on the island than left (+119), and the natural increase was limited. The number of residents on Saba who were born outside the Caribbean Netherlands increased by 120. In particular, the number of people born on Sint Maarten, in the Philippines, Colombia, and the United States increased. CBS
- May 27, 2026
UPDATE: Firearm surrender campaign
The temporary firearm surrender campaign on Saba, organized by the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office BES, officially concluded on Sunday, May 24th. During the campaign period, two firearms and ammunition were voluntarily surrendered. KPCN and the Public Prosecutor’s Office BES would like to sincerely thank the community of Saba for their cooperation, openness, and contribution to the safety of the island. Every firearm removed from the community contributes to reducing risks and strengthening public safety. The campaign is part of a joint approach in the Caribbean part of the kingdom, aimed at reducing illegal firearm possession and increasing public safety. After the surrender period ends, strict enforcement against illegal firearm possession will follow. For more information, visit: www.politiecn.com KPCN
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Single-vehicle collision On Friday, the 22nd of May, around 9:00 AM, the central control room received a report of a collision on Samuel A. Charles Street on Saba. Upon arrival at the scene, a car was found to have crashed into a planter. The driver had become ill while behind the wheel. Both the driver and the passenger were taken to the hospital by ambulance for medical treatment. The fire department was also called to the scene, because oil was leaking from the vehicle onto the road. KPCN
