Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
- April 6, 2026
Enjoying Easter at the upgraded Cove Bay beach
In case you have not visited Cove Bay recently …….. It is transformed into a 5-star resort. Enjoy.
- April 6, 2026
PCN’s New Mixed-Use Plaza in The Bottom
The investment arm of Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PMCN) is developing a USD 3 million+ mixed-use complex along Paris Hill Road in The Bottom. The project will include six commercial units and six residential apartments, designed to blend modern functionality with traditional Saban architecture. The development aims to shift The Bottom from purely an administrative center into a stronger economic hub — addressing a long-held perception that it received less investment attention than Windwardside. Residential units will target professionals like medical staff and government employees, helping ease the island’s housing pressures. The project is part of PMCN’s broader Saba portfolio, which also includes Breadline Plaza and the newly opened Scenery Hotel. It will explore solar energy integration and pay homage to the historic Paris Hill Cottage that previously stood on the site. Construction is expected to take 14–20 months once underway. BES Reporter
- April 6, 2026
National Trainee Programme for Kingdom Relations
National Trainee Programme for Kingdom Relations for starters with a strong affinity for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom Location: The Hague Do you have a passion for the Kingdom, and are you familiar with Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba? Are you excited by the prospect of expanding your knowledge, experience, and professional network over the next two years within the Dutch central government? And do you have a completed academic master’s degree (WO)? Then the National Trainee Programme is for you! From Friday 3 April until Monday 13 April at 11:00 (NL time), you can apply for a position in the National Trainee Programme starting in September 2026. What can you expect? Six months at a department within the Directorate-General for Kingdom Relations at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in The Hague. Six months at a government organisation on one of the islands in the Caribbean Netherlands (National Office for the Caribbean Netherlands or the public bodies of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba); Another period in The Hague at a ministry department, policy directorate, executive agency, or another ministry dealing with Caribbean Kingdom affairs. And finally, six months in Aruba, Curaçao or Sint Maarten at a Dutch government organisation; During the program, you will participate in the activities of the National Trainee Program, including training, courses, and events. You will start with a salary of over €3000 gross per month (scale 10). And… After successfully completing the program, you will transition into a position at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. Application process You create a profile in our online system where you describe your education and (work) experience, complete a government reasoning test and a quality assessment, and answer two open questions. You submit your application between Friday 3 April and Monday 13 April at 11:00 (NL time). Note: Applications close on 13 April but may close earlier if enough applications are received. Selection procedure At the start of the programme on 1 September 2026, you must have graduated from a master’s program (WO) no more than 2 years ago. Field of study does not matter. You must have no other commitments and be available at least 32 hours per week. You must have Dutch nationality or a valid work permit for the Netherlands, and you must speak and write Dutch at least at C1 level. Selected for the program but living in the Caribbean part of the kingdom? The main location of the program is The Hague.For the parts of the program in the Caribbean Netherlands and in Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten, a relocation allowance and travel cost compensation are available. Interested? Go to: www.werkenvoornederland.nl/starters/traineeships For more detailed information about the National Trainee Program and how to apply,
- April 4, 2026
Winair Twin Otter Runway Excursion at St. Maarten
Yesterday, a Winair Twin Otter briefly veered off the runway at St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport. The pilot responded swiftly, regaining control of the aircraft and steering it back onto the runway before taxiing safely to the terminal. Click the image to view the video of the incident. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, though crosswind has been ruled out as a contributing factor.
- April 4, 2026
Redevelopment of the Mount Scenery tower.
In February, representatives of the Ministry of Defense visited Saba to announce the upcoming plans for the redevelopment of the Mount Scenery tower. The project will involve the dismantling and removal of the existing tower and replacing it with a new, upgraded structure that is currently being constructed in the Netherlands. Preparatory work is already underway at the site to facilitate construction activities. Beginning in April, a crew of approximately 20 will arrive on the island to further carry out the works. Helicopter operations will also begin during this time. This is necessary to remove existing materials and debris from Mt. Scenery and to transport sections of the new tower. Assembly will therefore take place in stages, with weather conditions considered. The main construction and installation of the new tower are scheduled for July. The redevelopment will not disrupt internet connectivity for residents. Additionally, there will be minimal impact to daily activities, such as traffic. However, certain phases of the work may partially close specific hiking trails, and the community will receive prior notification before any closures. PES will continue to update the public as the project continues to progress. PES
- April 4, 2026
Start of internet consultation: Omnibus Law SZW 2027
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) will soon publish the law proposal for the Omnibus Law SZW 2027 (Verzamelwet SZW 2027). This law is issued annually and is intended to maintain and optimize legislation. The law proposal for the Omnibus Law SZW 2027 also includes several amendments relevant to the Caribbean Netherlands. The internet consultation for the law proposal has begun and will run until 23 April 2026, during which all stakeholders can submit their responses. Key changes for the Caribbean Netherlands The draft Omnibus Law SZW 2027 amends several laws within the scope of the Ministry of SZW. The main changes specifically relevant to the Caribbean Netherlands include: Labor Law 2000 BES At the request of the public entity Saba, the draft bill provides for an exchange of official public holidays. For Saba, this means Whit Sunday will be replaced by Emancipation Day. In practice, 1 July 2026 can already be celebrated on Saba. Employers and employees are free to make arrangements regarding taking leave on that day, with or without pay. Childcare Law BES Current legislation already establishes a framework for appointing independent experts to whom one can report suspicions of criminal offenses in childcare, such as abuse or mistreatment. However, what is still lacking is a legal basis for the processing of (special) personal data between these experts. This will be addressed in the draft Omnibus Law SZW 2027. Child Benefit Provision Law BES Under the regulation implementing the double child benefit for intensive care BES, three advisors are designated to provide the minister with advice based on medical data. A text change will allow the designation of advisors without legal personality, like the executive council. Editorial amendments and correction of omissions Editorial changes and corrections of omissions will be made in the Civil Code BES, the Cessantia Law BES, the Collective Labor Agreements Law BES, the Accident Insurance Law BES, and the Sickness Insurance Law BES. These changes do not affect the substance of the legislation. Internet consultation: The Ministry of SZW places great importance on the input of stakeholders and other involved parties in the development of legislation and regulations. Therefore, an internet consultation will be held for the draft Omnibus Law SZW 2027. The input received will be used to improve and supplement the draft where necessary. Anyone can respond to the internet consultation until 23 April 2026 (5:59 PM local time) through the designated online platform. RCN
The Economic Master Plan that Saba just finished lays out a long-term plan for dealing with the island’s structural problems, such as high living expenses, a lack of housing, and being vulnerable to outside shocks, in a way that is coordinated and sustainable. Main areas of focus: Infrastructure: Ongoing road work, improvements to the harbor, a new school gym and technical center, and efforts to plant trees are all part of the economic foundation. Utilities: Installing a third solar park, underground power lines, and fiber across the island all make the system more reliable and connected. Housing: There are plans for 50 new homes by 2030, a Housing Vision Plan due in 2026, a new Saba Cares facility opening this year, and a rental committee to keep an eye on the market. Tourism: The Green Destinations program helps keep development on the island in line with its size and character. The Executive Council has approved the plan and will work with the relevant ministries to implement it. Commissioner Bruce Zagers says that success depends on sticking to a budget, making careful plans, and working together over time. The plan gives direction, not quick fixes, so progress will happen slowly. To view the report, visit Economics Master Plan. PES
Eric van der Burg, State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations, will be visiting the six Caribbean islands of the Kingdom from 7 to 17 April. He is visiting St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire on his trip. Topics that will be discussed during the introductory visit of the State Secretary include effective governance, security, economic resilience, cooperation within the Kingdom, and food security. During his visit, the State Secretary is going to get better acquainted with local officials and elected representatives, among others. In addition, he will be visiting various projects, including the construction of the new Black Rock harbour on Saba, the preparations for the 250th anniversary celebrations of the First Salute on St. Eustatius, and projects relating to the post-Hurricane Irma reconstruction on St. Maarten. He is also meeting with representatives of social organisations in Curaçao and the Slavery Past Commemoration Committee. In Aruba, he will, among other things, begiven a tour at Sunny Greenz, a young agricultural entrepreneur. On Bonaire, he will visit the Selibon Lagún landfill site and he is going to talk to local residents. During his visit to Aruba, State Secretary Van der Burg will be participating in the LGO-EU Forum. This is an international platform for dialogue between the European Union and the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT). This event brings together policymakers, diplomats and academics from the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Antarctic region. The conference focuses on strategic cooperation in the area of sustainable economic growth, the rule of law, climate adaptation and digital transformation. RCN.
To expand emergency medical education across the region The Windward Islands Emergency Medical Services (WIEMS) has launched a pilot Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training programme in collaboration with Saba Cares, aimed at expanding emergency medical education and response capacity across the region. The blended training programme, which began on March 21, 2026, includes five participants and will run through June. It combines online theoretical instruction with in-person practical training sessions. WIEMS, an emergency medical services training organisation, provides instruction in EMR (First Responder), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and other pre-hospital care disciplines. As an authorised international training centre under the American Heart Association (AHA), it also offers courses in First Aid, CPR/AED and Basic Life Support (BLS), and provides medical support at community events when requested. Saba Cares delivers healthcare services to residents and visitors on Saba, focusing on both treatment and prevention across all age groups, while also supporting the professional development of its staff. According to organisers, the pilot initiative marks the start of a broader collaboration between WIEMS and Saba Cares to strengthen local emergency response capacity. The programme is intended to serve as a model for future expansion, with plans to extend EMR and EMT training opportunities to other islands in the Caribbean. Officials said the initiative represents an important step towards enhancing emergency medical services and building resilience across the region. The Daily Herald.
Reducing youth crime will be a key focus of justice policy for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES islands) over the next five years, according to a joint letter from the Minister and State Secretary of Justice and Security (JenV) and the Minister of Asylum and Migration to the Dutch House of Representatives. Officials noted a concerning trend since 2024 of increasingly serious criminal behaviour among young people on the islands, particularly on Bonaire. “Young people are becoming more frequently involved in violent incidents, including gun-related crimes. To prevent vulnerable youth from entering the criminal justice system, a coordinated approach combining prevention, enforcement, and aftercare is being implemented,” the letter states. The new Justice and Security Policy Agenda for the three islands outlines priorities for 2026-2030, drawing on recommendations from the Council for Law Enforcement. The goal is to bring law enforcement and public protection in the Caribbean Netherlands closer to the standards in the European Netherlands, while continuing close cooperation with Curacao, Aruba, and St. Maarten. Initiatives targeting youth crime include projects such as “Only You Decide Who You Are”, “Learning Orchestra”, and “Mi to BON”. Since last year, Bonaire has also employed a reintegration officer to provide intensive support to young people in areas such as housing, care, employment, and debt management. A review of juvenile justice law in the Caribbean Netherlands is expected to conclude this year, to improve the system. Other priorities set by the Dutch Government include tackling undermining criminal networks, improving public safety, and managing migration. Efforts to combat organised and undermining criminal activity are coordinated across the Kingdom. Special attention is being given to the prevalence of firearms on the islands. “In the coming years, strategies to reduce firearms on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba will be intensified,” the ministers wrote. Authorities also aim to raise awareness about human trafficking and smuggling, while digital security policies are being developed. Migration policy focuses on both protection seekers and the local capacity to accommodate them. Emergency plans for Bonaire will be updated, while new plans for Sint Eustatius and Saba are being drafted. People residing illegally in the islands are expected to return to their country of origin, preferably voluntarily, or, if necessary, through enforcement. The government is considering the creation of a dedicated “Return Unit.” Migration policy also addresses European Dutch citizens, balancing the islands’ limited capacity and resources. Entry for non-local Dutch or foreign nationals will remain restrictive, permitted only when it serves a clear local interest, demonstrates a connection to the island, or is required by international obligations. The Daily Herald.
