Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
The Netherlands’ State Secretary Eric van der Burg is advancing legislation (the Verhogingswet) to increase the number of island council members and commissioners on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, with the goal of having it in effect before the March 2027 island council elections. Key points: The legislation will tie council sizes and commissioner numbers to population size, mirroring the system used in mainland Dutch municipalities. Island councils and executive councils have expressed general support for the expansion, though they raised concerns about housing costs and administrative support. A new civic engagement initiative by ProDemos and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) will launch on the islands to encourage aspiring local politicians. The State Secretary is open to addressing the financial/housing impact of the bill on the islands. A formal memorandum on the plan was sent to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Kingdom Relations on April 9. The overarching goal is to strengthen democratic representation and governance capacity across the three BES islands. RCN
This morning, the helicopter to be used for the Mount Scenery Tower project by the Ministry of Defense landed on Saba. Beginning early next week, the helicopter will be moving various items to and from Mt. Scenery. These operations will not cause any disruptions to regularly scheduled flights; however, there may be noise associated with the use of the helicopter. Certain trails will also be closed during this period of helicopter operations and throughout the project timeline, which we will keep the public informed about. Thank you for your understanding. To read more about the project and the town hall meeting in February, visit https://www.sabagov.nl/…/public-entity…/february-2026 Kai Wulf, the Parks Manager of the Saba Conservation Foundation, communicates: The upcoming refurbishment of the communication tower at the summit of Mt. Scenery, scheduled to commence on 13 April 2026 will continue for approximately 12 weeks. These works will involve helicopter operations and temporary access restrictions on sections of the trail network. While mitigation measures are in place, public safety remains our top priority, and we kindly ask for your support in sharing this information and encouraging compliance with all posted guidance. In summary: • The trail to the communication tower and Windwardside Lookout will be closed throughout the works • The summit trail will be temporarily closed during helicopter operations • All other trails remain open • Conditions and schedules may change depending on operational requirements Further details are provided in the attached advisory. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require additional information. Kai Wulf.
- April 8, 2026
State Secretary van der Burg visits Saba
On April 7, 2026, State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Internal Affairs Eric van der Burg was welcomed to Saba by Island Governor Jonathan Johnson. The delegation also included Director of Kingdom Relations, René Bagchus. A meeting was held between the delegation and Island Governor Johnson, Commissioner Bruce Zagers and Acting Island Secretary Nicole Johnson. During their meeting, the group discussed pertinent topics such as connectivity, its impact on tourism and the economy, and the need for capacity building and cooperation with other stakeholders. With the increase in the councils planned for 2027, suggestions were raised that appropriate space and funding should also accompany this change. Additionally, emphasis was placed on the importance of recognizing the differences across the BES islands, and continuing open dialogue to work out challenges that remain. Following lunch with members of the Executive Council and Island Council, an island tour was given, beginning at the Black Rocks Harbor. Peter Biemond, Project Manager, provided an overview of the project including the ongoing construction of the breakwater, and preparations for the incoming X-blocs. The group also visited St. Johns school campus, where the new gym, Enrichment center and technical education center will be built. Projects such as the gym and the Enrichment center will also serve as a hub for the wider community, creating spaces for cultural and sporting events. With a focus on sustainability and food security, the Saba Reach garden and the Hydroponics Farm were also visited. At Saba Reach, the delegation learned more about the organization’s role as a social workplace, as well as its organoponic gardening practices. The team at the Hydroponics farm then provided insight into their operations and their contribution, alongside the Hell’s Gate farm, to strengthening local food production and possible plans to expand and upgrade their hydroponic systems to increase efficiency and output. Lead farmer Sam Frederick also shared on his ongoing efforts to preserve the Saba cabbage through particular methods of propagation. “We value the conversations surrounding safety and connectivity, and it was important for us to see that it’s possible to grow our own food on Saba, not only related to the cost of living, but also to enhance availability for the people on the island,” shared State Secretary van der Burg. The State Secretary will continue his working visit, onward to Sint Eustatius. PES.
The Caribbean Netherlands is going to launch a pilot subsidy scheme for the preservation of monumental residences. In September 2026, owners can apply for a subsidy for the restoration of their monument. The scheme has a non-recurring budget of US$1.1 million. The National Restoration Fund is making these funds available. This pilot provides practical experience for future monument management in the region. The scheme was published in the Government Gazette today. Minister Rianne Letschert (OCW): “It is challenging for owners of monumental residences in the Caribbean Netherlands to find financing, as a result of which some buildings threaten to become neglected. For the first time, a subsidy is now going directly to owners on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. That is important, because monuments connect people to their history and culture. They give a place character and remind residents of who they are and where they come from.” In the European Netherlands, there have been subsidy schemes for monument owners for quite some time, but not yet in the Caribbean, although the need for them is considerable on the islands. Owners of monuments in the Caribbean Netherlands are dealing with high maintenance expenses due to the island location, scarcity of specialist materials, and high transport costs. Large maintenance and restoration The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) implements the subsidy scheme. The scheme focuses on private owners of residential monuments that are in need of (large) maintenance or restoration on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. The preservation costs eligible for subsidy must exceed US$25,000 and are subsidized up to US$100,000. Monuments (historical buildings older than 50 years) without protected status are also eligible for subsidy. It regards buildings that are of general importance due to their beauty, artistic value, or historical meaning. The scheme is open from 1 up to and including 30 September 2026. It is only possible to apply for subsidy during this period. The RCE is further developing the scheme in the coming period. The latest information is available on the website: https://www.cultureelerfgoed.nl/onderwerpen/s/subsidieregeling-monumenten-caribisch-nederland RCN
Arrest for Aggravated Assault On Sunday, the 5th of April, around 2:10 AM, the central control room received a report of an ongoing fight at a nightclub on Park Lane Street in Windwardside on Saba. Police discovered a victim who had sustained injuries upon their arrival. He reported that a weapon had just struck him. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital for medical treatment. Shortly thereafter, at around 2:25AM, police arrested the suspect, a 42-year-old man with the initials L.A.W.L., for aggravated assault with a weapon. The investigation into the case is ongoing. KPCN
- 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
