Recent posts on Saba News

Jetten cabinet: Economic Growth Platform For The Caribbean

DossierKoninkrijksrelaties.nl reports: A new Caribbean Economic Growth Platform is to be established to stimulate economic development and innovation on the six islands in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. This has been included by D66, VVD and CDA in their newly presented coalition agreement “Aan de slag” (“Let’s Get to Work”). In addition, 30 million euros will be structurally allocated to address poverty in the Caribbean Netherlands and to further implement the recommendations of the Social Minimum Committee. “The Kingdom offers many opportunities to strengthen society and the economy on both sides of the ocean. That is why we are committed to equal cooperation, tackling poverty, and making much better use of opportunities for green growth,” according to the chapter “We are One Kingdom”, in which the influence of D66 is particularly visible: far more substantive and considerably more constructive than the few lines in the PVV/VVD/NSC/BBB governing program. “In cooperation with Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, the focus is on good governance, the protection of human rights, and a strong rule of law. We help the countries increase their self reliance and address corruption. In the Caribbean Netherlands, we are building a livable social minimum based on the recommendations of the Thodé Committee, including making utilities and basic necessities affordable and keeping them affordable on Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire. We ensure that the burden on entrepreneurs remains manageable and that they retain the space to conduct business,” the new coalition states. Perhaps the most remarkable announcement is that the Charter of the Kingdom will include a provision “allowing the islands to declare independence if they so choose.” The Kingdom’s ties with Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten make the Netherlands much more than just a country on the North Sea. At the 2026 World Cup, the Kingdom will, for the first time, take the field with two participating teams. The Kingdom offers many opportunities to strengthen society and the economy on both sides of the ocean. That is why we are committed to equal cooperation, tackling poverty, and making much better use of opportunities for green growth. In cooperation with Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, the focus is on good governance, the protection of human rights, and a strong rule of law. We help the countries increase their self reliance and address corruption. We aim to do this by: Implementing new policies introduced in the European Netherlands as the default in the Caribbean Netherlands, unless there are compelling reasons not to do so. Building a livable social minimum in the Caribbean Netherlands based on the recommendations of the Thodé Committee, including making utilities and basic necessities affordable and keeping them affordable on Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire. We ensure that the burden on entrepreneurs remains manageable and that they retain the space to conduct business. Improving the quality of governance and financial management by modernizing the administrative and financial framework laws for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. In addition, we will introduce the Bibob Act to protect administrative integrity. From the Netherlands, we will continue to work with Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten on good governance, combating undermining and corruption, and sustainably strengthening the economy and education through long term agreements. Updating the Charter of the Kingdom, which forms the basis for relations between the different countries, to include the provision that the islands may declare independence if they wish. Fulfilling the Netherlands’ responsibility to protect the Caribbean part of the Kingdom by maintaining a credible military presence, enabling better protection of our interests. Making it easier for residents of the islands to vote in European Parliament elections. Addressing the effects of climate change, which the Caribbean part of the Kingdom is already experiencing through coral degradation and flooding. We will therefore vigorously implement the joint climate agenda and continue the Nature and Environmental Policy Plan for the Caribbean Netherlands. Working toward the sustainable economic future of the islands. To this end, we will establish a Caribbean Economic Growth Platform aimed at stimulating economic development and innovation on the six islands. The National Investment Institution will be able to invest in all four countries of the Kingdom under the same conditions everywhere. Actively promoting social awareness of the colonial and slavery past and its lasting impact, in cooperation with the six Caribbean islands. DossierKoninkrijksrelaties.nl  

Major Milestone Reached in Saba Harbor Project

The Saba Harbor Project reached an important milestone this week, marking a significant step forward in the long-anticipated development. Tangible progress is now visible, following the successful groundbreaking ceremony for the production of X-Blocks on Saba’s sister island, St. Eustatius, and the arrival of a barge carrying essential dredging equipment. Commissioner Bruce Zagers described the moment as both exciting and meaningful for everyone involved. “Seeing real progress always brings a sense of pride,” he said, noting that the advancement reflects the steady efforts of the entire project team. While much of the preparatory work took place out of public view, the commissioner emphasized that extensive planning, logistical coordination, and problem-solving were necessary to ensure the project moved forward responsibly and correctly. “There were moments when the start of this project may have seemed uncertain,” Zagers acknowledged, “but the work behind the scenes was crucial to reaching this stage.” The recent developments confirm that the harbor project is now firmly underway and beginning to take physical shape. Commissioner Zagers expressed gratitude for the patience, cooperation, and dedication shown by all parties involved and indicated that further updates will be shared as construction continues. The Saba Harbor Project is expected to play a key role in strengthening the island’s infrastructure and long-term economic development. Land Clearing Commences on Statia for Black Rocks Harbor X-blocks production Land clearing commenced yesterday in an area known locally as The Farm, marking the official start of Statia based preparatory activities in support of the Black Rocks Harbor project on Saba. Island Commissioners Rechelline Leerdam and Reuben Merkman were present on site, alongside Mark Huizer, Business Development Manager at Ballast Nedam. The land clearing activities are being carried out by Statia Construction, which is responsible for preparing the site for the next phase of implementation. The site will be used for the production and staging of approximately 1,800 X-blocks, which will be manufactured on Statia and later transported by sea to Saba for use in the construction of the Black Rocks Harbor. This activity is expected to generate economic spin-offs and support local employment, while further strengthening Statia’s strategic logistical role in regional infrastructure development. The Government views this milestone as a practical demonstration of inter-island collaboration, local contractor engagement, and the island’s capacity to support major infrastructure initiatives beyond its shores. More information will be provided to the public in the coming days as the government of Statia engages with stakeholders and advances the next stages of the process. PES    

Consumer Prices Continue to Rise on Saba

Consumer prices in the Caribbean Netherlands rose again in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the latest consumer price index data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), continuing the upward trend that has impacted household budgets throughout the year. Significant Annual Price Increases Prices on Saba jumped by 2.9 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter, following a 3.5 percent increase in Q3. The full-year data reveals the cumulative impact on consumers: prices on Saba were 3.8 percent higher in 2025 compared to 2024, marking a substantial increase in the cost of living. Within the final quarter of 2025, prices on Saba continued their upward trajectory, rising 0.2 percent from Q3 to Q4. Notable Price Increases Food and beverages led the quarterly price increases: Food products and non-alcoholic beverages rose 1.4 percent overall Mineral water and spring water jumped 3.5 percent Beef became 5.9 percent more expensive Some Price Decreases Several categories saw price decreases in the fourth quarter: Clothing and footwear dropped 3.1 percent, particularly women’s clothing and children’s apparel Home maintenance and repair products fell 4.0 percent Eggs became slightly cheaper Accommodation and food services also saw modest price reductions CBS

Bring Breadfruit to Your Property: Join Saba’s Reforestation Initiative

Would you like to have a breadfruit tree on your property? Do you support reforestation efforts and increasing food security on Saba? We are inviting residents and landowners to participate in a reforestation and food security initiative by planting breadfruit trees on their property. Participants may request one or more trees based on space and tree availability, in accordance with the project guidelines. About the Project As part of this initiative: The breadfruit trees are available free of charge for community members to receive and plant on their property. All trees will be geotagged and monitored. Over the coming years, participants may be asked to allow occasional site visits to track tree health and growth, and share basic information related to the tree’s development. Participation requires agreement to these monitoring activities. Ownership The trees and all produce will be the sole property of the participant. No ownership rights are retained by the project or donors. Trees That Feed Foundation These breadfruit trees have been generously donated by the Trees That Feed Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving global food security through the distribution and long-term monitoring of breadfruit trees. To learn more about the organization, its mission, and activities, please visit their website: treesthatfeed.org One and a half years ago, the foundation donated 75 breadfruit trees to Saba. These trees have since been raised by the reforestation team of Public Entity Saba and are now ready for planting. Interested in Participating? If you would like to take part in this project and sign up to receive a breadfruit tree, or would like more information, please contact: Niké Dekkers Email: nike.dekkers@sabagov.nl WhatsApp: +31 6 34277101 PES