Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
The website BES-Reporter pointed to a report from the University of Curacao that researched the consequences of a legal status change in relation to the European Union. Today, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba can rely on the legislative and executive capacity of the Netherlands in the event of a closer relationship with the European Union. But even then, sufficient local capacity will remain necessary to implement European rules, funds, and oversight in practice. This conclusion is stated in a new study by the University of Curaçao on the choice between the current OCT status and a possible status as an outermost region, UPG. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations commissioned this report. The report is in Dutch with a summary in English. The latter reads: Executive summary (English) The choice between the status of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) and the status of Outermost Region (OR) determines the legal, economic, and administrative relationship of Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius with the European Union (EU). This choice presents both opportunities and obligations and requires a careful assessment of the consequences for governance, the economy, and society. As Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius currently hold OCT status, the evaluation of advantages and disadvantages is centered on whether to maintain this status or transition to OR status. From a legal perspective, OCT status entails limited applicability of EU law, whereas OR status implies that EU law generally applies in its entirety, subject to possibilities for specific derogations. Both statuses are equally advantageous for an island. The value of OCT or OR status depends on a combination of the policy objectives pursued by the Kingdom and the island concerned, the legal frameworks within which these objectives are realized, and the actual opportunities and constraints facing the island. The assessment framework in this report focuses on the extent to which a chosen status contributes to an island’s effective capacity: the ability to effectively represent and safeguard the interests of its population within the prevailing legal, economic, and administrative circumstances. Provided there is mutual agreement between an island and the Kingdom, a change of status is legally possible within the existing European and Kingdom legal frameworks. At the same time, a status change entails significant legal obligations regarding the introduction, implementation, and enforcement of regulations. The practical feasibility of a status change therefore depends largely on the implementation capacity available to an island, whether or not supplemented by support from the Kingdom (and the EU). Consequently, a change of status involves transitional costs. These primarily concern the costs of adapting and implementing laws and regulations resulting from the scope of EU law. Furthermore, these costs include the necessary institutional and organizational adjustments within governments and implementing agencies, such as strengthening personnel capacity and expertise and establishing administrative systems for supervision, reporting, and data exchange. The economic advantages and disadvantages of transitioning to OR status are highly dependent on the economic characteristics of the island concerned, including scale, economic diversification, and institutional capacity. It must be taken into account that while access to European funds can contribute to economic development, it does not in itself guarantee sustainable economic growth. Ultimately, the ability to translate opportunities offered by EU funds into structural economic progress depends on the island’s capacity to effectively apply for, utilize, and report on these resources. This is therefore contingent on the island’s implementation and absorption capacity. The choice for or against a change of status is not exclusively a legal or economic decision but is, to a large extent, the result of a political and administrative assessment. Central to this assessment are the islands’ right to self-determination, the Kingdom’s responsibility for the enforcement of EU law, the possibility of making exceptions within European law, and the administrative feasibility of a change of status. The social impact of a status change becomes apparent in the contrast between existing vulnerabilities in the island’s socio-economic situation and what the status change would concretely alter in the lives of residents, for example in the areas of employment, purchasing power, and public services. The magnitude of these effects depends, among other things, on how the new status is implemented and on the institutional capacity available to the governments involved. The experiences of the French overseas territories Saint-Barthélemy and Mayotte demonstrate that a successful status change depends primarily on careful preparation, sufficient implementation capacity, and a proper alignment between the status and the economic structure. An insufficiently prepared transition can lead to administrative and financial risks. In essence, the choice between OCT and OR status constitutes a coherent set of strategic trade-offs. At the political and administrative level, it must be determined whether local political will leans toward further integration into the European legal order or toward greater autonomy to define and pursue independent economic, social, and cultural development. A corresponding choice must also be made at the Kingdom level. At the legal level, it must be assessed whether there is a willingness to establish a legal framework that guarantees compliance with EU law. At the social level, existing vulnerabilities within the population, such as poverty and aging, must be considered. At the economic level, various indicators must be used to assess whether a status change strengthens economic resilience and mitigates existing vulnerabilities. University of Curacao
- July 3, 2026
Screening of justice personnel in the Caribbean Netherlands falls short and entails significant risks
The integrity of employees within the justice system is an important prerequisite for trust in the rule of law. Justice personnel have access to sensitive information, often hold far-reaching powers, and work in positions where reliability is essential. For that reason, careful, timely, and complete screening is of great importance. The Law of Enforcement Council has conducted an investigation into the screening of justice personnel in the Caribbean Netherlands. The investigation focused on the Public Prosecutor’s Office BES, the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force, the Caribbean Netherlands Correctional Institution, the Caribbean Netherlands Child Protection Board, and the Caribbean Netherlands Probation Foundation. The Council concludes that the current screening of justice personnel at the organizations investigated in the Caribbean Netherlands falls short and entails significant integrity risks. The current legal and organizational framework for screening no longer meets the requirements that justice organizations may and must set for a careful, timely, and complete assessment of the reliability of current and future employees. As a result, integrity risks cannot be fully identified, including on a periodic basis. This leads to unacceptable vulnerabilities that put pressure on the functioning and credibility of justice organizations in the Caribbean Netherlands. It also occurs that employees start work before the screening process has been fully completed. As a result, individuals without complete screening may gain access to confidential information. The Council also notes that existing legal possibilities are not being used sufficiently. For example, police data are not included in the assessment of a Certificate of Good Conduct in practice, even though this is possible under certain conditions. In addition, the Caribbean Netherlands does not have a variant of the Certificate of Good Conduct based on police data, while such a more stringent form of screening has already applied in the European Netherlands since 2022 for certain positions within justice organizations. It also occurs that employees start work before the screening process has been fully completed. As a result, individuals without complete screening may gain access to confidential information. Regarding the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force, the Council observes that the ministerial regulation that should have further elaborate reliability investigations — a more stringent form of screening specifically for the police — is still lacking. The Council qualifies this as negligence on the part of the Minister of Justice and Security, who is also the administrator of the police force. As a result, there is still no elaborate and legally safeguarded framework available for the screening of police personnel. Consequently, most police officers have not yet undergone this form of screening. According to the Law of Enforcement Council, central direction is also lacking. The organizations involved endorse the importance of this and recognize the current limitations of screening in the Caribbean Netherlands, but in practice it is insufficiently clear who isresponsible for what. The Council therefore calls on the Minister of Justice and Security to take central direction and to make clear and binding agreements with all parties involved. Partly in view of the conclusions and the risks identified, the Council will closely monitor the follow-up to the recommendations and keep itself informed about progress. The inspection report can be read on the website of the Council for Law Enforcement: https://www.raadrh.com/reports-bes Law of Enforcement Council.
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has increased the maximum electricity tariffs for the Caribbean Netherlands effective July 1, with average monthly household electricity bills expected to rise by about US $27 on Bonaire, US $17 on Saba and US $12 on St. Eustatius. According to the ACM, the tariff adjustments are the result of increased oil prices. The ACM sets the maximum tariffs for the production and distribution of electricity in the Caribbean Netherlands each December for the following year. Energy suppliers then determine the tariffs they charge residents and businesses based on those maximum rates. To account for fluctuating fuel prices, the ACM may adjust the variable electricity consumption tariff from July 1 each year. The maximum standing charge is not affected by this adjustment. The authority said the maximum standing charge established on January 1, remains unchanged. It noted that the standing charge continues to be subsidised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate to the average European Netherlands level. On Bonaire, the maximum variable usage rate will increase from about US $0.39 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to about US $0.50 per kWh. The maximum pagabon (prepaid) tariff will increase from about US $0.74 per kWh to about US $0.85 per kWh before application of subsidies on the standing charge. According to the ACM, the increase will raise the monthly electricity bill of an average household on Bonaire by about USD 27. On St. Eustatius, the maximum variable usage rate will increase from about US $0.33 per kWh to about US $0.38 per kWh, increasing the monthly bill of an average household by about US $12. On Saba, the maximum variable usage rate will rise from about US $0.48 per kWh to about US $0.55 per kWh, resulting in an average monthly increase of about US $17 for households. The ACM said the tariff adjustments took effect on July 1. The Daily Herald.
- July 1, 2026
Two new ATM machines have been openend
Public Entity Saba is pleased to announce the opening of two new ATMs on the island, located at Juancho E. Irausquin Airport and Fort Bay Harbor. Two additional ATMs are planned for The Bottom and Windwardside. Construction of these locations is currently underway and is expected to become operational in the coming months. The official opening took place on Monday, June 29 with Governor Jonathan Johnson making the first withdrawal alongside representatives from DNB, Brink’s and Public Entity Saba. At this time, the newly installed ATMs accept Visa cards only. Public Entity and DNB recognize that many residents and visitors also rely on Mastercard services. Work is ongoing to expand services to also include Mastercard in the future. Commissioner Bruce Zagers welcomed the introduction of the new ATMs stating, “Although digital payments continue to grow, reliable access to cash remains important for residents, businesses, and visitors. These additional services improve convenience and accessibility for residents, and we appreciate the partnership and collaboration with DNB and Brinks in making this possible”. Public Entity Saba thanks DNB and Brink’s for their continued efforts and support to improve financial services on the island. PES
- July 1, 2026
Public Entity Newsletter No 24 – June 2026
There is political will to make flights between St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten cheaper, Minister Vincent Karremans (Infrastructure and Water Management) assured the House of Representatives late Tuesday evening. Whether the money to make that happen can actually be found, however, remains far less certain, according to the website Dossier Koninkrijkszaken. The assurance came during a House debate on introducing a so-called Public Service Obligation (PSO) between the islands. “Having a law that makes something possible doesn’t mean it will actually happen,” one MP said during the debate. “So I’m not yet reassured, but this matters, and the islands have been asking for it for a long time. Can the Minister explain when he’ll decide whether to use this legal option? To me, it’s ultimately a question of political will.” Karremans responded that a decision is expected this autumn. “In principle, I will decide this autumn whether to make use of the legal option for the PSO. The only real showstopper I see is whether the resources become available. That’s the sole condition. I intend to proceed with the project, provided the funding is there. The annual cost of implementing the scheme is estimated at 3.8 to 7.6 million dollars. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is unwilling to cover this itself and instead argues the funds should come from the 30 million dollars set aside in the coalition agreement to strengthen social security in the Caribbean Netherlands. How that money is ultimately divided will be decided as part of the Autumn Memorandum. Karremans also stressed that any support scheme would be temporary. “How long would the subsidy measure run? A PSO is valid for a maximum of five years. It can be extended, but that has to be reassessed each time. So the duration is five years. This is a temporary measure, not a permanent one.” The debate showed that the bill has broad support and is likely to pass by a large majority in the upcoming vote. Even so, its actual implementation may take time. “The details will of course depend on the exploratory study we’re still working on,” the minister said. Dossier Koninkrijkszaken
The countdown to the 50th anniversary of Saba Carnival officially began on Saturday, June 27th, with Saba Tourism’s Road to Carnival event in Windwardside. As the first event in Carnival in the Village, the evening brought together residents and visitors to celebrate the start of this year’s milestone Carnival season. The event featured entertainment from local DJs DJ Noah and DJ Slim, followed by a special performance by Child Focus and an energetic set from Saba’s own Entyce Band, who had the crowd full of energy and high spirits. Guest DJ Maestro from St. Maarten closed out the evening with a lively set that capped off the night. Local vendors offered a wide selection of food and drinks throughout the event for attendees to enjoy. One of the night’s highlights was the annual Jungle Juice Competition. Ian Hassell took home this year’s title for first place as well as crowd favorite, with Stanford Johnson placing second and Gideon Wilson finishing third. The Road to Carnival event was a great success in helping get everyone into the Carnival spirit for the weeks ahead, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable 50th anniversary celebration. The Saba Tourist Bureau wishes to thank everyone who contributed to the event success, including all participating vendors, entertainers, and the participants in the Jungle Juice Competition. A special thank you goes to the sponsors of the Jungle Juice Competition: Juliana’s Hotel, Tropics Café, Makana Ferry, Winair, Jewel Cottage, Island Paradise, and Brigadoon Restaurant. The Carnival in the Village series continues on Saturday, July 4th, in St. John’s, followed by the final village event in The Bottom on Saturday, July 11th. These community events continue to build anticipation while bringing Carnival celebrations to villages across the island. The official 50th Anniversary Saba Carnival will take place from July 24th through August 2nd, featuring a full schedule of cultural events, live entertainment, and parades. As Saba marks this important milestone, residents and visitors alike can join in celebrating 50 years of Carnival, culture, and community. PES
- June 30, 2026
Fire Department Caribbean Netherlands supports Saba SAR foundation with vehicle transfer
The Fire Department Caribbean Netherlands (Brandweerkorps Caribisch Nederland) has officially donated a Ford Ranger pickup truck to the Saba Search and Rescue (SAR) Foundation, thereby strengthening the organization’s capacity in support of emergency response and rescue operations on the island. The official handover took place at the fire station in The Bottom, where local fire chief Julio Every presented the vehicle keys to SAR skipper and coordinator Nicholas Johnson. Prior to the transfer, all official fire department markings, emergency striping, numbering, light bars, and related equipment were removed in preparation for the vehicle’s new role to the SAR fleet. Hans Schreuder, ‘Director of the Saba Statia Search and Rescue Foundation’, welcomed the donation and noted that the vehicle will be repainted in SAR colors and undergo any necessary maintenance before being placed into operational service. The Fire Department Caribbean Netherlands expressed confidence that the truck will be put to good use, thereby strengthening Saba’s maritime search-and-rescue capabilities and further supporting emergency response for the local community. RCN.
- June 29, 2026
Police Conducts Routine Traffic Check on J.Z. Ridge Road
Between Friday 26 June and Monday 29 June 2026, the Saba Police Force carried out a scheduled traffic control operation on J.Z. Ridge Road as part of ongoing efforts to promote road safety and compliance with traffic regulations. During the checkpoint held on Friday, officers stopped and inspected 17 vehicles. According to the police, all drivers had their documents in order, and no violations were recorded during the operation. The police emphasize that similar checks will continue to take place regularly across the island. Drivers who fail to comply with traffic laws or who do not have the required documentation risk receiving a fine. The force encourages all motorists to ensure their vehicle papers are up to date and to follow traffic rules at all times to maintain safety on Saba’s roads.
From Stories to Screen In April, the Sea&Learn Foundation brought their Heritage Advisory Committee together for a special evening of celebration at the Scenery Hotel—marking not only the incredible contributions of our committee members but also the official premiere of our Adopt-A-Box documentary. With 45 guests in attendance, they filled the event with great food, drinks, and a shared sense of accomplishment after months of collaboration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G06khwnXI5c The highlight of the evening was the first screening of the documentary, which beautifully captures the stories, voices, and community spirit behind the project. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing how proud they felt to see their island’s heritage brought to life on screen. You can now watch the documentary here. Sea&Learn Foundation
