Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
- July 8, 2026
CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS TO KEEP ITS OWN TAX SYSTEM
The site Dossier Koninkrijszaken reports that the Caribbean Netherlands will retain its own tax legislation, State Secretary for Finance Eelco Eerenberg has assured the House of Representatives. “The socio-economic circumstances on the islands, and in the surrounding region, mean that fully applying Dutch social security and tax legislation would be disruptive,” Eerenberg said, responding to questions from the House about the tax changes planned for 2027. “It would lead to substantial tax increases and heavier financial and administrative burdens for residents and businesses alike.” Eerenberg is nonetheless sticking with his plan to raise real estate tax on hotels. He argues that the reduced rate introduced for the hotel sector in 2013 can no longer be justified, citing strong growth in tourism, rising coastal property values, and the sense that hotels also benefit from local facilities and infrastructure. The government does not expect the rate increase to affect hotel profitability or employment. Dossier Koninkrijkszaken
The Temporary Unemployment Benefit regulation BES was published in the Government Gazette (Staatscourant) on 8 July 2026. The regulation will enter into force on 1 January 2027 and provide temporary income support to employees in the Caribbean Netherlands who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Temporary regulation The regulation is temporary and will apply from 1 January 2027 through 31 December 2031. During this period, work will continue on developing permanent legislation for an unemployment benefit regulation in the Caribbean Netherlands. Until then, the temporary regulation will provide a financial safety net for employees who become involuntarily unemployed. Information campaign In preparation for the regulations’ entry into force, RCN unit Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) will launch an information campaign in the autumn. During this campaign, employers and employees will be informed about the scheme, the eligibility conditions, and how to apply for benefits. From public consultation to definite regulation The draft regulation was released for public consultation in February 2026. Employee and employer organisations, the Central Dialogue, the public entities, and other stakeholders were invited to submit their comments. The feedback received was taken into account in the further development of the temporary regulation. With its publication in the Staatscourant, the temporary regulation has now been formally adopted. The regulation is available for public inspection as of today and is publicly accessible. Want to know more? Visit the website of the Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (RCN) to learn more about this new regulation. RCN
As electricity costs continue to be affected by rising international fuel prices, the Public Entity Saba is taking additional steps to help reduce the impact on residents and businesses. Following the recent Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) determination of the maximum electricity tariff applicable from July 1, 2026, the Public Entity Saba and Saba Electric Company (SEC) have agreed on a temporary relief measure that will allow customers to continue paying the current electricity tariff through December 31, 2026. Under this arrangement, the Public Entity Saba will provide funding to cover approximately 50% of the tariff increase, while SEC will assist with mitigating the impact with the remaining 50%. This means customers will continue paying the current electricity rate instead of the newly approved tariff during this period. While this measure does not reduce electricity bills below current levels, it prevents bills from increasing in the coming months and provides relief for households and businesses while international energy markets remain volatile. This temporary support has been introduced to maintain the current tariff increase through the end of 2026 in response to exceptional circumstances and should not be viewed as a permanent or recurring subsidy. Although the underlying causes of these rising costs extend well beyond Saba’s control, the Public Entity Saba and SEC have chosen to act locally while continuing to pursue long-term solutions that improve energy affordability and sustainability, including further investments in renewable energy and reducing dependence on imported fuels. Commissioner Bruce Zagers states, “We recognize that many households and businesses continue to feel the pressure of increasing living costs. This increase comes on top of earlier electricity cost increases and adds to the affordability challenges many residents are already facing. By working together with SEC, we are able to bridge this increase through the end of the year and provide some stability while we continue pursing longer-term solutions to improve energy affordability and sustainability.” Additional Support Available Residents who may be experiencing financial hardship are also encouraged to explore the assistance programs that remain available through the Public Entity Saba. Energy Subsidy Eligible low-income households can still apply for the one-time Energy Subsidy, which provides financial assistance toward electricity costs. Residents who have not yet applied this year are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and submit an application. Information on eligibility and the application process can be found in the accompanying infographic or by contacting the Social Services Unit. Home Energy Assistance Residents may also qualify for additional assistance aimed at reducing electricity consumption in their homes. Through the Social Services Unit, eligible households can receive support to assess their home’s electrical usage and determine whether improvements, such as replacing older appliances with more energy-efficient alternatives, may be available. These measures are intended to help households lower their overall energy consumption and reduce future electricity costs. “Government cannot eliminate rising energy costs, but we can take meaningful action to lessen their impact. The one-time subsidy and Home Energy Assistance Program reflect our commitment to easing the financial burden on residents and ensuring support reaches those who need it most. I encourage everyone who is eligible to apply. These programs were created to support our community, and we want to ensure that no eligible household misses out on the assistance available,” states Commissioner Eviton Heyliger. Residents who are unsure whether they qualify for any of these programs are encouraged to contact the Social Services Unit to discuss the assistance options available to them. PES
The quality of childcare on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba has improved since the supervision by the Inspectorate (2020). Children are being supported in their development ever better and the management is increasingly steering on further quality improvement. Operators do need to continue paying attention to the VOGs and the training level of professionals. This is what the Inspectorate of Education concludes following the fourth round of inspection in 2025. In 2025, the Inspectorate of Education (hereinafter: the inspectorate) visited all 79 locations for daycare, out-of-school care and host parent care. This was done in collaboration with local inspectors on the three islands. They investigate whether these locations meet the requirements in the areas of administration, personnel and accommodation, whether they are safe and healthy for children, and whether the children are sufficiently stimulated in their development. The inspectorate also assesses whether the management of the childcare centres is focused on improving quality. Increasingly more attention for the development In its report, the Inspectorate concludes that pedagogical employees are increasingly anticipating the developmental needs of children and assisting children in taking the next step in their development. In addition, pedagogical employees are also stimulating the interaction between the children. At an increasing number of locations, the Inspectorate also observes that the management is safeguarding a professional culture and expertise advancement of the staff. Children are also more frequently systematically followed in their development. A targeted approach is used for the children who require additional assistance or actually additional challenges. Yet at approximately half of the locations this can still be better. Challenges in the staffing area It remains difficult for many locations to find sufficient (properly trained) staff. Moreover, by no means do all employees dispose of a valid Certificate of Conduct (VOG). This is exceptionally vulnerable and this must be improved rapidly, according to the Inspectorate. Minister Vijlbrief of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) confirms this in his reaction to the inspection report. To facilitate applying for a VOG for childcare employees, the Minister also wants to permit VOGs from the European Netherlands. In addition, the Minister is encouraging employers and employees in childcare to enter into discussions with each other about improvement of the terms and conditions of employment and the preparation of a CLA. So that working in the sector becomes even more attractive. In addition, OCW is working on the structural availability of training offer for the benefit of childcare on the islands. The follow-up On the basis of personal ambitions and the inspection report, childcare organisations are continuing the improvement of the quality of childcare. In this regard, they are supported by the BES(t) 4 kids programme. For instance, this programme offers pedagogical coaches and various training sessions and practical tools via the website of BES(t) 4 kids. The shared objective is that each child is cared for in a safe and healthy environment in which the development is stimulated through play. Change in supervision from 1 January 2026 On 1 January 2026, the Childcare Law BES took effect. From that moment, the Inspectorate is supervising according to a new inspection framework that comprises all legislation and regulations. From 1 January 2026, inspection reports about all childcare organisations are published on the website of the Inspectorate of Education: https://toezichtresultaten.onderwijsinspectie.nl. The full inspection report can be found on the website of the Inspection of Education (in Dutch, English will follow soon). The response from the Minister Vijlbrief of SZW (Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment) can be read here. RCN
- July 7, 2026
Dutch Senate approves bill on expanding the Island Councils and Executive Councils on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba
Following the Dutch House of Representatives, the Dutch Senate has now also adopted the ‘Expansion Act’ proposed by Eric van der Burg, State secretary for Kingdom Relations. The bill aims to contribute to more effective governance and broader representation of residents on the island councils. This is achieved by increasing the number of island council members and island commissioners on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. The bill states that the number of Island Council members will be gradually increased at the next elections on 17 March 2027. During the first phase, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba will be allocated two additional Island Council members. This means the number for Bonaire will increase from 9 to 11, while the number for St. Eustatius and Saba will increase from 5 to 7 respectively. The number of commissioners is also set to increase from 3 to a maximum of 4 on Bonaire and from 2 to 3 on St. Eustatius and Saba. Representation and governance capacity The increase in the number of Island Council members and Island Commissioners is part of the reform of the Public Bodies (Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba) Act (Wet Openbare Lichamen Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, WolBES). The number of council members and commissioners has not been adjusted to reflect population growth since 2010. The islands have also indicated that they have too few commissioners to cope with the heavy workload. Increasing the number of administrators will enhance the governance capacity. Comply or Explain Once the various steps set out in the bill have been completed, the number of Island Council members will be determined by the population of the islands, and the number of Commissioners will be determined by the number of Island Council members. As State secretary Van der Burg explains, “This is a good example of the ‘comply or explain’ principle. Our intention is to make the same arrangements as we have done for the municipal councils in the European part of the Netherlands. At the same time, we are taking account of the specific situation on the islands and are adopting a step-by-step approach. I am pleased that the Dutch Senate treated the bill as a priority. By increasing the number of Island Council members and Commissioners, we will be strengthening both democracy and the islands’ ability to take decisive action.” With the approval of the Dutch Senate, the Expansion Act has now become official and will come into effect in time for the Island Council elections in March 2027. RCN.
- July 7, 2026
Support for aviation in Windward Islands
Financial backing for air traffic in the Windward Islands is one step closer. On Thursday, the Dutch Parliament’s Second Chamber (House of Representatives) approved the bill enabling assistance, including the submitted motions. Based on an exploratory study, a decision will be made after the summer recess regarding the manner in which interisland flights will be supported. “In principle, I will do that after the summer, this autumn,” said Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Vincent Karremans. The proposal concerns a Public Service Obligation (PSO) — a guarantee for affordable air connections. The government views this as the most efficient arrangement for affordable flights between St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba. The same structure is used by European countries such as Greece, Italy and Scotland for affordable connections to islands. During a recent debate in The Hague, all legislators present emphasised that Statians and Sabans are dependent on air traffic. “For the residents of Saba and Sint Eustatius, an air connection is not a luxury, but a lifeline. Without reliable flights, not only will mobility come under pressure, but also access to healthcare, education, family, work, and economic development,” said Ula Köse of D66. However, MPs did have some concerns regarding implementation. CU’s Don Ceder referred to a note made by Karremans stating that funding must be available for the support. That remains uncertain, the minister said. “I believe it is a matter of political will,” Ceder responded. Together with PRO’s Mikal Tseggai, he submitted a motion to apply slightly more pressure. Before the end of the year, they want to demand a package for the PSO or a tender process. Karremans responded positively. “I certainly have the political will, and I am certainly willing to make an effort,” he said. The VVD minister also promised attention to innovations in the field of sustainable aviation. That topic was mentioned by, among others, CDA’s Jantine Zwinkels. “For major international aviation, electric flying will not be an alternative for the time being, but for short distances, this technology actually offers prospects,” said Zwinkels. Finally, all the MPs mentioned ticket prices. “If you are on Saba, you can see Sint Eustatius, and vice versa. It is about a 30-kilometre flight. That flight costs 400 dollars. (…) For the same amount, we fly from Amsterdam to Dubai,” said Hidde Heutink of Groep Markuszower. Like Tseggai and Köse, he asked about the possibility of lowering ticket prices for residents, but keeping them at the current level for tourists. The draft law is intended to keep air traffic reliable and affordable, so ticket prices are a focus of the government. “They are very dependent on that connection, so it is important that we pay attention to that,” he added. The possibility of different prices for residents and visitors is being investigated, but the minister did note that the islands are partly dependent on tourism. The Daily Herald.
Students completing internships in Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten will not be covered by a draft legislation that would grant students the right to receive compensation for mandatory internships. The proposed law announced by the Dutch government, will apply only in the European- and Caribbean Netherlands. The public entities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (so-called BES islands) thus stand to benefit, but not the autonomous Caribbean countries within the Dutch Kingdom of Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten. The bill aims to ensure that students enroled in secondary vocational education, MBO, higher professional education, HBO and scientific education WO universities receive compensation for mandatory internships or internships that form part of their educational programme. Under the proposal, no nationwide minimum internship allowance will be established. Instead, the amount would be determined through sector-specific or company-level agreements. Because Dutch education does not extend to Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten, the proposed legal right to internship compensation would have no direct effect there. This also means that students from the Netherlands who complete internships on those three islands would not be able to claim the proposed statutory right to compensation. Interns and host organisations in Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten would still be free to negotiate internship allowances on their own. However, according to the Dutch Ministry of Education, whether such agreements are legally enforceable depends on the law governing the internship contract. The proposed legislation is expected to be released for public Internet consultation before the summer of next year, after which it will continue through the Dutch legislative process before being considered by Parliament. If adopted, the law would mark a significant change for students in the Netherlands and the BES islands, while leaving internship compensation in Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten subject to existing contractual arrangements rather than a statutory entitlement. The Daily Herald.
- July 5, 2026
On Saba, the Netherlands feels far away
The Dutch Newspaper De Volkskrant published a 4-page article on Saba in their weekend edition of July 4th. The article in Dutch can be read here. An automatic translation is available below.
The Acting Island Governor of the Public Entity Saba hereby cares to inform the public that there will be a special Island Council meeting on Thursday, July 9th, 2026 at 3:00 pm at the Princess Juliana Sports Field. You may also view the public meeting on the Saba Government YouTube page. The agenda is as follows: 1. Opening 2. Speech by Representatives of the Island Council 3. Speech by Representative of the Executive Council 4. Passing Governor’s chain 5. Reading of the Royal Decree 6. Adress by Acting Kingdom Representative 7. Administration and signing of the Oath 8. Receiving Governor’s chain 9. Speech by Island Governor 10. Words of thanks 11. Closing Sincerely, The Acting Island Governor S.A. Nicholson
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
