Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
Public Notice The Central Committee of the Public Entity Saba hereby cares to inform the public that there will be a Central Committee meeting on Tuesday June 23rd, 2026 at 9:00 am at the Government Administration Building. You may also view the Central Committee meeting on the Saba Island Council website and the Saba Government YouTube page. The agenda is as follows: 1. Opening 2. Approval of the agenda 3. Approval of the minutes 4. Citizens right to speak on agenda points 5. Oral Question round: concerning announced questions from the Island Council incoming and outgoing correspondence list during the period April 11th, – May 15th, 2026 (Article 18) 5.1 Island Council incoming and outgoing correspondence -EC letter 136.26 ICM – Proposal for 2026 Budget Amendment; Monuments Council and Monuments Fund -Letter from Top Tier Rentals – Concerns Regarding Access to Airport and Harbour for Car Rental Services -Letter from Mr. Otto DeVries – Formal Submission Documentary Record Template, the Case for Differentiated Treatment of Saba within the BES Framework 5.2 Executive Council decision list -EC Decision list – April 14th, 3.0.1, building permit Troy Hill Road 24-26 The Bottom -EC Decision list – April 14th – 3.0.3, visit to ministers in The Hague and attending the IPDC conference, -EC Decision list – April 21st – 3.0.6 Provision building and road maintenance -EC Decision list – April 28th, 3.1.0, Assistance monitoring and start up rainwater management 5.3 Written questions to the Executive Council (article 35) 5.4 Answers to written questions to the Executive Council (article 35) 6. Island Ordinance Audit Chamber Saba 7. Island Council Proposal 2026.1: Saba Language Policy 2026 – 2030 8. Island Council Proposal 2026.3: Annual Report 2025 9. Closing Looking forward to your attendance. Sincerely, The Island Registrar, A. M. Levenstone The Chairlady of the Central Committee, E.O.F. Peterson ======================================== PUBLIC NOTICE The Island Governor of the Public Entity Saba hereby cares to inform the public that there will be a Island Council meeting on Thursday June 23rd, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Government Administration Building. You may also view the Island Council meeting on the Saba Island Council website and the Saba Government YouTube page. The agenda is as follows: 1. Opening and announcements 2. Approval of the agenda 3. Approval of the minutes 4. Oral Question time (article 36) 5. Incoming and outgoing correspondence and announcements from May 16th, – May 29th, 2026 5.1 Island Council incoming and outgoing correspondence 5.2 Executive Council decision list 5.3 Written questions to the Executive Council (article 35) 5.4 Answers to written questions to the Executive Council (article 35) 6. Island Council Proposal 2026.1: Saba Language Policy 2026 – 2030 7. Island Council Proposal 2026.3: Annual Report 2025 8. Motions 9. Closing Sincerely, The Island Governor, J.G.A. Johnson M. Ed.
-
PUBLIC NOTICE The Island Governor of the Public Entity Saba hereby cares to inform the public that there will be a special Island Council meeting on Thursday June 25th, 2026 at 10:00 am, at the Government Administration Building. You may also view the public meeting on the Saba Island Council website and the Saba Government YouTube page. The agenda is as follows: Opening Approval of the agenda Address by Island Governor Mr. J.G.A. Johnson Words of appreciation Token of appreciation Closing Sincerely, The Island Governor, J.G.A. Johnson M.Ed.
The island’s Filipino community gathered to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for the Philippines’ freedom, proof that patriotism travels wherever its people go. On the occasion of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, Filipinos living on the island of Saba came together in a celebration as warm and spirited as the archipelago they call home. The gathering was more than a calendar event; it affirmed identity, memory, and ties no ocean crossing can sever. “Despite being far from their homeland, their connection to the Philippines remains strong.” In a message shared by the Filipino Community of Saba, the day was described as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and unity that continue to define Filipinos wherever they settle. For those who have built lives on this small Caribbean island, independence is not merely a historical milestone; it is a living value, carried in language, in food, in faith, and in the act of showing up for one another. The celebration also highlighted something the community holds dear: the preservation of Filipino culture, traditions, and values in a new land. Far from diluting who they are, life on Saba has deepened the community’s sense of solidarity, weaving its threads into the island’s already-vibrant multicultural fabric. None of this happens in isolation. The event was made possible through the generosity of local businesses and individuals who chose to stand alongside the community, a quiet but meaningful gesture of belonging. This annual observance has become a fixture in Saba’s calendar, a moment when heritage and hospitality meet and when the island’s Filipino residents can celebrate not just where they came from but who they are and who they are becoming, together. BES Reporter
From Thursday 18 June to Tuesday 23 June, a team from the National Ombudsman will return to St. Eustatius and Saba to hold walk-in sessions. Island residents who are having problems with a government body, such as the Public Entity or the Tax Administration, can discuss their complaints with us. Complaints or questions for the Ombudsman for Children are also welcome. The dates, times and locations for the free walk-in sessions are as follows: Saba Monday 22 June from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, The Library Tuesday 23 June from 09:00 to 11:00 AM, The Library At all walk-in sessions, you can ask your question or make your complaint in Dutch, English, Papiamentu and Spanish. You can submit a complaint or question at any time Anyone who is unable to come to a walk-in session can ask their question or submit their complaint in other ways. To contact the National Ombudsman call +31 70 356 35 63 (on working days until 11:00 AM) send a WhatsApp message to +31800 33 55 555 use the complaint form on our website To contact the Ombudsman for Children call +31 70 8506 995 (on working days until 12:00 AM) send a WhatsApp message to +31 800 876 54 32 send an email to ombudswerk@kinderombudsman.nl Nationale Ombudsman
On Saturday June 13th, the farewell ceremony for Island Governor Jonathan Johnson was held. Many gathered for a moving ceremony, filled with reflection, tribute and gratitude after his 18 years of faithful, dedicated and impactful service. The evening began with an ecumenical service at Sacred Heart Church in The Bottom. Following the service, attendees proceeded to the Princess Juliana Sports Field, where Master of Ceremonies Suzy Guido Peterson welcomed guests and opened the formal program. The ceremony began with a ballet-themed dance performance by the Child Focus Foundation. Commissioner Zagers: A Career Built Around Giving Back to His Island Commissioner Bruce Zagers reflected on Governor Johnson’s lifelong commitment to giving back to the island he loves. He highlighted Governor Johnson’s years in education, including his service as a primary school principal and later as director who had the difficult responsibility of restructuring the high school. He noted that the common thread throughout Governor Johnson’s career has always been investing in the people of Saba. Commissioner Zagers also praised Governor Johnson’s consistency, his willingness to make tough decisions and stand by them, and emphasized that while “he was governor by profession, first and foremost, he is Saban.” Saba Life Center: Community Must Carry on His Legacy Representatives from the Saba Life Center described Governor Johnson as a leader who “watched over our island, guiding it through calm waters and stormy seas alike,” and commended his ability to turn challenges into opportunities and doing so with compassion, trust, and vision. They also called on the community to continue the work Governor Johnson began, honoring his legacy “as one community, one family, and one island.” Acting Island Governor Nicholson: “Leadership Is Service” Acting Island Governor Shamara Nicholson shared that Governor Johnson was “more than a leader” but also “a steady hand, a calm voice, and a heart that beats in the rhythm of the people he served.” She shared a story about how Governor Johnson supported her with patience and grace in her role, recalling his words: “Take your time, we will work through it.” That moment, she said, made her feel seen and supported, and helped her understand why so many people placed their trust in him. Nicholson reminded those present that “leadership is service,” adding that Governor Johnson’s impact “will outlast his tenure.” Orders of Merit During the ceremony, Governor Johnson presented Orders of Merit to his three Acting Island Governors: Hubert Roy Smith, James Franklin Wilson, and Shamara Nicholson, in recognition of their dedicated service representing the island. Family Tribute A touching moment followed when Governor Johnson’s children, Mia, Nolan, and Owen Johnson, took the stage to present a poem honoring his devotion as a parent who balanced public service with family life. Child Focus Foundation performed another dance, before Island Governor of Sint Eustatius Alida Francis took the stage. A Gift from St. Eustatius Island Governor Alida Francis of Sint Eustatius presented Governor Johnson with a symbolic gift: a painting of a turtle, created by Dutch artist Hanneke Floor who lives on Sint Eustatius. “Turtles universally symbolize longevity, endurance, wisdom, and protection,” Governor Francis said. “Because of their slow steady movements and immense life spans, they are a powerful reminder of patience, resilience and the value of persistence over speed and I believe this truly embodies the man you are, and the leader that you are to your people and your family.” Rosa Johnson: Tribute from Island Governor Johnson’s Wife Rosa Johnson, Island Governor Johnson’s wife, offered a personal tribute, and spoke of the sacrifices and dedication she witnessed over the past eighteen years. “I have watched him give his time, his energy, and his wisdom to Saba,” she said. “He has served with integrity, patience, and a deep respect for the people of this island.” She also shared on the unique nature of leadership on a small island, where the people you serve are also your neighbors, friends, and family, and honored the memory of Governor Johnson’s parents, noting that they too would be immensely proud of the legacy he has created. Before welcoming State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Effective Government, Eric van der Burg to the stage, the crowd was filled with the powerful sounds from the Riddim Nation drum band. State Secretary van der burg presents Royal Decoration to Island Governor Johnson State Secretary Eric van der Burg then took the stage, and paid attention to Island Governor Johnson’s many years of service, including his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes Irma and Maria, and other defining moments in Saba’s recent history. On behalf of His Majesty the King, Governor Johnson was appointed as Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau, a distinguished royal decoration recognizing his longstanding commitment to good governance, social cohesion, and the strengthening of Saba’s position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. State Secretary Van der Burg highlighted Governor Johnson’s role in major developments such as the constitutional reform of 10-10-10 and the realization of a new port, praising his ability to ensure that Saba always had a strong voice within the Kingdom and in The Hague. “You are more than [the resident’s] governor,” Van der Burg said. “You are part of their history.” Governor Johnson’s Farewell Address In his closing speech, Governor Johnson reflected on the privilege of serving the island of his birth for nearly two decades and the lessons he was able to learn from those that carried similar responsibilities. “Calm judgment matters, listening matters, and your ego must never get in the way of the responsibility you carry,” he said. He emphasized that leadership is never about one person, but about trust and service, and reminded attendees that the true beauty of Saba lies not only in its mountains, seas, and villages, but in its people and their support for one another. Governor Johnson also reflected on difficult moments during his tenure, including natural disasters and emergencies, noting that even in moments of loss and crisis, we must find the resolve to build something better for the […]
- June 14, 2026
Invasive Species Control Measures
The Public Entity wishes to inform the general public that intensified invasive species control measures will be implemented in the period between June 15th and September 30th. While hiking trails will generally remain open, some trails may be closed if necessary for safety reasons. In those cases, the respective trails will be closed on hunting days and opened up as soon as a hunting activity is finished. The Saba Tourist Bureau and the Saba Conservation Foundation will be updated daily on where hunting activities will be taking place and on trail closures when applicable. We kindly request visitors who plan to go hiking to contact them via the phone numbers below in order to be advised on the accessibility of trails. Current invasive species control measures include hunting of roaming livestock and non-native iguanas, as well as removal of feral cats, rats and chickens. The Public Entity works closely together with the Saba Conservation Foundation in these invasive species control activities. For inquiries or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the Public Entity at info@sabagov.nl. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Saba Tourist Bureau: +599-416-2231 / 2322 Saba Conservation Foundation: + 599 416-3295 / 2709 PES.
At his farewell as island governor of Saba, Mr. Jonathan Johnson received a Royal Honour for his great dedication to the island. He received this tribute from the State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Effective Government, Eric van der Burg. Jonathan Johnson was appointed as ‘Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau’. Eric van der Burg praised the dedication, integrity, and connecting capacity with which Mr. Johnson fulfilled the position. Johnson did this in a small community where major administrative challenges are directly tangible in the daily life of the residents. In doing so, he championed good governance, social cohesion, and strengthening the position of the island within the Kingdom and the region. His commitment has had a demonstrably positive impact on the stability, development, and representation of Saba. Both locally, and in collaboration with partners within the Caribbean Netherlands and European Netherlands. In his speech, the State Secretary mentioned the major changes Saba went through under the leadership of Mr. Johnson. For example, the constitutional reform of 10-10-10, but also the realisation of a new harbour. He also reflected on the events that had a big impact on the society, such as Covid, and hurricanes Irma and Maria. Johnson was highly appreciated for his approachability, his strong performances during crises, and his personal communication with the residents of Saba. Mr. J.G.A. (Jonathan) Johnson was Island Governor of the Public Entity Saba since 2008. In this position, he was responsible for, among other things, public order and safety, crisis management, the quality of public administration, and the representation of Saba within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. RCN.
State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Effective Government Eric van der Burg will visit Saba from June 12 up and till June 14. During this working visit, he will participate in the farewell activities for Island Governor Jonathan Johnson. Mr. Johnson will step down on June 13 after serving as Island Governor of Saba for eighteen years. Mr. Van der Burg will also hold various informal discussions with attending officials, including Governor Ajamu Baly of Sint Maarten, Island Governor Alida Francis and commissioner Rechelline Leerdam of Sint Eustatius, Saba’s commissioner Buce Zagers, and Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean region Walter Hansen. Additionally, he will visit Saba’s waste management facility and the Saba Conservation Foundation, the organization dedicated to nature preservation. RCN.
Arrest for Assault On Saturday, the 6th of June, at approximately 10:30 PM, a 50-year-old man with the initials K.A.W. was arrested on E.A. Johnson Road on Saba for assault. The case is under investigation Arrest for Insulting a Public Official on Duty On Saturday, the 6th of June, around 6:30 PM, a 37-year-old woman with the initials N.G.M.W.H. was arrested on Booby Hill Road on Saba for insulting a public official on duty. During a mediation, the suspect insulted the officers on the scene, after which she was arrested and taken to the police station. Lobster Theft On Saturday, the 6th of June, a report was filed regarding the theft of lobsters from a lobster trap moored at a pier on Bay Front Street on Saba. Unknown individuals took approximately 27 lobsters with a total weight of about 80 to 90 pounds. The case is under investigation. KPCN
Higher temperatures, heavy downpours, stronger wind speeds, rising sea levels, and hurricanes of the most severe category: the climate will continue to change in the future. That is why the Central Government is drawing up a new National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS). It states what is required for the Netherlands to be climate-resilient: now and in the future. Starting from 9 June, individuals can share their thoughts on the ambitions and targets for the Caribbean Netherlands. This process is possible by reacting to the draft of the National Climate Adaptation Strategy 2026. The strategy is adopted at the end of 2026. Minister Vincent Karremans (Infrastructure and Water Management): “Of course, much attention and many resources have been dedicated to the reduction of greenhouse gases in recent years, but considerably less to how we can best adapt to a changing climate. While that is wise, we can already see how heavy downpours result in erosion of the coastline, and the temperatures are already significantly higher than a couple of years ago. We now need to look ahead: how can we keep our kingdom safe and resilient? Clear choices are necessary over time, which is why it’s crucial to decide on these measures promptly”. The strategy outlines the ambitions and targets for each sector. The strategy outlines the ambitions of the central government and the targets established for each sector. A distinction is made between the European and the Caribbean Netherlands. We aim to keep infrastructure functional, ensure safety from flooding and hurricanes, and protect important cultural heritage across the Netherlands, despite the differing effects of climate change. Improve knowledge, then measures. Currently, we are strengthening the knowledge about the effects of climate change on the three islands. The report indicates the points on which we want to improve that knowledge. This step is expressly not the finish line: in parallel, measures must also be elaborated. There will be a specific approach per island, in the course of which the climate plans that the islands are currently developing form an important basis. The public entities are developing these climate plans in collaboration with the residents. More information: From Tuesday, 9 June, up to and including Monday, 20 July 2026, everyone can submit an opinion on the draft program National Climate Adaptation Strategy (Draft NAS) and the related environmental impact assessment (EIA plan). More information can be found at https://english.rijksdienstcn.com/infrastructure-and-water-management/climate-adaptation. RCN
