Recent posts on Saba News

Starlink Gets Legal Green Light in Caribbean Netherlands—With Strict Strings Attached

The site BES-Reporter announced that Starlink’s satellite internet service is now officially authorized to operate in the Caribbean Netherlands, but only after a rocky path involving illegal operations, a rejected application, and ultimately meeting stringent Dutch government requirements that prioritize security and regulatory control. According to a detailed Freedom of Information Act decision published by BES-reporter, the Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (RDI) granted Starlink a telecommunications concession in November 2025—but not before ensuring the Netherlands maintains oversight of data traffic, interception capabilities, and network security. From Illegal Operations to Official License Starlink’s journey to legitimacy in Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius was far from smooth. The RDI discovered in late 2023 that SpaceX’s Starlink was providing internet services without the required license. By July 2024, regulators ordered the company to cease operations, though exceptions were made for foreign ships, aircraft, and emergency response teams during hurricanes. The demand for Starlink’s services was already evident—several private connections were active when authorities intervened. After shutting down its illegal service, Starlink quickly submitted a license application, but this was rejected in early 2025 for failing to meet a crucial requirement: the company hadn’t registered a local business entity in Bonaire’s commercial register. Only in summer 2025 did Starlink comply by registering Starlink Caribbean LLC (trading as Starlink Bonaire) and reapplying. This time, all requirements were met, and the official concession was issued on November 27, 2025. Security and Surveillance: The Government’s Red Lines The concession comes with significant conditions that reveal Dutch authorities’ determination to maintain control over critical infrastructure. Three areas stand out: Network Security: Despite the European Telecom Code not applying to Caribbean Netherlands, Starlink must implement “appropriate technical and organizational measures” against cyber incidents. The company is required to develop comprehensive security plans ensuring the availability, integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality of connections. Data Protection: The BES Personal Data Protection Act (and where applicable, the European GDPR) applies to all data Starlink processes, with oversight from the local BES Personal Data Protection Authority. Interception Capabilities: Perhaps most notably, Starlink faces the same lawful interception obligations as any Dutch telecom provider. In internal memos, the RDI “strongly” recommends that all interception infrastructure—servers and tap connections—be established on Dutch territory or connected to the Netherlands’ existing interception systems. While the regulator acknowledges it cannot legally enforce this recommendation currently, the explicit guidance signals deep concerns about national security. Authorities want to avoid dependence on a foreign company that might route interception data through American servers beyond Dutch oversight. Market Impact and Competition Concerns For residents of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, Starlink’s arrival addresses a long-standing problem. The islands have historically struggled with expensive, limited internet connections due to their remote location and small markets. Satellite internet could finally bring faster broadband to rural and hard-to-reach areas. However, authorities recognize potential disruption to existing providers like UTS/Flow and TELBO. If these traditional telecom companies lose significant market share, the quality or availability of local infrastructure could suffer. To address this, the government has implemented several safeguards: The Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) will monitor fair competition and consumer protection Parallel programs are strengthening local digital infrastructure with subsidies for fixed network improvements The ACM researched market regulation to ensure that new entrants and existing players can coexist Starlink must report active connection points annually to track market growth While strict EU net neutrality rules don’t automatically apply to the BES islands, the concession conditions and consumer protection regulations effectively enforce similar principles. Starlink cannot unlawfully block services or unfairly prioritize traffic. The Broader Strategic Picture Starlink’s authorization in Caribbean Netherlands reflects a delicate balancing act. The Netherlands welcomes improved connectivity for its Caribbean citizens while asserting sovereignty over critical digital infrastructure. This tension mirrors broader European concerns about dependence on American tech companies. Starlink’s crucial role in Ukraine’s wartime communications demonstrated how vital connectivity increasingly rests with private players charting their own course. In response, the EU launched the €10 billion IRIS program in 2024—a constellation of approximately 300 satellites expected to be operational around 2027, explicitly designed to guarantee “European sovereignty and secure connectivity.” A Test Case for Digital Sovereignty The Caribbean Netherlands concession serves as a pragmatic test case: can a foreign tech giant be successfully embedded within national telecom regulations? The Dutch approach suggests a path forward—embrace innovation and improved services while establishing firm guardrails around security, privacy, competition, and government oversight. For now, residents of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius can officially install Starlink dishes and subscribe to the service. Competition should intensify, potentially driving down prices and improving service quality across providers. Whether this model successfully balances accessibility with autonomy remains to be seen. But Dutch authorities have made clear their readiness to intervene if things go wrong—a reminder that even in the satellite age, governments intend to maintain control over the digital infrastructure their citizens depend on. BES-Reporter

Information Session: Political Parties Act – February 3rd

Representatives from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations will visit Saba to inform political parties, public authorities, and interested stakeholders about the Political Parties Act (Wpp), recently submitted to the House of Representatives. The Wpp aims to strengthen the independence of political parties and enhance the resilience of democratic governance within the Kingdom. The new legislation enables political parties to apply for subsidies to support their activities. A new independent organization, the Netherlands Authority for Political Parties (Napp), will be established to administer subsidies and provide oversight. During this session, ministry representatives will explain the practical implications of the Wpp and Napp. Stakeholder input is essential to shaping the implementation of this legislation, and participants will have the opportunity to share their views and feedback. Date: Monday, February 3, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Location: Eugenius Center, Windwardside PES

Expansion Of BES Council Governments Weighs Heavily On The House Of Representatives.

DossierKoninkrijksrelaties.nl reports: The opposition of Bonaire and Saba to the expansion of their island governments by 2027 continues to rankle the House of Representatives committee. After a week of uncertainty, the House of Representatives committee decided earlier this week, at the suggestion of Member of Parliament Mikal Tseggai (GroenLinks-PvdA), to reopen the debate on the Kingdom Relations/BES Fund budget. Last week, the committee members were still undecided on whether to hold a written round of questions or hold a committee debate. The fact that a majority has now opted for an (unusual) third round of budgetary consideration means that the debate with State Secretary Van Marum on the matter will soon resume. Dossierkoninkrijksrelaties.nl

Dutch Caribbean Research Week – Registration is open

The Dutch Caribbean Research Week is a gathering that brings people together to share knowledge about the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands—and to use that knowledge to make a difference. Organized with support from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), the event connects researchers, students, policymakers, and community partners from the Caribbean, the Netherlands, and beyond. During the Research Week, participants exchange ideas on topics that matter to everyday life in the region, such as climate change, health, nature, education, culture, and sustainable development. The event also supports young researchers and encourages collaboration across islands, disciplines, and borders. By linking science with policy and society, the Dutch Caribbean Research Week helps turn research into insight, dialogue, and action—strengthening knowledge that supports the future of the Dutch Caribbean. Registration for DCRW2026 now open On 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24 of June 2026, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) will organise the fifth Dutch Caribbean Research Week (DCRW2026). This week will be packed with lectures, panel discussions, cultural intermezzi, poster presentations and networking opportunities. The call for abstracts and registration is now open. Dutch Caribbean Research Week 2026 This year, DCRW features physical events on all six islands: Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Maarten, and Sint Eustatius. These events will also be streamed live, and you may follow the programme online, to provide access for as many interested people as possible within and outside the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Due to the 6-hour time difference, the programme will take place in the morning for the Caribbean region and in the afternoon for the European Netherlands. More information about the physical events will follow soon. Themes DCRW 2026 has six themes spread over the days when a different island welcomes you each day. The themes are derived from the upcoming Caribbean Research Agenda: Education, Research & Technology in the Caribbean | Aruba Health & Healthcare in the Caribbean | Curaçao Social Behavioural Science in the Caribbean | Bonaire Ecology & Environment in the Caribbean | Saba Culture, Literature & Arts in the Caribbean | Sint Maarten Governance & Law in the Caribbean | Statia Call for abstracts Do you want to present your research plans or research results during the Dutch Caribbean Research Week? This is your chance! You can give different types of presentations, and depending on your location, you even have the possibility to present to a live audience. Please submit your abstracts here: https://www.dcrw.nl/abstracts. Please submit your abstract before Sunday 15 February 2026, 23:59:59 hours AST (Atlantic)/ 05:00:00 hours CEST. Registration DCRW2026 is a free event. Registration for participants is now open. Please register here: https://www.dcrw.nl/registration. NWO  

CBS proposes new method to measure poverty

The introduction of a new measurement method should provide a more realistic picture of poverty in the Caribbean Netherlands. It is about the methodology that is already being used in the European Netherlands and has led to considerably lower poverty rates there. The new method, developed by CBS, SCP, and Nibud, measures poverty by looking at individual, actual expenditure on housing and energy instead of averages. Another new feature is that in addition to income, assets/possessions will also be considered. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment has asked CBS to investigate whether this method can also be applied to the BES islands. CBS is also investigating whether it is possible to map debts, for example, by looking at problematic payment arrears at the Tax and Customs Administration. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) announces these innovations in a position paper that has been sent to the House of Representatives Committee on Kingdom Relations in preparation for the roundtable discussion on social security in the Caribbean Netherlands that will be held on 29 January. Read the letter to the Representatives Committee on Kingdom Relations HERE (translated electronically) Dossier Koninrijksrelaties  

Town Hall Meeting for discussing the Canon of Saba History and Culture- Januari 28-29

The Community Development and Culture Department along with the Saba Heritage Center, warmly invites the public to attend a series of upcoming Saba Canon Town Hall Meetings, where community members will have the opportunity to learn about, discuss, and help shape the Saba Canon. The canon is a national initiative focused on preserving and defining what is most important to Saba’s history, culture, and identity. The Saba Canon is a curated collection of key stories, people, places, traditions, and events that have shaped Saba over time. It aims to capture the island’s developmental timeline and shared heritage in an accessible and meaningful way for residents, students, and future generations. The Canon is not a fixed list, but a living framework that grows through community input and reflection. The town halls are designed as open, inclusive spaces where residents can: ● Learn more about what the Saba Canon is and why it matters ● Share their knowledge, memories, and perspectives ● Contribute ideas on what should be included in the Canon ● Ask questions and engage in open dialogue ● Volunteer to be a member of the working group for the development of the Canon Community participation is essential to ensuring that the Saba Canon truly reflects the voices, experiences, and values of the people of Saba. Town Hall Details: Townhall 1 Location: Eugenius Johnson Center – Windwardside Date: Jan 28th 2026 Time: 5:30pm Townhall 2 Location: Queen Wilhelmina Library -The Bottom Date: Jan 29th, 2026 Time: 5:30pm Sabans in the diaspora are welcome to join a digital session, the details are as follows: Townhall 3 Location: Microsoft Teams (the link will be distributed at a later date) Date: Jan 29th, 2026 Time: 6pm Netherlands Time / 1pm Saba Time All residents are encouraged to attend, regardless of age or background. Whether you are a lifelong Saban or a newer member of the community, your voice matters. For more information, please contact: Shaigan Marten – shaigan.marten@sabagov.nl PES

Redevelopment of Mount Scenery Tower

Police report of Friday, the 16th of January until Monday, the 19th of January 2026

Arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol On Saturday, the 17th of January 17, at around midnight, a 23-year-old man with the initials D.G.S.G. was arrested on Thais Hill Road on Saba for driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspect collided with two parked cars on the aforementioned street. The suspect showed clear signs of alcohol consumption and was unable to provide a breath sample after several attempts. He was arrested and taken to the police station in The Bottom for further investigation. Injured hiker at Tide Pools Trail On Friday, the 16th of January, around 10:45 AM, the central control room received a report that a hiker had been injured at the Tide Pools Trail on Saba. A police patrol was sent to the scene. Upon arrival, the police found fire department and ambulance personnel placing a hiker with head injuries on a stretcher. The victim, a female tourist, was taken by ambulance to the hospital for medical treatment. KPCN

Dutch MPs urge faster action on population growth on BES islands

Members of the Dutch House of Representatives say the current caretaker govern­ment can and should do more to address the ef­fects of population growth and ageing in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, warn­ing that action cannot be postponed until a new cabinet takes office. Several parties are call­ing for stronger direction from the State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and improved coordina­tion with the island gov­ernments. In responses to the re­port Targeted Growth and the government’s reac­tion to it, MPs from across the political spectrum ex­pressed concern that the caretaker cabinet is leav­ing too many policy choic­es to its successor. “While it is understand­able that a caretaker gov­ernment is cautious, there is a real risk that valuable time will be lost over the coming year in taking ef­fective measures,” social­ist coalition party Groen­Links-PvdA said. The party, along with the VVD and the Chris­tian Union, is calling for a clear list of priorities to help the next government move quickly. According to the Christian Union, such a list would enable the incoming cabinet to make timely and well-in­formed decisions. The MPs warn that pop­ulation growth, ageing and a declining share of younger residents require firm choices in areas such as healthcare, infrastruc­ture and housing. While the current government has taken steps in areas such as good governance and promoting healthy lifestyles, it stated in De­cember that major deci­sions should be left to the next coalition. Many MPs argue that several pressing issues can no longer wait. Almost all parties pointed to ongoing waste management prob­lems, while GroenLinks­PvdA, the conservative farmers’ party BBB and Right-wing People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy VVD party stressed the need for sufficient staffing in the healthcare sector. The right-wing Christian Democratic Appel (CDA) raised questions about the impact of population growth on social cohesion and integration, while the Christian Union asked whether government sub­sidies are keeping pace with population increases. Concerns were also raised about coordination within the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Re­lations and cooperation with the island authori­ties. Democrats ’66 (D66) party MPs questioned how the ministry’s coordinat­ing role is carried out in practice when policies from different ministries intersect, particularly in cases where plans conflict. The BBB echoed simi­lar concerns, noting that Bonaire has indicated that coordination by the central government is of­ten lacking and that the islands are not always in­volved in research reports that directly affect them. The House had initially planned to discuss popu­lation growth and ageing during an oral debate with caretaker State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eddie van Marum of the BBB, but this has instead been replaced by a round of written questions and answers. The Daily Herald.

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