Recent posts on Saba News

The Saba Rent Committee is an independent and impartial body that helps tenants and landlords address rental disputes. It provides objective, accessible information about rental matters, including rent levels, procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties. First, the Committee supports tenants and landlords in reaching an agreement. When a dispute cannot be resolved, either party may submit an application to the Committee for a formal decision. The Committee operates independently and includes representatives of both tenant and landlord interests. Its members are not employed by Public Entity Saba or RCN. All members and the secretary are appointed by Public Entity Saba. The Rent Committee is funded by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) through RCN. Each year, the Rent Committee agrees on performance commitments with the Ministry and reports on their fulfillment at the end of the year. The Saba Rent Committee is currently being established. Applications are open for individuals interested in helping build an independent and accessible rental dispute process for Saba. Refer to the application procedures HERE. PES

The Public Entity Saba (PES) has released its Multi-Annual Budget 2027–2030, viewable in hard copy at the Government Administration Building’s Security Desk or digitally via the Island Council’s iBabs Public Portal and the official Saba website. Key points: Strategic alignment: The budget continues the Saba Package 2023–2027, the Organizational Development Plan, and the new domain-based governance structure, presenting a balanced, forward-looking financial strategy. Income: Built on a structurally increased free allowance (indexed annually to GDP) plus special purpose grants for social, education, health, infrastructure, and environmental programs. A persistent challenge is that many structural tasks still rely on incidental funding, which PES is gradually trying to shift into the regular budget — an issue it plans to raise with the central government. Expenditure: Personnel costs are the main driver of growth (step increases and CLA/GDP-indexed adjustments), with additional funding directed to digital transformation, asset maintenance, poverty alleviation, and resilience building. Future RCN wage negotiation outcomes are not yet factored in. Resilience/risk: The buffer capital reserve has grown to USD 2.7M, supported by a newly refreshed two-year risk register and resilience ratio. Liquidity is strong but largely tied to earmarked grants. Investments: Capital spending on ICT, transport, and public buildings is fully funded through depreciation or grants, in line with long-term asset plans and national reports like Klein Gebied Grote Opgave. Compliance: The budget meets FINBES and BBVBES standards (function-based classification, full narrative disclosure, mandatory paragraphs), incorporates new function tables from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, and is reported in USD on an accrual basis. Click HERE to read it PES

On September 16, the Saba Youth Council marked a proud milestone by meeting with the Island Governor to formally present its position paper on the priorities of Saba’s youth. This proud moment represents an important step toward ensuring that Saba’s young people not only have a voice but also play a role in shaping the island’s future. Youth Council members confidently discussed five key issues identified by young people: 1. Dutch-language graduation requirements 2. Meaningful youth participation 3. Mental health support 4. Employment and future opportunities 5. Sports development and exposure The Council also presented key findings from the UNICEF BES Report and discussed how young people can remain actively involved in decisions affecting their lives. The Youth Council requested continued dialogue with decision-makers and coordinated action on the priorities presented. Members expressed their readiness to participate in continuous consultations and help develop solutions that improve outcomes for Saba’s youth over time. The Council thanks the Island Governor for listening to their concerns and creating space for meaningful dialogue. PES

As part of the Saba Heritage Center’s “Preserving Voices” Oral History Project, we are inviting Saba residents aged 65 and older to share their stories, memories, and experiences of life on the island. Childhood. Family. School. Work. Traditions. Village life. Travel. Change. Everyday moments. These stories are an important part of Saba’s history, and we want to make sure they are not lost. We are also encouraging children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members to reach out on behalf of an older relative whose story deserves to be recorded. No preparation is needed. Just come ready to share the memories that matter to you. Each interview will be digitally preserved in the Saba Heritage Center archive for future generations, researchers, families, and the wider community. Your memories are history. Your voice matters. To participate or arrange an interview for a family member, contact: Dimetri Whitfield Oral Historian & Researcher 📧 research@sabarc.org 📱 WhatsApp/Phone: +1-721-580-6562 Help us Preserve the Voices of Saba.

Between September 2026 and December 2026, Statistics Netherlands CBS will conduct the Labour force survey on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (so-called BES is­lands). Interviewers will go to randomly selected households to administer the questionnaire. This is a sample survey conducted among households every two years. Through it, CBS measures labour market develop­ments in the Caribbean Netherlands. One of the most important results is the unemployment rate, i.e. the percentage of the labour force that is looking for a job. Others include labour participation rate, level of education, profession and working hours. To gain a better understanding of the labour market devel­opments on the three islands, a total of 1,233 addresses were randomly selected on Bonaire, 578 on St. Eustatius and 571 on Saba. CBS is obligated by law to process the collected informa­tion strictly confidentially. Therefore, various measures were taken to protect the collected information. All interviewers have a CBS badge and must identify them­selves upon request, so that everyone can be sure. Statistics Netherlands never provides identifiable data to third parties, not even to other government bodies. The Daily Herald.

On Tues­day, Budget Day (“Prinsjes­dag”) in The Hague, the ‘Tax Plan Act 2027 was sub­mitted to the Dutch Parlia­ment. This bill still needs to be approved by the House of Representatives and Senate, after which it will take effect on January 1, 2027. The Jetten Cabinet pro­poses two tax measures that are applicable on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (so-called BES islands). The proposals regard kilometre allowances and fuel duty. The maximum amounts for car expenses, tax-free kilo­metre allowances and certain extraordinary expenses are increased from US $0.20 to $ 0.22 per kilometre. This also applies to the maximum tax-free allowance that em­ployers can reimburse to em­ployees. The increase applies with retroactive effect from 1 Jan­uary 2026. Employers are not required to pay the higher al­lowance. To limit the consequences of the higher fuel prices, it is proposed to temporarily reduce the duty on petrol in 2027: Bonaire: 5.5 dollar cents per litre; St. Eustatius and Saba: 4.19 dollar cents per litre. This temporary reduction is in place from January 1 up to and including 31 De­cember 2027. The proposed measures are part of the Tax Plan 2027 and still need to go through the further legisla­tive process. The Daily Herald.

The Netherlands’ draft 2027 budget, present­ed on Tuesday, contains a provision of thirty million euros to help reduce the cost of living in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. Investments will be made to ensure lower rates for electricity, drinking water, and telecommunications in the long term. A total of 12 million euros will be available to produce more sustainable energy in Saba and St. Eustatius, while the seawater intake system in Bonaire, essential for turning salt water into drinking water, will be re­placed to the tune of eight million euros. Specifically for St. Eusta­tius, some 1.7 million euros will be allocated to replace leaking water pipes while 2.1 million euros has been earmarked to modernise the fibre-optic network. The three public entities may also receive additional funds in 2027 to provide financial assistance to par­ents who are unable to pay their share of childcare expenses. A total of 6.2 million euros has been re­served for these subsidies. “In 2027, we will take signif­icant steps to lower the cost of living. In doing so, we are continuing to implement the recommendations of the Caribbean Netherlands So­cial Minimum Committee,” said Dutch State Secretary of Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg. He added: “Making elec­tricity and water produc­tion more sustainable pays off, as the current geopo­litical situation is driving up fuel and energy prices. Residents are already feel­ing the impact of these price hikes. A large portion of their wages goes toward water and electricity bills. The measures we are tak­ing must result in residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba feeling the finan­cial benefits, both in the short and long term.” Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Hans Vijlbrief said: “On Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, people are experi­encing increasing costs of electricity, water and inter-net. That is why we are now taking a major step to lower the cost of living, with sus­tainable solutions that will continue to deliver results from 2027 onwards.” The Daily Herald.

In 2027, the Dutch government will continue its efforts to strengthen and restore the unique natural environment and ecosystems in the Ca­ribbean Netherlands. A to­tal of 47.5 million euros has been made available for this purpose. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature LVVN announced this on Budget Day (“Prinsjesdag”). According to a release, the natural environment of Bo­naire, St. Eustatius and Saba is unique and indispensable, “for the people who live there, for the economy and tourism, but also for pro­tecting the islands against the effects of, for instance, climate change.” “As the natural environ­ment on the so-called BES islands is under pressure, the national government will continue its efforts in 2027 to strengthen and re­store the unique natural en­vironment and ecosystems. With an additional 40 mil­lion euros, bringing the total to 47.5 million for the sec­ond phase of the Nature and Environment Policy Plan for the Caribbean Netherlands, an important next step is be­ing taken in collaboration with the islands.” added the statement. Work is being carried out in collaboration with the is­lands on measures such as the restoration of vegeta­tion and coral, combating erosion and overgrazing, and reducing invasive spe­cies and water pollution. Consideration is also being given to how nature conser­vation and monitoring can be further improved. The aim is to create a natu­ral environment that is more resilient to climate change whilst also contributing to a healthy living environment and economy on the islands. The Daily Herald.

King Willem-Al­exander placed cooperation with Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten and the so-called BES islands (Bo­naire, St. Eustatius and Saba) prominently in Tuesday’s 2026 throne speech, announcing that a summit between the four countries of the Kingdom of the Neth­erlands will become an annual event and closing this section in Dutch and Papiamentu with the words: “Nos to un Reino — wij zijn een Koninkrijk” (We are one Kingdom). The Caribbean passage was no­tably more extensive than in the previous year. The Dutch govern­ment intends to work closely with the autonomous countries as well as the three overseas public bod­ies known as Caribbean Nether­lands. A central development is the planned summit later this year. The Netherlands, Curacao, Aru­ba and St. Maarten are expected to discuss progress and oppor­tunities across a broad range of areas, including the economy, in come security, climate poli­cy and waste management. According to the king, this meeting will no longer be treated as a one-time initia­tive. The summit is to be­come an annual tradition, creating a recurring politi­cal forum for cooperation between the four govern­ments. For the Caribbean coun­tries that commitment could be significant be­cause several of the issues specifically identified in the speech -economic develop­ment, cost of living, climate resilience and waste man­agement- are areas in which the islands have repeatedly sought cooperation or fincial and technical sup­port within the kingdom. The speech, however, neither announced specific new funding for Curacao, Aruba or St. Maarten nor detailed new agreements in these areas. Instead, it established continued and more structured coop­eration as a policy objec­tive and identifies the an­nual summit as the forum through which progress and opportunities will be discussed. The king also connected present-day cooperation to the shared history of the kingdom. In November, the kingdom will commemo­rate the 250th anniversary of the salute fired from St. Eustatius in 1776 in rec­ognition of an American vessel — an event associ­ated with the Netherlands becoming the first country to recognise the newly in­dependent United States. The speech presented the anniversary as an example of the Caribbean islands’ historical importance and the kingdom’s long-stand­ing connections with the wider world. The Caribbean message came at the end of a broad­er section about improving government cooperation. The Jetten Cabinet wants government to become less bureaucratic, more efficient and more accessible, while strengthening cooperation between different levels of government. Elsewhere, the speech focused heavily on chal­lenges facing the European Netherlands, including housing shortages, migra­tion, healthcare, economic competitiveness, climate change, infrastructure, na­tional security and defence. Government warned that financial resources remain limited and that not every problem can be addressed simultaneously. Security also featured prominently. The cabinet plans additional defence spending in 2027 amid concerns about Russia, Ukraine and broader inter­national instability, while cyberattacks, disinforma­tion, terrorism and organ­ised crime were identified as growing threats. Although the speech did not specifically connect those security investments to the Caribbean, defence and foreign affairs are king­dom responsibilities, mak­ing international instability and security policy directly relevant to Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten as well. Climate policy may simi­larly become an important point of discussion at the new annual summit. The king described climate ad­aptation and the transition toward cleaner and more secure energy supplies as major long-term chal­lenges, while the Caribbean section explicitly identifies climate as one of the areas for cooperation between the four countries. The strongest political message for the Dutch Ca­ribbean, however, was the decision to institutionalise high-level talks between the four countries. Rather than referring to Curacao, Aru­ba and St. Maarten only at the margins of Dutch poli­cy, the 2026 throne speech explicitly placed the rela­tionship within a recurring kingdom-wide framework. The Daily Herald.

King William-Alexander gave his annual speech to the States General on the third Tuesday in September. The king emphasized that solving political problems in the Netherlands takes time. “Not everything can be done at once,” he said on Tuesday during the speech from the throne, in which he announced the government’s plans for next year. King Willem-Alexander began his speech by insisting on the importance of community spirit and cooperation as an “antidote to polarization.” According to him, politics plays an important role in this. “One of the most important questions is whether people still have confidence in politics and government to solve the problems.” Nevertheless, the king emphasized that solving problems takes time. “The honest message is: not everything can be done at once,” he said. In doing so, the cabinet mainly encounters financial limits. “Because we should not saddle our children and grandchildren with an irresponsibly high national debt.” That is why the government is pursuing a budgetary policy “that does not postpone the bill.” One political problem is more of a priority for the cabinet than the other. For example, it is irresponsible to postpone or cancel efforts to address the nitrogen problem. Earlier this year, the cabinet presented a nitrogen approach, but it met with considerable resistance from right-wing parties. These plans also led to farmers’ protests in various places in the country. The cabinet will continue to discuss the plans with farmers and provinces. There is a lot of money available to help farmers adapt their business. The king acknowledges the pain and uncertainty of farming families in the vicinity of vulnerable nature. “Farmers deserve clarity and perspective.” The king also paid attention to the heated debate around asylum and migration. According to him, there should always be room in the Netherlands for people fleeing war and oppression. He discussed demonstrations earlier this year in Loosdrecht and Engelen, where an asylum seekers’ center was almost set on fire and houses and vehicles were destroyed and defaced. “It must be clear that threats and violence are unacceptable. Stricter controls at EU external borders and cooperation with countries outside the EU should reduce the influx. Getting a grip on migration is a topic that is about togetherness.” The king also discussed the importance of investments in defense and Ukraine, the threat of organized crime in the Netherlands, and the need for a pragmatic approach to the housing shortage. Cabinet still has to seek support for plans Each year, the prime minister writes the Speech from the Throne, which the king delivers on Budget Day. This year, Rob Jetten wrote it for the first time. Parliament still must approve the plans read out in the speech from the throne. This year, the minority cabinet will have to seek support to guide its plans through the Senate and House. The opposition has already criticized the leaked plans and the cabinet’s attempts to collaborate with opposition parties. That political game continues during the General Political Reflections on Wednesday and Thursday, when the House of Representatives debates the plans read out by the king.