Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
On June 13, we will honor 18 years of leadership by our Island Governor, Jonathan Johnson. The ceremony will consist of an ecumenical service at the Sacred Heart Church in The Bottom at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at the Princess Juliana Sports Field. The public is warmly invited to celebrate Governor Johnson’s years of service to our island.
- June 3, 2026
CariFoodFund is established
An initiative aimed at boosting food security across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has officially been launched with a working visit to Curacao by the future chair of the newly established CariFoodFund. Jamy Goewie, intended chair of the foundation’s supervisory board, met with farmers, financial institutions and representatives of the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten as preparations move forward for the operational start. The proposed fund will serve Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, providing financial support for agricultural and food-production projects designed to reduce the islands’ heavy dependence on imported food. Financing Local Food According to the initiative’s founders, the Caribbean islands remain highly vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains and international price fluctuations because much of their food supply is imported. CariFoodFund aims to address that vulnerability by providing loans to entrepreneurs and organisations involved in agriculture, fisheries, food processing, and related sectors. The fund should have contingency plans in place to secure operations, protect employees, and minimise potential damage to property and surrounding communities.” ODM is reminding business owners that loose materials commonly found around warehouses and storage facilities can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Items such as plywood sheets, shipping pallets, food pallets, metal strapping, and other unsecured materials can easily become airborne and cause significant damage to buildings, vehicles, and neighbouring properties. Business operators are therefore encouraged to inspect their facilities and surrounding areas and develop plans for the rapid removal or securing of materials whenever a tropical storm or hurricane threat is forecast for St. Maarten. Every effort should be made to keep storage yards and warehouse surroundings free of loose debris and unsecured materials that could pose a threat during severe weather conditions. Property owners should ensure that all hurricane preparedness measures can be implemented within a short period when necessary. ODM also encouraged households and businesses alike to review their hurricane preparedness plans and identify any weaknesses that need to be addressed while there is still sufficient time to prepare. The peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season typically begins in mid-August and continues through October. “The primary objective is the protection of lives first and foremost, followed by the protection of property and surrounding residential communities,” Richardson emphasised. ODM reminded all businesses that when a Tropical Storm Watch or Hurricane Watch is issued — typically 48 hours before the expected impact of a weather system — business continuity and hurricane preparedness plans should be activated immediately. Timely action during this period can significantly reduce risks and improve resilience. ODM will continue to provide preparedness information throughout the hurricane season and encourages all sectors of the community to remain vigilant, informed, and prepared. The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and preparedness resources for families, homes, and businesses by visiting the Government website at sintmaartengov. org/hurricane, where the “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide” and “Hurricane Tracking Chart” can be downloaded. The information is also valuable for new residents. Residents are encouraged to listen to Government radio station SXMGOV 107.9 FM for official information and news before, during, and after a hurricane. Weather-related updates and national addresses by the Prime Minister, who chairs the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), can also be followed via the SXMGOV Facebook page. For official weather-related information, residents can visit the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten at meteosxm.com or follow the department’s Facebook page sxmweather. The Daily Herald.
Representatives from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten on Friday signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in agriculture, livestock and fisheries across the Dutch Caribbean. The agreement was signed under the framework of the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DC ALFA) and marks an important step toward further formalising long-term collaboration between the six islands in areas such as food security, sustainable agriculture, fisheries development, climate resilience, and regional policy coordination. Signatories to the agreement included Aruba’s Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever; Bonaire Commissioner Clark Abraham; Curaçao Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyrone Boekhoudt; Saba Commissioner Bruce Zagers; Sint Eustatius Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam; and Sint Maarten’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten. The updated MoU builds on the initial agreement signed in 2023 and establishes a more structured and future-oriented framework for cooperation through 2035. The agreement outlines a shared commitment among the participating islands to strengthen food security, reduce import dependency, promote sustainable and climate-smart practices, stimulate resilient economic growth, and increase opportunities for youth and women within the primary sector. The renewed framework also supports the continued development of the DC ALFA Roadmap 2025–2035, which will guide regional collaboration and strategic priorities moving forward. An important component of the new agreement is the intention to work toward formalising DC ALFA into an independent legal entity capable of supporting stronger governance structures, accessing external funding opportunities, and facilitating long-term regional project implementation. Speaking at the signing, Minister Heyliger-Marten underscored the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening food security and economic sustainability within the Dutch Caribbean; working together collectively in more ways than one. “Regional cooperation is essential as we work to strengthen food security, support local producers, and create more innovative and sustainable agricultural systems across the Dutch Caribbean. This renewed partnership allows us to share knowledge, align efforts, and build stronger opportunities for future generations. Let’s continue to make this industry attractive for all,” the minister stated. The Memorandum of Understanding took effect upon signing and will remain in force through December 31, 2035. The Daily Herald.
- May 29, 2026
Jocelyn Levenstone new Island Governor of Saba
Mr. J.R. (Jocelyn) Levenstone will be the new Island Governor of Saba. State secretary Van der Burg of Kingdom Relations and Effective Government nominated him for appointment in the council of ministers. Jocelyn Levenstone (57) was born on Saba and was Director of the Immigration and Border Protection Service (IBP) on Sint Maarten from 2023 to early 2026. Between 2018 and 2023 he worked as Head of the Support Post of the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard on Sint Maarten. He was previously – from 2012 to 2018 – amongst other things, Safety and Security Head of the Sint Maarten harbor. Mr. Levenstone followed the police training and started his career at the Netherlands Antilles Police Corps. During his career, he followed various leadership and management training courses. The appointment of Mr. Levenstone as Island Governor of Saba will take effect on July 1 st 2026. RCN.
- May 28, 2026
Cft visited Sint Eustatius and Saba
On May 25 and 26, the Board of Financial Supervision of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (Cft) visited Sint Eustatius and Saba. The Cft discussed the current financial situation, the government-owned entities, and ongoing projects with the executive councils and the island councils. On Saba, the Cft bade farewell to the outgoing Island Governor, Jonathan Johnson. On both islands, the Cft observes a stable improvement of the financial management, and it emphasizes the importance of continued caution in a changing environment. Saba The Cft reiterates its appreciation for the high quality of Saba’s financial management. The budgets are in order and have been submitted timely. Furthermore, the Cft observes that Saba maintains these positive developments. Furthermore, with the Saba Electric Company (SEC) and Satel, Saba holds two government-owned entities that carry out a public task and possess an important infrastructure. The available information shows that the performance of these entities is also relatively stable, although they face operational challenges. The Cft also bade farewell to Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, who is stepping down after 18 years. Mr. Johnson has made a significant contribution to Saba’s current financial situation and administrative stability. The Cft has sincerely thanked him for his years of dedication and effort. Lastly, both islands operate in a world that is currently in a state of flux, which requires ongoing attention for careful and resilient financial policy. CFT
On 1 January 2026, the population of the Caribbean Netherlands stood at over 33 thousand. That was an increase of 1,249 (4 percent) over the previous year. The increase was largely due to population growth on Bonaire, mainly as a result of migration. On St Eustatius and Saba, the population also grew due to migration. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports these numbers on the basis of newly released figures. The population of the Caribbean Netherlands grew by 4 percent in 2025, year on year. The increase was largely due to migration. The population of Bonaire grew by the most, while Saba and St Eustatius also saw an increase in their population. Saba’s population increase by 5 percent The population of Saba stood at 2,270 on 1 January 2026. That was an increase of 112 (5 percent). More people came to live on the island than left (+119), and the natural increase was limited. The number of residents on Saba who were born outside the Caribbean Netherlands increased by 120. In particular, the number of people born on Sint Maarten, in the Philippines, Colombia, and the United States increased. CBS
- May 27, 2026
UPDATE: Firearm surrender campaign
The temporary firearm surrender campaign on Saba, organized by the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office BES, officially concluded on Sunday, May 24th. During the campaign period, two firearms and ammunition were voluntarily surrendered. KPCN and the Public Prosecutor’s Office BES would like to sincerely thank the community of Saba for their cooperation, openness, and contribution to the safety of the island. Every firearm removed from the community contributes to reducing risks and strengthening public safety. The campaign is part of a joint approach in the Caribbean part of the kingdom, aimed at reducing illegal firearm possession and increasing public safety. After the surrender period ends, strict enforcement against illegal firearm possession will follow. For more information, visit: www.politiecn.com KPCN
-
Single-vehicle collision On Friday, the 22nd of May, around 9:00 AM, the central control room received a report of a collision on Samuel A. Charles Street on Saba. Upon arrival at the scene, a car was found to have crashed into a planter. The driver had become ill while behind the wheel. Both the driver and the passenger were taken to the hospital by ambulance for medical treatment. The fire department was also called to the scene, because oil was leaking from the vehicle onto the road. KPCN
- May 26, 2026
“Tone-Deaf” WINAIR Campaign Sparks Outrage on St. Eustatius and Saba, Forces Public Apology
Regional carrier WINAIR is facing mounting criticism from residents and political leaders on Saba and St. Eustatius after a social media campaign about airfare pricing triggered widespread backlash and forced the airline to issue a public apology. The controversy erupted after WINAIR on Monday morning posted a promotional reel highlighting the challenges of operating flights to Saba and Statia, including difficult weather conditions, specialized pilot training and operations at Saba’s famously short runway. However, the campaign quickly drew anger because of captions in the reel suggesting that residents of Saba and St. Eustatius expected to pay little or even “zero” for flights to the islands. Many residents interpreted the wording as mocking long-standing complaints about high airfare prices and unreliable service to the two islands, where air transportation is widely viewed as an essential public lifeline rather than a luxury. Within hours, criticism spread rapidly across Facebook and other social media platforms, with dozens of residents accusing the airline of being dismissive toward communities that depend heavily on WINAIR for medical travel, education, government business and family connections. One of the most widely shared reactions came from Saba resident Laura Boatswain, who wrote that while she appreciated the skill required to operate flights into Saba, the message gave the impression that the airline did not value residents “as customers whatsoever.” Another heavily liked response described the campaign as “tone deaf,” arguing that residents already support the airline despite “high fares, inconsistent service, delays, cancellations, and years of having limited alternatives.” Several commenters also questioned how the reel had been approved in the first place. One resident called the campaign “very unprofessional and disrespectful,” while another stated that the apology appeared to have been issued only because of the scale of the public backlash. As criticism intensified, WINAIR later removed the reel and issued a public apology. “Winair acknowledges the concerns raised regarding a recent social media post involving Saba and Statia,” the airline stated. “We sincerely apologize to the communities of Saba and Statia.” The airline added that it values its longstanding relationship with both islands and remains committed to “listening, learning, and serving our communities responsibly.” Despite the apology, criticism continued throughout the day, with many residents saying the issue went beyond a single social media post and reflected broader frustrations about the affordability and reliability of regional air travel. Political response The controversy also prompted a political response on Saba. The Party for Progress, Equality and Prosperity (PEP) faction in the Island Council announced that it had formally alerted the Kingdom Relations Committee of the Dutch Second Chamber about the incident. In a public statement shared by Island Council Member Julio Every, the faction said it considered the message “inappropriate,” particularly given the essential nature of air connectivity for Saba and St. Eustatius. The council members further linked the incident to ongoing discussions about affordability, reliability and public-service standards for air transportation within the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. BES-Reporter.
- May 26, 2026
Public auction of immovable properties: July 7th
At the request of: Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (Bonaire) N.V., registered at the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce and Industry under number 0130, a legal entity established in Bonaire, with office address Bulevar Gobernador, Nicolaas Debrot #70, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands; hereinafter to be referred to as “Creditor”, who elects in this matter domicile at the notary office of M.D. Bouterse LL.M, civil law notary of the Public Entities Sint Eustatius and Saba, having offices at Coble Stone Road #3-A, The Bottom, Saba, Caribbean Netherlands, hereinafter referred to as “civil law notary”; have I, Marisol Angelique Anselma Bernabela as deputy of Bonaire, process-server for Civil matters at the Court of First Instance of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint-Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius en Saba and the Court of First Instance of Bonaire, St. Eustatius en Saba, Station Bonaire, residing in Bonaire and and having offices at Kaya Industria 17a (South Beach Plaza) te Bonaire, Served notice to: Mr. B.I. Caldwell, the heirs of Ms. S.A. Shah Caldwell, the heirs of Ms. K. Pendleton and the heirs of W.A. Caldwell, currently of no known address or place of residence on Saba, Caribbean Netherlands, or anywhere else. This notice shall be published op Saba News. Therefore, I am serving my writ to the Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance, sitting in Bonaire, who signed the original writ as read. This notice shall be published in de Staatscourant. a parcel of land, situated on the island Saba, Caribbean Netherlands, in the district of Windwardside at Over the Peak, having an area of seven hundred and eighty-six square meters (786m²), described in Certificate of Admeasurement number 009 of nineteen hundred and eighty-two (C/A 009/1982), with the thereon-standing building and all appurtenances belonging thereto; and a parcel of land, situated on the island Saba, Caribbean Netherlands, in the district of Windwardside at Over the Peak, having an area of five hundred and fifty-six square meters (556m²), described in Certificate of Admeasurement number 006 of two thousand (C/A 006/2000), with the thereon-standing building and all appurtenances belonging thereto. the date of the public auction of the aforementioned immovable properties will then be held in the presence of Ms. Marcia D. Bouterse, civil law notary of the Public Entities Sint Eustatius and Saba, or her deputy on July 7th, 2026 on the address of Notary Office St. Eustatius and Saba at Coble Stone Road 3-A, The Bottom, Saba, C.N. Note that interested Buyers are allowed to provide a private bid before June 14th, 2026.The Process-Server aforementioned. De Deurwaarder, Marisol A.A. Bernabela
