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With the March 2027 Island Council elections approaching, the Census Office is asking all residents who intend to vote to verify their registered address by December 31, 2026. This applies to everyone who intends to vote, including residents who have not recently moved. The population register is the official record of residents and their addresses. Under the Wet basisadministraties persoonsgegevens BES, a person’s registered address must reflect where they live. Accurate records are especially important ahead of the elections so that we can send voting cards to the correct addresses. Residents can verify their address in one of two ways: by email or in person at the Census Office. To verify your address by email, send your name, current address, and a scanned copy of your ID card, driver’s license, or passport to censusmail@sabagov.nl. Residents living at the same address can send one email together. The email must include their shared current address, each person’s name, and a scanned copy of each person’s ID card, driver’s license, or passport. Residents living at different addresses should send separate emails. You can also verify your address in person at the Census Office in the Administration Building, Power Street #1, The Bottom. The Census Office is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 to 4:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. If you have questions, please send an email to censusmail@sabagov.nl. PES

The Public Entity Saba, through the Census Department, wishes to inform political parties interested in participating in the upcoming Island Council Elections on March 17, 2027, of the important registration requirements and electoral deadlines. Registration of Political Party Names Political parties wishing to participate under an official party name must register their name with the Central Electoral Committee no later than Monday, December 21, 2026. The following documents are required: A completed registration request form, available at the Census Department. Please ensure that the registration form is completed and submitted to the Census Department before proceeding with any payments. An official notarial deed containing the party’s statutes. A certified extract from the Chamber of Commerce. Proof of payment of the required registration security deposit. Include the name of the political party and the reference in the payment description (e.g. “Security Deposit – Party Registration”). A security deposit of $112.50 is required for party name registration. This deposit will be refunded upon submission of a valid candidate list. Online bank transfers are preferred. Payments may be made to either of the following bank accounts: MCB Bonaire Account number: 80004608 or RBC Saba Account number: 8600009990006468. Postulation Day – February 1, 2027 Monday, February 1, 2027, is the official Postulation Day, when political parties must submit their candidate lists and all required supporting documents to the Central Electoral Committee. Political parties not currently represented in the Island Council must meet additional requirements, including submitting at least 10 valid declarations of support and paying a separate candidate nomination security deposit of $225. Each supporter must personally visit the Census Department to sign the official declaration (Model H 4). The supporter must be eligible to vote in the Island Council elections. Declarations of support may be submitted from January 18 through February 1, 2027. Important Electoral Dates Date Activity December 21, 2026 Deadline for party name registration January 18, 2027 Target deadline for candidate nomination security deposits January 18 – February 1, 2027 Period for declarations of support February 1, 2027 Postulation Day – Submission of candidate lists March 17, 2027 Island Council Elections The Census Department encourages all political parties to begin preparations early to ensure compliance with the electoral requirements and deadlines. For registration forms, payment instructions, or further information, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Census Department of the Public Entity Saba, censusmail@sabagov.nl. PES

Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has confirmed that neither she nor Acting Minister of Justice Marinka Gumbs was informed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) or asked to make any decision concerning the release of a woman arrested after three firearms were discovered in her luggage at Princess Juliana International Airport. Tackling emphasized that decisions concerning the arrest, detention and release of criminal suspects fall under the authority of the OM and judiciary, not the Minister of Justice, and that prosecutors are under no legal obligation to inform the Minister about individual cases, regardless of their public profile. The Minister provided the clarification in a written response to questions from The People’s Tribune following public debate surrounding the arrest and subsequent release of the woman, who has been linked to former Saba Island Governor Jonathan Johnson. The People’s Tribune asked the Minister’s cabinet to clarify who determines whether suspects are detained or released and whether the OM is normally required to inform the Minister about high-profile cases or seek ministerial approval before making such decisions. Prosecutor’s Office Has Authority Over Detention and Release Tackling explained that the Code of Criminal Procedure establishes the responsibilities of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in criminal investigations, including decisions concerning suspects held in custody. “Under the Code of Criminal Procedure of Sint Maarten, decisions on the arrest, detention, and release of suspects in a criminal investigation rest with the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM),” Tackling stated. She explained that the OM directs criminal investigations and decides on custody and whether to request pretrial detention, while judicial authorization is required for pretrial detention orders. The Minister further referred to the Kingdom Act governing the Public Prosecution Service, explaining that the Prosecutor General exercises this authority independently. “The Minister has no authority to take, direct, or reverse such decisions in an individual case,” she stated. Her explanation establishes that the Minister of Justice does not determine whether an individual suspect should remain detained or be released during a criminal investigation. Neither Minister Received Information or Request for Approval Tackling also addressed whether prosecutors are required to keep the Minister informed about cases attracting considerable public attention. According to the Minister, there is no legal requirement for the OM to inform her about individual criminal cases or seek her approval for decisions involving suspects. “Nor does the law impose an obligation on the OM to inform the Minister of individual cases, however high profile, or to seek a decision from the Minister,” Tackling stated. She then addressed the airport firearms incident directly. “No such information was provided in this case, either to me or to the acting Minister, and no decision was requested of either of us.” The clarification follows recent reporting concerning whether Acting Minister Marinka Gumbs had been involved in approving the woman’s release. On November 8, SMN-News corrected an earlier report suggesting Gumbs had authorized the decision, after the Acting Minister stated that no such approval had been given and that the decision rested with the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Tackling’s response independently confirms that neither Minister was asked to authorize the release. Minister Wants Greater Awareness of Impact of OM Decisions While emphasizing the independence of the prosecution service, Tackling acknowledged that decisions made within the criminal justice system can generate consequences for the Ministry of Justice, particularly when they attract public concern. “That said, the absence of a legal obligation does not make the impact of these decisions any less real,” Tackling stated. She explained that she continues raising concerns within the driehoek, the consultation structure involving justice and law enforcement authorities, about the wider implications of decisions made by the OM. “Within the driehoek, I continue to stress that the OM must be more aware of the effect its decisions have on the legal order. That work is, however, still in progress,” the Minister stated. Tackling also expressed concern about the Ministry being expected to explain decisions over which it has no authority. “Too often, decisions in which this Ministry has no say end up with us to explain, even though we cannot account for them.” The Minister did not suggest that these concerns entitled her to intervene in individual criminal investigations. Rather, her comments concerned the relationship between prosecutorial independence, public accountability and the consequences of decisions made within the justice system. Three Firearms Discovered in Passenger’s Luggage The controversy followed an incident on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, when a female passenger arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport on a flight from Saba was arrested after three firearms were discovered in her luggage. According to information attributed to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in local media reports, all three weapons were confiscated, and the woman was questioned before being released from police custody. The OM confirmed that the investigation into the importation of the firearms remained ongoing. However, the prosecution service did not publicly explain the grounds for releasing the woman or provide details concerning ownership of the weapons and whether the necessary authorizations existed. Subsequent reporting identified the woman as having a family connection to former Saba Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, although the authorities have not publicly confirmed her identity. The case has attracted attention in St. Maarten and Saba, particularly concerning the circumstances under which the firearms were transported and the decision to release the passenger after questioning. MP Lewis Questions Release and Calls for Explanation On November 8, Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis, Chairman of Parliament’s Justice Committee, called for a written and public explanation concerning the incident. Lewis questioned who authorized the release, what circumstances informed the decision and whether any conditions were imposed on the woman following her questioning. The MP also raised concerns about whether suspects are treated consistently in comparable firearms investigations. He requested information about ownership and authorization of the confiscated weapons, as well as security screening procedures for passengers traveling between Saba and St. Maarten. Lewis characterized the circumstances as raising concerns about unequal treatment, while calling for an explanation that respects the presumption […]

Saba Day weekend means Sea to Scenery. On Saturday 5 December you start at Cove Bay with your hand in the water and finish just below the top of Mount Scenery. About 6 kilometers and about 800 meters of climbing. Run it, walk it, or run until the steps and walk the rest, like most of us. What: run or walk, from sea level to the top of Saba When: Saturday 5 December, bib numbers 6:30 at Cove Bay, briefing 6:45, start 7:00 Where: Cove Bay, via Hell’s Gate and Windwardside, up the Mt. Scenery steps Entry: $10, includes a bite and a drink together afterwards Sign up here: https://www.event66.nl/sea-to-scenery/ A Saba Triathlon Foundation event, in collaboration with Event 66. You have been up there with us before. The mountain has not gotten any lower, but neither have you. Next up after this one: the Saba Triathlon on Saturday 13 March 2027, swim, bike and run on Saba: https://www.event66.nl/saba-triathlon/ Hope to see you at the start! Sporty greetings/Sportieve groet, Jochem www.event66.nl

Recent reports that three firearms were discovered in the luggage of a passenger travelling from Saba to St. Maarten have renewed concerns about public safety and security on the island. According to Island Council Member Saskia Janell Matthew, the incident has raised questions within the community and revived memories of the tragic events of September 2025, when Saba experienced a loss of life that left many residents shaken. Matthew noted that public concerns about safety are understandable, particularly in light of the island’s recent history. During a public meeting of the Island Council on September 18, 2025, she raised several questions regarding measures being taken to strengthen security and protect the community. While acknowledging that complex safety challenges cannot be resolved overnight, Matthew believes residents deserve to know what progress has been made since those discussions took place. “More than a year later, and with another firearms-related incident drawing attention, it is reasonable for the public to receive an update on the steps that have been taken and the results achieved,” she said. Matthew emphasized that maintaining security on Saba is a shared responsibility involving both local and national authorities. However, she stressed the importance of examining local measures and ensuring that systems in place continue to be evaluated and improved. “No community can completely eliminate risk, and no security system can guarantee that incidents will never occur,” she stated. “However, authorities have a responsibility to identify risks, address vulnerabilities and continuously assess whether current measures are effective.” She also highlighted the importance of transparency and communication between government and residents. According to Matthew, community members should be kept informed about efforts being made to safeguard the island, rather than relying on speculation or waiting for another incident to prompt public discussion. The recent firearms discovery has once again brought questions of security, prevention and public communication to the forefront. As residents seek reassurance, calls are growing for updates on the measures implemented since last year’s discussions and for continued dialogue on how best to protect the island community. Saskia Janell Matthew

Member of Parliament (MP) and Chairman of the Justice Committee Lyndon Lewis is requesting that Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling provide a written and public update on the seizure of three firearms at Princess Juliana International Airport and explain why the passenger was released after questioning. According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, as reported in Friday’s paper, “A woman arriving in St. Maarten on a flight from Saba was arrested after three firearms were found in her luggage. All weapons were confiscated, and the woman was released from police custody after questioning. The investigation into the importation of firearms into St. Maarten remains ongoing.” “I’m asking the Minister to clarify who made the decision to release the suspect after questioning, what factors informed that decision, and whether any conditions were imposed. Why pictures of the confiscated firearms, including the make and caliber, were not published as customary.” MP Lewis said. “Many persons in the community are shocked to hear that the suspect was released after questioning and that if it were a local public figure, they would have been remanded in police custody pending further investigation. This presumes to be another situation of Class Justice. The public deserves answers and a clear explanation of what can be disclosed at this stage, with full respect for the presumption of innocence and the integrity of the investigation,” MP Lewis stated. MP Lewis is seeking clarification on whether investigators have established who owned the firearms and whether they obtained the required authorizations. He seeks clarification on the screening procedures in place for passengers and luggage on the Saba–Sint Maarten route and whether the relevant authorities are reviewing those procedures following the incident. SMN News.

The island of Saba is taking part in the DEMA Show 2026, one of the world’s leading trade events for the diving industry, where it is showcasing its diving, natural beauty, and tourism offerings. The island’s presence carries extra weight this year. Saba has received nine awards in Scuba Diving magazine’s Readers Choice Awards, up from seven last year. Commissioner of Tourism Bruce Zagers and Director of Tourism Courtney Hassell accepted the awards on the island’s behalf. Saba was recognized in the following categories: Top 10 – Health of Marine Environment One of the Best – Wall Diving One of the Best – Big Animals One of the Best – Advanced Diving One of the Best – Underwater Photography One of the Best – Macro Life One of the Best – Best Value One of the Best – Best Overall One of the Best – Beginners The wide range of categories shows Saba’s appeal to divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced divers looking for dramatic walls, rich marine life, and strong photography opportunities. Saba is represented at the show by Saba Tourism, Sea Saba, Juliana’s Hotel, and Scenery Hotel. Together they are promoting the island as a distinctive Caribbean destination with world-class diving, warm hospitality, and a commitment to protecting its natural environment. The show gives Saba a valuable chance to build relationships with international dive operators, industry partners, and diving enthusiasts. Beyond its dive sites, the island offers an authentic Caribbean experience, with unspoiled landscapes, scenic hiking trails, charming villages, and boutique accommodations. With nine awards and a strong presence at DEMA’s 50th edition, Saba continues to strengthen its position in the international diving market. PES

The site BES Reporter announces that the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has decided that the same company will continue to deliver mail on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Minister Heleen Herbert has signed the decision granting Flamingo Express Dutch Caribbean N.V. (FXDC Post) a new ten-year concession, effective 1 January 2027. FXDC thus retains the exclusive right to deliver mail on the three islands. A concession is a government license that gives a company the exclusive right to provide a public postal service, subject to certain quality and delivery requirements. FXDC has operated the postal service on the BES islands since 2014. The current concession will expire on 31 December 2026. The decision goes against the advice of a study by Economisch Bureau Amsterdam (EBA), published in 2025. The bureau concluded that postal delivery in the Caribbean Netherlands structurally fails to meet quality requirements and that statutory delivery times are regularly exceeded. According to the researchers, this is partly due to logistical obstacles, such as irregular flight connections between the islands, the small market, the lack of street names and postcodes, and manual processes. In addition, postal volume has fallen by about a third since 2014. EBA advised splitting the concession and granting one per island. The bureau also proposed introducing postcodes, particularly on Bonaire, to enable ‘community mailboxes’, and adopting a new quality framework that distinguishes between local mail, mail between the islands and international mail. According to EBA, a financial contribution from the government, linked to performance requirements, may be needed in the future. The bureau also called for more active oversight by citizens, businesses, and local authorities. Conditions still unknown With the new decision, however, FXDC has again been granted a concession for all three islands, from 2027 through 2036. It is still unknown which conditions or improvements are attached to the new concession and why the minister chose not to award a separate concession per island. Neither FXDC nor the ministry has yet responded to the decision. BES Reporter