Recent posts on Saba News

Economic Master Plan Provides Long-Term Direction for Saba’s Development

Like many small island communities, Saba continues to face structural economic challenges, including high cost of living, limited housing availability, and vulnerability to external shocks. The newly finalized Economic Master Plan provides a long-term framework aimed at strengthening the island’s economic resilience in a deliberate and sustainable manner. The plan outlines a number of priorities designed to strengthen Saba’s economic stability while supporting sustainable development and improving quality of life for residents. While the plan does not offer immediate solutions to complex issues, it establishes a clearer direction for coordinated action over the coming years. Strengthening the Island’s Economic Foundations Reliable infrastructure remains essential to economic stability. Road improvement works are ongoing to enhance safety and long-term durability. Developments at both the existing harbor and the new harbor site are intended to strengthen connectivity and support commercial activity and tourism. Investments in social and educational infrastructure are also part of this broader foundation. The new school gym and technical center will expand opportunities for youth development and skills training, supporting future workforce capacity. Environmental resilience is another important factor in long-term stability. Reforestation initiatives contribute to climate adaptation efforts while helping preserve the natural environment that is central to Saba’s identity and economic activity. In the utilities sector, several structural improvements have already been implemented. All electricity cables have been placed underground, reducing storm-related risks. The development of a third solar park supports continued transition toward renewable energy sources. Island-wide Fiber installation enhances digital connectivity for residents and businesses, improving reliability and supporting modern economic activity. Housing and Community Stability Housing remains one of the island’s most pressing challenges. The Master Plan reinforces the importance of sustained, coordinated action in this area. The new Saba Cares facility is nearing completion and is expected to open this year, strengthening community infrastructure. Looking ahead, plans are being developed to construct 50 homes by 2030. A Housing Vision Plan is scheduled for 2026 to provide strategic guidance for future residential development. The establishment of a rental committee further supports oversight and transparency within the housing market. Ensuring that residents are able to live and work on Saba is fundamental to long-term economic stability. Sustainable Economic Development The plan also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to tourism. Saba’s participation in the Green Destinations program reflects a commitment to sustainable ecotourism that supports local businesses while protecting natural resources. The focus remains on steady, manageable development that aligns with the island’s scale and character. Next Steps The Executive Council has approved the Economic Plan and, in collaboration with the relevant ministries, will work diligently to ensure that its stated objectives are achieved. It should be noted that the success of this plan is dependent on securing ongoing funding. “Economic resilience is built over time. The Master Plan serves as a structured roadmap to guide decision-making, strengthen coordination, and support long-term stability. Implementation will require careful planning, financial discipline, and sustained cooperation across departments and stakeholders” states Commissioner Bruce Zagers. The document provides direction, but progress will depend on steady execution in the years ahead. Saba’s approach remains deliberate and forward-looking: strengthening infrastructure, securing utilities, expanding housing, and supporting sustainable economic activity to ensure a stable future for residents and businesses. To view the report, visit Economics Master Plan. PES.

Dutch Fund for journalists has new grants available

The session is being held at the library in The Bottom on Monday, April 13 from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Turbidity Levels Monitored at Black Rocks Harbor Project

Turbidity levels around the Black Rocks Harbor Project are being closely monitored after cloudy water was observed in the area last week. Public Entity Saba (PES) says it recognizes the community’s concern for the island’s fragile marine environment and is providing clarity on the cause of the turbidity and the immediate steps taken to address it. According to PES, excavation work for the harbor project is currently underway. During this phase, natural seabed materials — including boulders, rock, sand, and fine silty particles — are being dredged. The dredged material is reused to build the inner core of the breakwater and to create temporary bunds needed for the basin dredging. In this process, some of the very fine seabed particles were released back into the water. These light silty sediments were then carried westward by longshore currents, forming a visible plume along the coastline. Because suspended fine particles can negatively affect coral health, PES immediately contacted the contractor, who halted the activity. The excavation method has since been adjusted: fine materials are now filtered on land to prevent them from entering the seawater. Additional mitigation measures, such as the installation of a silt screen or bubble curtain, are currently being evaluated and will be implemented where needed. Turbidity levels will continue to be monitored throughout the project. If readings exceed critical thresholds, all turbidity‑causing work will be stopped and the methodology further refined. Environmental protection remains a central priority of the Black Rocks Harbor Project. Last year, more than 1,000 corals located directly in the project zone were successfully relocated to an outplant site east of the harbor area. Several marine zones around Saba have also been granted higher protection status, and plans are underway to develop an artificial reef as an additional compensatory measure. PES emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding Saba’s marine life while advancing this important infrastructure project.    

Extension of purchasing power measures and increase in reimbursement for babies in childcare

The cabinet has decided to extend the measures aimed at improving purchasing power and livelihood security in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba by one year. For this purpose, €11 million will be allocated in 2027. In addition, €30 million will be made structurally available for livelihood security based on the coalition agreement. The cabinet is still developing these measures further and will present them on Prinsjesdag (Budget Day in September). Purchasing power measures The cabinet will continue its efforts to reduce the cost of living for households by keeping the costs of utilities and internet lower. To achieve this, the additional subsidies for energy, drinking water, and telecommunications for households will be extended. For internet, this means a reduction of $15 per connection per month. The exact amounts for electricity and drinking water will be published by the utility companies in January 2027. The cabinet recognizes the issue of poverty in the Caribbean Netherlands. Therefore, households with low incomes, just as in previous years, may qualify in 2027 for an energy allowance of USD 1,300 per year. In addition, €1 million will be available in 2027 for local initiatives aimed at combating child poverty. These funds can help children from low-income families participate in activities such as sports, cultural activities, school-related activities, and social programs. Increase in compensation for babies in childcare The additional compensation that childcare organisations receive for caring for babies (baby supplement) will be increased in 2027. This measure addresses the extra costs associated with caring for babies, such as staff, diapers, and nutrition. Childcare organisations have indicated that the current baby supplement does not sufficiently cover these additional costs. The cabinet has taken these concerns seriously and will therefore increase the baby supplement starting in 2027. For Bonaire, the amount will increase by $40, bringing the supplement to $306 per baby per month for full-time daycare. For Sint Eustatius, the amount will increase by $44, bringing it to $340 per month. For Saba, the increase will be $47, bringing the baby supplement to $362 per baby per month for full-time daycare. RCN.  

Director General Wolfensberger visits Saba

On March 24 and 25, Director-General for Kingdom Relations, Barbera Wolfensberger, visited Saba, with meetings focused on major development projects on the island. The visit commenced with a tour of the solar panel park, highlighting the importance of ensuring affordable and sustainable energy for all residents of Saba. Wolfensberger then met with Acting Island Governor Shamara Nicholson, Island Secretary Bram Streppel, Commissioner Bruce Zagers, and Commissioner Eviton Heyliger. During this meeting, topics such as connectivity and the high cost of living on the island were discussed. A site visit was also conducted at the Black Rocks Harbor, where work is ongoing for the construction of the breakwater. Project Manager Peter Biemond provided background on the project, emphasizing the importance of developing a hurricane-resilient and future-proof harbor, while also incorporating sustainable practices, including the reuse of dredged materials and coral rehabilitation. The delegation also viewed the location for the new solar park. On the following day, DG Wolfensberger visited the site of the Enrichment Center in St. John’s, which is funded by the Regio Deal. Project Manager Carine Ghazzi highlighted the ongoing construction of the gymnasium and Technical Center, as well as plans for the future Enrichment Center, which is expected to be completed in 2028. Rosa Johnson, Head of the Department of Community Development and Culture, noted that her department, in collaboration with Saba Reach Foundation, will also develop an operations plan for the Enrichment Center through consultation with cultural centers in Europe. At the site, Rosheed Ballantyne, a student at the Saba Comprehensive School and an intern at the Infrastructure and Spatial Planning Department, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that although he will graduate before the center is completed, he is pleased that younger students will benefit from these modern facilities. The delegation also visited Saba Reach Foundation, where an overview was provided of its wide range of activities and services, including the social workplace program, adult education courses and the Replay program. Emphasis was placed on the need for structural funding and possible knowledge exchanges. The visit concluded at the hydroponics farm, where discussions focused on food security for Saba. The group also toured the tree nursery for the reforestation project, where various native tree species are grown to later be outplanted to support reforestation, erosion control, and ecosystem recovery efforts on the island. There, fruit trees are also cultivated for distribution within the community to support backyard farming and availability of local food. PES.

Saba hosts regional training for a healthier, more active generation

Saba government’s Department of Public Health and Sports, in collaboration with Stichting EGO, organ­ised a three-day regional training session last week for professionals from Saba, St. Maarten, and St. Eustatius. The training was conduct­ed on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport VWS. The three-day gathering was officially opened by Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, who em­phasised the importance of collaboration and investing in the health of the younger generation across the islands. The training focused on strengthening a data-driven approach to improving chil­dren’s health and motor de­velopment. Central to this approach are the BLOC Test and the Child Monitor, tools that provide insight into chil­dren’s physical activity, motor skills, and lifestyle behav­iours. During the training, par­ticipants – including physical education teachers, policy-makers, and sports profes­sionals – worked through the full process: from using the online systems to interpreting data and translating it into practice. The workshops were led by experts from HAN Uni­versity of Applied Sciences, who guided participants in translating data into practical lesson design and differentia­tion in physical education. In addition, there was specific attention to working with children with additional sup­port needs, under the guid­ance of two psychomotor therapists. This component was made possible through an Erasmus+ project. In addition to the content sessions, there was also space for informal exchange and team building. “We were very intentional about creating space for par­ticipants to connect and learn from each other throughout the training. The group really leaned into that, and what we’re left with is more than just a successful program; it’s a stronger regional network that will continue sharing knowledge and supporting each other year-round,” said Lauren Risley, Policy Advisor for Sports at the Saba govern­ment and one of the organis­ers of the training. Participants visited the Saba Heritage Centre, participat­ed in a coastal boat excursion, and took part in a group hike, with some reaching the sum­mit of Mt. Scenery. “By sharing knowledge and experiences across the islands, the training strength­ened regional collaboration and connection. Participants expressed a shared ambi­tion to continue building a sustainable and structured approach towards a health­ier generation,” organisers said. “The training on Saba marks an important step in a broader regional develop­ment in which the islands are increasingly working together on health, education and sports.” The next joint meeting is scheduled for May 7 and 8. It will be held in St. Maarten, where the focus will be on further translating insights into policy and practice. The Daily Herald.

DUI arrest on Saba following car crash

A 55-year-old man was arrested on Friday eve­ning for driving under the influence of alcohol following a collision on Lambert Hassell Road. The incident occurred around 6:40pm and involved two vehicles. In line with the “botsen is blazed’ policy, both drivers were subjected to a breathalyser test at the scene. Police reported that one of the drivers tested above the legal alcohol limit. The suspect was subsequently taken to the police station for further breath analysis. Following the test results, he was issued a two-hour driv­ing ban.

House of Representatives: 4.4 million to ease energy costs for BES residents

Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties reported the following: The House of Representatives today allocated 2.2 million euros to mitigate the increase in electricity tariffs in the Caribbean implemented as of January 1. An amendment submitted to this effect by Don Ceder (ChristenUnie) received support from a parliamentary majority. Energy companies were forced to raise tariffs at the beginning of this year because the Schoof cabinet refused to adjust the annual subsidy to population growth. As a result, the same subsidy amount had to be distributed over more connections, meaning households are paying 300 to 400 dollars more this year. During the budget debate late last year, a number of MPs argued for increasing the subsidy amount because the loss of purchasing power is at odds with The Hague’s ambition to combat poverty on the islands. Since then-Minister of Climate and Green Energy Sophie Hermans was not in favor of this, Ceder submitted an amendment, partly on behalf of GroenLinks-PvdA. The amendment by Sjoukje van Oosterhout (GroenLinks-PvdA) to allocate 2.2 million euros to subsidize the expansion of sustainable energy sources was also adopted. The goal is for this to contribute to structurally lower energy prices on the islands. Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties.nl

Create & Learn Inspires Creativity Ahead of April ArtFest

The Sea & Learn Foundation’s Create & Learn program continues to spark creativity on Saba, recently hosting four inspiring workshops in February and preparing for more hands-on artistic experiences during ArtFest in April. Aligned with the Critter Quest biodiversity project, February’s sessions invited participants to explore nature through art. One visiting artist led a workshop where participants created beautifully crafted beetles using different kinds of paper, transforming them into imaginative 3D works of art. Another artist demonstrated the fascinating process of making natural paints from earth pigments, showcasing vibrant colors created from natural materials. The powder-based pigments are lightweight to ship, easy to mix with water, and free of toxins—and even edible—highlighting a sustainable approach to artmaking. In April, Create & Learn will join Saba Tourism’s ArtFest, bringing two more visiting artists to the island. Paper-making artist Kelsey Pike will introduce participants to the centuries-old craft of making paper, with a focus on color and color mixing. Participants will explore how natural fibers and pigments can be transformed into beautiful handmade sheets. Also visiting during ArtFest is woodcarver and designer Melanie Abrantes, known for her distinctive handcrafted wooden pieces that blend traditional woodworking techniques with modern design. Create & Learn’s mission is simple: enhance your creative potential. By inviting artists from abroad to share their techniques, the program introduces new art forms to youth, adults (including seniors), and visitors while complementing the many talented local artists who regularly host workshops on Saba. Beyond creativity, art offers meaningful benefits. For children, artistic activities support brain development, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. For adults, creating art provides a relaxing and rewarding outlet that encourages mindfulness and personal expression. Create & Learn is made possible with the support of Public Entity Saba and the Caribbean Culture Fund. Sea & Learn Foundation