Recent posts on Saba News

Caribbean libraries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands made significant progress during a week-long conference in El Salvador, signing a joint network plan that outlines shared ambitions and collaboration going forward. The plan, developed with guidance from Common Eye, focuses on strengthening the libraries’ positioning and building future-proof institutions. The KB (the national library of the Netherlands and the BES islands) and Rijnbrink, both partners in the network, attended as knowledge and expertise supporters, with Rijnbrink contributing to organizational and content development, and both organizations helping advance the plan’s goals. Beyond the network agreement, the week included visits to libraries in El Salvador, where Caribbean library professionals exchanged knowledge and practical experience with local counterparts, comparing working methods and drawing mutual inspiration. The organizers described the conference as a successful combination of network-building and international exchange, with connection and shared learning as central themes. Going forward, the libraries plan to continue implementing the ambitions set out in the network plan and deepen collaboration across the islands. Queen Wilhelmina Library

Saba has maintained its QualityCoast Silver Award status from Green Destinations following its latest sustainability assessment and audit, reaffirming the island’s commitment to sustainable destination management. The QualityCoast Award is part of the Green Destinations Awards and Certification Program and recognizes destinations for their efforts and progress toward more sustainable and responsible destination management. Maintaining Silver status reflects Saba’s ongoing work to balance tourism development with the protection of the island’s natural environment, cultural heritage and the well-being of its community. A comprehensive assessment of Saba Maintaining QualityCoast recognition involves an extensive assessment process that looks at sustainability across the destination as a whole. As part of the audit, detailed information and supporting documentation had to be provided across a range of areas, including destination management, nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, social well-being, and business and communication. The process extends beyond tourism alone and considers how sustainability is incorporated into the management and development of the island. It requires input and information from different sectors and organizations and provides an opportunity to take stock of Saba’s progress, identify areas of strength and determine where further improvements can be made. “This renewed Silver status is a welcome recognition of Saba’s continued commitment to sustainability,” said Director of Tourism Courtney Hassell. “Maintaining this recognition requires ongoing work across many different areas. The audit gives us an opportunity not only to demonstrate what Saba has accomplished, but also to identify where we can continue to improve. Sustainability is an ongoing process, and the recommendations received will help us determine our next steps.” A collaborative effort Saba Tourism extends its appreciation to all organizations, partners and individuals who assisted by providing information, documentation and input during the audit. The contributions from stakeholders across the island were important in providing a comprehensive picture of Saba’s efforts and progress in the different areas assessed. Their cooperation also highlights the importance of working together as Saba continues to strengthen its approach to sustainability. With its Silver Award status, Saba will continue to be featured in the Green Destinations Collection, providing international visibility alongside other destinations committed to improving sustainability and responsible tourism practices. For more information about Green Destinations and the QualityCoast program, visit www.greendestinations.org. PES.

The Island Council of the Public Entity Saba is pleased to announce that Island Registrar Akilah Levenstone will participate in a professional working visit to England from September 6 to 12, 2026, together with members of the Dutch Association of Registrars (Vereniging van Griffiers). The visit is designed to strengthen professional knowledge and explore innovative approaches to local government administration and democratic governance. The week-long program includes visits to local government institutions, meetings with public sector leaders, and participation in the annual conference of the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) at the University of Warwick. The ADSO conference brings together government professionals, registrars, and local government experts from across the United Kingdom to exchange ideas and discuss current developments in public administration. During the visit, participants will engage with officials from local councils, including meetings with representatives of Wandsworth Council and Sevenoaks District Council. These sessions provide opportunities to learn about governance structures, citizen engagement, council operations, and service delivery within the British local government system. “This visit is an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge with fellow professionals and learn from international best practices,” said Akilah Levenstone. “The insights gained will contribute to strengthening administrative processes, enhancing service delivery, and supporting good governance on Saba.” The Island Council of the Public Entity Saba remains committed to investing in professional development and fostering international partnerships that support effective governance and high-quality public services for the people of Saba. PES.

After more than a year of intensive training, professional development, and personal growth, 16 recruits from the 2025 Junior Coast Guard Crew Member Program (JBK) have successfully completed their training. The graduates represent Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, including recruits from Saba and Sint Eustatius. Among them is Saban Devon Benders, one of the proud graduates. This class marks a significant milestone for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. For the first time, someone from Sint Eustatius has successfully completed the Junior Coast Guard Crew Member Program. The best JBK graduate this year is a young woman from Aruba. The JBK program prepares recruits for the diverse and demanding responsibilities of Coast Guard service. Alongside maritime training and boarding procedures, the program included first aid, firearms training, physical and mental development, and law enforcement training delivered in collaboration with the Opleidingsinstituut Rechtshandhaving & Veiligheidszorg (ORV). Recruits were trained in criminal law, criminal procedure, report writing, arrest procedures, and self defense. The expertise and commitment of the ORV make an important contribution to the professional preparation of future Coast Guard members. The recruits also gained practical experience through training and internships across several islands and aboard the Coast Guard cutter ships. The Stronger Together program at the beginning of their training established the foundation for the values that remained central throughout the program: learning, growing, overcoming challenges, and supporting one another. With the completion of their JBK program, the 16 graduates will be promoted to the rank of Able Seaman within the Coast Guard. They now begin a new chapter, putting their knowledge and skills into practice to help protect and serve communities along the coast and at sea. The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard extends its appreciation to the JBK instructional staff, all participating departments and units, Naval Base Suffisant for housing the recruits, and especially the ORV for its valuable partnership and significant contribution to the training program. The partnership between the Coast Guard and the ORV has continued to grow stronger in recent years. The graduates will once again receive a jointly recognized JBK diploma, highlighting the importance of this cooperation. Devon stated: “One year of what was probably the most intense experience of my life, but I pushed through because this is what I wanted for myself.” Congratulations.    

On September 2 the Island Council of Saba has departed for Bonaire to participate in the annual Bonaire Day celebrations and the BES Summit. The delegation includes Island Council Members Rolando Wilson, Julio Every, and Vito Charles. Also accompanying the Council are Commissioner Bruce Zagers, Island Secretary Bram Streppel, and Olivia Johnson, Administrative Assistant to the Office of the Island Registrar. The BES Summit will bring together representatives from Saba, St. Eustatius, and Bonaire to discuss matters of mutual importance, reflect on any progress made during the year, and identify priorities for continued cooperation across the Caribbean Netherlands. The visit also provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships among the three public entities and to exchange experiences on shared challenges and opportunities looking ahead. As part of the visit, the delegation will join the people and leadership of Bonaire on Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6, in commemorating and celebrating Bonaire Day. Following the BES Summit and Bonaire Day celebrations, Island Secretary Bram Streppel will remain in Bonaire on Monday, September 7, and Tuesday, September 8, to participate in a two-day working session with RCN and representatives of the three public entities, focused on jointly improving public service delivery across the Caribbean Netherlands. The Island Council looks forward to constructive discussions at the summit and meaningful engagement with its sister islands. Following the meetings, the delegation will share further updates on its participation and the outcomes of the BES Summit. SIC

The Caribbean Netherlands Tax Office BCN is aware of the limited postal services on Saba in recent months. As a result, some residents may have had less time to respond to a pay­ment reminder or to arrange a payment plan. To take this situation into account, BCN is introducing a two-month grace period. The grace period runs from September 1 until October 31. The grace period applies to all taxpayers on Saba who re­ceived a payment reminder dated between January and July 2026. For this group of taxpayers, the payment reminder fee of US $8 will be automatically waived. Persons do not need to submit a request for this, BCN said in a press release. Any outstanding tax debt must be paid in full by Octo­ber 31, BCN said. “After this date, BCN will resume the regular collection process for any amounts that remain outstanding.” The Daily Herald.

This week, the first 14 X-Blocks arrived on the island, marking another important milestone in the development of the breakwater that will protect our new harbor. Because Saba lacks sufficient local rock and manufacturing capacity for heavy marine armor, the breakwater utilizes a combination of regional and international supplies, including armor rock from St. Kitts and specialized concrete units. Concrete Xbloc armor units for Saba’s Black Rocks Harbor project were manufactured and shipped from Poland, arriving via transit in St. Kitts in April 2026. Core Physical Dimensions: Volume: 14 m³ per individual block. Weight: Approximately 35 tons per block. Material Density: Standard marine concrete mix with a mass density of approximately 2,400 kg/m³. Shape: Single-layer, random-placed X-shaped structure patented by Delta Marine Consultants (DMC). The distinctive angular “X” legs are engineered specifically to provide maximum structural interlocking when placed side by side. Hydraulic & Structural Design Criteria Hurricane Resilience: The 14 m³ size was specifically calculated and chosen to withstand extreme wave actions generated during Category 5 hurricane conditions local to the Leeward Islands. Stability Mechanism: Unlike traditional rock armor layers that rely solely on dead weight to resist waves, Xblocs derive their primary stability from hydraulic interlocking with adjacent units. When wave energy impacts the slope, gravity and hydraulic forces pull the blocks together, locking them more tightly into place.  Slope Placement: The units are engineered for high-stability performance on steep marine breakwater slopes. Design Validation: The specific cross-sectional geometry, wave overtopping prevention, and structural response of the 14 m³ blocks were validated using 3D physical wave-tank model testing completed in 2025 Commissioner of Infrastructure & Spatial Development, Bruce Zagers, is pleased to see this important phase of the project taking shape and shares his thoughts with the community of Saba on this significant milestone and the progress being made toward this vital infrastructure project. Watch the video to hear from Commissioner Zagers and learn more insight on the X-Blocs and their journey to our shores.

Twentyfour professionals from Statia, Saba, and Bonaire have completed a three-day Protocol and Eti­quette Training in Statia, strengthening regional co­operation and profession­al standards in protocol, official representation, and government commu­nication. The training was organ­ised and hosted by the Statia Government from August 25th to 27th after identifying the need to further strengthen prac­tical protocol capacity, particularly as the island prepares for major official events and visiting del­egations. Colleagues from Bonaire and Saba were invited to participate, creating an opportunity to build capacity together and strengthen coopera­tion across the Caribbean Netherlands. The programme covered precedence, national sym­bols, greeting and seat­ing arrangements, forms of address, cultural dif­ferences, diplomatic and business etiquette, net­working, and the man­agement of official cer­emonies and dignitaries. Participants also worked through practical scenar­ios involving interaction with dignitaries and the handling of difficult situ­ations. The training was delivered by Protocolbu­reau, based in The Hague, and led by Director Bengt-Arne Hulleman. The final day included a practical case study on Statia Day 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the First Salute, before con­cluding with a certificate ceremony and the sign­ing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Saba and Statia. The agreement was signed by Island Governor Jocelyn Levenstone on behalf of Saba and Island Governor Alida Francis on behalf of Statia. It provides a framework for closer cooperation in communication, public information, media rela­tions, crisis and emergen­cy communication, and protocol and ceremonial affairs. It also supports knowledge sharing, pro­fessional exchanges, joint training, and mutual assis­tance during major events, emergencies, and periods of increased workload. The Statia Government thanked the governments of Bonaire and Saba, and all participating col­leagues, for joining the initiative and contributing to three days of practical learning, knowledge shar­ing, and stronger regional cooperation. The Daily Herald.

Saba’s goat removal project began in 2021, targeting free-roaming goats that were damaging vegetation, causing erosion, and affecting coral reefs through sediment runoff. The original population was underestimated at around 5,000; the government now says the actual number was likely much higher, since roughly 8,750 goats have been removed to date (about 5,100 by local hunters). Fewer than 100 are believed to remain, though the final animals are proving hardest to track down. Ecological Results Satellite data show vegetation greenness increased 33.7% between 2017 and 2025, suggesting ecological recovery, though the government says longer-term monitoring is still needed. Costs Total funding allocated since 2019 is $2.61 million, with about $2.23 million spent by mid-2026. Major costs include external hunters ($690,000), goat farming/meat handling ($600,000), and bounty payments ($275,000, at $65/goat, paid to 12 hunters between Jan 2022–Jan 2025). Remaining funds ($383,575) will go toward training Saba’s own animal control team. Controversy Goat owners and hunters raised concerns about property loss, cultural traditions, carcass retrieval, and animal welfare during culling. The government maintains that since roaming goats weren’t tagged or registered, ownership couldn’t be verified, and owners aren’t entitled to compensation for illegally roaming animals under local law. It has since hired local help for carcass retrieval and trained hunters to minimize suffering. Outlook The program isn’t close to finished — officials expect at least 2 more years to eliminate remaining goats, plus 1–2 years of monitoring afterward, warning that stopping early could let the population rebound and waste the investment made so far.

Starting Friday, August 28th, at 8:00 a.m., Public Entity Saba will launch the new centralized system for ordering and coordinating water deliveries. With the launch of the new system, all water orders will be placed through the centralized ordering system. Orders can be placed by calling +599 416 5363 directly or through WhatsApp, or through the new online ordering system at saba-water-delivery.vercel.app/login. The centralized system is intended to provide a clearer overview of outstanding requests and better coordinate the available water supply and trucking capacity. Ordering Water Telephone and WhatsApp calls can be made to +599 416 5363 during the following hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The online ordering system is available 24/7 at https://saba-water-delivery.vercel.app/login. Please Be Patient During the Initial Launch As the new system becomes active at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, a high volume of calls is expected, particularly during the first few days. You may receive a busy signal or experience a wait before your call can be answered. If you need water immediately and are unable to reach dispatch by phone, you can place your request through the online ordering system. If your water situation is not urgent, please consider ordering online or waiting a few days before calling. This will help keep the telephone line available for those who may need more assistance in ordering. How Water Requests Will Be Handled When placing an order, you will be asked to select either Normal or Critical. Normal requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The system automatically assigns each order to one of the five participating truckers in rotation to distribute orders evenly among the truckers. Critical should only be selected when your current water situation requires more immediate attention. You will be asked to provide additional information explaining your circumstances. Critical requests are flagged for review by the distribution team. Based on the information you provide, the team will determine whether the request should be moved to a different position on the delivery list. The team will consider the circumstances described in the order such as vulnerable residents, available water supply, existing orders and their circumstances, and available trucking capacity. Selecting Critical does not guarantee immediate delivery. Please ensure you provide complete and accurate information, as the distribution team can only assess a Critical request using the information submitted with the order. Cost and Payment The cost of delivered water remains $40 per load, with a maximum of two loads per order. Payment will continue to be made directly to the trucker at the time of delivery. No payment is collected through the centralized ordering system. More Information Detailed information about ordering water, including first-time orders, online account setup, ordering for multiple properties, moving to a new property, and placing future orders, is available at https://www.sabagov.nl/residents/water-services/order-ro-water-delivery Please note that the water distribution system is still under development. Adjustments may be made as we continue to improve the ordering and distribution process. Public Entity Saba asks for patience during the initial launch and as the new system is put into use. PES.