Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has increased the maximum electricity tariffs for the Caribbean Netherlands effective July 1, with average monthly household electricity bills expected to rise by about US $27 on Bonaire, US $17 on Saba and US $12 on St. Eustatius. According to the ACM, the tariff adjustments are the result of increased oil prices. The ACM sets the maximum tariffs for the production and distribution of electricity in the Caribbean Netherlands each December for the following year. Energy suppliers then determine the tariffs they charge residents and businesses based on those maximum rates. To account for fluctuating fuel prices, the ACM may adjust the variable electricity consumption tariff from July 1 each year. The maximum standing charge is not affected by this adjustment. The authority said the maximum standing charge established on January 1, remains unchanged. It noted that the standing charge continues to be subsidised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate to the average European Netherlands level. On Bonaire, the maximum variable usage rate will increase from about US $0.39 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to about US $0.50 per kWh. The maximum pagabon (prepaid) tariff will increase from about US $0.74 per kWh to about US $0.85 per kWh before application of subsidies on the standing charge. According to the ACM, the increase will raise the monthly electricity bill of an average household on Bonaire by about USD 27. On St. Eustatius, the maximum variable usage rate will increase from about US $0.33 per kWh to about US $0.38 per kWh, increasing the monthly bill of an average household by about US $12. On Saba, the maximum variable usage rate will rise from about US $0.48 per kWh to about US $0.55 per kWh, resulting in an average monthly increase of about US $17 for households. The ACM said the tariff adjustments took effect on July 1. The Daily Herald.
- July 1, 2026
Two new ATM machines have been openend
Public Entity Saba is pleased to announce the opening of two new ATMs on the island, located at Juancho E. Irausquin Airport and Fort Bay Harbor. Two additional ATMs are planned for The Bottom and Windwardside. Construction of these locations is currently underway and is expected to become operational in the coming months. The official opening took place on Monday, June 29 with Governor Jonathan Johnson making the first withdrawal alongside representatives from DNB, Brink’s and Public Entity Saba. At this time, the newly installed ATMs accept Visa cards only. Public Entity and DNB recognize that many residents and visitors also rely on Mastercard services. Work is ongoing to expand services to also include Mastercard in the future. Commissioner Bruce Zagers welcomed the introduction of the new ATMs stating, “Although digital payments continue to grow, reliable access to cash remains important for residents, businesses, and visitors. These additional services improve convenience and accessibility for residents, and we appreciate the partnership and collaboration with DNB and Brinks in making this possible”. Public Entity Saba thanks DNB and Brink’s for their continued efforts and support to improve financial services on the island. PES
- July 1, 2026
Public Entity Newsletter No 24 – June 2026
There is political will to make flights between St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten cheaper, Minister Vincent Karremans (Infrastructure and Water Management) assured the House of Representatives late Tuesday evening. Whether the money to make that happen can actually be found, however, remains far less certain, according to the website Dossier Koninkrijkszaken. The assurance came during a House debate on introducing a so-called Public Service Obligation (PSO) between the islands. “Having a law that makes something possible doesn’t mean it will actually happen,” one MP said during the debate. “So I’m not yet reassured, but this matters, and the islands have been asking for it for a long time. Can the Minister explain when he’ll decide whether to use this legal option? To me, it’s ultimately a question of political will.” Karremans responded that a decision is expected this autumn. “In principle, I will decide this autumn whether to make use of the legal option for the PSO. The only real showstopper I see is whether the resources become available. That’s the sole condition. I intend to proceed with the project, provided the funding is there. The annual cost of implementing the scheme is estimated at 3.8 to 7.6 million dollars. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is unwilling to cover this itself and instead argues the funds should come from the 30 million dollars set aside in the coalition agreement to strengthen social security in the Caribbean Netherlands. How that money is ultimately divided will be decided as part of the Autumn Memorandum. Karremans also stressed that any support scheme would be temporary. “How long would the subsidy measure run? A PSO is valid for a maximum of five years. It can be extended, but that has to be reassessed each time. So the duration is five years. This is a temporary measure, not a permanent one.” The debate showed that the bill has broad support and is likely to pass by a large majority in the upcoming vote. Even so, its actual implementation may take time. “The details will of course depend on the exploratory study we’re still working on,” the minister said. Dossier Koninkrijkszaken
The countdown to the 50th anniversary of Saba Carnival officially began on Saturday, June 27th, with Saba Tourism’s Road to Carnival event in Windwardside. As the first event in Carnival in the Village, the evening brought together residents and visitors to celebrate the start of this year’s milestone Carnival season. The event featured entertainment from local DJs DJ Noah and DJ Slim, followed by a special performance by Child Focus and an energetic set from Saba’s own Entyce Band, who had the crowd full of energy and high spirits. Guest DJ Maestro from St. Maarten closed out the evening with a lively set that capped off the night. Local vendors offered a wide selection of food and drinks throughout the event for attendees to enjoy. One of the night’s highlights was the annual Jungle Juice Competition. Ian Hassell took home this year’s title for first place as well as crowd favorite, with Stanford Johnson placing second and Gideon Wilson finishing third. The Road to Carnival event was a great success in helping get everyone into the Carnival spirit for the weeks ahead, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable 50th anniversary celebration. The Saba Tourist Bureau wishes to thank everyone who contributed to the event success, including all participating vendors, entertainers, and the participants in the Jungle Juice Competition. A special thank you goes to the sponsors of the Jungle Juice Competition: Juliana’s Hotel, Tropics Café, Makana Ferry, Winair, Jewel Cottage, Island Paradise, and Brigadoon Restaurant. The Carnival in the Village series continues on Saturday, July 4th, in St. John’s, followed by the final village event in The Bottom on Saturday, July 11th. These community events continue to build anticipation while bringing Carnival celebrations to villages across the island. The official 50th Anniversary Saba Carnival will take place from July 24th through August 2nd, featuring a full schedule of cultural events, live entertainment, and parades. As Saba marks this important milestone, residents and visitors alike can join in celebrating 50 years of Carnival, culture, and community. PES
- June 30, 2026
Fire Department Caribbean Netherlands supports Saba SAR foundation with vehicle transfer
The Fire Department Caribbean Netherlands (Brandweerkorps Caribisch Nederland) has officially donated a Ford Ranger pickup truck to the Saba Search and Rescue (SAR) Foundation, thereby strengthening the organization’s capacity in support of emergency response and rescue operations on the island. The official handover took place at the fire station in The Bottom, where local fire chief Julio Every presented the vehicle keys to SAR skipper and coordinator Nicholas Johnson. Prior to the transfer, all official fire department markings, emergency striping, numbering, light bars, and related equipment were removed in preparation for the vehicle’s new role to the SAR fleet. Hans Schreuder, ‘Director of the Saba Statia Search and Rescue Foundation’, welcomed the donation and noted that the vehicle will be repainted in SAR colors and undergo any necessary maintenance before being placed into operational service. The Fire Department Caribbean Netherlands expressed confidence that the truck will be put to good use, thereby strengthening Saba’s maritime search-and-rescue capabilities and further supporting emergency response for the local community. RCN.
- June 29, 2026
Police Conducts Routine Traffic Check on J.Z. Ridge Road
Between Friday 26 June and Monday 29 June 2026, the Saba Police Force carried out a scheduled traffic control operation on J.Z. Ridge Road as part of ongoing efforts to promote road safety and compliance with traffic regulations. During the checkpoint held on Friday, officers stopped and inspected 17 vehicles. According to the police, all drivers had their documents in order, and no violations were recorded during the operation. The police emphasize that similar checks will continue to take place regularly across the island. Drivers who fail to comply with traffic laws or who do not have the required documentation risk receiving a fine. The force encourages all motorists to ensure their vehicle papers are up to date and to follow traffic rules at all times to maintain safety on Saba’s roads.
From Stories to Screen In April, the Sea&Learn Foundation brought their Heritage Advisory Committee together for a special evening of celebration at the Scenery Hotel—marking not only the incredible contributions of our committee members but also the official premiere of our Adopt-A-Box documentary. With 45 guests in attendance, they filled the event with great food, drinks, and a shared sense of accomplishment after months of collaboration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G06khwnXI5c The highlight of the evening was the first screening of the documentary, which beautifully captures the stories, voices, and community spirit behind the project. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing how proud they felt to see their island’s heritage brought to life on screen. You can now watch the documentary here. Sea&Learn Foundation
- June 29, 2026
Undermining crime approach for BES
The approach to undermining crime in the Caribbean Netherlands is increasingly taking shape. This is stated in the 2025 annual report of the Regional Information and Expertise Centres (RIEC) and the National Information and Expertise Center LIEC. Dutch Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel sent the annual report, along with an explanatory note, to the House of Representatives. “In 2025, the focus was on the completion of the pioneering phase of the RIEC Caribbean Netherlands partnership, and work was done towards further professionalisation and the sustainable embedding of working methods. Together with partners, an evaluation was conducted of what has been achieved and what has proven necessary to arrive at a structurally anchored RIEC CN from 2029 onwards,” wrote the VVD minister. A programme plan has been adopted for the period 2026-2028, funded by the ministry. The RIECs and the LIEC focus on so-called undermining crime, i.e., illegal activities involving the use of legal companies and government services. In Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES islands). Meetings were organised, among other things, to raise awareness about the issue. In addition, inspections were carried out in the hospitality industry, retail sector, airports and harbours. “At Bonaire airport, the inspections resulted in the discovery of several individuals carrying more than the permitted amount of cash — more than 10,000 dollars — upon departure. On Sint Eustatius, marijuana was found in the suitcase of an arriving ferry passenger, after which an immediate arrest was made,” stated the report. Van Weel also mentioned the approach in the Caribbean Netherlands in his explanatory notes. The first pilot phase has been completed, so that the fight against crime is now becoming structural, he wrote. In total, the RIECs took action over 800 times in the European and Caribbean Netherlands in 2025. The actions were aimed at tackling drug trafficking, money laundering and interference in administrative matters. The related criminal assets amounted to over 483 million euros. The Daily Herald.
