Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
Delegations from the Island Council of Sint Eustatius and the Parliament of Sint Maarten arrived on Saba for a landmark working visit hosted by the Island Council of Saba. On April 16, 2025, representatives from the three islands convened at the Eugenius Johnson Center for high-level discussions aimed at fostering deeper cooperation and addressing shared challenges within the Windward Islands. The meeting centered on critical regional issues, including: Enhancing inter-island air connectivity Strengthening regional collaboration Advancing the Windward Islands Economic Union (WIEU) Addressing double taxation for Sabans and Statians Improving customs operations Boosting food security Reinforcing healthcare systems Developing climate resilience strategies tailored to the islands’ unique vulnerabilities A key outcome was the review and signing of a Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalizing legislative collaboration between Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. The agreement establishes a structured framework for ongoing dialogue and joint initiatives across multiple sectors. The visit concluded on April 17, 2025, with delegates touring Saba’s leading sustainability projects, including: The Hydroponics Garden, showcasing innovative food production Saba Splash, the island’s eco-friendly water bottling facility The Saba Electric Company, highlighting renewable energy advancements The Saba Sea Research Lab, featuring marine conservation efforts To sustain momentum, the three legislatures agreed to reconvene within six months for the next SSS Cooperative Consultation, ensuring continued progress for the benefit of all three islands and their communities. PES
The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) will offer and manage ATMs on Saba and St. Eustatius. Access to cash for citizens and businesses is essential and must be ensured. That is why DNB is committed to ensuring the future-proofing of the cash infrastructure on both islands. In close consultation with stakeholders in the payment system on Saba and St. Eustatius and in repeated discussions with the public entities, DNB has been informed that the a need to improve the supply of cash (USD banknotes and coins) on these islands. As the responsible central bank with the mandate to ensure a well-functioning payment system on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, DNB will ensure the provision of cash services on the two islands. DNB’s goal is to improve ATM services, increase the resilience of the cash infrastructure and make it future-proof. The banks on the islands and the Ministry of Finance are aware of DNB’s initiative. DNB will engage an international, independent ATM provider that offers ATM services worldwide. This provider will install four ATMs on both St. Eustatius and Saba, doubling the current number of ATMs on these islands. This doubling will create reserve capacity and improve the availability of ATM services. The ATMs will accept all cards from local banks and the main international cards. The ATM provider will also install two cash boxes on each island. Retailers can deposit their cash into it, provided they have a contract with the ATM provider. A separate solution is being developed for the provision of USD coins, to complete the cash infrastructure. The project has been running for some time, and although not all problems have been solved yet, DNB is confident that the ATMs can be put into operation in close cooperation with the ATM provider in the second half of 2025. More information on, for example, the locations of the ATMs and the contracts with retailers will be made available in due course. DNB
Dutch Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel has appointed two new members to the Guardianship Council of the Caribbean Netherlands, effective April 1. E. Nicolaas (Bonaire) and A.D. Duinkerken (Saba) have officially taken up their roles in this unpaid capacity. The recruitment process for a representative from St. Eustatius is still ongoing. The Guardianship Council consists of three members, each representing one of the islands: Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. The Council’s office regularly reports to its members and keeps them informed of ongoing developments. Its dedicated staff work daily to ensure the protection and well-being of children and young people across the three islands. Former chairperson A. Pourier-Beukenboom (Bonaire) recently stepped down, passing on her duties with confidence to the new appointees. Her experience and leadership are expected to provide a smooth transition for the incoming members. B. Kraaijeveld, Acting Director of the Guardianship Council, expressed deep appreciation for PourierBeukenboom’s years of service: “We are especially grateful for her dedicated contributions over the years. With the appointment of Ms. Nicolaas and Mr. Duinkerken, we continue our commitment to safeguarding children and young people in the Caribbean Netherlands. We look forward to a successful collaboration.” With these new appointments, the Guardianship Council reaffirms its mission to promote a safe and promising future for all children in the Caribbean Netherlands. The Daily Herald.
St. Eustatius Island Governor Alida Francis and Saba Island Governor Jonathan Johnson travelled to Curacao recently to discuss good governance, economic development and sound financial management with Dutch State Secretary of Kingdom Relations and Digitalisation Zsolt Szabo. The meetings were part of Szabo’s visit to Curaçao and Aruba. Francis and Johnson reportedly discussed strengthening cooperation in public administration, enhancing financial oversight and identifying opportunities for sustainable economic growth on the islands. The meetings, Francis said, also highlighted shared challenges such as border control, Customs and the need for tailored economic policies across the Dutch Caribbean. “I look back on a good visit during which I got a good impression of many developments that, at least in the economic field, seem promising,” Szabo said. The Daily Herald.
Members of Parliament (MPs) from St. Maarten will join members of the Island Councils of Saba and St. Eustatius this week for the first official SSS Cooperative Consultation, scheduled to take place on Saba April 15-17. The meeting marks a historic milestone in efforts to strengthen regional ties between the three islands. It follows a 2022 decision by the Parliament of St. Maarten to rekindle the SSS Cooperative and create a platform for more structured collaboration, regardless of each island’s current constitutional status. The goal is to address common challenges, explore joint solutions, and build lasting cooperation among the Windward Islands. “This initiative approved by Parliament aims to bring together the three Caribbean islands with shared challenges and interests to work more closely on solutions that matter to their people,” the Parliament of St. Maarten said in a press release. Over the course of the two-day consultation, legislators from the three islands will hold discussions on pressing regional topics, including inter-island air travel, double taxation and Customs coordination, food security, and climate change. The agenda also features early discussions on the creation of a Windward Islands Economic Union. Participants will also attend a presentation on the history of Windward Islands cooperation. In addition, they will tour several local projects on Saba, including a hydroponics garden, the Saba Sea Research Lab, and the Saba Electric Company. An expected outcome of the consultation is expected to be the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will formally establish the SSS Cooperative Consultation as an ongoing platform and ensure that the three legislative bodies continue to collaborate on issues of mutual interest. The St. Maarten delegation includes MP Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament and delegation leader; MP Veronica Jansen-Webster; MP Egbert Doran; MP Lyndon Lewis; MP Francisco Lacroes; MP Viren Kotai; MP Raeyhon Peterson; and Secretary General of Parliament Garrick Richardson. The Daily Herald.
- April 15, 2025
Emerald Cruises Concludes Successful Cruise Season on Saba
Emerald Cruises has officially concluded a successful cruise season on Saba, marking the first visits of their stunning boutique vessel, Emerald Sakara, to the island. Throughout the season, Emerald Sakara made four calls to Saba, introducing guests to the island’s natural beauty and unique charm. Spanning 361 feet and accommodating up to 100 guests, the Emerald Sakara strikes the perfect balance between luxury and comfort. Its intimate size and upscale amenities make it an ideal match for destinations like Saba, where personalized experiences and authentic encounters await visitors. In total, more than 300 guests had the opportunity to explore Saba, enjoying everything from its breathtaking landscapes to its warm local hospitality. Guest feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how captivated they were by the island’s unspoiled nature and welcoming atmosphere. We sincerely thank the captain, crew, and entire Emerald Cruises team for including Saba in their Caribbean itinerary. We also wish to recognize and thank our local partners, our taxi drivers, the Saba Harbor Office team, the Saba Conservation Foundation, the Saba Tourist Bureau team, and all other island partners who helped create memorable experiences for our visitors. PES