News

The problem in the Dutch economy are now becoming world news. The Wall Street Journal says in an article that the Dutch economy faces a prolonged period of economic stagnation and the government is wrestling to satisfy the EU’s budget rules. The paper says the country’s economic woes are largely …

The Daily Herald reports today that, if the minimum wage in Bonaire goes up, Dutch State Secretary of Social Affairs and Employment Jetta Klijnsma is also prepared to increase the benefits. She made this promise at the end of her acquaintance visit to the three islands of the Caribbean Netherlands. …

The Daily Herald of today reports extensively on the opening of Saba’s Carnival 2013. Island Governor Jonathan Johnson handed over the symbolic key to the Carnival Village in The Bottom to Saba Cultural Foundation Treasurer Julietta Woods during Monday’s official opening of Saba’s 2013 Carnival Season, themed “Jump and Scream, …

Today the Daily Herald published an update on the arrests made yesterday. The Police Force of the Caribbean Netherlands in Bonaire confirmed Tuesday that two persons were arrested Monday in Saba for suspected violation of the so called Opium Law. Police detectives had found drugs during a house search, the …

The Daily Herald reports today that United Telecommunications Services (UTS) supports the Saba Cultural Foundation, in its endeavor to stage the 2013 Carnival festivities in Saba. with a donation of  $4,000 “UTS is a steady yearly contributor towards Carnival in Saba, and we are happy to support the foundation again,” said UTS …

The Daily Herald reporst today that the visit of Prime Minister Mark Rutte to the Dutch Caribbean was to be seen mainly within the framework of a new relationship with the islands. Promoting entrepreneurship was the central theme in Bonaire. “The time when someone from The Netherlands comes to hand …

The St. Maarten newspaper Today reported yesterday that Telegraaf-journalist Ruud Mikkers, who toured the Antilles last week with Prime Minister Mark Rutte and a trade mission caused quite a stir in the Netherlands on Saturday with a front-page story under the ominous headline “Antilles on the line” (Antillen op de …

The Daily Herald published a more detailed article about the rewardings for the Medical school. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte delivered long-awaited accreditation papers to representatives of the Saba medical school, commending them for their dedication and hard work. Rutte said that he is only the bearer of good news, …

The first Dutch Caribbean mental health workshop for the implementation of the World Health Organization-Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) and the introduction of the mental health GAP (mhGAP) action programme was recently held on St. Maarten. The Daily Herald reports the workshop was attended by representatives from Aruba, …

The Prime Minister’s delegation visited the Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) campus. Commissioner Johnson said the medical school was the most important investor in Saba’s economy and a model for sustainable development. Reported in The Daily Herald was that during his visit, the Prime Minister personally handed over the …

Prime Minister Mark Rutte and a Dutch trade mission that travelled with him arrived Friday for a brief visit here. It was for the first time since 2007, a Dutch Prime Minister set foot on Saba, reported The Daily Herald. Commissioner Chris Johnson extended the Island Government’s “heartfelt welcome” to …

The Foundation Social Workplace Saba (FSWSaba) was one of the organisations that welcomed State Secretary of Social Affairs and Employment Jetta Klijnsma (second right) at its sheltered-working environment at the Organoponics Garden during her visit. The Daily Hereld writes that State Secretary made an impromptu visit accompanied by (from left) …

In the Daily Herald can be read about Stanley Peterson, developer of the recently opened Breadline Plaza in Windwardside, receiving an award Thursday from Saba Business Association (SBA). In recognition of local entrepreneurs, SBA plans to establish this as an annual award to encourage local entrepreneurs to creatively respond to …

In a press release RCN announced that on July 17th State Secretary of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), Jetta Klijnsma, signed agreements with NuStar Terminals and the Executive Council of St. Eustatius. The agreements will make more employment opportunities possible for Statians and will promote the business activity at NuStar. …

The Daily Herald reports that Government officials  pushed last Monday for social provisions to benefit the elderly and a higher minimum wage for workers during a presentation to a visiting Dutch dignitary. They lobbied for more pension and wages and other social assistance while meeting with Dutch State Secretary of …

Representatives of the business community lobbied for an increase of the minimum wage. The Daily Herald writes that  members of Saba Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce met with Dutch State Secretary Jetta Klijnsma Monday, about, among other things, a proposal from them about a 20-per-cent increase for the …

State Secretary of Social Affairs and Employment Jetta Klijnsma arrived Sunday on her first visit to Saba, her first stop on a tour of the three islands of the Caribbean Netherlands. She not only met with Island Governor Jonathan Johnson and the Executive Council, but also went on an extensive …

Rutte said the recent note calling for such was a proposal from two members of the Second Chamber of Parliament in The Hague “that they are entitled to.” However, his government has no plans in that direction, even though one of the initiators is a member of the same party …

Dutch State Secretary of Social Affairs and Employment Jetta Klijnsma paid a visit to Saba early this week, which was her first stop on a tour of the three islands of the Caribbean Netherlands. She made an extensive tour of the island, The Daily Herald reported. Jetta Klijnsma commended Saba’s …

On Sunday July 14 the State Secretary of Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid (SZW) Jetta Klijnsma began with an acquaintance visit on Caribbean Netherlands with her first stop being Saba. On Monday morning the State Secretary and her delegation had a meeting with the Island Council of Saba, represented by Governor …

The Daily Herald reports that many participants in this year’s Saba University School of Medicine Health Fair showed up early Saturday morning. Most visitors were from Hell’s Gate and Windwardside, with fewer coming from The Bottom. Visitors were greeted at the registration station where they signed consent forms and waited …

The Youth Bible Week held by Wesleyan Holiness Church together with visiting missionaries from St. Stephen’s Baptist Church in La Puente, California, ended with a touching show Friday evening. This was reported in The Daily Herald. During the week, visiting facilitators received an outpour of support from parents and community …

Ryan Espersen, resident researcher in Saba Archaeological Research Centre (SABARC) held a presentation at Eugenius Johnson Center in Winwardside on Thursday 11 in honour of the 150th commemoration of Emancipation Day, and gave according to the Daily Herald of July the 15th an in-depth insight into Saba’s history during the …

Today the Daily Herald reports that Mr. Rolando Wilson, member of the Island Council, released a number of questions in writing to the Executive Council on Friday. The first question on the implementation of property tax seeks clarification why only the church building is exempted and not the church rectory …

The Daily Herald announces “The Prince and the Pauper” this evening, Friday, July 12, at 6 pm in The Bottom. The youth production is the outcome of a series of week-long faith-based workshopsTheir leader is Phyllis Stroud, resident of La Puente, California, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist. …

SXM Trails Club President Juste Manuel announces in The Daily Herald that his club expects hikers from St. Croix, Martinique and the U.S. to join residents from the French and the Dutch side of St Maarten in climbing many of the island’s picturesque trails. It is a five-day event which …

Ms. Klijnsma arrives on Sunday, July 14th at 13.35 hrs. on Saba, where she will be received by Governor Jonathan Johnson. On her program on Saba are amongst others meetings with the Executive Council and with representatives of employers and employees. Ms. Klijnsma will speak also with a number of …

The Central Bureau of Statistics, CBS, reported that the inflation on all three islands of the Dutch Caribbean fell further in the second quarter of 2013. On Bonaire it fell to 1.5 percent, on St Eustatius to 1.8 percent and on Saba to 1.0 percent. The largest decrease was on …

The weekly Sabagro market has found a cosy home at newly opened Breadline Plaza in Windwardside and is increasing its variety of local fruits and produce less commonly found in stores. Joined by local farmers, the Organoponics Garden of Foundation Social Workplace Saba (FSWS) is establishing a steady clientele for …

The Dutch government is not obliged to translate all documents relating to the Dutch public entities Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba into the English and Papiamentu language. Ministries may individually decide to translate their policy plans for the islands. Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk stated …

Regional Vice President for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Financial Group Patricia Borger visited Saba on Monday, to assess and explain the challenges that plague the bank’s Saba branch and the local business community. Stationed on Curaçao, this was Borger’s first visit to Saba and her first meeting with …

Island Governor Jonathan Johnson signed a contract Friday with PetCon Construction NV for the renovation and upgrading of the Youth Centre in Windwardside. The finalisation of the public bidding process was announced through a press release issued by Own Your Own Home Foundation (OYOHF). The Youth Centre, located behind St. …

The Island Government of Saba and Hescon Enterprises NV signed a contract Friday, to renovate Queen Wilhelmina Park in The Bottom, Own Your Own Home Foundation (OYOHF) Director Rolando Wilson announced in a press release. Funding of US $164,089.89 for the renovation was made available through the Ministry of Home …

Breadline Plaza opened its doors Saturday with a Flea Market in the morning, and a Grand Opening in the afternoon, complete with a fun fashion show, music by DJ Kevin, tasty free baked goods for all from the newly opened “Bizzy B” bakery and complimentary drinks. The opening ceremony began …

The Prime Minister leaves on July 13 to Aruba, where he will stay until July 15, after which he will continue his visit to Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba. The delegation with representatives of the Dutch business sector will accompany Rutte on his visit to all islands. …

The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights wants the Dutch government to safeguard a decent standard of living for all people on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba and protect the rights of suspects and detainees on the islands. According to the Human Rights Institute, every human being has a right to …

Hildegard Buitink was recently sworn in as the new commander of the Police Corps Caribbean Netherlands on Bonaire. She succeeds Jan Rooijakker, who will retire on August 1. Buitink took the oath before Director-General of the Dutch Ministry of Safety Sandor Gaastra, who, on June 15, was appointed by the …

Saba University School of Medicine will host its Annual Health Fair on Saturday, July 13, from 8:00am to 2:00pm on the university’s campus in The Bottom. The Health Fair’s medical services are completely free and open to all. The organizers announce raffles with prizes for participants and encourage residents to …

The intermittent showers on Saturday night could not dull the spirits of the crowd that turned out to witness the 2013 Road March competition. The contest, which was held at the Princess Juliana Sportsfield, returned to the carnival lineup after a two year hiatus, was a high tempo, energy driven …

Part of a renewed drive to encourage young men to follow their vocation into priesthood, Catholic Parishioners on Saba gathered Thursday evening for a special celebratory mass at the Sacred Heart Church in The Bottom. The mass marked the 33rd anniversary since the ordination of Saban born Fr. Simon Wilson …