The Governments of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius have to comply with certain quality standards by 2015. The government apparatus must have integrity, government’s financial household has to be in order and citizens have to become more involved. These goals are stated in the list of criteria that will be …

State Secretary of Finance suggested conducting an interdepartmental study to chart the economic situation on Bonaire and the other two public bodies St. Eustatius and Saba. The results of this study could be reason to implement tax adjustments. As of October 1st 2011, in anticipation of the results of this …

Local non-governmental and non-profit organizations joined efforts in organizing a week of youth oriented activities. The joint platform brings together the coordinating efforts of Expertise Centre Education Care (EC2), the financial support of AIDS Support Group Saba Foundation (ASGS), the involvement of Child Focus Foundation and Juliana’s Hotel in providing …

The funeral of late former Acting Lt. Governor, Island Council Member and Commissioner Peter Leicester Granger took place at St. Paul’s Conversion Church in Windwardside on Monday morning. The solemn ceremony brought together family, friends, officials and the community at large, with eulogies read by Former Lt. Governor Sydney Sorton, …

In upcoming meetings with Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Liesbeth Spies, Commissioners Chris Johnson and Bruce Zagers also hope to bring up research conducted by Deloitte on local purchasing power. The report recognizes the limited leverage of the Island Government in raising revenue, while facing huge local inflation. …

Should the Saba delegation attending the so-called BES Week in The Hague be able to secure a meeting with Minister of Finance Jan Kees de Jager or with State Secretary Frans Weekers, Commissioners Chris Johnson and Bruce Zagers intend to discuss the tax structure and needed modifications, based on insights …

Not only the Labour Party PvdA, but also the Christian Union (CU) want to delay the anchoring of the constitutional status of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba in the Dutch Constitution. According to the CU there is no direct need to secure the Dutch public entity status of the islands …

Note from the Editor: The article below has raised some discussion in the community. The head of the Bureau of Economic Affairs. Mr. Dave Levenstone, was so kind as to allow us to publish the English version of the law concerned: “Price Act BES”. You can click HERE to read …

On the photo: Two students of Bonaire’s comprehensive school SGB are seen in front of the sign carrying the slogan they came up with for the campaign “Krea Bo Futuro” (Create Your Future) that was unveiled by Education Commissioner Silvana Serfilia. The intention is to improve the image of professional …

Before their departure to The Hague, Commissioners Chris Johnson and Bruce Zagers provided extensive insights into the many issues they plan to discuss with Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Liesbeth Spies. First to be discussed is the island’s free allowance or “vrije uitkering” indexation. The reference framework is …

The Dutch Parliament’s Second Chamber is divided on whether to grant non-Dutch nationals residing in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba voting rights in Island Council elections. From the law proposal to change the Dutch Constitution to accommodate the constitutional position of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba as public entities of …

Commissioner of Environmental Affairs Bruce Zagers has termed his recent trip to Aruba to investigate the viability of Air Burner technology as “very fruitful,” and said applying the technology here is “definitely a solution that can work.” While on Aruba, the commissioner was able to visit the operating company, which …

Last week’s Positive Thinking lectures and discussions attracted fullcapacity attendance and resulted in long-term interest for a core group of Saba residents, at the Pearl House on Troy Hill. Workshop lecturer Devki Ramsahai is currently based in St. Maarten where she serves the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Front Street, Phillipsburg, …

Lorenzo Caines, a local athlete and trainer, left on Friday to the Netherlands for a two week sports education course “Train the Trainer,” where he will be taught various methods of how to educate other instructors on the island to also train local athletes. The course is being hosted by …

The Consultative Caribbean Dutch (OCaN) ( Overlegorgaan Caribische Nederlanders) holds a meeting on Wednesday, March 14 for Dutch people come from Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. During the meeting, among others, the lieutenant Gerald Berkel of St. Eustatius and Saba Jonathan Johnson will be present. “Purpose of the meeting to the …