News item | 14-06-2022 | 12:28
On Saba, Alexandra van Huffelen, State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Digitization and Island Commissioner Bruce Zagers signed the multi-year administrative agreement Saba Package 2.0 on Monday afternoon, June 13. This contains concrete agreements between Saba and the government about the further development of a sustainable and self-sufficient Saba.
In order to achieve this goal, 4 themes have been included in the agreement:
- improving livelihoods;
- economic and spatial development;
- climate and nature;
- good governance.
These themes are in line with the Saba Vision 2030 and the Cabinet’s outline letter.
In recent months, we have worked hard to make clear agreements on these important themes.
“I am pleased with this very pleasant and close collaboration with Saba,” said State Secretary van Huffelen. “Together, we will continue to improve the livelihoods of the people on Saba and to build a sustainable future for the island.”
Like State Secretary Van Huffelen, Island Commissioner Bruce Zagers is pleased with the collaboration on Saba Package 2.0, which builds on agreements from Saba Package 1.0 (2019-2022).
“Signing the Saba Package 2.0 marks an important moment, because the package will have a positive impact on many facets of the island and its inhabitants. The opportunities that this package offers are the result of good cooperation and mutual trust between Saba and The Hague.”
Subsistence security and free benefits
The government is investing in improving the standard of living of the inhabitants of the Caribbean Netherlands, which can ensure higher incomes and benefits. In addition, Saba’s free payment will be structurally increased. The cabinet and Saba are also committed to reducing the cost of living for the Sabans where possible.
Climate, nature, economic development and spatial development
In addition, Saba and the government are jointly investing in an accelerated transition to more than 90% sustainable energy and in the conservation and maintenance of Saba’s versatile nature. There is also a focus on responsible and healthy spatial development with an eye for nature. And drawing up a culture policy plan is a great step towards investing more in Saba’s rich culture.
Good governance
In addition, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is investing €1.6 million this year in the further development of Saba’s management and government organisation.
The resources to give an impulse to the plans in the agreement come from, among other things, the CN envelope (structural €30 million). The cabinet is also investing €35 million for the conservation of nature and the environment and the implementation of the Nature and Environment Policy Plan for Saba, Bonaire and St. Eustatius.