Dutch Marines Strengthen Crisis Preparedness on Saba During Key Visit
Residents of Saba can expect improved crisis response as Dutch Marines from Sint Maarten visit to enhance collaboration with local emergency services. The visit focused on disaster readiness and joint training to better protect the island’s safety.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Visit | March 11, 2026 |
| Visiting Delegation | Marine Detachment Sint Maarten (MARNSDET SXM) |
| Delegation Members | Majoor der Mariniers Niels Houtenbos, Luitenant Lodewijk Portielje |
| Local Contacts | Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, Island Secretary Bram Streppel, Commandant Julio Every, Walle Bos, Shalini Bisram |
| Focus of Discussions | Crisis and disaster collaboration, joint exercises |
| Location | Saba, Dutch Caribbean |
| Fire Station Visited | Fire Station at Saba Airport |
The Marine Detachment Sint Maarten (MARNSDET SXM) is a military unit tasked with supporting civil authorities in Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius during crises or disasters. The Dutch government relies on such detachments to ensure public safety and coordination in the Caribbean Netherlands.
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Marine Detachment Sint Maarten op werkbezoek op Saba
On March 11, Island Governor Jonathan Johnson and Island Secretary Bram Streppel welcomed a delegation from the Marine Detachment of Sint Maarten (hereafter: MARNSDET SXM) on Saba.
The delegation, consisting of the Detachment Commander of Sint Maarten, Majoor der Mariniers (Niels) Houtenbos and Liaison Officer Civil-Military Cooperation, Luitenant Lodewijk Portielje, was introduced to the island. Central to the conversations was the collaboration between MARNSDET SXM and Saba. During the visit, the delegation spoke with the local Commandant of the Brandweerkorps Caribisch Nederland on Saba, mister Julio Every. The delegation also received a tour and explanation of the Fire Station at the airport.
During conversations with the Head of Public Order and Safety, Walle Bos and Advisor on Crisis Management, Shalini Bisram, information about Saba’s crisis and disaster organization was exchanged. Among other things, it was discussed how important maintaining good relations is in case of a crisis or a disaster. Hence, opportunities to strengthen collaboration by, for example, organizing joint exercises will continue to be explored.
The Sint Maarten Marine detachment is the first designated unit to provide military support to Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius. The detachment assists the local authorities on the three islands as well as the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard’s Sint Maarten Coastguard Substation.