Working Visit to the Netherlands Concluded

The second week of Commissioner Heyliger's working visit to the Netherlands covered various topics such as digitalization, strengthening mental health support and the new National Archives Agenda.

Digitalization

The second week commenced with a positive development from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK). The Directorate of Digitalization and Government Services has made funding available to further improve public service delivery on Saba. This support will be provided partly through additional capacity and partly through continued investment in a document and information management system, building on groundwork laid in the previous year.

The funding is expected to amount to approximately USD 200,000 to 250,000 on a multi-year basis, allowing for both immediate improvements and sustainable development of service delivery. These developments are aimed at strengthening accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in services provided to the community, reducing waiting times and improving the overall experience for residents when interacting with government services.

Public Health Partnership

In addition, discussions were held with JOGG, an implementation partner of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). In collaboration with the Public Health and Sports department, this partnership focuses on prevention, public health, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Within the European Netherlands, this approach is embedded in the program Kansrijke Start. This collaboration contributes to healthier lifestyles for children and families on Saba, with a focus on prevention and reducing long-term health risks within the community.

Association of Netherlands Municipalities

The delegation also met with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, following their recent visit to Saba. This meeting resulted in a joint reflection on their findings and identified potential areas for further collaboration, including healthcare, cost of living, climate resilience, and connectivity challenges specific to small island contexts.

The VNG also plays an important role as a strategic partner with established networks and direct lines within the Dutch governance system, enabling continued advocacy for Saba’s interests — including on key topics such as cost of living, even when the island is not physically represented in the Netherlands, for example in the upcoming parliamentary debate scheduled for April 1st.

These themes directly relate to improving affordability, strengthening healthcare systems, and addressing the practical challenges of daily life on Saba.

Community Development and Culture

Further meetings were held with the National Archives of the Netherlands and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). These discussions focused on improving access to historical records, civil registry data, and archival materials related to Saba. Enhancing access to these records will enable residents to gain insight into their family history and strengthen their connection to Saba’s cultural heritage. Similar initiatives have already been successfully implemented on Sint Eustatius.

In the social domain, additional financial support will be made available to reduce the cost of passports for children and infants. This measure will directly reduce financial pressure on families, making essential travel documents more accessible for young residents and supporting broader efforts to reduce poverty among households.

As part of the working visit, Saban students currently residing in the Netherlands were invited to connect with the delegation. One student attended this session, providing a valuable opportunity for direct exchange. During the meeting, the delegation shared updates on developments on Saba and explored potential career opportunities aligned with the student’s field of study.

The conversation also addressed experiences related to housing, relocation, and transitioning to life in the Netherlands. Insights gathered will be used to strengthen support structures for current and future Saban students, ensuring a smoother transition and better opportunities abroad.

Mental Health & Trauma-informed care

Engagements with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport further addressed key priorities such as mental health, substance abuse, and the cost of living on Saba. Preparations are underway for the upcoming visit of a parliamentary committee to Saba from May 4th to 8th, as well as the visit of Minister of Long-term care, Youth and Sport Mirjam Sterk from April 27th to May 1st. These visits provide an important opportunity to further align on priorities and ensure that the realities and needs of Saba are clearly represented at the national level.

In addition, the delegation met with a researcher from Mental Health Caribbean (MHC), working in collaboration with University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht). During this meeting, plans were discussed for an upcoming study to be conducted in September of this year on Saba, focusing on understanding the prevalence of trauma among our youth.

The outcomes of this research will support the development of a broader, community-based approach to trauma-informed care. The initiative aims to equip professionals working with young people - including educators, public servants within the Public Entity Saba, and other key stakeholders - with practical tools and insights to better recognize and respond to trauma.

The Public Entity Saba aims to initiate elements of this training program as early as April, with initial discussions already having taken place with local schools. This early start will help ensure that knowledge and practical tools are made available to professionals in the near term, while the research component will further strengthen and guide the long-term approach.

Beyond training alone, this approach creates opportunities for more coordinated support systems and may, over time, contribute to the development of more targeted treatment options for youth, their families, and the environments in which they live. It also provides an important foundation for increasing awareness, strengthening collaboration, and fostering greater openness around mental health within the Saban community.

Looking ahead, a delegation of social workers from Saba will soon travel to the Netherlands to deepen their knowledge and expertise regarding the implementation of social support frameworks, including maatschappelijke ondersteuning. This investment in knowledge exchange will strengthen local support systems and improve the quality of care available to residents.

Finally, it is anticipated that the new national archives agenda will be formally adopted in September of this year. This is an important step in safeguarding the cultural and historical heritage of Saba for future generations.

The outcomes of this working visit contribute directly to strengthening services, reducing costs for families, and improving opportunities and wellbeing for the people of Saba, both in the short term and in the years ahead.