Commissioner Heyliger has been in the Netherlands from 3 November, accompanied by Deputy Island Secretary Michelle van Duin, and Executive Assistant Jayaira Windfield de Groot.
Highlights from this first week include:
- Child‑friendly Saba – UNICEF & Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport (VWS)
Saba joined the UNICEF sessions in The Hague and advanced the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI). The team aligned with UNICEF on the next steps to finalize the situation analysis and to select 3–5 priorities for the 2026–2027 Action Plan (e.g., mental health, youth participation, positive parenting, leisure/after‑school spaces) and focused on possible future support from UNICEF on other tasks.
- Anti‑discrimination test from Staatscommissie tegengaan van Discriminatie en Racisme
The delegation attended the State Commission against Discrimination and Racism launch of the Discriminatietoets and explored how Saba’s government will embed the tool in internal processes (including Census and the social domain). During the launch, Ms. Joyce Sylvester, chairperson of the committee, opened with an empowering speech on the steps taken by the Staatscommissie and the organizations that were in the first pilot. She shared that the test is not meant to name or shame anyone but is made to create more equal and resilient organizations that focus on doing the best for the community. After her opening, Minister Rijkaart of the Interior and Kingdom Affairs emphasized on the importance of Article 1 of the Dutch Constitutional law, that highlights equal treatment of all its residents. Additionally, two second chambers members, Farid Azarkan (DENK) and van Michiel van Nispen (SP), were present who had an important role in ensuring the exam would be developed and that it would be used government wide.
- Playground Agreement
With the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and Jantje Beton, the parties formalized the Playground Agreement to improve play facilities at Cove Bay.
- Housing and spatial planning (VRO)
Constructive talks were held with the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO) on accelerating affordable homes and cooperation under the Letter of Intent. Saba’s application for an interest‑free loan and special purpose grant to build 7 affordable homes in The Bottom (The Range) is under review, with follow‑up conditions and timeline planned. The visit also highlighted the signing of the Action Agenda on housing on Saba. This action list addresses the hurdles that the Saban community faces when it comes to building, maintaining and owning homes.
- Cultural heritage Agency (Rijksdienst Cultureel Erfgoed)
With the Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE), Saba progressed preparations for a Monuments Committee, and a community‑involved trajectory toward protected townscapes. RCE will schedule expert sessions on key features for protection and on World Heritage perspectives. A pilot restoration subsidy for the BES islands is in design, with implementation targeted in 2026.
- BZK coordination & Saba Package
Meetings with BZK focused on coordination across ministries, including the Saba Package Implementation Agenda for the social domain, data and research cooperation (SCP/CBS/EBA) for the economic strategy, Emancipation Day follow‑up, and addressing the cost‑of‑living from the social domain perspective. Discussions were also held regarding work permits for the new Harbor project, in relation to the efforts of SZW.
- Meeting Stichting Intermin
Intermin is a foundation in the center of The Hague that organizes management development programs for the national government. They offer a simple way to quickly engage talented individuals when there is a need for capacity, knowledge, and expertise. We have discussed their aims to work together with municipalities in the Netherlands and had talks about development and the context of working for the local or national government.
- OCW and the alignment with Turangoeloe: Education, Culture, and Student Support (OCW)
Meetings with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) focused on advancing ongoing priorities in education, culture, and student guidance. Discussions addressed persistent challenges with the fast-track process for teacher permits and the recognition of essential workers. OCW shared preliminary outcomes of the lump-sum funding research (EBA), which will soon be made public; Saba emphasized that the current model remains insufficient and that structural consequences should be addressed in upcoming consultations. The Saba delegation also brought forward the recent motion regarding the Special Care structure on the island, to keep this important topic under the attention.
On education, the delegation discussed participation in the Four-Country Consultation on Education, and a role as observers for the BES island representatives. Structural funding for culture, including the cultural policy, was also mentioned as it is necessary to fulfil the objectives set out.
Conversations with TuranGoeloe (OCW contractor for study guidance) covered successes and next steps in student coaching and housing. Both parties reviewed the CAFY, CVFY and GED program that equip students with life skills and agreed to enhance buddy support systems. These training courses will include practical sessions for students before departure.
OCW and TuranGoeloe will also work to improve student housing stability, as the current one-year contracts - due to the Dutch housing crisis - often create uncertainty. Saba requested structural solutions, including a reliable guarantor mechanism, and continued cooperation with other countries facing similar challenges.
Finally, both sides agreed to strengthen internship opportunities - with one WO-level intern at OCW and to professionalize the buddy program, offering small stipends, training, and network benefits. TuranGoeloe will return to Saba in December 2025 for a follow-up training with local schools, and OCW will review the draft guidance report and recommendations (English version expected in November).
“Our meetings with OCW showed a shared commitment to supporting Saban students from classroom to career. We’re working toward a stronger, fairer system - one that recognizes our teachers, safeguards our cultural identity, and helps every student succeed at home and abroad," said Commissioner Heyliger.
“The first week of our visit delivered practical progress with our partners. We’re focused on tangible improvements—safer and better play areas for our children, momentum on affordable homes, and a clear pathway to protect and celebrate Saba’s heritage. We are especially thankful for the Ministry of OCW, offering internships for our Saban students in the Netherlands at the Ministry," shared Commissioner Heyliger.
Looking ahead to week two - Ministry of Social Affairs & Employment and the Ministry of Healthcare (VWS) – follow‑up on Emancipation Day legal trajectory, work permits processes, and pathways to structural support for social activation and employment.
- VNG & internships/traineeships – exploring broader exchange programs and opportunities for Saban students and young professionals.
- Housing partner Bazalt Wonen – knowledge exchange on social housing delivery and governance.
- Community connection – meet‑up with Saban students in the Netherlands to discuss study and return pathways.
About the visit
The working visit strengthens long‑term cooperation with Dutch ministries and stakeholders on community wellbeing, affordable housing, economic development, culture and heritage, climate and nature, and good governance. The delegation returns to Saba on November 16.
