This budget outlines the financial position of the government and provides a more detailed and transparent explanation of how strategic goals will be addressed in the coming years. It also links directly to the objectives of the Saba Package 2023-2027, the Organizational Development Plan, and the Governing Program.
The proposed budget totals $39.6 million and has been reviewed by the Colleges financieel toezicht (Cft), which issued positive feedback while also advising improvements in certain areas. Enhancement of the current financial software and upgrades are also needed to improve efficiency.
Commissioner Bruce Zagers emphasized the importance of the free allowance, and its increase, in supporting personnel expenses for example. He also noted that structural funding will continued to be advocated for on a national level in order to fully support the organization and allow for long-term planning flexibility.
ICM Rolando Wilson highlighted several issues that will require attention and funding in the coming years. These included the needs surrounding the expansion of the Councils by 2027, stronger accountability for organizations receiving subsidies, the status of the Zion’s Hill Farm, and the development of a language policy.
ICM Vito Charles raised questions around food security, visitor taxes, transportation and mobility, connectivity, and continued parking challenges on the island.
Other proposals included:
- An application for an interest free loan, which would allow the PES to build seven affordable owner-occupied homes in the Range in The Bottom. This project would help in addressing the growing need of many Saban families to achieve private homeownership affordably, with a focus on lower- and middle-income Sabanfamilies.
- With the BES Childcare Act taking effect per January 1, 2026, a new Island Ordinance on Childcare Saba will replace the Basis eilandsverordening kinderopvang 2020. The updated ordinance includes additional rules on the permitting process, as well as improved quality standards for childcare providers. B4K will also lead a communication and training campaign, including an online training database for childcare providers. An information session will be held in early November to further support implementation.
- In light of previous unilateral decisions by the former State Secretary, the Island Council and Executive Council have agreed to submitting a unified response to the consultation on the WolBES/FinBES Revision Act. This response will address the role of the Kingdom Representative, and advocate for island input on shaping the function moving forward.
Each of the proposals were successfully approved.
Motion on Staff Wellbeing and Integrity
ICM Saskia Matthew introduced a motion calling for an independent, external survey to assess the organizational culture, psychological safety, and overall staff wellbeing within the Public Entity. Matthew emphasized that the motion comes at a critical time, as she was made aware of experiences where PES employees did not feel safe or lacked trust in the current internal mechanisms.
The suggested external survey would also serve as a foundation for the incoming Integrity Quartermaster, with a focus on respectful communication, trauma-informed practices, and integrity standards. An anonymous reporting channel was also mentioned in the motion, in the interim.
However, the motion did not receive support from other Island Council members. Speaking on behalf of the WIPM faction, ICM Charles acknowledged the importance of workplace safety but preferred to allow the new Integrity Quartermaster role to take form. The hosting of an information market was proposed in order to learn more about what the organization has planned with this vacancy in mind.
