Participants emphasized the continued importance of knowledge sharing, professional exchange, and peer support across the islands as key components of the programme and as essential tools for strengthening local governance and institutional capacity.
During the meeting, a co-financing agreement between Public Entity Saba, VNG International B.V., and the other public entities in the Caribbean Netherlands was formally presented for the implementation of Caribbean Exchange Network 2.0. The programme is supported by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
The agreement outlines the framework for cooperation, financing, and execution of the programme on Saba and across the BES islands. Caribbean Exchange Network 2.0 aims to strengthen institutional capacity through professional development, expert exchanges, learning trajectories, and thematic activities that facilitate structured collaboration between island administrations. With this extension of the programme, it also becomes possible for civil servants from Saba to participate in exchange placements with municipalities in the Netherlands, further expanding opportunities for professional development and knowledge transfer.
Following the presentation, a press moment was held, during which Public Entity Saba was represented by Island Secretary Bram Streppel.
The programme will be implemented through expert assignments, inter-island learning activities, and thematic exchange initiatives. The agreement applies for the full duration of the programme, which is scheduled to run from October 2025 through December 2028, providing a clear and solid foundation for continued cooperation within the Caribbean Exchange Network.
