Social domain update Published: 05 May 2021
Social support
Together with the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), the Public Entity Saba is looking into the possibility to implement a WMO-light (social support) on Saba. The Meal on Wheels is a crucial element in this. A proposal for funding has been submitted to the Dutch Government to receive funds for healthier (locally grown) food, food baskets for children, and additional staff. Government already received a grant for Home support to help with cleaning at people’s homes. A plan is being drafted for Home health which will start shortly. The third pillar is to make small adjustments at homes so people can stay home longer instead of going to the old home. Government received a special grant for this and a plan is being drafted together with the Home and the hospital. Execution will start before the summer.
Recreational facilities
Recreational facilities are high on the agenda of the Island Council, especially the creating of a public swimming pool annex recreational park. The Juliana Sports Field and the Johan Cruijff Court in The Bottom are already improved, while plans are made to upgrade the playground in St. John’s, the Wilhelmina Park, the kitchen facility at the Juliana Sports Field, and a further upgrade of the Cruijff Field. Budget proposals are being drafted for these plans. A project team has made the first plan for a public swimming pool annex recreational park. The idea is to create this at Cove Bay by upgrading the building, expanding the playground, add new facilities to the area and build a saltwater pool which needs a lot less maintenance than a regular swimming pool.