Following the ecumenical church service, attendees made their way to the lawn of the Government Building where Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, accompanied by the Youth Council, ceremonially hoisted the flag.
The program continued at the Princess Juliana Sports Field where Master of Ceremonies, Julijnes Woods, welcomed attendees, including the Governor of Bonaire, John Soliano, and Acting Governor of Sint Eustatius, Sharon Hassell, along with other representatives from Sint Eustatius, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, the US Consulate, and the Chinese Consulate, amongst others.
A rendition of the Saban anthem was sung by students of the Sacred Heart School, following which Ms. Woods shared the opening message and theme for this year, One island, rich in culture, shaped by diversity and rooted in heritage. This powerful theme allowed for the recognition of Saba's caring and inclusive community, showing gratitude to the past and celebration for the present and future.
Island Governor Johnson then gave his Saba day message amid bursts of rain showers, which could have only been described as blessings, as he ceremoniously offered his gratitude for everyone who joined today.
"Our cultural wealth is not measured in grand monuments, or in sprawling villages, but in the pride we take in our traditions and the love we pour into our community," stated Governor Johnson, as he emphasized the responsibility that citizens have to take to preserve their heritage.
Commissioner Eviton Heyliger soon followed, acknowledging Saba's story as one of "perseverance, courage and unyielding hope" as he described the beauty of traditional treasures, from Saba spice to Saban rock walls. Heyliger stated that our celebration today should not only focus on the strength of the pioneers, but also those in the present who have enriched our beautiful island.
Commissioner Bruce Zagers also shared his message, reflecting on many reasons throughout the past year why we should feel such immense pride today, citing accomplishments such as the upcoming Enrichment Center and school gymnasium, the Scenery hotel and the Black Rocks Harbor. He went on to state that even though there are many hindrances we face on Saba, due to its small size and difficult terrain, we are able to always overcome challenges which is a real testament to the Saban resilience.
In between the Commissioner's speeches, the winners of the Saba Day Poetry contest also graced the stage.
From the Sacred Heart School, Sophie Holm shared her poem entitled Old Saban Simpawiwy, telling tales of childhood adventures, and from the Saba Comprehensive School, Kristin Zagers recited Saba's Tale: One Island's Beat about the rich diversity and the closeness of our heritage to our hearts.
Towards the end of the ceremony, the anticipated Saba Day Awards were announced.
From BKCN, the first female shiftleaders, Joyann Robinson, Appolonia Gumbs and Gina Hassell, were honored for their courage and dedication to their roles. Despite various challenges that may have arisen for each, these women have answered the call to duty and have taken their responsibility seriously, with hearts set on serving their community.
The second group of awardees was the team from Public Works, the Unsung Heroes of the island, for their multiple contributions to safety and preserving heritage. The team, some of which have been with the Department of Public Works for more than forty years, have been instrumental in the building of rocks walls throughout the island and have worked on other projects such as the widening of the roads. The group, consisting of Andre Marten, Guyquade Lavia, Bossuet Guerrier, Clay Hasssell, Mr Rasmal Jones, and the late Mr. Samuel Oge Aladi, represented by his wife, have shown great commitment to their work and their efforts do not go unnoticed.
Performances throughout the program also included a song from the Saba's Children choir, a dance from the Saba Life Center participants, and a steel pan performance by Child Focus Foundation.
The ceremony was closed by Ms. Woods and the performance of "My Island" by Child Focus Foundation.
This celebration was a remembrance of the Saban heritage and the people who have dedicated their lives to creating a better Saba, and the monumental steps we take into the future.
