Island Government of Saba

Subject: Landfill problems discussed

August 26, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

Recently, Commissioner Bruce Zagers, Gary Johnson from Big Rock Engineering, and Mr. Wim Hoffman (Kwatiermaker from Vrom), all met at the landfill on Saba. It is common knowledge that the landfill is Saba’s biggest environmental problem. Last year, the Executive Council started a project to remove the metal from the landfill. Due to the lack of financing, continuation of this project was halted.

As of today the landfill continues to be burned. Commissioner Zagers stated, “this is unacceptable and a solution must be found”. Zagers termed the meeting between the three as successful. For several months Zagers, Johnson, and the Planning Bureau have been discussing ideas as to how to manage the landfill; more importantly a way to stop the dump from being burned.

Gary Johnson gave a very detailed explanation to Mr. Hoffman of his different proposals. The first idea would be to construct a “dam-like structure” in an area above to slow the flow of water during periods of heavy rain. This should alleviate the possible problem of having the garbage being washed out to sea. The second idea would be to again clean out the metal. However, this time it would be a continuous program since a more cost effective plan could be used. Different types of waste such as metal, oil, tires, wood, and paint will be initially separated from normal waste and stored in separate areas.

Thirdly, the remainder of the waste would be buried meaning that the landfill would no longer have to be burned.

Currently, the Island Government has 400,000 guilders in the SEI dedicated to waste management. Zagers stated, “With the assistance of Mr. Wim Hoffman, Saba will be able to produce a detailed plan that will show the process of solving our waste management problem.” Zagers went on to say that this will be a work in progress and will probably take years before the Island is in a position to recycle most of the waste products.

“For now it is imperative that we start with the basics and control what we can with the little money we currently have available.” stated Zagers to GIS. The priority is to stop the burning of the landfill, however, the proper steps should be made to ensure that it can be maintained continuously.

Source: Saba Government Information Services – gis@sabagov.com

Photo caption:

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Subject: Discussions held on future of the Harbor and SEI Funding

August 24, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

Recently, Mr. Pieter Langebaerd (Kwartiermaker for Verkeer en Waterstaat) and Mr. Rein van Dijk (a technical expert from Verkeer en Waterstaat ), visited the Island of Saba. Mr. Langebaerd, stationed in Bonaire and Mr. van Dijk who came from Holland on a mission to help assist the Executive Council with the Harbor and where it concerns the allocated seven million guilders available in the SEI.

Upon their arrival, there was a short meeting in The Bottom at the Administration building followed by a tour of the Harbor area with Commissioner of Harbor Affairs, Bruce Zagers. Zagers was given the opportunity to elicit what his ideas were for the harbor and how the projects should progress.

On the second day the program continued with a meeting inviting several different stakeholders at the Harbor. The group consisted of the two Dutch experts, Planning Bureau, Big Rock Engineering, three representatives from Devcon NV, and the Harbor master. The entire harbor area was evaluated along with any potential improvement scenarios. From this session, three major concerns arose.

Later that day the session continued in the court room where three major concerns were thoroughly discussed. These concerns were the: hillside protection, the large pier head, and other improvements.

Commissioner Zagers stated to GIS, “At this point in time, my main priority is ensuring safety at the harbor. This concern relates to the hillside and I want to have this solved immediately. We have to look for a solution that is available now. Things can go wrong very quickly as has been experienced in the past. The sooner we address this major concern, the better”

Discussions were held on whether to use netting, benching, or a reinforced wall to protect from the rock slides. Based on discussions, the consensus is that they are now leaning towards a reinforced wall solution rather than the initial idea of benching the hillside. This idea has to be further looked into with all stakeholders including USONA. Details on the progress of this solution will be forthcoming in the coming weeks as this has been placed as a top priority.

The large pier head was also discussed and it was mentioned that, during its construction that it was not poured correctly. Because of this, it has sustained major damage during the passing of Hurricane Omar. As it is known, the big pier is the only area that can be accessed by cargo boats. The head of the pier must be the strongest point and currently, it is weakened. Plans will be made by Delft University in Holland for the pier head. This study will reveal what is the best solution for the pier head and how to move forward.

The other improvements discussed were the building of new facilities, extensions of the container yard, and increasing dock space.

All of these discussions will be summarized in reports that will be produced by Mr. Langebaerd and his colleague. The first drafts of these reports have been received along with a guideline on how to proceed from this point. Commissioner Zagers stated, “I am very pleased with the discussions and feel that we are now moving in the right direction.” Zagers went on to say that he is very grateful for the time spent by the experts during their three day session on Saba.

Source: Saba Government Information Services – gis@sabagov.com

Photo caption: Travis Johnson, Bruce Zagers, Pieter Langevaerd, Robert Zagers, & Rein van Dijk

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Hemmie van Xanten, Bruce Zagers, & Roy Smith

Subject:   Donated books a sign of Holland’s commitment to Education

Monday, August 24, 2009 (SGIS):

Early Monday morning, assembly was called at the Saba Comprehensive School to make an important announcement.  The much anticipated books that were backlogged for years has finally been delivered to the SCS.  Director of the SCS, Ms. Elka Charles, led the assembly in prayer and described the books as a “small grain of sand in a much larger bucket”; being that it is a sign of Holland’s commitment to Education. 

Mr. Hemmie van Xanten, Kwartiermaker for Education on Saba, took over with a personal speech followed by the reading of a letter from the Minister of Education in the Netherlands, Mr. Plasterk.  The books were donated from the Ministry of Education to be used by the Saba Comprehensive School.

The books were then officially handed over to Commissioner Bruce Zagers, as representative of the Island Government of Saba.  Mr. Zagers stated that he was looking forward to these books being used by the students.  Zagers then presented the books to the Saba Education Foundation representative, Chairman Mr. Roy Smith.  Smith recognized the importance of crucial learning materials and asked the students to cherish these new gifts. 

Source: Saba Government Information Services – gis@sabagov.com

Photo caption: Hemmie van Xanten, Bruce Zagers, & Roy Smith

Education & Youth, General

DOWNLOAD HERE ==> SGIS Newsletter July 2009

General, Newsletter

Subject: SEI Projects to be handled progressively

August 21, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

After many years of hardship without funding for major projects, the Island Government of Saba now has ample funding for projects in the areas of: tourism development, infrastructure, education, social issues, social housing, labor market, and waste collection.

Recently, the Executive Council has focused their concern on the execution of these various Government projects. Processing of projects has slowed down significantly, therefore they are going to dedicate more human resources specifically to supervise and oversee the execution of these projects.

Recently appointed acting Island Secretary, Ms. Raquel Granger, has been doing an exceptional job since first taking up her position. With this additional help in the Island Secretary office it will help and enable Island Secretary, Menno van der Velde to take on the additional workload of supervising backlogged projects. As of this upcoming Monday, the Island Secretary will turn his attention to the efficient execution of these projects. Van der Velde will discuss the new changes extensively when he Chairs the upcoming Department Head meeting next Wednesday.

For a period of time, a Project Manager will also be assigned to assist with the administrative execution of projects within the Planning Bureau.

Source: Saba Government Information Services – gis@sabagov.com

Photo caption:

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Subject: Saba holds disaster meeting for Hurricane Bill

August 18, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

On Tuesday morning, a disaster meeting was held in The Bottom at the Government Administration Building. The meeting was coordinated by Head of the Fire Department, Julio Every, and Chaired by Acting Lieutenant Governor Roy Smith.

In the meeting they discussed the precautionary measures taken for tropical storm Ana, and it was agreed that everything went smoothly. Mr. Julio Every stated that it was a good decision to close the schools in order to be safe.

Some issues arising out of the meeting was a concern for greater communication, such as satellite phones, over that of traditional cell phones.

Despite the fact that Hurricane Bill is expected to pass north of the Islands, Saba will continue to treat the hurricane as a potential disaster strike. In this regard, all department heads and disaster team members will remain in contact and on alert of any changes in the weather system. A future meeting will be called if necessary.

Source: Saba Government Information Services – gis@sabagov.com

Photo caption: Executive Council with several Department Heads at Disaster Meeting

General

From the Executive Council of Saba – All Schools and Daycares are officially going to be closed on Monday, August 17th, due to safety measures of the impeding storm.   All work will commence on Tuesday unless otherwise notified from official authorities. Please pass on the information!

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Nanny Simmons & Lt. Governor Johnson

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