Island Government of Saba

Subject: Plans are underway for Saba’s 34^th Saba Day

September 25, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

This year Saba Day will be celebrating its 34^th Anniversary with a reception and diverse entertainment for the weekend. An official ceremony will be held on December 4^th, 2009 and as well as a reception for the general public.

Recently, Commissioner of Culture Bruce Zagers met with President of the Saba Cultural Foundation Lisa Hassell to discuss how the plans for Saba Day are progressing. This year the Government will be handling the official part of Saba Day such as the mass, hoisting of the flag, cultural dances, as well as speeches and awards handed out by the Commissioner of Culture. Following the ceremony a reception is being held for dignitaries as and the general public.

The Saba Cultural Foundation has been tasked with hosting the cultural booths along the Matthew Levenstone Road, bringing in entertainment, the Annual Wahoo Tournament, target shooting, and working with other Foundations to hold activities for children.

The Wahoo Tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday on December 5^th and 6^th. The Foundation elicited that they are looking forward to participation from the local islands to make it another Grand event.

Currently, the Foundation has set an outline and is sending out letters to all stakeholders involved in Saba Day. Lisa Hassell stated to GIS, “As a Foundation we look forward to working closely with outside organizations to make this year another success”.

Commissioner Zagers is urging local businesses and community to come forward in helping make this year a memorable as well. “I hope to see everyone showing their patriotism while coming out to support Saba Day. Plans are well underway and people can expect another fulfilled event this year.” stated Zagers.

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

Photo caption: Lisa Hassell and Bruce Zagers

Culture, General

Subject: Versteek pays final working visit to Saba

September 25, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

Recently, Frans Versteek, Director of USONA, along with his colleagues paid a last working visit to Saba. Versteek has been Director of USONA since its inception and has overseen millions of guilders in projects during his tenure. Reginaldo Doran will be replacing him as the new Director of USONA.

A reception and dinner were held at Queens Gardens in which he gave a speech about his experiences on the Island of Saba. Versteek stated that he enjoyed Saba as being very different from the rest of the Dutch Kingdom. He went on to say that he had a lot of respect for those who have built up this small Island. Lieutenant Governor Jonathan Johnson thanked Mr. Versteek for his service and presented him with a framed photograph of Saba.

During the reception Commissioner of Education Chris Johnson and Mr. Versteek signed the financing agreement for the building of vocational classrooms as well as bus parking garage. This facility will be located next to the secondary school in St. Johns. The amount is approximately 1.25 million guilders which will include the construction, drafting of plans, and supervision.

Commissioner Johnson emphasized that “the lack of a solid technical stream has proven to be a weakness in the level of secondary education on Saba”. Johnson went on to say that, “The last ten years on Saba the schools have moved away from vocational training and are concentrating on academics. This has caused a trickledown effect to the labor market where it is often difficult to find locally trained workers”.

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

Photo caption: Lt. Governor Johnson, Treasure of USONA Luc Steenhorst, Presiden t of USONA Frans Versteek, Commissioner Chris Johnson, Future President of USONA Reginaldo Doran.

Education & Youth, General

SUBJECT: Discussions surround Airport Master Plan

Recently, the Ministry of Transport and Water Management paid a working visit to Saba.  Project Manager of Civil Aviation Ton Franssen and Rene Fracken came to do an inventory of the airport and meet with the local airport Manager, Vincent Hassell.  The inventory involved checking on radio, navigation, and weather equipment. 

During their visit they were able to meet with Commissioner Johnson on the development of a master plan for the airport.  The Island Government was suggested to develop a report based on their vision of a fully-functional airport after which, they will sit down with the Ministry and discuss feasible solutions with experts.
This plan should also account for any changes in Saba’s economy and tourism as well as where the Island will be in twenty years.  In general, the plan should also correlate with how Saba plans to develop their tourism and economy.

One serious topic of discussion was the issue of twenty-four hour medical evacuation services.  The Ministry confirmed to Commissioner Johnson that their intention is to have something established before 2010.  The Ministry appears to be taking local concerns very seriously and plans to address critical issues.

Commissioner Johnson stated to GIS, “We know that our possibilities are limited on Saba because of lack of usable flat land for our airstrip.  Regardless, we are expected by our people to provide a service that fits the Island and where we see it heading for the next twenty years”

Photo from Left to Right:  Ton Franssen, Chris Johnson, Menno van der Velde & Rene Francken

General

Commissioner Chris Johnson using hammer drill

Underwater Drilling Project
New and upgraded moorings for Saba
 
For decades, Saba’s diving industry is contributing significantly to the island’s economy. To facilitate the needs of the sector and to avoid anchoring of vessels on the delicate sea bottom substrate, thus inflicting irreparable damage to Saba’s pristine coral reefs, a system of mooring buoys was installed shortly after the formation of the Marine Park in 1989. The regular maintenance of the 33 moorings has since been the responsibility of the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF).
 
However, to assure the continued safe use of the mooring system, many of the 20 year old anchor pins urgently needed to be replaced. Hence, the SCF applied for and received funding from De Uitvoeringsorganisatie Stichting Ontwikkeling Nederlandse Antillen (USONA ), in order to purchase the necessary equipment to restore the moorings and install new ones, thereby increasing Saba’s attractiveness as one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean.
 
With the co-operation of Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) and sponsorship from Juliana’s Hotel and Dawn II, a Ranger Exchange and Underwater Drilling Course was set up for early September, with instruction provided by drilling expert and former ranger of St. Maarten’s Nature Foundation, Paul Ellinger. The exercise was attended by staff of the SCF, STENAPA, local dive instructors and other volunteers. Unfortunately it was cut short by the anticipation and necessary preparations for Tropical Storm Erika, but shortly after its passing, the project continued with the assistance from the local dive stores Saba Deep, Sea Saba and Saba Divers.
 
Quite notably, to show their support and commitment, Commissioner Chris Johnson and Island Secretary Menno van der Velde, actively participated in the project, by installing a new mooring. Impressed by the progress, Commissioner Johnson suggested, that after consulting local fishermen, the SCF should also look into installing moorings for small fishing vessels. The idea received positive responses by the stakeholders and discussions in that regard have commenced. The project is expected to be finalized by the end of the month.
 
Photo caption: Executive Council Commissioner Chris Johnson on the hammer drill

General

Xerox Techs - Jonah Doram & Orlando Lamp in the upgraded copy-room

Subject:  Government receives upgrades from Xerox; Donation to school

Tuesday, September 08, 2009 (SGIS):

Late last week, the Island Government of Saba received a large printer upgrade from Xerox that was purchased under the Dutch Development Fund through USONA.   The shipment contained approximately 2 large multifunction copiers, 1 large color, 5 medium office printers, and several other small models.  The upgrade will replace all the old mixed technology units that existed beforehand and should save the Government on toner/printing costs.

After delivery of the shipment, Xerox technicians Orlando Lamp and Jonah Doram paid a working visit to the Island to properly setup the units.  Offices were setup to efficiently use one large or medium sized printer within their vicinity, as opposed to having several small, expensive inkjet color printers.  The upgrade also brought centralized fax capabilities as well as network scanning. 

ICT Manager James Wright stated, “This was a much needed and anticipated upgrade for the Government.  By having centralized printing, scanning, and faxing we should see a reduction in the costs of paper, maintenance, and toner.  Furthermore, the units seem fast and user-friendly which undoubtedly increases our efficiency.”

The Government previously leased a large copier from Xerox, however, with this upgrade they no longer require the lease to continue.  Obersi Xerox graciously donated the large copier to the Saba Comprehensive School to be used by the teachers and faculty there.  Considering the amount of copies and work that schools produce, this was indeed another upgrade for the schools facilities as well.

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

Photo caption: Xerox Techs – Jonah Doram & Orlando Lamp in the upgraded copy-room

General

Dear All,

I would first like to thank all those in the media for the great coverage. It was an honor to give the press something new on international press day. One Dutch news article stated that anyone who did not know of Saba before yesterday definitely had a drastic change.

Firstly, I was very glad to see the wide spread response to the actions taken by Saba.  I think that we are accepting too many issues at face value. The smaller islands are being told what to do and are always expected to follow without any resistance or opinion.

With regards to the reaction from the Netherlands: I was dismayed to hear so many quickly saying that our intended path is not possible or legal.  To those of that opinion, I would like to ask “How was it possible for Aruba to leave the Netherlands Antilles without a complete dismantling of the Country?”  The issue of Aruba not only shows that this is possible and has already happened in the Netherlands Antilles just over twenty years ago.

Furthermore, it is also a common stance of the Dutch Government that if we want independence, we can have it by tomorrow.  If this is the case – Is this not a form of leaving the country?

The United Nations, of which the Netherlands is a staunch supporter, has declared that there is a right to self determination.  What happens to the right of self determination in the case where Saba needs the approval of parliament and the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, before it can change its status?  If this is the case it then means that the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles has more authority than the United Nations and stands above International law.

Saba’s Government is not opposed to the elections, it is opposed to what these elections represent.  They represent a lack of commitment on behalf of the Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles to ever bring about real change in this country.  We on Saba enjoy a good election as much as any.  However, if our attempt to leave the country of the Netherlands Antilles is not accomplished then we will contest the central elections in full force.  We will do this to safeguard the position of the Island and not allow others to take advantage of our parliamentary seat.

During the Round Table Conference of December 15th, 2008 a member of the press asked Prime Minister Balkenende if the referendum outcome on Curacao would have any effect on the trajectory of the BES islands.  He stated twice, very clearly, that the results of the referendum on Curacao would have no effect on the BES islands.  One of the reasons given by Prime Minister De Jongh-El Hage for the upcoming central elections was because of the close results of the referendum the island would be unstable if elections were not called.  This means that indirectly we on Saba are still subjected to the results of the referendum on Curacao.  This result in turn will have an effect on the time-frame of the BES islands.

I would like to end by asking – “What is to happen to all the Islands if we have a new Central Government in January which comes in with a statement as part of their Governing accord saying that it is not in agreement with dismantling and they intend on keeping the Netherlands Antilles together as a Country for their Governing period?  What happens to our rights of self determination then?

Best Regards from the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
 
Sincerely,
 
Chris Johnson

Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs
Island Government of Saba

Const. Affairs, General

Mr. Henk Kamp receiving letter from Commissioners Chris Johnson and Bruce Zagers

[Download Full PDF Letter]

Excerpt from the Letter:

To His Excellency
Prime Minister Jan-Peter Balkenende
Binnenhof19
2500 EA The Hague
Nederland
Fax:0031-70-365-4174
Your number (letter): Your letter of: Our number: 1145/09
Subject : Intention of Secession from the Netherlands Antilles for the Island Territory
of Saba.
Total pages : 3

Your Excellency;
Saba, September 1,2009

It is with a sense of great concern that the government of Saba wishes to approach
your government on the following.

On the island territory of Saba on November 5lh 2004, a referendum was held so that
the people of Saba, using their right of self determination, could express their wishes for a
new relationship within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This referendum was supervised by
the United Nations. On U.N. instructions the government of Saba revised the options put
forth to the people in order to fall within compliance of international regulations.

An amount of 78% of the eligible voting public of Saba took part in the referendum
wherein a majority of 86% voted in favor of establishing direct ties with The Netherlands. ‘
Following the referendum Saba made compromises with St. Eustatius, Bonaire and The
Netherlands in order to make it easier for the government of The Netherlands to effectuate
the transition from the so-called country the Netherlands Antilles, to a direct relationship with
the Netherlands. This was done in accordance with article 1541 of the Fourth Committee of
the United Nations.

….. Want to read the rest?  DOWNLOAD ENTIRE PDF

SOURCE: Saba Government Information Services

Const. Affairs, General

Subject: Hurricane Exercises on Saba

Tuesday, September 01, 2009 (SGIS):

Last week the Fire Department, in cooperation with Dutch Marines, began hurricane disaster drills on Saba. The Marines arrived Thursday on Saba. At 9AM on Friday the Fire Department gave a small demonstration to the Marines on the various disaster management materials used.

Friday night the Marines conducted some drills at the hurricane shelter in Windwardside. They called upon several volunteers to assist marines in exercises that elicit human behavior during a natural disaster.

Saturday Emergency Support Functions (ESF’s) met in The Bottom for another hands-on Hurricane drill with the Marines. This drill involved down trees, phone poles, a damaged car, and hurt civilians. Notably, the longest part of the exercise involved a simulation of an electrical pole falling on top of a car; pinning the occupants inside. A coordinated effort was made between the fire department, hospital, marines and police to help the “victims” inside the car. Before the Marines left on Sunday, there was a de-briefing and overview of the weekend’s events.

Disaster Coordinator and local Fire Chief, Julio Every, stated to the GIS, “The exercise and cooperation was a success. However, there is always room for improvement in these kinds of situations. This was a good opportunity to test the readiness of our island in the event of a natural disaster”.

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

Photo caption: Saturday Drills involved car and electrical pole

General

Subject: Government holds Depart Head meeting for August

Tuesday, September 01, 2009 (SGIS):

This past week, a Department Head meeting was called to order and chaired by Island Secretary, Menno van der Velde. Van der Velde announced that some training programs will be forthcoming in the areas of Dutch, Business Computing, Writing, and LMA issues.

The biggest topic of discussion was a follow-up to the handling of Government projects. The island Secretary explained that “projects are not up to par because of the combination of inexperience and also a lack for departmental capacity.” This topic was addressed earlier on in the week by the Executive Council seeking to rectify the slow processing of Government projects. Menno van der Velde explained that he will have more time to dedicate to the super vision of each departments projects. Furthermore, a Project Manager should be available to assist as well. A system is now being designed for the tracking of all projects in one repository.

Some notable Department updates were:

• Census Office being flooded due to expansion of the Government Building
• Tourist Bureau began printing their new brochures for Saba as well as website updates
• The IT network is being expanded to include all Government remote departments on one secure network.
• Public Works stated it is ready to start the project to pave the road to the stone crusher.

The next meeting is scheduled to be on September 16^th, 2009.

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

Photo caption:

General

THE BOTTOM–Saba intends to secede from the Netherlands Antilles, because its government sees no other way to break Curaçao’s and the Central Government’s
grasp on the island. “We have to do what it takes toget the status the people of Saba voted for in the November 2004 referendum. One thing we have to realise is that there is no going forward with the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles,” Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Chris Johnson told The Daily Herald Monday.

The island’s decision was prompted by Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage’s announcement last week that elections for a new parliament of the Netherlands Antilles will be held in January. Johnson plans to present a letter addressed to Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende detailing Saba’s secession plans to Dutch Commissioner Henk Kamp at the Government Administration Building this morning. Secession will begin with the holding back of taxes generated in Saba that are due to the Curaçao-based Central Government,removal of the flag of the Netherlands Antilles from government buildings and other actions as of November, when the island will mark the fifth anniversary of the referendum in which the people of Saba voted to leave the Netherlands Antilles.

St. Maarten started the process of constitutional change in the Antilles when its people voted to become a country within the Dutch Kingdom in June 2000 Referenda on the other islands followed later. Curaçao, like St. Maarten, opted to become a country within the Kingdom; 86.5 per cent of the voters in Saba voted on November 5, 2004, for Option A – direct constitutional ties with the Netherlands; Bonaire also voted for direct ties with the Netherlands; and while St. Eustatius voted on April 8, 2005, to remain within the Netherlands Antilles, its Island Council has since agreed that, like Bonaire and Saba, the island should become one of the BES islands – one of the three Dutch overseas public entities.

Johnson stressed Monday that Saba was ready for its new status. “Saba has been the only island throughout the process that has had a completely stable government,” he stressed, adding that sending the letter to the Dutch Prime Minister was a way of making the Dutch accountable for what was going on in the Antilles. “We will never see the Netherlands Antilles dismantling, so the rights of the islands like Saba have to be respected.” Secession does not mean independence for Saba in any way. It simply means that is the only option left for Saba to attain the constitutional status within the Dutch Kingdom its people desire, Johnson stressed.

Speaking about the announcement of yet another election for the Parliament of the Antilles before the five islands will receive their new constitutional statuses, Johnson, son of veteran politician Will Johnson, said it could not be expected that Curaçao politicians “will dismantle themselves out of their own jobs.”  The present Central Government and Parliament were referred to as the last ones for the Antilles at the beginning of the present term almost four years ago. However, with elections upcoming, it appears that yet another government will sit before the islands get their new statuses, tentatively due to take effect before the end of October 2010.

Antillean Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage said Wednesday that elections would go ahead in January as required by the constitution. The Central Government had sought the advice of the Antillean Advisory Council on postponement of the elections to allow the dismantling process to continue uninterrupted, but the council advised against a postponement. Commissioner Johnson said the present Island Government of Saba, as well as his party, the Windward Island Peoples’ Movement (WIPM), didn’t see boycotting the January elections, a suggestion by Constitutional Affairs Minister Roland Duncan, as a viable option.

“If the main parties decide not to participate, someone else can come with a list, or if there is no participation, what is to stop the appointment of people in Curaçao to represent the island?” If Saba is unable to secede from the Antilles before the deadline for submission of candidates for the parliamentary elections, Johnson said WIPM would have no choice but to participate in the interest of Saba’s people. “We will have to see the process that was started through to the end. But secession is the first focus, because it is a right of any country or part thereof,” Commissioner Johnson said.

SOURCE: The Daily Herald, Sept 1st 2009

Const. Affairs, General