Island Government of Saba

DOWNLOAD – SGIS Vol 01 Issue 08

This issue focuses on Environmental Affairs

Issued on: November 30th, 2009

General, Newsletter

Subject: Commissioner Zagers discusses landfill issues

November 17, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

During the Director of USONA’s visit, Mr. R. Doran, Commissioner Bruce Zagers discussed the processes involved in obtaining funding for the landfill project on Saba. The SEI has approximately 400,000 NAF available for waste management. Zagers along with Mr. Wim Hofman (Kwartiermaker VROM) and local stakeholders stated, “We are busy putting together a master plan for the landfill. The money available in the SEI should be enough to start the project, but the continuation of the project is the main concern.” Zagers went on to elaborate, “I had a very promising discussion with Mr. Doran as to how we will proceed with this project and I look forward to a solution to this important issue soon.”

In 2008 the Island Government started a project to remove the scrap metal from the landfill. This project was successful being that it reduced the volume of waste at the landfill. However, due to a lack of funding the project could not continue.

“The Executive Council understands the severity of this environmental and health issue, especially for the people living in St. Johns and the Bottom. The burning of the landfill is not a problem which just started; it has been one that has been ongoing for many decades. There are no clear cut solutions which are feasible for Saba to solve this problem from one day to the next. This is not the only government that has had to deal with this issue. However, this government has it as a high priority and will do its utmost to find a solution.”, stated Commissioner Zagers.

Commissioner Zagers told GIS that he hopes to have the plan finalized before the end of the year. Once this plan is finalized it will go to the Executive Council for approval and then to USONA for processing of funds. Zagers went on to elaborate that the draft budget for 2010 has a considerable amount budgeted for maintenance of the landfill. “It is important to realize however, that whatever we decide to do will only be successful if it is properly maintained”, elicited Zagers.

Zagers affirmed that he shares the same concerns with the community and stated that he is available to discuss these important issues anytime. “I have an open door policy and everyone is welcome to come and share their concerns about the landfill or any issue. Through the grape vine we hear that there is unrest in the community about the landfill, which is understandable. However, those that choose to make threats or remarks through anonymous or unsubstantiated mediums such as Facebook or Myspace, will not solve the problems of the landfill. This will only add fuel to the fire and stir up heated emotions. I am open to suggestions and sharing ideas about the future of waste management here on Saba. It is important to know that whatever solution we develop, that the community endorses it as well.”

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

Photo caption:

Environmental Affairs, General

Subject: Harbor Financing agreement signed

November 17, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

Recently, the Commissioner of Harbor Affairs, Bruce Zagers along with Director of USONA, Mr. R Doran, signed a Financing Agreement for the first of many projects towards the Harbor. The financing agreement was for a total of approximately 140,000 NAF.

This agreement will finance two separate projects, the first being to hire a consultant to develop the plans for building a retaining wall near the rock slide area. Zagers stated, “This was an urgent project from the very beginning and ensuring safe harbor facilities is a major priority of the Government.”

The consultant for this job will also be responsible for drafting other plans which will result in major improvements for the Harbor. For instance, the road where the new retaining wall will be built will have to be widened to accommodate the free flow of traffic. Furthermore, below the road will be transformed into extra dock space. This will be a new improvement and upgrade to approximately 175 feet of docking space. The consultant will also be in charge of finding a solution for the boat ramp. Zagers stated that he hopes the plans are finalized and the actual project can begin during the first quarter of 2010.

The second part of the project will be to research a solution for the end of the Captain Leo Chance Pier. The end of the pier was damaged during the passing of Hurricane Omar. The study will be made by Delft University. Depending on the outcome of the study, Zagers and his project team will make a recommendation to the Executive Council in the form of an action plan on how to proceed.

Approximately 7 million guilders have been made available within the SEI for improvements to the Harbor. Zagers and his Project Team have composed a plan encompassing several different projects which will total 4 million guilders. Once the report from Delft University is submitted, the Project team will be in a better position to allocate the remaining funding appropriately.

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

Photo caption: (back) Chris Johnson, Jonathan Johnson, Bobby Zagers (front) R. Doran and Bruce Zagers

Environmental Affairs, General

Subject: Granger to represent Saba on Winair Board

November 17, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

Recently, Ms. Urla Granger was appointed as a new member of the Winair Board to represent the Island Territory of Saba. Granger was born on Saba and went away to school starting at the age of 12. In her time abroad, she obtained a Bachelors and Masters in Accounting. Upon finishing school she worked in Accounting for 12 years in the United States. Granger was offered a position at GeBe in 2006 and has worked there since as Project and Inventory Control Supervisor.

Granger replaces the previous Saba Winair Board member, Mr. Theodore Johnson whom served on the Board for several years. After the Mr. Theodore Johnson resigned, the Executive Council was given the opportunity to recommend a replacement. The Executive Council made the recommendation for Ms. Granger based on her background on finance and accounting. A few weeks ago the Council of Ministers approved the Island Government of Saba’s recommendation to appoint Urla Granger.

“I look forward to having someone on the Board who can see from the outside in and to see what is working and not working within Winair”, stated Commissioner Chris Johnson.

Ms Granger stated to GIS, “Saba is home and when it comes to transportation we have one choice. It is important that we protect that and see it is not interrupted for locals and tourists. For me, this experience is coming full circle being that Winair allowed some of us to leave Saba to get our education, and now return. Given this experience I can assist with further opening up the world to this small island called Saba.”

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

Photo caption: Urla Granger and Comm. Chris Johnson

General, Tourism

We have issued the official program for Saba Day Dec 4th, 2009 by the Island Government.  Please download below.

DOWNLOAD – Dec 4th Program

We have also issued the official Saba Day Weekend Festivities 2009 Schedule. Please download below.

DOWNLOAD – Weekend Schedule

Please feel free to redistribute and re-share this link to whomever you feel necessary!

Culture, General Saba Day 2009

Subject: Saba to be part of advertising Pilot Program

November 3, 2009 (SGIS) – The Bottom, Saba:

Approximately twelve years ago at a Vacation Fair in Holland, Director of Tourism Glenn Holm had the opportunity to meet Mr. Cees Timmes of TVC advertising. Holm stated that he was familiar with Timmes work on both Curacao and St. Eustatius. Realizing the potential of TVC and Saba as a market, Mr. Holm stated that he’d like to have some promotional materials made up by TVC some day in the future.

This wish for promotional items materialized a couple years ago with some Dutch funding (quickwins) to produce a first image brochure as well as some banners and tradeshow materials. Recently, more funding has become available through the SEI and it was decided to continue the promotional possibilities previously laid down.

The finished projects are now a more detailed and informative brochure as well as island maps. An image bank has also become available to all tour operators, magazines, and promotional materials for Saba. This image bank can be found at www.saba-pictures.com

Today, Holm and Timmes had the opportunity to meet with the Executive Council and present the new materials. An idea was put forth for an advertising pilot program featuring souvenir items using the same general branding.  The proposal given to the Government was to include the new brochures and maps with the agreement that TVC will absorb the costs of the project. If the project is successful, then the private sector will be given the opportunity to invest in new and future promotional materials developed by TVC advertising. Overall, these promotional materials will be approved and controlled by the Saba Tourist Bureau.

Commissioner Zagers stated, “I am very impressed with the quality of these materials. Living here you sometimes take for granted the beauty of this island. Seeing the presented materials in these brochures makes you realize that we all live in a lush paradise. This is something that we as Saba people should remind ourselves of daily.”

Following the meeting with the Executive Council, Holm and Timmes will hold a meeting with the private sector to display the new items and pilot program proposal.

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

Photo caption: Cees Timmes, Glenn Holm, Bruce Zagers, Jonathan Johnson

General, Tourism