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Saba (island)

Coordinates:17°37′57″N63°14′15″W/ 17.63250°N 63.23750°W/17.63250; -63.23750
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"Saba Island" redirects here. For the island south of St. Thomas, seeSaba Island (United States Virgin Islands).

Saba
Special municipality
Flag of Saba
Flag
Coat of arms of Saba
Coat of arms
Motto(s):
"Remis Velisque"(Latin)
"With oars and sails"(English)
Anthem:"Saba you rise from the ocean"
Location of Saba (island) (circled in red) in the Caribbean
Location of Saba (island) (circled in red)

in theCaribbean

Map showing location of Saba relative to Sint Eustatius and Saint Martin.
Map showing location of Saba relative toSint EustatiusandSaint Martin.
Coordinates:17°37′57″N63°14′15″W/ 17.63250°N 63.23750°W/17.63250; -63.23750
CountryNetherlands
Overseas regionCaribbean Netherlands
Incorporated into the Netherlands10 October 2010 (dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles)
Capital
(and largest city)		The Bottom
Government
(seePolitics of the Netherlands)
•Lt. GovernorJonathan Johnson
Area
[1]
• Total13 km2(5 sq mi)
Population
(1 January 2022)[2]
• Total1,911
• Density148/km2(380/sq mi)
DemonymSaban
Languages
• OfficialEnglish[3]•Dutch
Ethnicity
• Saban26.6 %
• Sint Maarten15.7 %
• American10.0 %
• other47.7 %
Time zoneUTC−4(AST)
Calling code+599-4
ISO 3166 codeBQ-SA,NL-BQ2
CurrencyUnited States dollar($) (USD)
Internet TLD

Saba(/ˈseɪbə/ⓘ;[6]Dutch:Saba,pronounced[ˈsaːbaː]ⓘ[7]) is aCaribbeanisland and the smallestspecial municipality(officially "public body") of theNetherlands.[8][9]It consists largely of the dormant volcano[10]Mount Scenery,which at 887 metres (2,910 ft) is the highest point of the entireKingdom of the Netherlands.The island lies in the northernLeeward Islandsportion of theWest Indies,southeast of theVirgin Islands.Together withBonaireandSint Eustatiusit forms theBES islands,also known as theCaribbean Netherlands.

Saba has a land area of 13 square kilometres (5.0 sq mi).[1]The population was 1,911 in January 2022,[11]with a population density of 147 inhabitants per square kilometre (380/sq mi). It is the smallest territory by permanent population in the Americas. Its towns and major settlements areThe Bottom(the capital),Windwardside,Zion's HillandSt. Johns.

Etymology[edit]

Theories about the origin of Saba's name includesiba(theArawakanword for 'rock'),sabot,sábado,andSheba.[12][13]The island was referred to by its present name, Saba, as early as 1595 when it appeared in a voyage account byJohn Hawkins.[13]Before its present name, the island was designated "St. Christopher" (San Cristóbal)[14]byChristopher Columbus.[13]

History[edit]

Map of Saba from theEncyclopaedie van Nederlandsch West-Indië 1914–1917

Saba is thought to have been inhabited by theCiboneypeople as early as the 1100s BC.[15]Later, circa 800 AD,Arawakpeople fromSouth Americasettled on the island.[15]

Christopher Columbus is said to have sighted the island on 13November 1493, however, he did not land, being deterred by the island's perilous rocky shores.[15]In 1632, a group of shipwreckedEnglishmenlanded upon Saba.[15]In the 1640s, the Dutch governor of the neighbouring island ofSint Eustatiussent several Dutch families over to colonise the island for theDutch West India Company.[15]In 1664, refusing to swear allegiance to the English crown, these original Dutch settlers were evicted to St.Maarten by Jamaican governors piratesEdward,Thomas,andHenry Morgan.[15][16]TheNetherlandseventually gained complete control of the island in 1816.[15]

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Saba's major industries weresugar,indigoandrumproduced on plantations owned by Dutchmen living on St. Eustatius, and laterfishing,particularly lobster fishing.[citation needed]To work these plantations, enslaved people were imported from Africa.[15]In the 17th century, Saba was believed to be a favourite hideout forJamaicanpirates.[15]England also deported its "undesirable" people to live in the Caribbean colonies, and some of them also became pirates, a few taking haven on Saba.[17]As the island's coast is forbidding and steep, the island became a private sanctuary for the families of smugglers and pirates. One notable Saban pirate wasHiram Beakes,son of the Dutch councillor of the island.[18]

In August 1857[19]Venezuelaand The Netherlands submitted a dispute over the possession ofIsla de Avesto arbitration by theQueen of Spain,[19]because the Netherlands considered the island linked to its colony of Saba by asand bank,[19]andfishermenfrom St. Eustatius and Saba had used the place to harvestturtlesand birds' eggs,[20]while Venezuela argued that it had inherited the island fromSpainwhich had discovered all theCaribbean islands,[20]that the fishermen were not acting on behalf of anygovernmentbut for a particular interest[20]and that this island was not attached to the territory that the Netherlands had received.

The Spanish decision[21]of June 30, 1865[22]declared that theownershipof the Island belonged to Venezuela[22]and that the Netherlands should nevertheless be compensated.[19]It argued that even if the two islands had been united, the sandbank was now separate from the island of Saba and that the first state to have amilitary force[23]and to exercisesovereigntythere[23]had been Venezuela, which had inherited it from theCaptaincy General of Venezuela.[23]

During that time,[when?]Saba lace,a Spanish form ofneedleworkintroduced by a nun from Venezuela, became an important product made by the island's women.[15]Throughout the late 19thcentury and early 20thcentury, the primary source of revenue for the island came from the lacework produced by these women. During this period of time, with most of the island's men gone out to sea for extended periods, the island became known as "The Island of Women".[24][15]

In 1943, Joseph "Lambee" Hassell, a self-taught engineer, began building a road on Saba, drastically improving transport on the island, which had been carried out only by foot or by mule previously.[15]An airportfollowed in 1963, and a larger pier geared for tourist boats in 1972.[15]As a result, tourism increased, gradually becoming a major part of the Saban economy.[15]

In 1978 Venezuela[25][26]and theKingdom of the Netherlands[25]signed the maritime limitstreaty[27]that defined the extension of the Dutch and Venezuelanexclusive economic zonein 2 areas, the first one between the islands ofAruba,[28]CuraçaoandBonaire(in front of theState of Falconin Venezuela and next to theLos Monjes Archipelago)[29]and a second area further north that includes the islands of Saba[30]and St. Eustatius,[30]the latter taking as a reference theIsla de Aves[15](the northernmost point of Venezuela in theCaribbean Sea). At that time, the six islands were part of an administrative entity called theNetherlands Antilles.The treaty recognizes anequidistantor median line[31]between the Island of Aves and the Island of Saba as amaritime boundary.[32]

Astatus referendumwas held in Saba on 5November 2004.[33]86.05% of the population voted for closer links to the Netherlands. This was duly achieved in October 2010, when the Netherlands Antilles wasdissolved and Saba became a special municipality of the Netherlands.[15]

Geography and ecology[edit]

Saba island as viewed from the north, withMount Scenery's peak in the clouds

Saba is a small island at 13 square kilometres (5.0 sq mi) in size and roughly circular in shape.[34]It lies north-west ofSint Eustatiusand south-west ofSaint BarthélemyandSint Maarten.The terrain is generally mountainous, culminating inMount Sceneryin the island's centre.[34]Off the north coast lies the much smallerGreen Island.

Saba is the northernmost active volcano in theLesser Antilles Volcanic Arcchain of islands.At 887 metres (2,910 ft), Mount Scenery is also the highest point within theKingdom of the Netherlands.The island is composed of a singlerhombus-shaped volcano measuring 4.6 kilometres (2.9 mi) east to west and 4.0 kilometres (2.5 mi) north to south[35]The oldest dated rocks on Saba are around 400,000 years old, and the most recent eruption was shortly before the 1630s European settlement (280 yearsB.P.).[35][36]Between 1995 and 1997, an increase in local seismic activity was associated with a 7–12 °C (45–54 °F) rise in the temperature of the hot springs on the island's northwest and southeast coasts.[35]

There is an 8.6 hectares (21 acres)[37]cloud forestlocated at and above 825 metres (2,707 ft)[38]on top of the mountain referred to as the "Elfin Forest Reserve" because of its high altitude mist and mossy appearance.[37]The most dominant tree in the cloud forest is the Mountain Mahogany (Freziera undulate), although hurricanes over the years have destroyed a large number of the mature trees. Despite the name, the mountain mahogany is not related to othermahoganyspecies; although one species of true mahogany tree is found on the island at lower levels, the small-leaved mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni). In the underbrush of the mahogany trees, the Sierran palm (Prestoea montana) and tree ferns dominate, with a large variety ofepiphytesandOrchidsgrowing on the trunks and branches of all the trees.[38]Wild raspberriesandplantain treescan also be found growing on most of the mountain.[39]All seven of theLesser Antilles Endemic Bird Arearestricted-range birds occur in theElfin Forest Reserve.[38]

Below the cloud forest is asub-montane forest,and the variety and average number of species are considerably less. Redwood and Mountainfuchsia treetrees grow wild in this zone, as well as cactus species such as theprickly pear,andSeagrape trees.On the lowest southern and eastern slopes of Saba are grassy meadows and scattered shrubs.[39]Saba National Land Park[nl]is a 35 hectares (86 acres)national parklocated on the north coast of Saba.[40]Formerly owned by the Sulphur Mining Company, the park was established in January 1998 and the property was officially turned over to theSaba Conservation Foundationin 1999.[37]It stretches from the coastline all the way up to the cloud forest, and encompasses all vegetation zones present on Saba.

The Saban anole is endemic to the island.

The coastline of Saba is mostly rubble and rocky cliffs that are 100 metres (330 ft) or taller with mostly cobble and boulder permanent beaches.[10]The steep terrain and sheer bluffs dropping almost straight down to the ocean's edge prevents the formation ofmangroveswamps or much vegetation. There are eight bays tucked into the cliffs around the island;Cove Bay,Spring Bay, Core Gut Bay,Fort Bay(location of the island's only port), Tent Bay,Ladder Bay,Wells Bayand Cave of Rum Bay.[38]Saba's coastline also includes theFlat Point Tide Pools,which were created by a large lava flow thousands of years ago. Thesetide poolsare located below the airport at Flat Point, and feature largelava rock formationsfilled with colorful saltwater pools.[41]The pools are home to diverse marine life,[41]including small fish,sea urchins,crabs, and sea flora.[42][43][44]

The shoreline of the island is of particular value to sea birds, and has been designated anImportant Bird Area(IBA AN006 – "Saba Coastline" ) byBirdLife International.[45]Saba is home to about sixty species of birds, many of which are sea birds that use the holes and crevices of the steep cliffs and two small islands for breeding and feed in the waters around the island.[39]Saba's shoreline is home to the Caribbean's largest breeding colony of Red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus).[38]Other birds include theCommon Ground Dove,the Brown Noddy, theLeast Sandpiper,and theYellow-billed Tropicbird.[46]The Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) is another common bird, and is the national bird of Saba as well as being featured on theircoat of arms.[45]

Being an island, Saba is home to a number ofendemicspecies including theSaban black iguana(Iguana iguana melanoderma),Red-bellied racer(Alsophis rufiventris),Saban anole(Anolis sabanus), andLesser Antillean funnel-eared bat(Natalus stramineus stramineus).[45][39]However, several non-native species have settled on the island, including the Underwood's spectacled tegu (Gymnophthalmus underwoodi), brahminy blind snake (Indotyphlops braminus), and non-native iguanas, all of which are believed to have arrived on cargo shipments from St. Maarten.[47][48][49]

About 4.3 kilometres (2.7 mi) southwest of the island is the northeastern edge of theSaba Bank,the largest submarineatollin theAtlantic Ocean[50]with an especially rich biodiversity. Saba Bank is the top of asea mountand it is a prime fishing ground, particularly for lobster.

Government[edit]

Saba's government house

Relationship with mainland Netherlands[edit]

Saba became a special municipality within the country of the Netherlands after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles on 10 October 2010 and is not part of a Dutch province. The island's constitutional status, as well as those of Sint Eustatius andBonaire,is set out in the Law on the Public Entities BES (Dutch: Wet op de Openbare Lichamen BES).[51]

Sabans vote for members of theDutch House of Representatives,the members of which are elected on aparty-list proportional method.[52]During the2017 Dutch general election,a majority of Sabans voted forDemocrats 66.Of the island's 2,000 residents, 900 were eligible to vote, and of those, 42.8% (or 385 people) voted.[53]

Sabans with Dutch nationality are allowed to vote in elections for the Electoral College to elect the members of theDutch Senate.The2019 electionson Saba, held concurrently with the2019 Island Council Electionsresulted in four of the five Saban seats in the Electoral College going to theWindward Islands People's Movementand one seat going to theSaba Labour Party.[54]

Governor[edit]

Theisland governoris the head of the government of Saba. TheDutch monarchappoints the governor for a term of six years, and he or she falls under the supervision of theminister of the interior and kingdom relations.The island governor chairs meetings of both the Island Council and the Executive Council.[52]

They are also responsible for representing the island's government both in and out of court, maintaining public order, implementing policy and legislation, coordinating with other governments, and receiving and handling complaints about the island's government.[55]

The incumbent island governor isJonathan G. A. Johnson.[52]

Legislature[edit]

Saba's legislative body is theIsland Council,of which there are five members. Councillors are elected by the citizens of the island every four years.[56]The Island Council holds the power to:[57]

  • Appoint and remove commissioners of the Executive Council.
  • Pass ordinances to be enforced by the Executive Council.
  • Ask questions of the Executive Council.
  • Begin an investigation into the governor or the Executive Council.
  • Approve the budget.

Following the 2023 island elections, the Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM) holds three seats on the Island Council, while the new Party for Progress, Equality, and Prosperity held two.[58]In 2019, Esmeralda Johnson was the youngest person ever to be elected to the council.[59]

Members of the Island Council are:

Members of the Saba Island Council, 2023-2027[58][60][61]
Name Party
Saskia Matthew PEP
Julio Every PEP
Rolando Wilson WIPM
Elsa Peterson WIPM
Vito Charles WIPM

Executive[edit]

The Executive Council, appointed by the Island Council, acts as the executive branch of government. The council has the following responsibilities:[62][63]

  • Day-to-day administration of the island, except for duties reserved for the Island Council or the governor.
  • Executing policies and legislation passed by the Island Council.
  • Establishing rules regarding the administration of the island, except the Registry.
  • Appointing, promoting, suspending, or dismissing public officials, except those working for and including the registrar.
  • Preparing defence of the island.
  • Maintaining contact withDutch ministriesinthe Hague.
  • Executing policies and legislation from thenational government.

The council appoints the island secretary, currently Tim Muller.[64]

The council consists of the island governor and two commissioners appointed by the Island Council, currently both members of the WIPM.[63]Each member of the Executive Council is assigned portfolios to oversee.[65]

Executive Council (2019–2023)
Name Title Party Portfolios[66]
Jonathan Johnson Governor N/A Census (Civil Status, Registry, & Elections), Personnel Affairs & Organization, Disaster Management, Protocol, Public Safety, Communication, Digitalization & Information Technology
Rolando Wilson Commissioner WIPM General Affairs, Finances & Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Husbandry & Fisheries, Planning & Infrastructure, Energy, Public Works, Constitutional Affairs, Tourism, Water Supply,Harbor,Airport,Nature & Environment, Sanitation & Waste Management
Evolution Heyliger Commissioner WIPM Education, Community Development, Social & Labor Affairs, Social Housing, Health & Hygiene, Culture & Sports, Archives, Youth Affairs, Gender Affairs,Cadastre,European Unionfunds, Telecommunications

Society[edit]

A typical view of Saba

The population of Saba (theSabans) was 2,010 in 2017.[67]Saba's small size has led to a fairly small number of island families, who can trace their last names back to around a half-dozen families. This means that many last names are shared across the island, the most numerous being Hassell, Johnson and Every; these three names are shared by upwards of 30% of Saba's population.[68]

Age Sex Pyramid

Most families' ancestry is a result of the intermi xing ofAfricans,Dutch,English,andScottish.The population is also partly descended from theIrishwho were exiled from that country after the accession ofKing Charles I of England, Scotland and Irelandin 1625. Charles exiled these Irish to the Caribbean in an effort to quell a rebellion after he had forcibly procured their lands for his Scottish noble supporters.[citation needed]

Historically, Saba was traded among the many European nations that fought for power in the region. Slaves from Africa were also imported to work on Saba. In recent years Saba has become home to a large group ofexpatriates,and around 250 immigrants who are either students or teachers at theSaba University School of Medicine.[69]

Languages[edit]

BothEnglishandDutchare spoken on the island and taught in schools, and both languages are official. Despite the island's Dutch affiliation, English is the principal language spoken on the island and has been used in its school system since the 19th century. Dutch is spoken by 34% of the population, while English is spoken by over 96% of the population.[70]

The majority (67%)[70]of Sabans speak more than one language, including English, Dutch, Spanish, Papiamento, and many others.[70]

Languages spoken on Saba, by population percentage[70]
Year Dutch English Papiamento Spanish Others
2013 32.3% 99.6% 13.4% 27.1% 23.3%
2017/2018 34.0% 96.9% 10.7% 32.6% 25.7%

English is the medium of instruction in Saba schools. Dutch government policy towards Saba and other SSS islands promotes English-medium education.[71]English can therefore be used in communications of and to the government.

Saban Englishis the local English vernacular spoken on the island. It has previously been described as adecreolizedvariety ofVirgin Islands Creole English.[72]The first dictionary of Saban English was published in 2016.[73][74]

Religion[edit]

Queen of The Holy Rosary Church in Zions Hill, Saba

Saba has a predominantlyChristianpopulation. The main denominations areCatholicism(45%),Non-denominational Christianity(18%),Anglicanism(9%),Evangelicalism(4%), andPentecostalism4%, with an additional 11% adhering to other Christian denominations. In addition, 6% of the population isMuslim.[75]

The first contact with Christians on the island occurred with the visit ofChristopher Columbusin 1493, but this did not mean the immediate arrival of theCatholic Church.It is believed that the first Christian groups to settle on the island wereProtestantscoming from the Netherlands in 1640.[76]

During the period of nominalSpanish domination,the island was included in the jurisdiction of theDiocese of Puerto Rico

The oldest church on record is the Christuskerk (Christ Church),[77]of theAnglicandenomination, which was renovated in 1777 after being damaged by ahurricane,and whose exact date of construction is unknown. In the same year, Pastor Kirkpatrick also requested permission from the Dutch commander Johannes de Graaff to officially establish the Anglican Church in Saba[78]before that some locals used theReformed Church of the Netherlandsto celebrate their baptisms.[79]

Although theRoman Catholic Churchis currently very active on Saba, it did not establish itself on the island until quite late.[80]One of the earliest contacts includes the visit of Père Labat in 1701.[80]

The island was also visited by the Prefect Apostolic of the Catholic Church for the Dutch Colonies in theCaribbeanin 1836[79]Monsignor Martinus Niewindt, according to his report there was no Catholicpriestto attend the island at that time. He returned in May of the same year with theVenezuelanpriest Manuel Romero[79]who had settled in Curaçao 1 year earlier for political reasons.[79]Communication was difficult at first because neither of the two priests spoke English, Romero spoke onlySpanishand Niewindt spoke onlyFrenchandDutch.In June 1836, the first Catholic mass on the island was officially celebrated in Saba, and five children were presented for baptism.[79]

The oldest Catholic Church on record and still functioning today isSt. Paul's Conversion Churchin Windward, which dates back to 1860.[79]

Missionaryactivity, the arrival of immigrants from other parts of the Netherlands and other territories in the Caribbean andEuropemade the Catholic Church the most popular denomination in the present day, as it represents nearly half of the population.[75]

Health and healthcare[edit]

The A.M. Edwards Medical Center is the major provider of healthcare for local residents.[81]The center was built in 1980 and renovated in 2019.[81][82]Home healthcare is available for Sabans who require medical care in their own home.[83]Saba also has an assisted living facility located in the H.C. Every building.[83]

Saba has ahyperbaric chamberlocated at Fort Bay Harbor,[84]asscuba divingis a popular tourist activity on Saba.[85]

Same-sex marriage[edit]

In Saba (as in Bonaire and Sint Eustatius),marriage is open to same sexand opposite sex couples[86]following the entering in force of a law enabling same-sex couples to marry on 10 October 2012.[87]The first same-sex marriage was performed on Saba on 4 December 2012 between a Dutch man and a Venezuelan man, both residing in Aruba, wheresame-sex marriageis not performed.[88][89][90]

Economy[edit]

Main article:Economy of Saba

Since 2011, theU.S. dollarhas been the official currency,[91]replacing theNetherlands Antillean guilder.

Agriculture[edit]

Agriculture on Saba is primarily livestock and vegetables, especially potatoes. Saba lace, also known as "Spanish work", is actuallydrawn thread workand is still produced on the island.

Tourism[edit]

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, located onFlat Point

The tourism industry now contributes more to the island's economy than any other sector. There are about 15,000 visitors each year. Saba has a number of inns, hotels, rental cottages and restaurants. Saba is known as the "Unspoiled Queen" of the Caribbean.[92]Saba is especially known for itsecotourism,having exceptionalscuba diving,climbingandhiking.

TheJuancho E. Yrausquin Airportoffers flights to and from the nearby islands of St. Maarten and Sint Eustatius. There is also a ferry service from St. Maarten; the ferry boats "Dawn II ~ The Saba Ferry" and "The Edge" both travel to Saba three times a week. In addition, there are anchorages for private boats.[92]

About 150 species of fish have been found in Saba's waters.[93]A main draw for divers are the pinnacle dive sites, where magma pushed through the sea floor to create underwater towers of volcanic rock that start at about 300 feet (91 m) down and rise to about 85 feet (26 m) beneath the surface.[93]The waters around Saba were designated as theSaba National Marine Parkin 1987, and are subject to government regulation to preserve the coral reefs and other marine life. Since 1991 the Saba Conservation Foundation has operated ahyperbaric chamberin case of diving emergencies.[94]

Transport[edit]

View of the village ofWindwardside,taken from Mount Scenery

There is one main road, known as "The Road".Its construction was masterminded by Josephus Lambert Hassell who, contrary to the opinion of Dutch andSwissengineers, believed that a road could be built.[95]He took a correspondence course incivil engineeringand started building the road with a crew of locals in 1938.[96]In 1943, the first section of the road from Fort Bay to The Bottom was completed. In 1947, the first motor vehicle arrived. In 1951, the road to Windwardside and St. Johns was opened. In 1958, the road was completed.[96]

Driving "The Road" is considered to be a daunting task, and the curves in Windwardside are extremely difficult to negotiate. Driving is on the right hand side. The speed limit in towns is 20 kilometres per hour (12 mph), and outside of towns, is 40 kilometres per hour (25 mph).

In 1963,[citation needed]Saba residents built theJuancho E. Yrausquin Airport.This 400-metre (1,300 ft) landing strip is reputed to be the shortest commercial runway in the world,[97]and is restricted. Only trained pilots flying smallSTOLairliners, such as theTwin Otterand theBritten-Norman Islandermay land there, as well as helicopters.

In 1972, a pier was completed in Fort Bay to access the island. Travel is also provided by ferry services to and from Sint Maarten with theMakanaandThe Edgeferries.

Of note are 800 steps carved from stone, known as "The Ladder",[98]which reach from Ladder Bay to the settlement known as The Bottom. Until the late 20th century, everything that was brought to the island in boats and ships was carried up by hand using these steps. The steps are now often used by tourists who wish to experience an intense climb.

Energy[edit]

Like many Caribbean islands, Saba is dependent on fossil fuels imports, which leaves it vulnerable to globaloil pricefluctuations that directly impact the cost of electricity.[99]Electricity supply depends on a diesel power plant to supply 60% of the island's demand.[100]In 2019,solar parksinHell's Gate(adjacent to the airport) and The Bottom became operational. For up to 10 hours a day, the entire island of Saba is powered bysolar energyfrom these two solar parks and their battery storage.[101][102][103]

According to a report by theLow Emission Development Strategies Global Partnership (LEDS GP),the Government of Saba made the decision to transform the island to 100% sustainable energy to eventually eliminate dependence on fossil fuel-generated electricity. This new energy policy is defined by the 'Social development plan 2014–2020' and 'Saba's energy sector strategy'. Intermediate targets are 20% renewable electricity by 2017, which was reached in 2018; and 40% by 2020, which is expected to be reached by March 2019.[100][needs update]

Education[edit]

The primary school is Sacred Heart Primary School inSt. John's.[104]There is also one secondary and vocational school in Saba, theSaba Comprehensive Schoolin St. John's.[105]

Saba University School of Medicine is a for-profit medical school located in The Bottom, Saba's capital. The medical school was established by American expatriates in coordination with the government of the Netherlands.[106]The school adds over 400 residents when classes are in session,[106]and it is the prime educational attraction.

Culture[edit]

Main article:Culture of Saba

The lifestyle on Saba is generally slow with little nightlife, even with the emergence of an ecotourism industry in the last few decades. Sabans are proud of their history of environmental conservation, calling Saba "The Unspoiled Queen".[92]

Saba lace at the Harry L Johnson Museum, Windwardside

Saban women continue to make two traditional island products, Saba Lace and Saba Spice.Saba Laceis hand-stitched lace, which the island's women began making in the late 19th century and built into a thriving mail-order business with the United States. Saba Spice is a rum drink, brewed with a combination of spices.

As in other Caribbean locations, Sabans throw an annualCarnival.Saba's Carnival takes place the last week in July and includes parades, steel bands, competitions, and food.

Another event held in the capital The Bottom is 'Saba Day'. This is the national day of the island in which all offices, schools and stores are closed. The island celebrates its diversity and culture through various activities and parades. The Bottom holds host to a concert at the sports field where local and other Caribbean artists come to perform. A wahoo fishing tournament is also held during Saba Day and attracts boats from neighboring islands such as St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, and St. Barths.

A playground on Saba

Media[edit]

There is oneradio stationon Saba, "Saba Radio"broadcasts on 93.9FMand 1410AM.[107][108]

There is one online newspaper in Saba,Saba News,which publishes local news as well as pieces from the rest of the Dutch Caribbean.[109]

Museums[edit]

The Harry L. Johnson Museum in Windwardside features exhibits that include collections from the 19th and early 20th centuries,[110]including period photographs of Dutch royalty, antique furniture, a 100-year oldorgan harmonium,and astone hearth,as well as objects from archaeological sites of the island's first inhabitants.[111]

The Bottom's Major Osman Ralph Simmons Museum, founded by Major Osmar Ralph Simmons, a former island police officer for more than 40 years, preserves and displays objects he found on the island.[112]

Sports[edit]

The most popular sports on Saba arefootball,futsal,[113][114]softball,[115]basketballandvolleyball.The Saba Volleyball Association is a member ofECVAandNORCECA.[116]

Notable Sabans[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^.bq is designated, but not in use, for the Caribbean Netherlands.[4][5]Like the rest of the Netherlands,.nl is primarily in use.

References[edit]

  1. ^abZaken, Ministerie van Algemene (May 19, 2015)."Waaruit bestaat het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden? – Rijksoverheid.nl".onderwerpen(in Dutch).RetrievedOct 4,2021.
  2. ^"Caribisch Nederland; bevolking; geslacht, leeftijd, burgerlijke staat".CBS StatLine. 2022-04-28.Retrieved2022-08-14.
  3. ^English can be used in relations with the government."Invoeringswet openbare lichamen Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba"(in Dutch). wetten.nl.Retrieved2012-10-14.
  4. ^"BQ – Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba".ISO.Archivedfrom the original on 17 June 2016.Retrieved29 August2014.
  5. ^"Delegation Record for.BQ".IANA.20 December 2010.Archivedfrom the original on 29 May 2012.Retrieved30 December2010.
  6. ^Wells, John C.(2008). "Sabaisland in the Caribbean".Longman Pronunciation Dictionary(3rd ed.). Longman.ISBN978-1-4058-8118-0.some reference books wrongly claim it isˈsɑːb əorˈsæb ə
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Further reading[edit]

  • Bolles, Joshua K. (2013). Johnson, Will (ed.).Caribbean Interlude: The Story of Saba the Rock.Will Johnson.ISBN978-1-4675-6637-7..A first-person account by an American journalist of the eleven months he spent on Saba in 1931, illustrated with photographs of Saba at that time.
  • Johnson, Theodore R. (2016).A Lee Chip: A Dictionary and Study of Saban English.Raleigh, NC: Language and Life Project at North Carolina State University.ISBN978-0-578-17558-4..A dictionary, grammar and phonological description, with a history of Saban English in the introduction.
  • Nielsen, Suzanne; Schnabel, Peter (2007).Folk Remedies on a Caribbean Island, the Story of Bush Medicine on Saba.Author.ISBN9789990407594.Aguide to many of the plants of Saba, including their medicinal properties.
  • Shrout, Richard Neil (1989)."The mysterious island of Saba"(PDF).South Florida History Magazine.No. 2. pp. 3–7. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2016-11-18.Retrieved2017-11-16– viaHistoryMiami.
  • Rahn, Jennifer. (2017). Saba and St. Eustatius (Statia). 10.1007/978-3-319-55787-8_6.

External links[edit]

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