Dear Saba News:
I went to this site www.internetconsultatie.nl/slavernijverledencaribisch
to leave my opinion. Although it has many languages, it is not obvious at all where a resident can type an opinion. I am a resident of Saba and read English and French. Where to leave my opinion ? I guess – here.

The best way to compensate today’s descendants of former slaves is to give them the BEST education in their chosen field and to provide intense mentorship to ensure that the young adult “makes it” in their field. Here are some examples,:
(1) if a young lady wants to be an Electrician, the fund should pay for the best training in electrical works, arrange for an apprenticeship and work to ensure that she gets a good job.
(2) If a young person wants to become a medical doctor, there are colleges in the U.S. (Rensselsaer Plouytech, etc) that offer 6 year combined B.S. M.D. programs; the fund should pay for this plus the internship and residency.

Due to the high cost of these programs, it is reasonable to require the young doctor to devote 2 – 3 years of practice in the BES. Likewise, if a young person wants to become a lawyer or a carpenter, the program should pay for all training, apprenticeship and help the young person find their first job. The only qualification to be admitted to this program should be ‘documented’ proof of being a descent of a slave.

I believe this can be done via DNA testing, if paper documentation is not available. It’s a great investment in the future of the BES. and also a loving gesture to our young people.

Honestly speaking and with all respect the naming of anything on Saba should be left up to the native indigenous Sabans. Our forefathers named this area Black Rocks and it should not be changed to please anyone.

Keeping the name Black Rocks is in line with maintaining the original names of properties on Saba. Everyone one Saba knows that area as the Black Rocks and it does not need to be changed. Keep the silly names for the restaurants that come and go.

Black Rocks has been a splendid place name on Saba for many many generations. The rocks help protect the nests of the largest populations of one species of tropic birds the world. Black Rocks is a land mark seen from the sea. Saban people, scientists and visitors rather like our real historic place names.

“Black Rock” fits in very good with “Hells Gate”.
I have no problem with that.

Saba Harbour

It’s truly inspiring to see Granger’s journey from envisioning his dream at MBO in Bonaire to now taking concrete steps towards owning and operating his own fitness center. His unwavering dedication and perseverance are a testament to his passion for fitness and entrepreneurship. It’s evident that Granger’s meticulous planning and hard work have paved the way for this exciting new chapter in his life. The upcoming opening of the larger facility on the island is a testament to his commitment to realizing his goals and making a positive impact in his community. Congratulations to Granger on this significant achievement, and here’s to the success of his future endeavors!

What a waste of money.

Planting bougainvilleas along the road from the airport is an excellent plan. They will soon make a multicolored cascading hedge to brighten up the dry hillside. You might not appreciate this, but I will throw in my two cents worth. Keep to the bougainvilleas; don’t mix in other plants. Plant them far away from the wall so that they have room to grow without growing too far into the road. Also we don’t want a mass of roots pushing against the retaining wall.
A July Tree (aka Flamboyant) had been planted next to the wall on the road to Fort Bay. The large roots of the tree pushed out the rocks of the retaining wall. Even though this species is perfect for a dry area, because of the large roots, it must be planted far from walls or paved areas.

The plan to use the funds for creating a dedi­cated location that can be used to enhance culture — a location for assemblies, lec­tures, award ceremonies, theatre performances and so forth, is precisely what the funds are meant for.

But targeting St. Johns as the suitable location for such a place may not be such a great idea. There is only limited space and certainly not for visiting cars from Windwardside and The Bottom that need parking space. But it makes sense to concentrate on developing the educational activities there.

Windwardside has its Eugenius Center for social activities. The Bottom does not have anything comparable. Parking possibilities are much more generous and it still has many options for the community to grow.

I wonder what the views of the Island Council are on the proposal of the Executive Council.