Community News

Saba Day ceremony carried out with precision and imagination

Story and photo by Suzanne Nielsen and reprinted with permission of the Daily Herald.

December 7, 2007

The Saba Day 2007 program came off smoothly, under a glorious sky, and a refreshing breeze.

Commissioner for Culture Bruce Johnson and his committee had prepared a beautifully presented printed program, with events following the schedule with precision. The day began with an ecumenical church service at Sacred Heart in The Bottom attended by international, Antillean, and local dignitaries and the general public. Mrs. Patsy Linzey conducted from the pulpit, with Sister Monique from Living Water delivering a very pertinent sermon. Sister Monique, commenting on Saba's political situation, said, "There is nothing wrong with planning for the future, but it is wrong to take it out of God's hands-we know who holds tomorrow even in these uncertain times."

Pastor Vernon Liburd from the Wesleyan Holiness Church, Father Rawlings from the Anglican Church, and Helen Gumbs from the Seventh Day Adventist church gave the prayers. A highlight was a beautifully rendered unaccompanied gospel song harmonized by the Woods sisters.

From the Church, the Saba Youth Drum Band led the way to the Administration Grounds for the Official program. The St. Maarten VKS, the St. Maarten Drum Band, uniformed groups, such as school children, Lions, Leos, Police, and Firemen, and the public joined the Band in the cortege.

Lt. Governor Sydney Sorton came forward to hoist a huge Saba flag on the parade ground, with all the bands and school children at attention in quadrangle formation. From the balcony at the Administration Building, Joyce Chichester-Smith was mistress of ceremonies, providing all introductions and descriptive commentary.

In his speech Lt. Governor Sorton emphasized three important areas: Education, sports, and culture. He said that youth is the most talked about and criticized population segment, with blame also put on parents and teachers, but government and society also have a role to play in supporting youth. He encouraged senior citizens and other volunteers to come forward to promote cultural values with youth.

Commissioner for Culture Bruce Zagers who put the program together under the motto "Let us rejuvenate out past while we celebrate our future," commented that it was a fitting slogan since knowledge of the past is necessary to move forward. "Sabans are known for overcoming obstacles like building The Road and the airport, and this Saba heritage prepares us for these new challenges." Zagers informed the crowd that Monday would be an official holiday.

Commissioner Chris Johnson also commented on Saba's rugged past as an asset as the island goes forward with a new constitutional configuration. He said that current consultations revolved around money matters, but also important capacity building and human investment.

Leader of the opposition Akilah Levenstone encouraged political leaders to listen to their community, and not be led down the path of power. She said that many policies are already on the books and only await implementation. Member of Parliament Ray Hassell concentrated on some of societies ills such as increased lack of civility, and negative influences from television and the Internet, as well as drugs and alcohol. "We must protect what our forefathers built," he said.

The official program concluded with a precisely executed Maypole dance by students from Saba Comprehensive School.

Saba Day activities will continue through the weekend, with booths and games at Fort Bay. It was unsure if the Fishing Tournament would take place, as rough seas are forecast.

Harmonized gospel singing by the Woods Sisters: Helen, Shirley, and Wilma. On far left, service moderator Patsy Linzey, on far right, Sister Monique, who gave the sermon. Click here for a larger version of the photo.	St. Maarten VKS march from church service to the Administration Building Click here for a larger version of the photo.	Lt. Governor Syndey Sorton raises the Saba flag Click here for a larger version of the photo.
Saba Drum Corps played throughout the official program. Click here for a larger version of the photo.	Young Saba patriots. Click here for a larger version of the photo.	Dignitaries at the official program. Front row, from left, Mr. van der Pluijm, Governor van der Pluijm-Vrede, Lt. Governor Sorton, Commissioner Chris Johnson. Click here for a larger version of the photo.
May pole dancers conclude the official program. Click here for a larger version of the photo.	Saba Flag Click here for a larger version of the photo.

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Story and photographs © Suzanne Nielsen, 2007.