This historic milestone was attended by the Governors of Curaçao, Aruba, St. Maarten, Bonaire and St. Eustatius, along with several other dignitaries.
The celebration began with a church service at Christ Church in The Bottom, led by Fr. Rawlins. From there, a procession made its way to the lawn of the Government Administration Building, where the Island Governor and the Youth Council hoisted the Saba flag. Attendees then proceeded to the Princess Juliana Sports Field for the official ceremony.
Master of Ceremonies Lisette Riley welcomed the gathering, followed by the Saban anthem sung by the Youth Choir. Before delivering her opening message, Riley invited everyone to observe a moment of silence in memory of Sheldon Johnson - a beloved firefighter, father, and friend whose life was tragically taken earlier this year.
In her opening remarks, delivered under the theme “The Homecoming – Celebrating Our Past, Embracing the Future,” Riley reflected on the individuals who helped shape Saba’s first fifty years. She recognized the dedication of Will Johnson, whose conviction brought Saba Day into existence, and honored other cultural contributors, including George Seaman, who created the coat of arms, and Eddie Johnson, who at just 18 years old designed the national flag. She also acknowledged Mrs. Cecile Peterson for her poetry; Mrs. Laurie Hassell and Mrs. Tina Johnson, winners of the first Saba Lace Competition; and Mrs. Adelle Hassell and Mrs. Elaine Simmons, creators of Saba Spice.
“Let this homecoming remind us that no matter where life takes us, Saba remains our foundation, a place of belonging, a place of strength, and a place of heart,” said Riley.
Address from the Island Governor
Island Governor Jonathan Johnson delivered an inspiring address, reflecting on the island’s unity, resilience, and progress, as well as on his own tenure.
“Saba remains a place to which our hearts are anchored,” he said. “Today, on this golden anniversary, guided by our golden star, we gather not just to commemorate a date on the calendar, but to pay tribute to the story of a resilient rock and the remarkable community that has built it, protected it, and loved it across generations.”
As this marked his final Saba Day in the role of Island Governor, he also expressed heartfelt gratitude, sharing that serving Saba had been the greatest honor of his professional life.
Commissioner’s Speeches
Commissioner Eviton Heyliger delivered a thoughtful speech focusing on the importance of remaining rooted in one’s values. He emphasized gratitude, the preservation of history, and the responsibility each person carries in ensuring these values endure, reminding the audience that recognition must live beyond only ceremonial moments.
“A homecoming is not simply a return to a place,” he said. “It is a return to our values, to our shared identity, to the very soul of Saba.”
Commissioner Bruce Zagers followed with an impactful message on patriotism, calling on residents to reflect on their own actions and the ways they can contribute to the community.
“The true test of patriotism is not found in a single celebration,” he said. “It is found in the other 364 days of the year.”
Commissioner Zagers called on Sabans to uplift their island daily, stating, “When we show love for Saba every day, when we walk with pride for Saba every day, when we express our patriotism for our Unspoiled Queen every day, we truly honor our forefathers and we ensure a strong and united future for this island we cherish.”
Poetry Winners
The poetry competition winners were recognized, including Sacred Heart School student Emaru Emmanuel, whose piece Saba Dreams reflected on the strength of Saba’s community through memories of his grandmother, Carmen Simmons.
Saba Comprehensive School winner Kristin Zagers was also honored for her poem Home Sweet Saba, Fifty Years Strong, celebrating the pure strength of the Saban people, and the many forms that strength can take.
Presentations and Performances
A special moment came with the presentation of a handmade tapestry to Governor Johnson by the Sea & Learn Foundation and artists Ellen Higgins Lockhart and Heaven Hassell. The tapestry was crafted over weeks of sessions in which participants learned embroidery techniques while depicting the natural beauty of Saba, both above and below the sea. The project also served as an introduction to Saba’s needlework heritage, nurturing foundational skills that lead into the intricate art of Saba Lace.
Additional performances included the traditional maypole dance by the Sacred Heart School and a dance presentation by the Saba Life Center.
Honoring Captain John E. M. Levenston
MC Riley also unveiled the storyboard honoring Captain John Esmond Matthew Levenston who was a seaman, leader, and visionary, whose contributions in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the establishment of the Juancho E. Irausquin Airport helped shape Saba as we know it today.
“Captain Levenston’s story is one of endurance, courage, and unwavering devotion to Saba,” Riley shared.
Saba Day Awards
This year’s Saba Day Awards recognized four individuals for their exceptional contributions:
- Will Johnson – For visionary leadership as an Executive Council member who initiated the establishment of Saba Day.
- Eddie Johnson – For designing the Saba flag, a lasting emblem of unity and pride.
- Wycliffe Smith – For his role as Governor in the official adoption of the Saba Coat of Arms and Flag.
- Ray Hassell – For his dedicated service as Chairman of the first Saba Day Organizing Committee.
Closing of the Ceremony
The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude from Lisette Riley to all attendees, followed by a toast from Island Governor Johnson, and musical performances. One Root Freeman performed his new song Home alongside the One Blood Band. To close off the event, a spirited performance by the Bottleneck String Band was given, bringing the celebration to a joyful and energetic close while preparing attendees for the start of the Saba Day weekend!
