Opening of the Inauguration Ceremony
The ceremony opened with MC Hazel Durand, who reflected on Island Governor Levenstone's strong ties to Saba and its people and his deep admiration for his great-grandmother Rebecca Levenstone, his great-aunt Bernadette Levenstone and his late mother, Alidia Levenstone. Durand also highlighted his distinguished public service career, such as in the Police Force and at the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.
"Governor Levenstone, as you formally assume this office today, we welcome you with pride and confidence,” said Durand. “May you carry out your responsibilities with wisdom and fairness, lead with integrity and compassion, and remain guided by the values of service that have shaped your life and career. Governor Levenstone, welcome home, welcome to this office, and welcome to a new chapter in the history of Saba.”
The ceremony continued with an ecumenical service, including a special blessing and sermonette by Pastor Liburd.
Child Focus' Dynamic Dancers then performed, before the ceremony transitioned into the formal Island Council meeting.
Island Council Meeting
Acting Governor Amelia Nicholson officially opened the meeting with the Saba Anthem.
Before the ceremonial transfer of the Governor's Chain, Acting Governor Nicholson spoke about the symbolism of the occasion and the significance of the office:
"The Governor's Chain, which will be transferred today, symbolizes more than authority. It represents continuity: the seamless passage of one steward of public trust to the next. It is a reminder that governance is not about personal elevation, but about carrying forward the collective mandate of our people with integrity, discipline, and respect for the rule of law."
Durand then invited faction leaders Vito Charles and Saskia Matthew to deliver remarks, as representatives of the Island Council.
Island Council member Charles reflected on the significance of the appointment process and the importance of the office.
"A lot of thought went into that process, because we understood how much an Island Governor matters to the functioning of our democracy. But beyond the formal duties, the Island Governor also holds a special place in our community. It is a position people look to for guidance and for stability."
He ended with an important reflection, saying that "Integrity alone will not make someone a good leader, but without integrity, he will never be one."
Island Council member Matthew then took the stage, and proudly welcomed Island Governor Levenstone home, emphasizing the importance of islanders returning to serve their home communities.
"Coming from a small island, especially our small islands, it means a lot to see someone return. Because, growing up, many of us dream of leaving, but not all of us choose to come back. That is why I am honored to welcome home someone who left this island, built a life and a career, and has now chosen to come home to serve the place that helped shape him."
Representative of the Executive Council, Commissioner Bruce Zagers, also shared a speech and echoed similar sentiments.
"Your appointment is one that fills many of us here on Saba with pride. It is special to see a son of the soil entrusted with the highest office on our island. It speaks not only to your own abilities and dedication, but also serves as a reminder to our young people that through hard work, commitment, and integrity, there are no limits to what can be achieved right here at home."
He also acknowledged the important role the Governor plays in balancing the responsibilities of both the Executive Council and Island Council.
"Healthy debate is part of good governance, and differing opinions are not a weakness of democracy - they are one of its strengths."
Island Registrar Akilah Levenstone then read the Royal Decree in which he was appointed, followed by Acting Kingdom Representative Jan Helmond being called to administer the Oath of Office to Island Governor Levenstone.
Helmond shared his confidence in the new Island Governor following, stating, "During my conversations with Jocelyn, he made a very positive impression. He places great importance on integrity and ethical conduct, both professionally and personally. These are qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well as Island Governor."
The official oath of office was then administered, after which Island Governor Levenstone delivered his inaugural address.
"I, Jocelyn Roberto Levenstone, standing before this island and under the authority of the Kingdom, do accept the leadership conferred upon me as gezaghebber of Saba, and I pledge to carry it with the discipline, humility, and honor owed to those who came before me and those who will come after."
Throughout his address, Governor Levenstone reflected on the significance of the date, noting that it was also the birthday of his family's matriarch, Rebecca Levenstone.
"Let me begin with the date, because the date is not a coincidence. It was chosen, and it chose me. Today my family celebrates the birthday of our matriarch Rebecca Levenstone."
He then paid tribute to generations of his family who helped shape both his own life and the island itself.
“I carry the name and the blood of Becca and Bully Levenstone, and remember Mr. Mathew Levenstone, Sabans whose lives, in ways the official record barely captures, left marks on this community that outlasted them. Theirs were not lives of title. They were lives of labor, of endurance, of raising children on a rock in the Caribbean Sea with almost nothing but each other and this mountain. Whatever this island is today, it is partly built from what they gave it. And I carry, more quietly still, the examples of Bernadette Levenstone, Agatha Charles, Alidia Levenstone, Alma Louise Charles, Christina Woodley–Charles, Saban women who did not seek recognition, for whom no monument was erected, but who left something harder to build and easier to lose: a standard for how to live. A way of keeping a house, a faith, a word, a family, with dignity and without complaint. I did not always understand, as a younger man, what I was being given. I understand it now."
Reflecting on his years in public service, Governor Levenstone spoke about the lessons he had learned throughout his career.
"Every one of those posts taught me the same lesson from a different angle: that authority without discipline is dangerous, and that discipline without compassion is cruelty. I have tried to carry both. I will keep trying for as long as I serve."
Before concluding his address, Island Governor Levenstone took a special moment to recognize his partner, Victoria Williams, and his great-aunt, Bernadette Levenstone, thanking them for the important roles they have played in his life.
Following his speech, Governor Levenstone formally declared the Island Council meeting closed.
The celebrations continued with a cultural performance featuring the Saban traditional maypole dance led by Miranda Simmons, followed by a performance by the Child Focus Saba Sweet Steel Orchestra, with Nacio Sutton.
During the closing, Durand called on those gathered to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for Saba, raising a toast to Island Governor Levenstone and the journey ahead.
The evening festivities concluded with a performance by Roy Barnes, who sang Home, followed by music from DJ Slim and the Family String Band.
Public Entity Saba extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, watched online, and assisted in making this meaningful event memorable.
Welcome home, Island Governor Jocelyn Levenstone!
View the livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C6T3RHFim/
