This program was hosted by the Committee for the Commemoration of the Slavery Past, Department of Community Development and Culture and Saba Heritage Center.
The event, held at the Princess Juliana Field was opened by the Child Focus Steel Pan group, led by Nacio Sutton. MC Mr. Vito Charles welcomed and guided attendees through an evening filled with cultural expression and reflection.
The event featured several moving contributions, including:
- Opening prayer led by Brother Mr. Mervin Alexander
- A message from Acting Island Governor Ms. Shamara Nicolson, who emphasized the importance of passing on a legacy of resilience and hope, while honoring those who endured. “One Saba, one people, one shared purpose,” Nicholson reinforced.
- A powerful poem reading by SCS students, titled "A New Dawn in Freedom"
- “Redemption Song” performed by the Saba Life Center
- Reading of the names of the enslaved by the MDT group, paying tribute to the lives and stories of the enslaved.
- Two medleys performed by students of the Sacred Heart School
Guest Speaker Nathania Engelhardt, strategist, educator, published poet, and advocate committed to amplifying youth voices, encouraged ongoing dialogue and education about Saba’s past and future. With a focus on the youth, Engelhardt said in order to address the fear about speaking up or facing resistance, youth can come together and organize collectively, and continue showing up, despite the discomfort that may come with it. To conclude her speech, Engelhardt shared that emancipation is not a moment, but a continuous process that requires courage, education, and community. "Justice is worth fighting for and that fight belongs to all generations, side by side," she stated, reemphasizing the event's theme.
Mr. Vito Charles, in his closing remarks, shared that work is ongoing to make Emancipation Day officially a public holiday on Saba. He also highlighted the upcoming Saba Action Agenda, which will transform the slavery apology into meaningful local community initiatives.
Evening performances included a dance performance from Child Focus, and song by the Saba Youth Choir. The Bottle Neck string band, hailing from St. Martin, closed off the ceremony with spirited and harmonious renditions.
This year's commemoration serves not only as a moment of reflection, as we remember those who spoke up, but also a call to Saba’s younger generations to preserve culture, uphold unity, and build a future grounded in justice and remembrance.
