On Thursday January 30, 2025, three members of the De Nederlandsche Bank visited Saba to continue the ongoing dialogue on the historical legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, its modern implications and collaborative initiatives.
Cindy van Oorschot, Executive Board Member in charge of Internal Business and Resolution, Cees Ullersma, Head of International Cooperation, and Maja Maric Program Manager for Projects for Slavery Past, met with Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, Island Council members Elsa Peterson, Vito Charles and Saskia Matthew, and Island Registrar Akilah Levenstone. Others present included representatives of the Community Development and Culture Department, Department Head Rosa Johnson, Policy Advisor Shaigan Marten, Culture Coach Sharmina Jones and Director of the Saba Archaeological Center Foundation, Sharifa Balfour.
This visit follows the award of 500,000 euros for projects that contribute to the awareness of the history of slavery past to the Saba Archaeological Center Foundation/Saba Heritage Center. These projects will include:
- Four Adopt-A-Boxes that highlight different topics connected to Slavery
- A temporary exhibition that will be housed at the Saba Heritage Center in Windwardside
- Speakers Series – where six speakers will do presentations of different topics focused on slavery and the contemporary manifestation of it
- Development of Mobile Museums
- Signage for Historic Spaces and Trails linked to Slavery
- Development and Installation of Monument
- Development of Larger Heritage Center in collaboration with various local stakeholders
The delegation also participated in a series of engaging meetings with multiple local stakeholders, including Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Major Osmar Simmons Museum, Queen Wilhelmina Library, Saba Heritage Center, Harry L. Johnson Museum, Saba Lace Room and St. Paul’s Conversion Church. Discussions were held, exploring topics on the role of education and raising awareness about the transatlantic slave trade and its legacies, and the development of projects to support local initiatives related to slavery’s history. Collaboration, through fostering stronger connections between the Netherlands and Saba’s communities with historical ties to the slave trade, was also emphasized.
The visit marks an important step in strengthening international cooperation in the field of historical justice. Through knowledge-sharing, cultural exchange, and strategic support, these discussions aim to build sustainable programs that honor the memory of those affected by slavery while empowering communities to shape their own narratives.
The delegation's visit is a tangible manifestation of the DNB’s commitment to collaboration and efforts toward recognizing and addressing the historical legacies of slavery.