In de zondagse estafette-rubriek ‘Bericht uit…’ belichten columnisten uit de Caribische delen van het Koninkrijk bij toerbeurt de kanten van hun eiland waarvan zij vinden dat die de aandacht van alle koninkrijksburgers verdienen. Vandaag komt het bericht uit Saba.
Saba focused on defining and
preserving its culture
By Hazel Durand
For many Sabans, answering the question “What is your culture?” can yield different responses. Recognizing this diversity of perspectives, a Canon of Saban History and Culture is being developed as an educational tool for use in both primary and secondary schools, while also being made available to the general public. The canon will be accessible in both digital and print formats, ensuring that everyone on and off the island can engage with Saba’s heritage.
Launched in 2024, this project seeks to compile historical documentation and artwork into a cohesive collection that makes Saba’s history more accessible to all. The Saba Canon will follow a framework similar to that of the Dutch Canon, exploring a wide range of themes. These include the landscape, environment, and nature; language, architecture, and culture; knowledge, science, innovation, and infrastructure; politics and society; livelihoods and the economy; and general history.
“We want people to know that if somebody visits Saba and wants to learn more about the island, we have a canon that highlights the most important topics of our heritage,” explained the Director of the Saba Archaeological Center (SABARC) Sharifa Balfour, during a recent town hall meeting, where community members were invited to actively participate in the ongoing discussion.
Saba is home to people of many nationalities (around 70), a reality that has shaped and continues to reshape the island’s culture over time. Over the past two years, the island has hosted a Cultrama Parade, increasingly described as Saba’s second carnival, alongside the annual Summer Festival held in July.
The Cultrama Parade, which coincides with Saba Day, is quickly becoming a highlight of the cultural calendar. The spectacle of representatives from many of the island’s nationalities taking to the streets to showcase their traditions has become a highly anticipated annual event. To support participation, the local Department of Culture provides funding to each cultural group to help cover the cost of materials needed for their presentations.
While Sabans continue to embrace the integration of diverse cultures, it remains imperative to document the stories of the past while elders are still with us, before essential aspects of Saba’s history are lost. The gatekeepers of Saban heritage those who hold knowledge of traditional farming, building, and cooking practices are reaching the later stages of their lives, making this work increasingly urgent.
The Saba canon will place special emphasis on the people who helped build Saba. “I call them nation builders,” the Balfour noted. “We want to look at entrepreneurs and local leaders, at World War II and community councils. We really want to focus on those individuals who gave their time, knowledge, and energy to help develop Saba into what it is today.”
Tourism also plays a vital role in Saba’s story. Alongside efforts to document the island’s culture, the local tourism office is actively working to strengthen Saba’s tourism product. Visiting Saba is like stepping into a living time capsule. In collaboration with the Culture Department, SABARC aims to make cultural training mandatory for new employees on the island. Walking tours will also be developed to help residents and visitors alike become familiar with Saba’s historical sites.
Ultimately, the canon is intended to be inclusive and community-driven. The people of Saba will determine based on the information collected what they define as their heritage and which stories they wish to pass on to future generations. Volunteers are therefore being invited to join a committee that will help vet stories and contribute to the project. The goal is to complete the Saba Canon by the end of 2026.