By Bruce Zagers
When you work with someone for eighteen years, you become more than colleagues. That is especially true in a small organization like ours, where the challenges are often unique, the responsibilities significant, and the successes deeply shared.
Over the past eighteen years, Jonathan and I have worked together through many changes. We have served alongside three different Commissioners, five Island Secretaries, numerous Island Council members, multiple State Secretaries and Ministers from the Netherlands, and witnessed our organization grow and evolve. Through all of these transitions, Jonathan remained a constant presence. Steady, thoughtful, and committed to serving Saba and her people.
As Governor, Jonathan fulfilled his role with great dignity and professionalism. He was involved in some of the most important moments in our modern history, including the constitutional transition from the Netherlands Antilles to becoming a special municipality of the Netherlands. During times of uncertainty, he was often the calm voice in the room, providing perspective and helping ensure that decisions were made with the long-term interests of Saba at heart.
One of Jonathan’s greatest strengths as a leader was his ability to make difficult decisions and stand by them. Throughout his tenure, Saba faced its share of challenges, each requiring sound judgment and steady leadership. Jonathan understood that leadership is not always about making the popular decision, but the right one. He approached every challenge with integrity, common sense, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the people he served.
These qualities were especially evident during some of the most difficult periods in Saba’s recent history. Following the devastating hurricanes of 2017, Jonathan helped guide the island through a period of uncertainty and recovery, providing stability and confidence when it was needed most. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he once again demonstrated steady leadership while navigating an unprecedented situation for our community. His nightly updates became a source of reassurance and comfort for many residents. At a time when uncertainty dominated daily life around the world, Jonathan’s calm and measured voice helped bring a sense of confidence and normalcy to our island.
What made Jonathan particularly unique, however, was that he never fit the mold of a typical Governor. While the position carried great responsibility and prestige, he never allowed the title to create distance between himself and the people he served. He preferred genuine connection over ceremony and relationships over formality.
Many visiting dignitaries and delegates quickly discovered that the Governor might personally drive them around the island, share stories about the community, or even take them on a hike to the highest point in the Kingdom. These experiences gave visitors a true appreciation for Saba and its people while showcasing Jonathan’s pride in the island he loves.
At the same time, he remained deeply rooted in the community. Whether helping family and friends pour concrete while building a home, lending a hand when needed, or simply stopping to have a conversation with someone on the road, Jonathan lived among the people he served as a hardworking Saban first and Governor second.
Jonathan also possessed a remarkable ability to read people and situations. His observations were often insightful, and those of us who worked closely with him came to value his perspective. He understood that leadership was not only about policies and procedures, but also about understanding people.
Beyond public service, Jonathan has always been a devoted family man. No matter how demanding his responsibilities became, he always made time for his wife Rosa and their children, Mia, Nolan, and Owen. Family remained at the center of his life and helped sustain him throughout his years of service.
Over time, our professional relationship evolved into a close friendship. While our families had always known one another as is often the case in a small community like Saba, we grew even closer over the years. We have celebrated milestones together, supported one another through challenges, and even enjoyed family vacations together.
Although Jonathan is retiring from his role as Governor, his career is far from over. As he begins the next chapter of his life, we all look forward with curiosity and excitement to what lies ahead. Whatever path he chooses, I have no doubt that his heart will always remain with Saba and her people.
Many Sabans leave our shores and build successful lives elsewhere. Not all of them return home. Jonathan did. He came back home, dedicated over two decades of his life to public service, and made an extraordinary contribution to the island he loves.
He leaves behind a legacy of fairness, humility, integrity, and service. More importantly, he leaves behind a legacy of relationships built on trust and respect. Generations to come will remember his contributions, not only because of the office he held, but because of the person he was within the office.
Thank you, Jonathan, for your years of dedication, your friendship, and your unwavering commitment to Saba. Good luck, my friend. The island is better because of your service, and your legacy will endure for many years to come.
Bruce Zagers is sinds 2007 gedeputeerde, eerst van het eilandgebied Saba en vanaf 2010 van het openbaar lichaam Saba.