Dear Editor,
On a day as special as this one I would like to give recognition and thanks to the children of the Caribbean pearl of Saba. Especially to the honorable ex-Senator of parliament of the Antilles Mr. Will Johnson, for his significant contribution to Antillean politics for all these decades.
I had the honor of working with Senator Johnson and ex-Senator Rufus Mac Willem in the formation team of the government of the Antilles in 1998. I learned a lot from these two political veterans during this time.
Clearly in times like these, where there are continuous global discussions taking place, in terms of the environment – that we all should be trying to preserve, I have set foot on one of the most precious grounds of our planet, and that is Saba.
There’s an African proverb that says: Treat the earth well; it was not given to you by your parents; it was loaned to you by your children.
It seems to me that the inhabitants of Saba, through the centuries knew all too well how to maintain and preserve Saba’s territory. So much so that we today are able to enjoy it.
Recently, along with three other Parliamentarians from Curaçao, I attended a conference in the sister republic of Suriname about climate change. There representatives of IPU, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a world organization, founded in 1889, that requires more than 180 parliamentarians around the world, asked all the countries represented, parliamentarians, general assemblies and island councils, to bring the issue of climate change to their governments, and help raise awareness about climate change and the devastating consequences it can have, if this problem isn’t tackled by governments on a global level.
We always learned at school that Saba was called the “Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean. The crown of this unspoiled queen is the beautiful scenery and environment so properly preserved by you, the Saban people for all these years.
On behalf of the Parliament of Curaçao I would like to thank you for your hospitality and congratulate you on Saba Day, hoping that The Creator blesses the inhabitants of this precious island, guides and keeps your leaders and gives them wisdom to lead this country to happiness.
Although politically we don’t form a governmental unity, our historical, family and brotherly ties that exist for centuries can’t be broken. Wishing you a heartfelt congratulations on your day.
Meindert N.J. Rojer
Member of the Parliament of Curaçao
