Culture
Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius sign agreement to research legacy of slavery
Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius signed a memorandum of understanding on October 16, 2026 to work together on genealogical research into the legacy of slavery, using digital archives and oral histories, according to the Public Entity Saba.
By SXM Daily ·
The governments of Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together on research into the legacy of slavery on the three islands, according to the Public Entity Saba. The signing took place on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Illustrative: the ruin of an old house in the centre of Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius. Photo: GIS Statia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
The agreement covers a project called "Slavery Past Action Agenda: Genetic Legacies of Slavery and Poverty of Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten". According to the Saba release, it was signed by Commissioner Eviton Heyliger on behalf of the Public Entity Saba, Commissioner Reuben Merkman on behalf of the Public Entity St. Eustatius, and Minister Melissa Gumbs on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten.
What the project will do
The Public Entity Saba said the MoU commits the three governments to genealogical and related scientific research across the islands. The aim is to document ancestral histories and to help descendants trace their family histories and the connections between families on Saba, St. Eustatius and Sint Maarten. The release names three methods: genealogical research, digital archives and oral histories.
The governments plan to work with research institutions and universities, support community participation in the research and build a lasting record of the islands' shared heritage for future generations, the release says.
In an earlier announcement on August 7, the Public Entity Saba said the Genetic Legacies project includes DNA research, and that this research must be community-led, ethically conducted and developed together with each participating island. It said the wider Slavery Past Action Agenda is funded by the Dutch government.
What it means for residents
The October 16 release does not say how residents can share family histories or take part, and lists no project contact beyond the Public Entity Saba's general office (info@sabagov.nl, +599 416 3311).
What's next
The release gives no budget, timetable or names of the universities involved. In its August announcement, the Public Entity Saba said planning and consultation would continue over the coming months, and that more information, including opportunities for public engagement, would be shared as the project develops. As of October 17, SXM Daily had found no release on the agreement from the Government of Sint Maarten or the Public Entity St. Eustatius.
Sources
- https://www.sabagov.nl/news/saba-st-eustatius-and-sint-maarten-officially-sign-a-memorandum-of-understanding-mou-slavery-past-action-agenda
- https://www.sabagov.nl/news/building-a-stronger-connection-to-sabas-history
More in Culture
- Journées de l'architecture: Collectivité shows designs for Thelbert Carti stadium, Galisbay centre and Sandy Ground
- Three Naatya Arts Center dancers perform in Guadeloupe on Saturday, 17 October 2026
- 'Under the Hood' volunteers bring newsletters, a book club and photography to Point Blanche and Miss Lalie Center
- Let's ACT culture programme ends with a final showcase after two years and nine projects