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Archaeologists to research Mary’s Point Ruin SABA—Two young Canadian archaeology students, Ryan Espersen and John Ratcliffe, are investigating the Mary’s Point Village ruin in the northwest corner of the island. Masters Candidate Ryan Espersen is particularly interested in determining when Mary’s Point was first settled and what was its economic status. All permissions to investigate Mary’s Point were secured with island government before the young men started their task of clearing out the incredibly overgrown site. The young men received assistance from Saba Conservation Foundation Trail Ranger James Johnson who helped them clear debris with a chain saw. Public Works is assisting with transportation. Espersen said that there are about 12 foundations on the site, and he will be looking for clues in these areas and in refuse areas or middens. There is a claim that Mary’s Point was originally a Pirate’s den but there are no concrete artefacts to support this, Espersen said. If this were true, he would expect to find some sort of evidence of “luxury items,” which would be out of the usual and would indicate that these goods were acquired in an unorthodox fashion. He has already located pieces of clay pipes, nails, and a piece of a chamber pot, which will be handed over to the museum when he has completed his verifications.
The last look at the site was by Archaeologist Jay Haviser in the early 1980s. Mary’s Point is located in very rough terrain and was vacated in the 1930s because residents had difficulty accessing schools, medical facilities, and other amenities. Many of them resettled in an area of The Bottom called “The Promised Land.” On Wednesday morning, the archaeologists were called down to Spring Bay to look at some bones that had been found by a hiker, and were thought possibly to be from a gravesite. The remains were determined to be of a large animal, however. Ryan Espersen is a student of Archaeology Professor Corinne Hofman at Leiden University, the Netherlands, who with husband Menno Hoagland has done extensive research on Saba. Espersen will use this research for his Master’s Degree Thesis. He is assisted by John Ratcliffe, whom he met on St. Eustatius were both were working with Statia archaeologist Grant Gilmore II. Read more about Saba's history and link to the specific articles about the archaeology work done on the island on the History & Lore page of this website.
Saba Rocks (a
few times)
Saba—Lt. Governor Syndey Sorton updated the Island Council during its Friday meeting on seismic activity experienced on the island in the month of January. He assured that all on-island measuring equipment is in good working order. Two tremors were felt on Monday, January 14 at 10:30am (3.8 Richter Scale) and 10:35am (3.9 Richter Scale). They were measured near Saba at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres. On Sunday, January 27, another two tremors were felt shortly after midnight, measuring 3.5 and 3.6 respectively on the Richter Scale and located in the same area. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (RNMI) analyzed the earthquakes and concluded that they were cause by shifts in the nearby tectonic plates, and were not volcanic in origin. Sorton explained that the RNMI was charged by the Central Government in 2006 with seismic monitory on Saba, replacing the Seismic Research Unit of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Trinidad. The RNMI installed systems on the three Windward Islands in November 2006 and it continually monitors activity over the Internet. Locally, the SATEL phone company is in charge of the equipment. Sorton said that representatives from the RNMI, the Meteorological Office of the Netherlands Antilles/Aruba, the Puerto Rico Meteorological office, and technicians from the Seismic Research Unit met February 25-29 at UWI in Trinidad. The meeting resulted in an agreement that a protocol should be signed between the RNMI and the UWI Seismic Research Unit to monitor activity on the Windward Islands. Citizens can obtain current seismic and weather information by visiting the RNMI web site at http://www.knmi.nl. Saba Conservation Foundation
SABA—Champagne was opened at Fort Bay’s small pier Monday afternoon to celebrate the new Marine Park Boat, the “Lady Rebecca.” The boat was named after Rebecca (née Jones) Levenstone of The Bottom. Levenstone, who died in 1988, had 15 children, and the two who live on Saba – Bernadette and Joe - were on hand for the ceremony. Also present for the libations were Acting Lt. Governor Jonathan Johnson, former Commissioner Will Johnson, Director of Tourism Glenn Holm, Harbour Staff Rollie Levenstone, Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) Board members and staff, and representatives from the dive shops. SCF Manager Jan den Dulk said that he had chosen the name “Lady Rebecca” because Rebecca Levenstone was one of Saba’s sturdy transport persons, often carrying goods up from Fort Bay to The Bottom herself or with the help of a donkey. Her daughter Bernadette said that her mother often travelled from Saba to St. Eustatius and St. Kitts to bring back trade goods such as cloth to the island. Den Dulk said the new boat would replace the Sabina II, which is reserved for the use of Saba Bank studies. Den Dulk said the new boat is much more appropriate to the work of the Marine Park since it is more a commercial working boat. It is heavier and wider which will make it more sea worthy. It has two 150 hp, four-stroke Yamaha outboard engines. It will soon be outfitted with tank holders, cleats, and other necessary hardware. Den Dulk said he was very happy for the new boat which will make the work of the Marine Park much easier and safer.
No More Excuses;  As a PADI Gold Palm Resort, Sea Saba adheres to the highest standards in the industry. As well, we employ a top-notch instructor team to ensure we are at the leading edge. In line with this concept, we will soon be announcing more details on how you can start your diving training in the comfort of your own home via PADI's new E-Learning program. Don't worry! This new concept is not compromising the normal safety standards and the camaraderie created between teacher and student. Instead, the academic portion of the course can now easily be accomplished at your leisure on your computer. Our instructor will still spend the required time with you for pool training and of course, your open water dives. So grab that friend who keeps saying "I don't have time to learn to dive". It's time; no more excuses. Go to the Training and Courses page of our website to understand which introductory course is right for you. Link to E-Learn and start today!
Saba Herbarium Collection
Jeopardized;
SABA—Over 800 Saba plants ended up in quarantine at JFK Airport recently, almost spoiling a very successful herbarium expedition to the island. Homeland Security agents seized the entire “catch” of the three New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) botanists when they entered the United States on March 13th. The specimens will eventually be posted to the NYBG’s virtual herbarium web site, “Plants and Lichens of Saba.” see launching story and photos below Expedition leader Dr. William Buck said that the group had left Saba with all permissions in hand, including permits required to leave the Netherlands Antilles and to enter the United States with the collection. However, when the group was going through Agricultural Inspection at U.S. Customs, run by the Department of Homeland Security, the agent stopped Dr. Scott Mori, who had about 400 plant specimens, carefully laid between pages of Daily Herald newsprint. The specimens had been dried on Saba, were all identified in the margin of the newspapers, and had been carefully placed in a suitcase. Once Mori was stopped, the agent then recalled Buck, who had already passed through to give up his collections of about 330 specimens as well. For reasons that were not clear to the scientists, the specimens were seized, apparently for further identification. Buck said that the concern was that the specimens could possibly deteriorate and mold in the close confines of their packaging, which is required to be watertight. Another worry was that an examining agent might rummage through the samples and damage them or mix them up. The plants were in a type of quarantine for 10 days as officials decided what to do with them. In the end, Buck said that all but one sample was returned. The confiscated plant was Cuscuta americana, known locally as Dodder Vine or Love Vine. It was considered a noxious weed. This decision appeared somewhat arbitrary since The New York Botanical Garden has imported it on previous trips with no problem. In addition the collection also included Antigonon leptopus, or Coralita, an invasive species, which went through with no problem. St. Eustatius is currently running a program to eradicate Coralita, which has invaded the island even more than it has Saba. The scientists regained their collections intact on Monday. Mori said that one reason that the plants survived the detention was the careful drying process they had undergone on Saba before being packed. Buck said that scientists need to work to educate Homeland Security agents to recognize when a scientific expedition is well prepared and has the appropriate paper work so that the scientists can quickly get the samples to a safe, climate controlled environment for further cataloguing. “This isn’t the same as confiscating a piece of fruit from a tourist!” Buck said, venting his frustration that the team’s work on behalf of Conservation International to catalog every plant on Saba came very close to annihilation. In Cooperation with
©Photos and story courtesy Suzanne
Nielsen,
SABA—Commissioner Will Johnson launched Saturday evening the first public viewing of the web site of the Plants and Lichens of Saba, created by scientists at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). www.sweetgum.nybg.org/saba/index.html At a public showing at the Tropics Café, Johnson “flipped the switch” by touching the keyboard of the computer set up to project the site on the huge screen that the Café uses for its Friday-night movies. With plant specialist Dr. Scott Mori of the New York Botanical Garden at the helm of a laptop computer, the audience navigated through the site, which currently has over 1,000 photos. Each plant is represented by pictures taken by expedition photographer Carol Gracie, images of the sheets of pressed plants prepared for the NYBG herbarium, details about the plant’s identification with scientific and common names, where on Saba the plant was collected by GPS coordinates, and other particulars.
Expedition leader Dr. William Buck, a specialist in mosses, said that soon after the founding of the NYBG in the late 1890s, it chose the West Indies for its first international expedition. The current group was very interested in carrying on this tradition with this expedition to Saba. The goal of the project, which is funded by Conservation International, is no less ambitious than to catalogue every plant on Saba. There have been previous plant surveys of Saba, with some specimens processed and entered into Herbariums, however, this information is only available to scientists and is not organized in a meaningful way. The unique part of the current project is that all information—specimen, photos, and plant identification--is digitized so that it can be shared any where in the world. The site is not copyright protected, so that any interested person can download the images of their choice. During the current 10-day trip, the botanists will gather hundreds more plants, mosses, and lichens, which will be added to the site by Mori. Mori will also expand the accessibility of the site by adding more common names and by creating pages of flowers which look alike so that a search could be made on physical appearance only, such as the plant has yellow flowers. Mori said that it was important for the work to be continued by the Saban community, and he encouraged young Sabans to take up a career in science. Paul Hoetjes, Senior Police Advisor at the Department of Environment and Nature on Curaçao secured all export permits for any endangered species the group is taking back to the NYBG. The web site for the Plants and Lichens of Saba is http://sweetgum.nybg.org/saba/index.html.
Tropics Cafe Focuses on
Tropics Cafe is limiting its dinner openings to just 3 nights per week. Join the fun with Paula's Down-Island specialties--originally from the island of St. Vincent, Paula's home cooked Caribbean Night is a night not to miss--from stewed conch to coconut chicken, look forward to different specials each week. Friday Night remains as the ever popular Movie Night--a burger (beef, chicken or veggie) and a movie in a fun outdoor ambience for just $10--can't be beat! And finally on Sundays...back by popular demand...enjoy Wim's beer battered Fish N Chips night. Tropics Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. On Mondays, the hotel's cafe is open for breakfast only. Understanding venturing out in to Windwardside to try different restaurants is part of the Saba experience, Check out the other nightly specials offered by island eateries on our Taste of Saba page of this website. El Momo
Cottages Upgrades
El Momo Cottages opened in 1996 on the premise of 'cheap and cheerful'. Over the years, this property has evolved to now attract travelers ranging from backpackers to upscale travelers. The common denominator is the appreciation of nature in a simple setting. "Peace, Nature, Silence" is El Momo's slogan. All cottages have outstanding views matched only by the reknowned Willard's of Saba at 5x the price. The service has remained at this eco retreat while little improvements have made it all the easier for any level travel to enjoy the ambience created by Angelika and Oliver Hartleib. New for the 2007 season, the Hartleib's have upgraded all bathrooms and equipped them with electric instant showers. In order to keep water and power consumption low each bathroom has it's own heater. Installation close to the point of use avoids the otherwise inevitable loss of heat from the hot water pipes of a centralized facility. Electricity is only used while showering. The new showers are high quality made-in-Germany products with easy-to-use electronic step-less rotary temperature selector, safety device and build in ELCB protector (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker). Of course the popular solar showers are still available, but in case of less sunshine, you now have an additional choice and hot water is 100% guaranteed. And as the moon was never working to full satisfaction, early morning showers can be warm ones.
4th Annual Award-Winning
The 4th Annual Sea & Learn event was another great success. View the calendar on the Sea & Learn website to see what you missed in 2006. Monitor the website to see what's in store for 2007. The month-long award winning program brings in nature experts from around the world. Some examples of this year's subjects: frogs, sharks, crabs, cloud forests, sponges, tropical birds, orchids, stingrays and more! Evening presentations are scheduled throughout the month along with "hands on" field projects. The experts also work specifically with Saba's school children and youth groups. Read more about the event, its history, this years' calendar and the intriguing guest list. It's just another reason to visit Saba. Sea Saba is a proud founding sponsor of this event. Saba
Meets the Press:
©Photo
and story courtesy of Suzanne Nielsen, SABA—Saba
is the featured article in the current issue of the German dive magazine
“Unterwasser.” With
“Saba” in bold on the front cover, the four-color, 10-page spread
entitled “Caribbean Queen” extols the attractiveness of Saba as the
destination for the dive tourist. Saba
is also featured on the magazine’s extensive web site at www.underwasser.de.
“Unterwasser” is a monthly publication of Olympia Publications with
editorial offices in Nuremberg, Germany. Writer/photographer team Alex Kassler and Sandra Lönnig respectively visited the island in February, staying at El Momo Cottages. The first impression of the island reminded them of Jurassic Park, and they considered Saba t be one of the last natural paradises in the Caribbean. The enjoyed the lack of ostentation, and enjoyed the peace, relaxation, friendly islanders, and unique nature. The
article features a photo of Trail Guide James “Crocodile” Johnson, who
took the couple on the All Too Far trail, and many underwater shots taken
by local diver and photographer Michael Chammaa. The couple comments that
the many facets of the landscape are reflected in the population melting
pot. They found the population very outgoing, and ready to chat, even from
car window to car window when stopping for a quick catch-up on The Road. Saba’s restaurants also come in for a good report. Several of the island’s spectacular dive sites are described as well as background information on how to get to Saba and what to expect on the island. Photographer Lönnig was so impressed she returned to Saba several weeks ago and is helping out at Scout’s Place and getting to know the island even better. lick to read the full article in Unterwasser on-line version of the magazine (in German). Watch for the update on July 2006 article about Saba in magazine as well! It's
not too late for a Summer Getaway!
A great way to bring home your best summer memories at a great price...Book now and enjoy the Sea Saba Sweet Summer Special for 2006. $899 includes 6 nights, 9 dives, 3 dinners @ Tropics, daily breakfast, airport and daily transfers, tanks and weights, hotel tax and hotel service charge, free upgrade to an ocean view room AND WAIT, THERE'S MORE...your choice of a 3-day digital camera rental OR a PADI Enriched Air/Nitrox Course, OR unlimited nitrox tanks. Sea Saba's underwater 5-megapixel digital camera system offers you 200 high resolution photos per day (provided you don't play with the camera too much between dives and wear down the batteries!) or you can even do up to 20 minutes of video! Based on availability and some normal restrictions apply...contact us or your favorite travel specialist to book. This offer valid only through September 30, 2006; based on double occupancy; contact us for single supplement pricing. Not
Just a Photo Section
What's a dive center website without photos of what you should expect to see? Well, uninspiring to start. Since inception of this website, we've had a Photo Gallery...but quite honestly, we've neglected updating the original photo area of this site for sometime--instead we expanded other areas of our website so that you will find photos of Saba and its diving all over this site (don't miss the Nature News page for starters) In April 2006, Lynn found the time and a new inspiration for revamping while on a trip to Costa Rica. Long hours on planes and buses afforded the time to put the new concept together. Saba Images and Beyond was born of our love and concern for nature and the planet. The result is something a little different. Sure, we have great photos of Saba. But you'll find the sample photos link to larger images, more information from scientific facts, interesting stories and even photo tips. AND, this section of the website is really a mini-website within this site. You'll find it also links to other examples of creatures found on our travels, together with more interesting tidbits and tales. We hope you enjoy it and appreciate your feedback. Sea
Saba's Newest Faces
One of the best compliments we receive from our many return clients is "gee, there's always some new faces but somehow you continue to employ top-notch staff". As you can guess, the dive industry often attracts employees who by their nature and choice of careers have a zest for travel which equates to short-term employment. We're proud of our long-term employees (Sue now with us 10 years, Bruno is on his second term now almost 4 years, Alex and Carolyn 2 years and Gersh now in his second year but a homeowner :-) but also recognize that 'fresh blood' is often times invigorating for all of us as well as our customers. Vivi & Travis actually arrived on Saba in late February. They're now official--go to the "Meet the Sea Saba Crew" page of this site for their bios and look forward to diving with our newest talent. Need a daily
dose of Saba?
Believe it or not, about 50% of our clients ask about buying Saba real estate. Most whisper it to me on about day 3 apparently thinking they were the first to imagine living on this beautiful Caribbean gem and that I must know of a hot (read:cheap) little Saba cottage to buy. Well, wrong on both counts...wrong about being first and wrong about the great deals on properties. But, not wrong to think it's a great place to live. Many of Sea Saba's diving clients have bought homes here (most of the rental cottages on our Dive Packages page are owned by these clients who live here part time or own the property as a future retirement destination). But Joel and Heather not only bought a home (Daphne Cottage), they changed their lives by moving to Saba--just for the winter so far. Joel actually 'home offices' with his northeast job from Daphne Cottage. But wife Heather is busy building her new business of 'lifestyle coaching'. Live.YourCaribbeanDream.Com is their blog (daily journal) which gives you a realistic look at what it's like for two thirty something Americans to make the transition from living in the rat race to live in paradise. From their new perspective on shopping and banking to dive site reviews, the blog is well written, insightful and perhaps even addictive. Always
Better for Diving
Sea Saba's muck diving area is where our boats are moored each evening. As there are a number of vessels in this area, it often attracts yachts which either pick up private moorings or worse, anchor. The addition of yellow yacht moorings makes the area more convenient for visiting yachts which translates in to a positive economic situation for the island but also a welcomed protection for this fragile environment. SABA—Four
new yacht moorings will be added to the south side of the island in the
next few weeks. Harbor Master Bruce Zagers said that the project was a
joint venture between island government and the Saba National Marine Park. Public works has already poured the giant mooring blocks and they are currently curing at the end of the container park at Fort Bay. When they are ready, Marine Park Ranger Stan Peterson will assist in attaching chains, ropes and buoys, before the blocks are loaded onto a barge to take them to the east of the current dive boat moorings. When appropriated positioned, the blocks will be pushed off the barge, and only a checkout dive will be necessary. Peterson said that the blocks are the standard size, to accommodate a 50-foot yacht. Two of the moorings will be in 40 feet of water and two others at a depth of 60 feet. Peterson said that since the beginning of the year there had been an abundance of northerly swells which made difficult the seven yacht moorings to the west of Fort Bay, especially when the yachts tendered into the harbour. With the Fort Bay environment how in top shape, with the new breakwater and other improvements, it is anticipated that yacht traffic will increase. There has been a marked increase in small cruisers stopping several times a week during this season. “This way the yachts have an option and are much closer to landfall-it is more convenient for them,” Peterson explained. He added that the cooperation with island government had been seamless, with everyone benefiting from the project. David DaCosta's
New
York, NY--April 2, 2005--Digital Oceans, the underwater photography New Eco Diver Program The Proffessional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and National Geographic have joined forces to bring adventure and environmental awareness to the armchair traveler. Monitor this website to find out how new divers can learn more than just the basics of scuba diving. Sea Saba has always supported the protection of the environment so it's only natural that we will embrace this new program. Read more about the program on our Nature News page.
Daphne Cottage
Can you imagine a two-week vacation that truly changes your life? Tired of 'the rat race', Joel and Heather came to Saba at Christmas time 2003...learned to dive, fell in love with Saba and within 60 days of their returned, purchased Daphne Cottage. In addition to some small improvements, the new owners want more divers to enjoy Saba and their charming authentic Saba Cottage. Revised rates make Daphne very affordable: $783 per person, double occupancy...or bring a friend for $740 p/p triple occupancy rate. Pricing includes 7 nights, 5 days diving, airport and daily transfers, hotel tax.
Ecolodge Rendezvous
SABA—The Ecolodge has added a first for the island: an authentic Indian sweat lodge with hot- and cold-water tubs and an outdoor shower. Owner/operator Helen Cornet said that it had taken many months to order all the materials for the outdoor spa but only two weeks to put everything together. A “spa area” has been created near the top of the rise near the last cottages on the property. The clearing gives a wonderful view of the night sky, an additional treat for bathers. The hot and cold-water tubs are actually plastic Rubbermaid stock feeders, which accommodate two people. The hot tub is fed by a small Japanese oven called a “Chofu” which was ordered from Canada. It takes several hours to heat the water to about 108 degrees. The oven is fed by dried wood found on the property. The sweat lodge will handle about four to six people. The lodge was constructed by putting a plastic tarp over a frame of bent PVC pipe, which was then covered in large leather pieces cut in the form of a turtle, and stitched together in an overlapping pattern like the back of a turtle. Cornet said that she had purchased the leather from remnants left over from the old leather factory and bought by Ruth Buchanan years ago. The thick belt leather was in prefect condition. The lodge is warmed by volcanic rooks from Well’s Bay. These almost spherical rocks are heated over several hours to glowing in another wood fire, brought into the lodge in a metal bucket, and put into a pit in the middle of the lodge. Water is thrown on the hot rocks to produce the steam, and stingy thyme adds a mild, but pungent odor. In the spirit of Ecolodge principles, the water from the tubs can be recycled in the garden., since no harmful chemicals are added. The cabin nearest the spa will be used as a changing room, and will also offer massage services. If you've been an active diver in the past 15 years or even flip through one dive magazine per year, you've heard the recreational diving industry's opinion on nitrox go from taboo to a reasonable acceptance. Nitrox was once considered technical diving requiring expensive equipment upgrades and intense training with multi-bracketed algebraic equations to make your brain swell... Welcome 2004 and three options from PADI including a "Dive Today" nitrox mini course which allows you to take a dive with a nitrox tank on your back with little more than a briefing. To be properly certified still takes about five hours of 'off boat time' and a bit of homework but a much easier course--see the Training and Courses page of our website for full details on the 3 options of nitrox certification now offered. The new standards also allow a nitrox training dive as one of your electives in an Advance Open Water course. Want to know more about nitrox and why it's becoming 'the norm' rather than the exception? Go to the Nitrox, Encriched Air page of this site for an easy to understand explanation which diffuses the 'wives tales' and outlines the benefits. The new PADI Enriched Air course that grants you full certification has been updated with a new manual and a more streamlined approach to becoming nitrox certified. Although the course assures you understand the concept of dive tables for different gas mixes, more focus is put on utilizing nitrox computers which we feel is more realistic. As Sea Saba promotes nitrox certification to increase diving safety, we are pleased with the new course outline and hopeful more divers will take advantage of the benefits of nitrox. If you truly prefer to learn as much as possible about nitrox usage and/or are interested in the technical side of diving, advanced nitrox training is still available.
Saba Goes Green
“Everything on Saba ends up in the Marine Park,” says Tamara Storm van Leeuwen-Croes, environmental expert with the Dutch Caribbean Management Consultancy in Curacao. When one looks at the steep-sided profile of this five-square mile dormant volcano, it easy to see that water runoff will eventually take all waste products into the sea. Waste production is on the increase, provoking the concern that the “unspoiled queen” could eventually be polluted enough to become an undesirable destination. Van Leeuwen-Croes just spent a week giving a one-day workshop for hotels and then spending a half-day “environmental walk-through” with each of the nine hotel operators. This session included a checklist, a tour of the premises, and advice on how to operate in a more environmentally friendly fashion.
Angelika Hartleib of El Momo’s Cottages was the Saba contact for the event, which was sponsored by the Netherlands Antilles Department of Environment, Public Health, and Hygiene and put together by the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST). Saba island government supplied a vehicle for the consultant. Every participant paid a $35 fee, and many hotels provided complementary accommodations, meals, and meeting space. “Tourists expect paradise, and we must offer it to them,” van Leeuwen-Croes pointed out to the hotels attending the workshop. If Saba is used up, if the National Marine Park has nothing to offer because bleaching products and other pollutants have killed the fish, then tourists will have no reason to come to Saba. It is good business to put measures in place to make tourism sustainable and Van Leeuwen-Croes was impressed that 100% of Saba’s hotels participated in the week’s program. Workshop participants discussed ways to conserve resources, starting with that precious commodity, water. Saba’s hotels, like its homes, rely on rainwater captured in cisterns. Gray water can of course be recycled, but water usage can also be reduced by supplying hotel linens only when the tourist requests replacements, by installing water saving devices on faucets, showerheads, and toilets, etc. Energy use--a hot topic because of a recent increase in fuel price--brought about a discussion of solar panels, solar showers, energy conserving light bulbs, effective use of timing devices, hybrid generators, appropriate isolation around refrigerators, etc. There was an animated debate on cleaning products, as Van Leeuwen-Croes declared household bleach to be the number one offender, a very toxic chemical. Hoteliers told of trying to educate staff members not to use bleach, and found that they would bring it from home anyway, convinced that nothing worked as well. This behavior was identified as the “if it doesn’t smell like chorine, it’s not clean” syndrome and very difficult to eradicate. Van Leeuwen-Croes pointed to superb marketing efforts as the culprit in convincing people to purchase highly touted, but environmentally unfriendly, products. She said that it takes time to convince the current generation that there are new and effective products on the market that do the job AND do not pollute. She recommends common natural products like baking soda and vinegar as highly effective. In addition to instructing staff, hotels need the cooperation of their clients. Tourists can be educated to cooperate as willing participants by appropriate information at check-in and reminders placed in their rooms.Keeping the momentum The seminar also functioned as a forum to exchange ideas. The group shared their creative ways to recycle and reuse. Forming a purchasing alliance was proposed, so that environmentally friendly products, which might have to be especially ordered, could be purchased in bulk to make them affordable to small business operators. Van Leeuwen-Croes noted that all hotels are interested in environmental issues if it means saving money. “True believers” take it a step further and lobbying in their communities for issues such as total waste management, which will mean ordinances and legislation. Saba’s landfill is already bursting, but there is no articulated plan to educate the public or control what it uses for packaging and how it disposes of its consumables. The environmental walk-throughs will result in individual reports for each hotel and final documentation sent to organizer Hartleib and to Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier. The group plans to meet after the holidays to compare notes and to determine the next step now that common ground has been established. Education and certification have been mentioned as possibilities. Start at the schools,” cautioned Leeuwen-Croes. The education process, which she called “reach and teach,” cannot begin too early: Proper disposal of containers, more prudent use of chemicals, increasing awareness of the impact of even small environmental gestures: “It all adds up,” she says. The next step would be island legislation to support environmental concerns. Leeuwen-Croes cited a program on Bonaire, which charges a refundable bottle deposit, underscoring the principle that it is the consumer who pays for environmental impact. This includes the idea that disposable bottles are not welcome. Many tourists now carry their own water bottle and refill as needed. "Being green” can just reflect the philosophical persuasion of the establishment OR it can be used as hotel promotion to attract tourists. Promotion usually includes some sort of recognizable “stamp” or certification process, indicating that the establishment conducts business in an environmentally friendly fashion. The most well known certificate is ISO 14000, with criteria established by the International Standardization Organization in Switzerland. The Caribbean Hotel Association also has a certificate, the “Green Globe,” but it is still unfamiliar to tourists. At any rate, most of these processes are lengthy and costly--and possibly out of the reach of small Saban hotels. There was talk at the seminar of banding together to see if a “Green Area” award, encompassing the entire island, would be possible. Another suggestion was to create a local award or recognition program perhaps administered by a hotel association or the tourist office. The program would create criteria that hotels would need to observe in order to declare themselves “green on Saba.” Hartleib said the hotels were very pleased with the value of the workshop and walk-throughs, and are excited to interest restaurants and other entities in a comprehensive environmental protection program of sustainable tourism on Saba. |
May 2008 recent stuff...
Links to News Stories
Saba Government
SABA—Commissioner Bruce Zagers signed Tuesday afternoon an agreement with Bakker Recycling of St. Maarten, which will rid the island of over 1,500 metric tons of metal. This coming weekend a barge will bring the necessary heavy equipment to Saba: two excavators and a crusher. One of the excavators will remain in the Fort Bay area and the other and the crusher will be located near the landfill. Three expert technicians with the company will come to Saba to operate the equipment and oversee the operation, which should take about a month. The metal objects go into the crusher and then the compressed results are cut into manageable size. The final results returned to Bakker will be the volume equivalent of about 68 20-foot containers and should make up one load on the barge returning to St. Maarten. Jean James, Bakker Recycling Managing Director, said that it had taken time since his first visit last June for both parties to be prepared to sign an agreement. The cost of the operation to Saba Government is approximately NAf 68,400, which includes room/board for the Bakker crew, shipping of materials to and from Saba, fuel to run the equipment, and trucking on Saba by Big Rock Engineering. All proceeds from the sale of the metal will go to Bakker. Commissioner Zagers said that he had met with stakeholders from the Planning Bureau, Public Works, and Big Rock Engineering. In addition, the government will reach out to the population to help gather any metal items that might still be on private property. Zagers said that government would organize the pick up and let the villages know in advance. Zagers said that once the landfill is cleared of metal objects, metal would be separated out and collected in one spot in the landfill. He said that the new waste management program, earmarked for NAf 400,000, is one of the SEI initiatives. The plan is that there will be no more landfill burning, but refuse will be buried. More ways to get to
Saba... PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten-- St. Maarten's Commissioner of Tourism Roy Marlin confirmed today the Caribbean island of St. Maarten has reached an agreement with Jet Blue Airways for air service from New York com- mencing January 17, 2008. In making the announcement, Commissioner Marlin said, "On behalf of The Island Territory of St. Maarten, I am pleased to welcome Jet Blue Airways as the newest travel partner serving the Little Caribbean Alliance which includes Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten/St. Martin. I am sure the many Jet Blue passengers will soon discover that St. Maarten is the best leisure destination in the region, offering 37 beaches, over 400 restau- rants with Gold Award Winning Chefs, exceptional entertainment and nightlife as well as a myriad of accommodations to fit any lifestyle, all in a safe, friendly, cosmopolitan environment." Commissioner Marlin pointed out that Jet Blue's lower cost structure for service to St. Maarten will provide very competitive air fares, which will be a tremendous boost for tourism as well as its resident population. Commissioner Marlin stated that the net result of the new Jet Blue service will be increased travel through Princess Juliana Airport. "This is good for us and good for our travel partners," he stated. The start of Jet Blue's service to St. Maarten coincides with the launch of its new marketing initiative. The new theme, "St. Maarten. Bring Your Appetite For Life." which is scheduled to appear in national consumer and trade magazine advertisements within North America. "Our national public relations effort has already begun to bring this message to millions of travelers across the country. And, the response from all accounts has been extremely positive," he said. "I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Daniel Gibbs, Vice President of Tourism of the Collectivity of St. Martin, Mr. Victor Banks, Minister of Tourism of Anguilla, President of the Collectivity of St.Barths, Mr. Bruno Magras, as well as the Economic Recovery Fund of St.Maarten, The St. Maarten Hotel Association (SHTA), the Westin Resort and the Sonesta Beach Resorts for their participation in the joint marketing effort that will take place in concert with Jet Blue," he said. About St. Maarten St. Maarten, known as "the culinary capital of the Caribbean", is the smallest island in the world shared between two nations, France and the Netherlands. Here guest are welcome to discover the islands 37 spectacular beaches, more than 350 restaurants, duty-free shopping, num- erous activities and attractions and the island's unparalleled nightlife. Whether staying in a luxury villa or spending the night in the casinos, guests will experience the only Caribbean island with grand sophistication and European flair. For more information on St. Maarten's growing tourism industry, please visit the website at http://www.st-maarten.com.
Sea Saba's Iron Dick This news item is brought to us via Paula Litzel, Dick's wife...we await a photo!
Dick had a
great day in Hawaii. This was his fifth Hawaii race and his highest finish
in his age group yet! Out of 23 competitors he was 6th in the WORLD in the
65-69 age group at age 67! Out of ten US competitors,he was the second US
competitor in the age group!! His official time was 13 hours and 40
minutes. This put him in the top 26%,can I call that the top quarter? Yes I
can!
And any diver who has the pleasure of diving with him from late December to early April each year agrees--an amazingly wonderful human being--the Ironman part is just icing on the cake!
The “Saba Bank” is not a financial institution but actually the third-largest atoll in the world. The bank is located just 6 miles from the Caribbean island of Saba and covers an area of more than 850 square miles or 2,200 square kilometers. For centuries, islanders have depended on this prolific area for fishing for its high production of regionally important commercial species such as snapper, lobster and conch. Equally as important, The Saba Bank is a source of fish and coral larvae, supporting the coral reefs of islands in the region. Conservation International (“CI”) recognizes the Saba Bank as an environmental hot spot. Last year’s preliminary research found new species of seaweed and even a new species of goby. As the atoll is as shallow as 50’ (16 meters), it has unfortunately also served as an anchorage area for fuel tankers that offload on a nearby island. From July-December of 2007, CI, in cooperation with the Saba Conservation Foundation, is back on Saba doing a full 6-month study. One goal of CI’s work is to protect this delicate area under international maritime law. The Saba Bank Project is just one of the topics that will be covered at the annual Sea & Learn on Saba program throughout the month of October. Project Manager, Ms. Shelley Lundvall, will conduct a presentation about the program during this year's event. Watch for more photos and updates on the News page of Sea & Learn website. Link here to last summer's story of the finding of the wreck on the Bank. German
Photojournalists Spend
SABA—The
“three-S” islands will be featured in the German language dive
magazine Tauchen in an article written by visiting journalists
Barbara and Helmut Corneli. The monthly magazine reaches over 45,000
people, and is also available in Holland and Russia. The Corneli's, who are well traveled throughout the Caribbean, were on Saba for the first time. They have been writing and photographing dive and travel locations for more than 20 years, and have logged over 9,000 dives each. “This is not your typical Caribbean,” they said about Saba. They added that to get to know the island they were willing to spend two weeks on island to experience its different aspects. They divided their time between El Momo’s cottages, diving with Sea Saba, and the following week at Scout’s Place, diving with Saba Divers. They commented that the diving is among the very best in the Caribbean and were very enthusiastic about the diversity of the underwater world they got to know on about 20 dives. They also appreciated that most dive sites are a short boat ride away. Their favorite site was “Close Encounter” where they got to hear to whales sing, a common occurrence at this time of year. They also commented on how colorful Saba’s Marine Park is: “The elephant Ear sponges add strong color contrasts that photograph magnificently,” Corneli commented. The
couple also spent time topside, investigating the summit of Mt. Scenery,
Sandy Cruz, and the Ladder. They were impressed that the local handiwork,
Saba Lace, can still be purchased and at what they considered descent
prices. They also spotted by the Agricultural Station to talk to Rudolph
Johnson about the guppy program which keeps Saba’s private cistern’s
free of disease carrying mosquitoes. The couple expects their article to appear in Tauchen’s mid year edition. Another
reason to come to Saba...
Now here's a different way to plan a dive trip...Imagine a 366' luxury sailing yacht--not a typical cruise ship but an intimate adventure with just 170 guests traveling to the lesser known islands of the Caribbean: Cooper Island, Anegada, St. Barths, Nevis AND Saba. Snorkel, kayak, windsurf and of course scuba diving...what could be better?
Let's add a favorite band from the early 90's who will play for you at exclusive beach performances. Sound like fun? You bet! Tall Ship, Small Islands, Big Music and Great People | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
