Princess Beatrix visited Saba on Friday, November 16, as part of her three-day trip to the Caribbean. During her stay, she toured several locations, including a maritime research laboratory, the newly established botanical garden, and Queen Wilhelmina Park, where she interacted with children.
The Princess also engaged with young people at the UNICEF Netherlands children’s rights program in Saba. At the youth center, ‘The Spot,’ the children shared their experiences of growing up on the island and discussed areas where they felt improvements were needed in their lives. Key topics included positive parenting, the impact of poverty, and the importance of youth participation in decision-making. The conversation also focused on the challenges of raising children on Saba and other Caribbean islands, emphasizing the value of community discussions in a small place like Saba.
A second group of young people, led by Kemaul Lee from the local government of Saba, spoke about the environmental factors that influence their growth. They highlighted issues such as the shortage of teachers, which forces many students to rely on online classes, limiting their educational opportunities. Other concerns included safety, the need for a supermarket nearby, and the construction of a new port to revitalize the area. Suzanne Laszlo, the director of UNICEF Netherlands, emphasized the importance of Princess Beatrix hearing directly from the young people about their lives on Saba. She also noted the valuable ideas the children shared regarding improvements for the island. The Princess’s visit and UNICEF’s work were both recognized and appreciated.
The Princess expressed her delight at experiencing the warmth and enthusiasm of the island’s people. She remarked on the cheerful atmosphere and was particularly moved by the local love for nature and the efforts being made toward environmental conservation.