Commissioner Heyliger joined his counterparts from the Caribbean Netherlands, including Commissioner Timotoe Silberie of Bonaire and Commissioner Reuben Merkman of Sint Eustatius, in the Netherlands for the signing of the Archive Agenda. The meeting reflected the shared commitment among the islands to improving records management and ensuring that important government documents and historical information are properly preserved, protected, and made accessible for future generations.

The Saba Archives Agenda was developed by the Public Entity Saba in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the National Archives. It sets out the work required to establish a formal archive service on Saba and follows the 2024 cultural agreement, under which each of the Caribbean Netherlands islands committed to developing its own archives plan.

“Archives tell the story of our island, but they also help government remain accountable and protect the rights of our people,” said Commissioner Heyliger. “This agenda gives us a path to preserve important records and, over time, make them easier for residents and researchers to access. That includes records that help us understand Saba’s families, culture and history.”

The agenda identifies five key priorities for the period 2026–2030: putting the necessary laws and regulations in place; improving records management within government operations; providing training for staff; developing secure digital systems; and working toward the establishment of a suitable physical archive facility.

Among the first steps will be the approval of rules determining how long government records must be retained, as well as establishing an island archivist role and an official archive repository. The agenda also includes measures to protect vital records in the event of hurricanes and other emergencies.

The signing represents a long-term commitment to building a sustainable archive service on Saba. “Building a proper archive service will take trained people, resources, and continued cooperation,” Commissioner Heyliger said.