Statia committee confirms Golden Rock reburial for 13 November

The Statia Cultural Heritage Implementation Committee, SCHIC, said the reburial of Golden Rock ancestral remains will proceed on Friday 13 November 2026. In a letter to Local Authorities and the Descendant Community, the committee said it will continue to seek community involvement in decisions on future research involving the remains.

SCHIC said samples removed from the remains in 2021 must be returned to St. Eustatius in time for the ceremony so the ancestors can be reburied whole. The committee said the Executive Council has designated the reburial site, issued a procession permit and secured funding for preparations.

The committee had recommended a 30-to-60-day pause after concerns raised at a 16 September meeting with government officials and cultural heritage representatives. SCHIC said the concerns included the Executive Council's interest in research, the time available to consult the Descendant Community and questions about the ancestry of some remains.

SCHIC said more research might be needed to confirm the ancestry of some remains. It has also published a public blog with a timeline of its work and said it will keep the community informed before the ceremony.