Three islands sign slavery-legacy research agreement

Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday 16 October to work together on genealogical and scientific research into slavery’s legacy. Minister Melissa Gumbs signed for the Government of St. Maarten, Commissioner Eviton Heyliger for the Public Entity Saba and Commissioner Reuben Merkman for the Public Entity St. Eustatius.

According to the Public Entity Saba, the agreement covers the project, “Slavery Past Action Agenda: Genetic Legacies of Slavery and Poverty of Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.” It sets out regional cooperation to document ancestral histories and examine family connections shaped by transatlantic slavery.

The project is expected to use genealogical research, oral histories and digital archives. The Public Entity Saba said the three governments also intend to work with research institutions and universities, while residents and descendants are expected to have opportunities to contribute.

The research is intended to bring together historical documents, family records and community knowledge on connections among the three islands, according to the Public Entity Saba.