First Saban Student Summit

On August 8th, Governor Jonathan Johnson, Commissioner Rolando Wilson, Commissioner Bruce Zagers and Island Secretary Tim Muller attended the first Saban Student Summit with representatives of the Saban student body who is studying abroad. Attending the meeting were students who are attending university in various locations such as the Netherlands, USA and Barbados.

Discussed during the summit were various topics relating to: Economic Activities, Education, Youth Affairs and Health. The students came to the summit were well prepared with ideas and suggestions for improving the learning experience of the Saban youth, not only studying abroad but also on the island. Some of these subjects were more prominently featured during the discussions. These were: Programs that can better prepare students for attending university, how students and persons living abroad can contribute to the Saban community, creating a labor market survey which can indicate job availabilities on the island and sports programs which can better stimulate today’s youth.

The Executive Council believes that the Saban Student Summit created an atmosphere of open discussion, where goals for the future of Saba’s students were the main feature. Elsa Peterson, the student coordinator of the event, stated, “The Saban Student Summit proved to be a very positive experience. I feel that the Public Entity came into the discussion with an open mind, ready to hear our ideas and concerns. Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is a progress and working together is definitely a success. Information is liberating and as a student body, we have hope that some of our ideas will be implemented in the future.”

GIS Saba