Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
Jonathan Johnson, who has held the office of Gezaghebber (Island Governor) of Saba since 2007, announced on Tuesday that he will not seek reappointment when his current term concludes next year. His decision marks the end of a historic 17-year tenure—the longest in the island’s history—following two reappointments.*
Johnson announced on the 17th anniversary of his appointment, quoting Ecclesiastes chapter 3: “There is a time for everything.” In letters addressed to King Willem-Alexander, the State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, the Acting Kingdom Representative, and Saba’s Island and Executive Councils, he expressed deep gratitude for the privilege of serving the island community for nearly two decades.
Reflecting on his tenure, Johnson acknowledged both personal and professional milestones—from building a family to enduring the loss of his parents in 2019 and 2021. Despite his impending departure, he reaffirmed his dedication to serving Saba’s best interests in his final year.
“I have been extraordinarily fortunate to have the support of family, friends, and the entire Saban community,” he wrote. “I thank you all and look forward to what we can still accomplish together.”
With Johnson’s departure confirmed, attention now turns to the succession process for Saba’s next Island Governor.
Jonathan Johnson served with Ethics and principles. very honorable to see him step aside so that it does not look like a Dictatorship! It is fair to say others deserve a chance! The New Lieutenant Governor should be a Native from the Mother Country the Netherlands! That way the Dutchmen can also Serve as intermediary to regulate the relentless issue of Nepotism on Saba! All Lieutenant Governors in All the 5 Dutch Netherlands Antilles islands Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba should be born in Europe in the Mother Country to regulate and oversee issues of Nepotism and favoratism!
Gone are the days that anyone living or residing on Saba should be thinking in this manner about the next Island Governor should be someone not born on Saba. this is an outright insult to the people of Saba. We have our own people that can handle the job of Island Governor and thus far all of them has served the island in a dignified manner. those of us that live here can testify to that and also bearing in mind that the position is one that is above the political platform. You don’t live here so try and stay out of our local happenings where nepotism and favoritism is concerned we can deal and handle that whenever it arises. Please do not insult the born here Saban.