New gym and technical center to boost education and community life on Saba
Residents of Saba can look forward to a state-of-the-art gym and technical center, set to enhance education, sports, and community activities. The project, expected to take 18 months, will bring temporary disruptions but promises long-term benefits for the island’s youth and wellbeing.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project | St. John’s Gym and Technical Center |
| Location | St. John’s, Saba |
| Commissioner Present | Eviton Heyliger |
| Schools Involved | Sacred Heart School, Saba Comprehensive School |
| Funding Support | Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), DUMAVA subsidy |
| Architect | Lyongo Juliana |
| Construction Duration | Approximately 18 months |
| Special Feature | Highest gym in the Dutch Kingdom |
| Community Use | Sports, health programs, youth activities, and community gatherings |
| Expected Completion | Late 2027 |
Public Entity Saba is responsible for local governance and infrastructure development on the island, ensuring that educational and community facilities meet modern standards. This project reflects their commitment to improving the quality of life and opportunities for Saba’s residents through strategic investments in public infrastructure.
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Groundbreaking Ceremonie van St. John’s Gym en Technisch Centrum
On March 2, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new St. John’s Gym and Technical Center took place in the presence of Commissioner Eviton Heyliger, staff and students at the Sacred Heart School and the Saba Comprehensive School, as well as representatives of Public Entity Saba.
During the general assembly at the Saba Comprehensive School, Commissioner Heyliger reflected on the importance of the project and the need to invest in modern, future-proof educational and sports facilities for the island’s youth. This includes the creation of modern, well-equipped classrooms and a new gymnasium that meets international standards.
Commissioner Heyliger proudly noted that the facility will stand as the highest gym in the Dutch Kingdom, sharing words of optimism and encouragement, as he stated, “From the highest point, we will aim even higher."
Beyond regular school hours, the gym will also serve as a space for sports, health programs, youth activities and community gatherings, becoming a shared investment in the island’s wellbeing.
Commissioner Heyliger expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) for their support, and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) and VRO for the DUMAVA subsidy.
He further acknowledged the dedicated civil servants of Public Entity Saba, architect Lyongo Juliana, the principals and staff of both schools, bus drivers, and the students. Special thanks were also extended to the families who made the land available for this important project.
Following his speech, Commissioner Heyliger, together with the principals of both schools and Island Council Member Rolando Wilson, a resident of St. John’s, symbolically turned the first soil to mark the official start of construction. This ceremony follows the demolition of the former school gym, making way for the new development, which is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.
Residents of St. John’s were also asked for their understanding in the months ahead, as construction will bring temporary inconveniences such as traffic adjustments, noise and changes in routine. Commissioner Heyliger emphasized that while the inconvenience is temporary, the investment is permanent.
“What we are building is not just concrete and steel,” he said. “We are building opportunity. We are building safety. We are building pride, and progress.”
For more information on this project, please visit School Campus St. Johns | Public Entity Saba
View the full groundbreaking here: Groundbreaking Ceremony of St. John’s Gym and Technical Center - YouTube