The Island Council of the Public Entity of Saba recently hired Els Boers take up the post of the first ever griffier for the Island Council. The griffier will take up the role formerly handled by the Island Secretary. In the new dualistic system, which came into effect since the elections of March of this year, the Executive Council and the Island Council are distinct and separate bodies.

Ms. Boers has extensive experience in the field of political governance and has advised politicians and officials at both ends of the political spectrum. She describes herself as well aware of regulations, prides herself in providing great service and being results oriented. Her core strength is being an intermediary connecting different groups such as Island Council, Executive Council and the general public.

Her role here is create a structure more in line with the law and to increase communication with all people to let them know what is happening with the Island Council. She is especially sensitive to the fact that Sabans speak primarily English and will ensure that information is available in both languages.

As an author Ms. Boers has published books on the roles of Council Members, and civil servants based on her experiences working with various municipalities in the Netherlands.

Ms.Boers has held the role of griffier or interim griffier in several municipalities in the Netherlands. For her, the atmosphere it is especially enjoyable. She says her task is primarily a coaching role but is also prepared to assist in implementation as necessary. That the work is done is that is paramount to the new griffier.

In pic: seated from l-r and Secretary Menno van der Velde, Griffier Els Boers, IC Members Rolando Wilson, Carl Buncamper, Ishmael Levenstone.
 
standing: IC Members Amelia Nicholson and Eviton Heyliger
 

Officials from Contractor Windward Roads officially handed over two projects to the Executive Council of the Public Entity of Saba yesterday. The projects were The Bottom and Windwardside Roads and the Waste Management Project. Both projects were executed during the course of this year.

The Bottom and Windwardside projects entailed the resurfacing of the Gap Road, The Road to the Wesleyan Church in St. Johns and the Booby Hill Road. The Waste Management Project entailed clearing the dump of all metal objects to shipped to the Bakker Recycling in St. Maarten and building a retaining wall. During the execution of the there was a change in priorities, and the Island government opted not to purchase a glass crusher and to instead build a wall to mitigate water runoff. Maintenance of the landfill will commence on October 1^st.

During the handover Executive Council indicated that they could see the were projects were executed with quality in mind. Officials from Windward Roads said that they were glad that Government was satisfied with their performance.