ORANJESTAD – The community was saddened last week after seeing that a memorial wreath and light honoring Statia’s cultural heritage was vandalized. The display, placed along Smoke Alley near Bay Road, was moved and carelessly tossed aside.

The memorial commemorates the Godet burial ground, a UNESCO-recognized site under the “Routes of Enslaved Peoples” project. It honors the island’s Afrikan Ancestors and promotes values of tolerance, respect, and dignity. The vandalism has sparked outrage, with local authorities investigating the incident.

Commitment

Community leaders vow to restore the memorial and reinforce its significance, emphasizing the importance of preserving Statia’s heritage. “This act will not diminish our commitment to honoring our ancestors,” a spokesperson stated.