Economy of Saba - Economic History

Economic History

Saba's first settlers were a group of Englishmen who shipwrecked on its coast in 1632. As the century progressed, pirates driven off other Caribbean islands began using Saba as a hideout and a place to stash their stolen goods. Dutch colonists arrived as well. Agriculture and fishing were the settlers' main economic activity.

The pirates eventually turned to legitimate trade, and their skills made shipping and sailing an important part of the island's economy. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Dutch colonists raised sugar cane and produced rum for export. Rum became the island's largest export during that period.

Because many of Saba's men were gone at sea for extended periods, the island's women took up lace making in the late 19th century. When international mail service became available in 1884, women began selling Saba Lace to American consumers by mail order. Saba Lace exports grew in importance over the subsequent decades, reaching sales of $15,000 (US) per year by 1928.

In the latter part of the 20th century, Saba began developing the infrastructure necessary to support tourism. Juancho Yrausquin Airport, built in 1963, made travel between Saba and other islands more accessible. Likewise, the 1972 construction of a pier in Fort Bay has enabled ferry service between Saba and Saint Martin, as well as docking of small cruise ships.

In 1987, Saba's coastline and surrounding waters were designated as the Saba National Marine Park. Because of regulations to help conserve the marine park's reefs and other aquatic life, it has remained a healthy, thriving ecosystem. Scuba divers became increasingly attracted to Saba, since its reefs have been spared the damage suffered by many reefs throughout the world.