The Bottom
Encyclopedia
The Bottom is the capital and largest town of the island of Saba, the Caribbean Netherlands, and is the first stop on the way from Saba's Port in Fort Bay
towards the rest of the island. It has approximately 500 inhabitants of the total 1424 islanders.
The Bottom is home to the Government offices, a hospital
, a nursing home
, a sports field, three churches, a library, various shops and the Saba University School of Medicine
. The Bottom is also home to the Saba Carnival which is held once a year during the summer, as well as Saba Day in December.
Another event held in the Bottom is 'Saba Day'. This is the national day of the island in which all offices, schools and stores are closed. The island celebrates its diversity and culture through various activities and parades. The Bottom holds host to a concert at the sports field where local and other Caribbean artists come to perform. There are fishing competitions at sea, drawing competitions for children etc.
The original name of the town was De Botte, old Dutch for "The Bowl", referring to its geographical position in a valley surrounded by the various hills. "The Bottom" is an English corruption of this name.
Fort Bay
Fort Bay is the official and only port on the island of Saba and sits on the south side of the island. The port is very important for the island as most of its supplies arrive here by boat. The port is small in size as it currently only has two piers...
towards the rest of the island. It has approximately 500 inhabitants of the total 1424 islanders.
The Bottom is home to the Government offices, a hospital
Hospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
, a nursing home
Nursing home
A nursing home, convalescent home, skilled nursing unit , care home, rest home, or old people's home provides a type of care of residents: it is a place of residence for people who require constant nursing care and have significant deficiencies with activities of daily living...
, a sports field, three churches, a library, various shops and the Saba University School of Medicine
Saba University School of Medicine
Saba University School of Medicine is a for-profit medical school located in The Bottom, Saba, in the Caribbean. Saba confers upon its graduates the Doctor of Medicine degree...
. The Bottom is also home to the Saba Carnival which is held once a year during the summer, as well as Saba Day in December.
Events
As capital of the island, The Bottom hosts a number of events throughout the year. During the summer the 'Saba Carnival' is held here. It's a parade full of colour accompanied with the music of steel drums and local artists. It is a highly anticipated event on the Saban calendar as most of the island meets together to dance, sing and enjoy the festival. The Saba Carnival usually lasts for a few days in which the island rotates around this town.Another event held in the Bottom is 'Saba Day'. This is the national day of the island in which all offices, schools and stores are closed. The island celebrates its diversity and culture through various activities and parades. The Bottom holds host to a concert at the sports field where local and other Caribbean artists come to perform. There are fishing competitions at sea, drawing competitions for children etc.
The original name of the town was De Botte, old Dutch for "The Bowl", referring to its geographical position in a valley surrounded by the various hills. "The Bottom" is an English corruption of this name.