Esmeralda Johnson is a politician from Saba, and former member of the Saba Island Council for the Windward Islands People's Movement. She held this post since 28 March 2019 when, at age 21, she became the youngest person to serve in that capacity.
Esmeralda Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Education | Lindenwood University |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 2019 – 2023 |
| Known for | Youngest ever member of the Island Council of Saba |
| Political party | Windward Islands People's Movement |
Biography
editJohnson graduated from Lindenwood University in 2018, with a BA in Mathematics and Economics.[1] In 2019, aged 21 years old, Johnson ran for election to a seat on the Island Council of Saba.[2] She was the youngest female candidate to ever take part in the Saba Island elections.[1] She is a member of the Windward Islands People's Movement.[1] Her campaign focused on the issues of youth empowerment, education and women's rights.[1]
In May 2019, she was elected to a council seat with 39 votes.[2] With her election, she became the youngest ever member of the Island Council of Saba.[3] She is also the only female member of the current iteration of the council.[3] Her grandfather, David Johnson was also a member of the island council; he was elected in 1979.[3]
In June 2021, Johnson visited the Netherlands as part of a delegation from Saba Island.[4][5] Issues that the group wanted clarification on from the Dutch government included: development, agricultural investment, transport links with Sint Maarten, educational investment, and affordable banking, amongst others.[4] In September 2021, she was part of a delegation that visited Bonaire, where members of both island councils discussed issues such as access to medical care.[6][7]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Saba youngest female (21) campaigns in Island Elections | Caribbean Network". 2021-10-24. Archived from the original on 2021-10-24. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
- ^ a b Shein, Erica; Ellena, Katherine (2019). Saba 2019 Island Council and Senate Electoral College Elections: Technical Observation and Assessment Final Report (PDF). Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- ^ a b c "New Island Council, Commissioners sworn in - Saba News". 2021-10-24. Archived from the original on 2021-10-24. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
- ^ a b "The Daily Herald - Saba Island Council visits the Netherlands". 2021-10-24. Archived from the original on 2021-10-24. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
- ^ "Gesprek met de eilandsraad van Saba, Den Haag - verplaatst". www.europa-nu.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2021-10-24.
- ^ "Saba Island Council visits Bonaire - Saba News". 2021-10-24. Archived from the original on 2021-10-24. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
- ^ "Island Council pays working visit to Bonaire". 2021-10-24. Archived from the original on 2021-10-24. Retrieved 2021-10-24.