Petition to Honor the November 13 Reinterment of the Golden Rock Ancestors | Let Them Rest
Petition to Honor the November 13 Reinterment of the Golden Rock Ancestors | Let Them Rest
The Issue
Hello, my name is Marietza Patrick-Harley, and I was born and raised in St. Eustatius.
More than five years ago, the graves of our ancestors at Golden Rock were opened and 69 human remains were removed from the earth. Government stopped the excavation in 2021 and spoke then of their eventual reburial in a timely manner.
In 2022, the Statia Heritage Research Commission recommended that they be reinterred in a dedicated memorial space. Yet today, September 24th, 2026, they remain unburied. A reburial was publicly planned for November 13, 2026. Now, once again, postponement is being proposed.
Like many of you, whether you live on Statia, are living abroad, or simply carry a deep love for our island, I object to any further delay. I respect research. I respect our history. I support a dignified memorial, public education and the preservation of everything these ancestors can teach future generations. But I cannot accept that unfinished reports, administrative matters or future projects should condemn human remains to remain above ground indefinitely.
The committee itself is now recommending against further DNA and isotope testing and reports that spiritual advisers consulted in Benin, advised against further interference with the remains. Since this is the case, I must ask, “What are we waiting for?” These are not simply archaeological specimens. They were people. They lived here. They Suffered here. They died here. They were buried here. And one of them could be connected to families still living on St. Eustatius today.
For years they have waited while the living debated what should happen next. I believe they have endured enough.
Continuing the research does not require disturbing them. Complete the memorial. Publish the reports. Tell their stories. Account publicly for the money that has been received and spent. But let those responsibilities continue after their remains have been returned to the earth.
International archaeological ethics recognize both the legitimate interests of science and the obligation to respect human remains and the concerns of descendants and local communities.
Because of this strong belief shared by many in our community, I have started this petition to be sent to the Executive Council of St. Eustatius, to proceed with the reinternment of the 69 Golden Rock ancestors without further unnecessary delay and, unless a specific legal or conservation obstacle makes November 13 impossible, to honour the date already announced.
They have been researched.
They have been discussed.
They have waited long enough.
Let them rest.
If you support this position please sign this petition for the Reinternment of the Golden Rock Ancestors.
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The Issue
Hello, my name is Marietza Patrick-Harley, and I was born and raised in St. Eustatius.
More than five years ago, the graves of our ancestors at Golden Rock were opened and 69 human remains were removed from the earth. Government stopped the excavation in 2021 and spoke then of their eventual reburial in a timely manner.
In 2022, the Statia Heritage Research Commission recommended that they be reinterred in a dedicated memorial space. Yet today, September 24th, 2026, they remain unburied. A reburial was publicly planned for November 13, 2026. Now, once again, postponement is being proposed.
Like many of you, whether you live on Statia, are living abroad, or simply carry a deep love for our island, I object to any further delay. I respect research. I respect our history. I support a dignified memorial, public education and the preservation of everything these ancestors can teach future generations. But I cannot accept that unfinished reports, administrative matters or future projects should condemn human remains to remain above ground indefinitely.
The committee itself is now recommending against further DNA and isotope testing and reports that spiritual advisers consulted in Benin, advised against further interference with the remains. Since this is the case, I must ask, “What are we waiting for?” These are not simply archaeological specimens. They were people. They lived here. They Suffered here. They died here. They were buried here. And one of them could be connected to families still living on St. Eustatius today.
For years they have waited while the living debated what should happen next. I believe they have endured enough.
Continuing the research does not require disturbing them. Complete the memorial. Publish the reports. Tell their stories. Account publicly for the money that has been received and spent. But let those responsibilities continue after their remains have been returned to the earth.
International archaeological ethics recognize both the legitimate interests of science and the obligation to respect human remains and the concerns of descendants and local communities.
Because of this strong belief shared by many in our community, I have started this petition to be sent to the Executive Council of St. Eustatius, to proceed with the reinternment of the 69 Golden Rock ancestors without further unnecessary delay and, unless a specific legal or conservation obstacle makes November 13 impossible, to honour the date already announced.
They have been researched.
They have been discussed.
They have waited long enough.
Let them rest.
If you support this position please sign this petition for the Reinternment of the Golden Rock Ancestors.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on September 25, 2026