Organization

Body, Mind & Spirit (BMS) has grown significantly over the past 30 years, evolving from a support group for people living with HIV into a key advocate for sexual health and marginalized groups on Saba. Today, our core focus is on:
  • Human Rights
  • Improving Quality of Life
  • General Health & Wellness​

Our Guiding Principles

  • Everyone deserves equal access to quality, affordable healthcare.
  • Dignity and respect are fundamental for all individuals and families in our community.
  • Prevention-focused, evidence-based approaches lead to better health outcomes.
  • Collaborations built on trust and mutual benefit enhance our impact.
  • Leadership thrives on inclusion, diversity, innovation, and accountability.

Our Mission Objectives

  • Prevent and Control HIV: We aim to reduce the spread of HIV through education and support.
  • Promote Health Equity: Empower marginalized groups to live healthy, productive lives with access to necessary services.
  • End Stigma and Discrimination: Advocate for the rights of PLHIV and other marginalized groups through targeted campaigns.
  • Enhance Sexual Health Education: Train educators and integrate sexual health programs in schools.
  • Support Health Care Providers: Improve skills and attitudes of healthcare workers in treating and counseling vulnerable groups.
  • Foster Inclusivity: Guide public and private sectors to create supportive environments for all individuals, regardless of health status or lifestyle.

Our Awareness Campaigns Target:

  • The Saban Community: To eliminate stigma, promote informed choices, and respect human rights.
  • Health Care Providers: To improve their skills and approach towards treating vulnerable groups.
  • Educators: To integrate sexual health education and anti-discrimination programs in schools.
  • PLHIV and Marginalized Groups: To enhance support and awareness within their communities.
  • Human Rights Activists: To provide tools and information to fight stigma and discrimination.
  • Regional and Global Networks: To advocate for improved conditions and rights for vulnerable groups, including LGBT+, people with disabilities, and at-risk women and youth.

Meet our team

Our dedicated board and staff are the driving force behind our mission to promote health, inclusivity, and well-being on Saba. Together, we work tirelessly to advocate for human rights, support marginalized groups, and improve the quality of life for all. Get to know the passionate individuals who lead our organization and make our vision a reality!

Keri Smith
​Chairperson

​Keri Smith was born and raised in the United States.  She lived in places as varied as Montana, Michigan, and Texas as she pursued her PhD in immunology. She arrived on Saba 5 years ago when she was hired as a professor at Saba University School of Medicine. Her job there is to teach students about white blood cells, viruses, and the microscopic study of human tissues. During the COVID-19 pandemic she helped present several community town halls and lectures on Saba and St. Eustatius regarding the coronavirus and the new vaccines.  She loves the quality of life, beauty, and diversity found on Saba. As a straight ally for LGBTQ persons, she joined the board of BMS in 2022 to help contribute to human rights and quality of life for everyone on this island. 

Lukas van der Steen
Secretary

​Lukas is originally from the Netherlands and has lived across multiple countries including Vietnam and the United Kingdom. There he got involved in LGBT+ organizations and built connections in the community. In 2024, Lukas moved to Saba to work for the Public Entity where he works in the physical domain, and later that year joined the board of BMS. He is passionate about achieving inclusive outcomes and creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard.

Marie Petit
Treasurer

​Born and raised in France, Marie came to Saba in 2006 as a SCUBA diving instructor.  Over the years, she’s become a familiar face on the island. Marie joined the BMS board in 2020, motivated by a real passion for supporting a healthier and personal community. She brings fresh ideas and a natural curiosity, helping keep BMS projects creative and relevant. Marie’s commitment and versatility have made a positive impact both in her work and around the community.

Sapphire Ramkissoon

​Sapphire hails from Trinidad and Tobago and has lived on Saba for the past four years. She has spent her time working with school-going youth on the island and her work with BMS began in 2021 while hosting a Pride Event. Her interest in the organization has grown and continued ever since as she believes there is still work to be done, locally and on a regional level for the LGBT+ community. Sapphire also volunteers with several other organizations and is on the Board of Saba Reach Foundation and EC2.

Suzanna van den Elshout

​As a volunteer for a nature-based NGO Suzanna van den Elshout travelled to Saba in early 2000 to reopen several interior trails damaged by Hurricane Lenny (November 1999). The following spring Suzanna, who is a Canadian registered and certified nurse, returned to Saba independently and voluntarily presented nursing in-services to the medical staff of A. M. Edwards Medical Center. Hired on as full-time staff in September 2000, she actively volunteered at several NGOs and is a member of ASGS foundation since January 2007. Suzanna advocates against stigma and discrimination for all PLHIV and AIDS and promotes educational programs to encourage awareness and activism in our fight against HIV/AIDS. Currently she works for a part of the year as a nurse in Canada, the other part she spends volunteering on Saba.

Carl Buncamper

Carl grew up in a family that valued education, respect, hard work, and helping others. After completing high school in St. Maarten and Aruba, he studied business management in the U.S., earning a bachelor's in Institutional Management and a master’s in Project Management. He also holds certifications in counseling, vocational education, and child rights. Fluent in English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamentu, Carl has served his community through NGOs for over 30 years. Elected to Saba's island council in 2007, he is still dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents.

Honorary Members

Rudolph Hassell

​Rudolph is one of the founding members of AIDS Support Group Saba foundation, and until recently was the face for the organization with regards to PLHIV. Rudolph Hassell has spoken openly, both locally and abroad, about his infection with HIV and he is passionate about human rights and improving the quality of life for all on Saba. He is determined to see the organization flourish and continue to reach out to all on our island and beyond.

Naomi Wilson

‘Nurse Omi’ as she is affectionately known by most of the population has been active with the AIDS Support Group Saba Foundation since its inception in early 1990. As a nurse at the A. M. Edwards Medical Center since 1986, Nurse Naomi Wilson has been a pillar in our community always extending her caring hands and mind to those in need. Those living with or affected by the HIV pandemic have experienced this ‘caring’ first-hand. 

Programs Coördinator/Manager 

Jochem Batstra

Since June 2023, Jochem is the Programs Coordinator, with his background in organising sport events he has put effort in developing some new awareness campaigns and balancing focus between all activities, in which BMS plays an important role. Jochem made the first steps towards a goal-oriented year plan, that over time, will result in a multiple year plan for BMS. Jochem his main focus is on a healthy lifestyle. With this focus he hopes to encourage and inspire others to incorporate a healthy lifestyle for us all.
 
Working with others and starting new initiatives like the Skin Awareness campaign makes Jochem enthusiastic about future possibilities. He also tries to focus more towards being sustainable as an organisation, in the broadest sense of the word.