A semi open source map where the (hi)stories and perspectives of the ABCSSS (Diaspora) are at the center.
More than just a project – it’s a space where the rich oral (hi)stories of the ABCSSS are the center. An initiative which gathers, collects, shares, and preserves community stories that reflects on the rich history of the ABCSSS islands A semi open platform through digital mapping where individuals can explore existing narratives & contribute their own stories
THE STORIES
Everyday Life:
This theme delves into the nuanced and unique aspects of life on the ABC and SSS islands, focusing on cultural customs, folklore, and norms that are deeply rooted in local identity and only fully understood by those who live there. It captures how the islanders navigate their daily experiences, from handling common challenges to finding joy in familiar routines. This includes cherished customs like sharing food and storytelling, which play significant roles in nurturing connections and maintaining the cultural fabric. Through this theme, we gain insight into the subtle yet profound practices that shape community life and collective spirit.
Relationships with privileges and mental health:
This theme explores the complex interplay between social privileges and mental well-being on the islands. It reflects on how access to opportunities, resources, and social advantages can impact individuals’ mental health, creating disparities within the community. By examining both the visible and less obvious effects of these privileges, the theme aims to shed light on resilience, struggles, and the ways people cope with or thrive despite systemic imbalances. It encourages dialogue around self-awareness, community support, and the importance of addressing these topics openly to foster healthier, more inclusive environments.
Equity Building: Emphasising Financial Health Beyond Tourism:
This theme shifts focus from the conventional economic reliance on tourism to broader, more sustainable financial growth strategies for the islands. It emphasises the importance of diversifying income sources and fostering financial stability through local entrepreneurship, educational initiatives, and community-driven projects. By promoting economic resilience, this theme advocates for empowering locals, strengthening homegrown industries, and ensuring that wealth generation benefits the islanders beyond the peak seasons of tourism. It’s a call to build an economy that is balanced, robust, and supportive of long-term prosperity.
Bai Bin: the Process of ‘Migrating between the islands and the Netherlands:
This theme shifts focus from the conventional economic reliance on tourism to broader, more sustainable financial growth strategies for the islands. It emphasises the importance of diversifying income sources and fostering financial stability through local entrepreneurship, educational initiatives, and community-driven projects. By promoting economic resilience, this theme advocates for empowering locals, strengthening homegrown industries, and ensuring that wealth generation benefits the islanders beyond the peak seasons of tourism. It’s a call to build an economy that is balanced, robust, and supportive of long-term prosperity.

Scroll down to read the explanation on how the coding of the stories work
UX/UI by Fernanda Rondon x Counter/Narratives
What Do the Story Codes Mean?:
Each story has a code like EL–05–PA. Here’s how it works:
Category = The type of story.
EL = Everyday Life
RP = Relationships with Privileges
MH = Mental Health
EB = Equity Building BB = Bai Bin
Number = The story’s number in our collection.
The number shows where the story is in our collection
Example: 05 means it’s the 5th story.
Language
The language of the story.
EN = English
PA = Papiamento
If you see EL–05-PA, it means:
- EL: Everyday Life
- 05: This is the 5th story in the collection.
- PA: The story is in Papiamento.