The OP could've done more to explain it, but it really is a fascinating subject. Saba is an extremely steep island which, for most of its history, had no point of access except for a set of 800 stone stairs called "the ladder". everything brought to the island had to be carried up the ladder on foot, including large items of furniture. Given this, construction equipment wasn't an option.

The op literally didn't do anything to explain it. Thanks for some context