The Surinamese descendants of enslaved people and indigenous communities have accepted King Willem-Alexander’s 2023 apology for the Netherlands’ slavery past.
In 2023, during the National Commemoration of Slavery in Amsterdam, the king apologised for the history of slavery. He also asked for forgiveness and made it personal because his royal ancestors never intervened against the system of slavery.
The King spoke with the group while on a state visit to Suriname. The meeting was an important part of the state visit. The Surinamese President Simons said after the meeting that Suriname wants to discuss the reparations program with the Netherlands soon. Around 66 million euros have already been allocated to the reparations program. Simons said, “I am pleased that the bereaved have spoken out. There will come a time when we can discuss this further. According to the Surinamese government, the 66 million is not reparations. And I believe the Dutch government also considers it a gesture, if I understand correctly.”
Wilgo Hesdy Ommen, chair of the Federation of Para Plantations, announced the acceptance of the King’s apology. He said, “I accepted the apology and forgiveness on behalf of all the leaders. And from there, we must build on what needs to happen next, so what needs to happen after the comma previously placed by the prime minister.”
King Willem-Alexander said during the meeting, “We are all descendants of those who were involved. I realise that the pain continues for generations. This is a moment to listen to you, to what is happening here. I hope to learn more about what it means to live as descendants of enslaved people.”
Several rituals were performed ahead of the meeting, and King Willem-Alexander took part. Wilgo Hesdy Ommen said, “It feels good. The fact that he also participated in a part of our ritual testifies that his apology and his request for forgiveness are serious. So that feels very good for us.”
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