The Legacy of Slavery

The Legacy of Slavery

12 April 2026

Following the Netherlands' apologies and request for forgiveness, Suriname has since forgiven the Netherlands. Curaçao, however, has not explicitly expressed such a position. It was not a full stop, but a comma. Meanwhile, efforts have largely focused on developing museums.

In addition, a United Nations resolution declared the transatlantic slave trade to be the gravest violation of human rights. The Kingdom did not vote, arguing that suffering cannot be compared. The other countries within the Kingdom were not consulted before the Netherlands adopted its position. This is serious and touches the core of the mutual relationships.

It raises questions about the sincerity and meaning of the apology. Be that as it may, it sets Curaçao back. We are once again drawn into the past and remain stuck in the role of victim.

Meanwhile, poverty continues to rise, while real estate entering the market is being bought up en masse in euros. The island is ageing, young people are leaving and not returning. As a result, the future is steadily slipping out of view.

Miguel Goede