The Netherlands has pledged €66 million to fund social projects in Suriname aimed at addressing the legacy of colonialism and slavery. This allocation forms part of the broader €200 million Slavery Past Fund established by the Dutch government following King Willem-Alexander’s formal apology in July 2023.
During a high-level dialogue at the Surinamese Presidential Cabinet, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel announced the commitment to representatives of Indigenous and tribal communities, descendants of enslaved Africans, and government officials. The meeting occurred as part of the Dutch royal couple’s official visit to Suriname.
Minister van Weel emphasized that the royal apology marked not an endpoint but a beginning: “There is no period placed, but a comma. This fund is designed to support the process of restoration and healing,” he stated.
Surinamese President Jennifer Simons expressed appreciation for the pledged resources while clarifying their intended purpose. “The €66 million is not reparations but rather a consciousness-raising fund for education and societal development,” she explained. President Simons indicated that discussions regarding proper reparations, aligned with the Caricom 10-point plan, would need to occur separately at a later stage.
King Willem-Alexander reinforced the Netherlands’ commitment to listening and learning throughout the process. “This is a moment to hear what lives among you. I realize that the pain of the past continues through generations, and I feel responsible for my predecessors,” the monarch stated.
Community representatives used the dialogue to request structural support. Granman Albert Aboikoni of the Saramaccaners called for increased consultation regarding “restitution and financial support” to address historical disadvantages. Wilgo Ommen of Fiti Makandra acknowledged the importance of apologies while emphasizing they shouldn’t represent the conclusion: “We look forward to a process after the comma.”
Armand Zunder, Chairman of the Restoration and Reparation Commission, concluded contributions by requesting the establishment of a mandated commission specifically focused on healing and restoration within affected communities.
President Simons confirmed the dialogue would lead to forming a joint team from both nations to advise on implementing the healing and restoration process. The meeting was chaired by Edgar Dikan, advisor to the Presidential Cabinet.