Aruba lays wreath during the National Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery

THE HAGUE – The National Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery by the Netherlands in 1863 in Suriname and the former Netherlands Antilles took place today, July 1, at Oosterpark in Amsterdam. This year marks 163 years since the abolition. Aruba's Minister Plenipotentiary, Mildred Schwengle, laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and the people of Aruba.

Traditionally, a member of the Dutch government delivers the keynote address. This year, the speech was given by Prime Minister Rob Jetten. Remarks were also delivered by Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, Bonaire Lieutenant Governor John Soliano, and Dave Ensberg-Kleijkers, chairman of the National Institute for the Study of Dutch Slavery and its Legacy (NiNsee).

The musical interlude featured performances by Manoushka Zeegelaar-Breeveld & Gospel Choir Grace, Kevv, and Raoul de Jong.

Following a one-minute silence, the wreath-laying ceremony took place at the National Slavery Monument. On behalf of the Kingdom Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Pieter Heerma laid a wreath. They were followed by, among others, President of the Senate Mei Li Vos, Speaker of the House of Representatives Thom van Campen, Aruba's Minister Plenipotentiary Mildred Schwengle, Curaçao's Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Errold Bishop, St. Maarten's Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell, Suriname Ambassador Ricardo Wilfred Panka, and Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema.

The commemoration is organized by NiNsee. This year marks the institute's 24th anniversary. The annual ceremony began in 2002 with the unveiling of the National Slavery Monument, a work by Surinamese sculptor Erwin de Vries.