ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Aruba took part in the National Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery held at Oosterpark in Amsterdam on July 1, marking 163 years since the Netherlands abolished slavery in Suriname and the former Dutch Antilles.
Aruba’s Minister Plenipotentiary Mildred Schwengle laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of Aruba at the National Slavery Monument.
The ceremony included speeches by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, Bonaire Governor John Soliano, and NiNsee President Dave Ensberg-Kleijkers.
Following a minute of silence, wreaths were laid by representatives of the Kingdom Council of Ministers, the Dutch Parliament, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Suriname, and the City of Amsterdam.
The annual commemoration is organized by NiNsee, the institute responsible for preserving and promoting awareness of the history and legacy of slavery.
