Several Dutch experts, including historian and KITLV researcher Rosemarijn Hoefte, gave their opinion in The Guardian about the Dutch wrestle with the formal apology of the Dutch government for its role in 250 years of slavery.

According to Hoefte it is vital to listen to opinions in communities affected by slavery and that the Dutch king really needs to play a role in it: “The king apologised in Indonesia for excessive violence in colonial times and said he was aware that this has an effect on many generations. Why would the Caribbean be any different? If you want to do this right … it needs to be with ceremonies. It is very emotional and you need to do this together”.

Read more.