WILLEMSTAD – An interministerial task force in Curaçao is working on a joint approach to address the ongoing impact of the island’s slavery past. The initiative is part of the national Action Agenda on Slavery Legacy and is supported by representatives from various ministries, including Education, Science, Culture and Sports (OWCS), Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW), Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), and Governance and Planning (BPD). 

During a meeting held yesterday at the Council of Ministers, the group reviewed the progress made so far and acknowledged the emotional and complex nature of the process. 

“The conversations are often emotional, confronting, and heavy. But they are necessary,” said one of the task force members. 

Since the start of the initiative, nearly 100 people have participated in in-depth discussions on topics such as mental health, education, power dynamics, heritage, labor rights, and social well-being. 

One of the key conclusions from these discussions is that "we are still living in a colonial system." Not because of a lack of autonomy, the group emphasized, but due to the persistence of colonial structures in modern-day institutions such as education, healthcare, governance, and cultural heritage. 

These structures continue to influence “who gets heard, who gets opportunities, and whose stories are recognized.” 

A First Step Toward Recognition and Change 

The task force does not view the Action Agenda as an end goal but as a crucial first step toward structural change, historical recognition, and societal healing. 

Among the key contributors to the task force are Bob Harms from the Ministry of GMN, Jacqueline Martis from SOAW, and Pamela Lapeña Rojer-Burrichter and Irelnety Copra from OWCS. Their collaborative work aims to lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society that acknowledges the deep and lasting impact of slavery and colonialism. 

The ongoing process reflects a broader commitment by the government of Curaçao to confront historical injustices and foster meaningful transformation in its institutions and communities.