WILLEMSTAD - King Willem-Alexander, in a personal letter to the people of Curaçao, emphasized the significance of the rehabilitation of Tula, the resistance leader who was brutally executed by colonial authorities in 1795. After being labeled a criminal for 228 years, the Dutch government now officially recognizes him as a hero.
Tula, who was already declared a national hero by Curaçao in 2010, had stated during the resistance against a Dutch priest at the time: "We have been mistreated far too much. We don't wish harm to anyone. We desire nothing more than our freedom." The king referred to Tula as "impressive" and "human," a man who inspired many to fight against slavery and symbolizes the strength of Curaçao.
During a visit to the Knip plantation in February 2023, King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and their eldest daughter were once again moved by Tula's personality. "He managed to inspire many to fight for a humane existence without slavery," stated the king.
The letter further emphasizes the importance of recognizing the past, with all its cruelties and sorrows. "The rehabilitation of Tula signifies the restoration of honor to a great man who refused to bend and be silent. His voice resonates and reminds us that ultimately, freedom has the final say," wrote Willem-Alexander.
Tula's resistance against dehumanizing exploitation and his progressive ideals make him a figure deserving of respect and admiration in the shared history of Curaçao and the Kingdom, concluded the king in his letter.