WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party MAN is renewing its call for Curaçao's Parliament to establish a temporary committee dedicated to decolonization, reparations, and societal healing related to the legacy of slavery.
MAN Member of Parliament Camelia-Römer has formally requested that Parliament Speaker Fergino Brownbill place the proposal on the parliamentary agenda after an earlier request reportedly remained without substantive discussion or a decision.
According to MAN, the lack of progress is difficult to understand given the growing attention being paid to the issue both within Curaçao and internationally. The party argues that discussions about slavery, historical injustice, and reparations have gained momentum across the Kingdom and beyond, making parliamentary involvement increasingly important.
In her letter, Römer points to several recent developments that she says demonstrate the urgency of the matter. Among them is the Curaçao government's decision to allocate funding for activities related to the island's national slavery commemoration. She also highlighted Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas' recent visit to the Tula Museum, where he called on the Netherlands to take responsibility for reparations linked to the country's colonial and slavery past.
International Momentum
MAN argues that developments abroad further strengthen the case for a dedicated parliamentary committee.
The party referenced United Nations resolutions that recognize slavery as a crime against humanity and noted recent remarks by Pope Leo XIV, who reportedly asked forgiveness for the role played by the Catholic Church in legitimizing slavery.
The party also cited support expressed by Emmanuel Macron for discussions surrounding reparations and historical accountability.
According to MAN, the issue has also become a topic of discussion within the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation, where representatives of the parliaments within the Kingdom of the Netherlands meet to discuss matters of common concern.
Focus on Healing and Historical Justice
MAN believes a temporary parliamentary committee could provide a structured platform for examining Curaçao's position on decolonization, historical justice, reparations, and the long-term social effects of slavery.
The party argues that such a body could help coordinate research, gather expert testimony, engage with community organizations, and formulate recommendations for Parliament and the government.
Römer has urged Brownbill to set a date for parliamentary consideration of the proposal. MAN warned that if the matter continues to be delayed, the party intends to raise the issue directly during parliamentary debates.
The renewed push comes at a time when discussions about colonial history, reparative justice, and national identity are becoming increasingly prominent in Curaçao and throughout the Caribbean, with governments, cultural institutions, and international organizations examining how best to address the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism.