Gregory Richardson was officially installed on the Legacy of Slavery Committee.
ORANJESTAD—On August 14, the prime minister of Aruba, Mr. Mike Eman, met with the delegation of the Committee on the Heritage of Slavery to officially introduce Aruba's representative, Mr. Gregory Richardson.
The delegation representing the Legacy of Slavery Committee is
- Mrs. Astrid Elburg – Chair of the Heritage of Slavery Committee
- Mrs. Lucia Beck – Deputy director of the Labor Organization
- Mrs. Jefka Alberto – Community Manager
- Mrs. Nathania Engelhardt – Youth Coordinator
- Mrs. Tirza Snoijl is the community manager.
The main purpose of the meeting was to introduce Sr. Gregory Richardson as Aruba's representative to the committee. Mrs. Elburg found the meeting fruitful and pleasant, where you could feel the reaction of all present and the concrete intention to work together.
We envision collaborative efforts to organize a dignified ceremony in Aruba to remember and honor our past. Additionally, we aim to engage in discussions about intergenerational planning for future commemorations and to foster connections with the community.
For his part, Mr. Gregory Richardson also expressed his conviction as a new member. The official introduction to the Herdenkingscomite Slavernijverleden has taken place, and now his participation can begin.
Legacy of Slavery Committee
The Slavery Heritage Committee was established to honor and remember the Dutch experience of slavery in a respectful manner. The Committee is active throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. It consists of a president and members from the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the kingdom, with the possibility for Suriname to add a representative.
The National Institute for the Heritage and Legacy of Dutch Slavery (NiNsee) holds a seat on the committee and will continue to serve until 2027. Under the direction of the Heritage Committee, NiNsee is involved in the National Heritage realization, which will take place on July 1, in Oosterpark, Amsterdam.
For Mr. Gregory Richardson, contributing to this chapter of history is more than just an honor. Although it includes dark times, the victims and their descendants on our island have shown remarkable strength, resilience, and creativity.
Our island has been able to draw strength, surpass, and create impressive things.
It will require more research, honor our ancestors, and strengthen our ties with one another. We can learn from each other so that future generations can take pride in their heritage.