Former Antillean prime ministers call for Caribbean role in colonial study follow-up

Former Prime Ministers of the Netherlands Antilles Suzy Camelia-Römer and Maria Liberia-Peters have called for political follow-up to a newly released five-volume study into the House of Orange-Nassau's colonial role. Camelia-Römer said the Caribbean needs greater attention in the discussion, including on reparations, while Liberia-Peters said governments and parliaments should determine the response.

The study, commissioned by King Willem-Alexander and involving more than 60 researchers, concluded that the Royal House was involved in colonialism “with conviction and without reservations” and supported policies rooted in ideas of European white superiority. It covers the period from the late 16th century to the present.

Camelia-Römer said she wanted to know what the publications say specifically about the Caribbean and hoped they would become available in the region quickly. She also questioned whether the Royal House's role in Caribbean slavery was being minimised in ways that could affect arguments for reparations.

Liberia-Peters said the King could not decide the political response because ministers are responsible for government policy. She said the Caribbean should remain involved as governments and parliaments consider what follows the findings.