In Otrobanda, the historic heart of Willemstad, the first Caribbean office of the Memorial Committee for Slavery History was opened yesterday. The location in the old city center, a former governor's building, will serve as a meeting place focused on knowledge transfer, dialogue, and heritage.
Lucia Beck, director of the committee in the Caribbean, called the opening an honor and a personal milestone. A permanent exhibition was unveiled during the ceremony, depicting the history before, during, and after slavery. A notable feature is a blank canvas where visitors can contribute their vision for the future.
The committee aims to connect generations through this office. Beck highlighted differences in how older and younger generations approach the slavery past, with the latter focusing more on strength and self-expression.