Minister Weerwind calls the criticisms of his arrival in Suriname painful

Dutch Legal Protection Minister Franc Weerwind calls it painful that there is criticism Upon his arrivalalso by the Honor and Reparations Foundation Victims of Slavery in Suriname.

The president of the foundation, Roy Kaikusi Groenberg, considers it inappropriate for Weerwind to come, because he is a “descendant of enslaved people”. He thinks so King Willem-Alexander the appropriate person is to make excuses.

Weerwind considers it an honor to speak on behalf of the Dutch government in Suriname about apologizing for the past of slavery. He will be there by invitation on 19 December to explain Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s words.

The minister told Dutch media:

“I am very aware of who I am, where I come from. Born in Amsterdam, parents born in Suriname. That’s why I’m honored to be able to go to that country. My parents’ country. And that’s how I see the invitation, and I bring with me the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired in this country and certainly as a government official.”