Slavery Past and Reparations


September 13, 2023

St. Martin, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, stands at a crossroads of opportunity. The scars of a painful past remain, but they serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
In the pursuit of acknowledging historical injustices, healing communal wounds, and charting a path towards a more equitable future, USM and the Advisory Committee on Slavery Past, Atonement, and Reparations (ACSAR) invites the general public to a structured reflection on the impact of slavery and colonialism. Setting the Stage for Collective Action aims to convene stakeholders from across the island to engage in a transformative dialogue about the needs and gaps that must be addressed in the country’s landscape in order to create, draft and implement projects and grant proposals.

ACSAR was established in January 2023 by Prime Minister of Sint Maarten Silveria Jacobs with the mandate to design a Plan of Approach and document the national dialogue on slavery past resulting in a roadmap.

St. Martin, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, stands at a crossroads of opportunity. The scars of a painful past remain, but they serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. The event is driven by the conviction that addressing the historical crimes against humanity, preserving our heritage, and nurturing our natural resources are essential steps toward a more vibrant and inclusive future.

Setting the Stage for Collective Action represents the collective determination of ACSAR to engage with community leaders and concerned citizens. Our goal is to conclude this event with tangible programs and projects that address the crime of slavery and colonialism, celebrating our cultural heritage, safeguarding the natural beauty of our beloved island, and ensuring an equitable future for all the residents of the island. This event is sponsored by the National Institute for the Study of Dutch Slavery and its Legacy (NINSEE).




 


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