KRALENDIJK – The Across the Isles Foundation intends to continue its work despite the termination of its collaboration with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), according to founder Arjen de Wolff in response to questions from ABC Online Media on Monday evening.

Earlier on Monday, a statement was released announcing that DNB and Across the Isles had mutually agreed to end their partnership. As part of the agreement, DNB would provide a significant financial contribution for initiatives such as the establishment of a monument commemorating the legacy of slavery.

The announcement of the collaboration several weeks ago sparked outrage on the island when it became clear that established local organizations had not been involved in the planning. DNB struggled to explain its decision to grant such a substantial subsidy to the newly established foundation.

Following critical questions, among others from the newssite Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties, DNB stated it would further investigate the foundation’s background and the subsidy granted. Meanwhile, Across the Isles allegedly sent threatening letters to individuals and institutions that had expressed negative opinions about the foundation and, specifically, its co-director, De Wolff.

More Clarity to Come

De Wolff announced that the foundation would issue a press release on Tuesday addressing the situation and plans to hold a press conference to provide further details on its future endeavors.