Surinamese descendants of African slaves participate in a street celebration of the 145-year anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Paramaribo, July 1, 2008. Though the Dutch abolished the slave trade in 1818, slavery was only halted permanently in this former Dutch colony 45 years later on July 1, 1863. Local organizations demand an official apology from the Dutch government as well as payment to compensate for the years of slavery. REUTERS/Ranu Abhelakh (SURINAME)