Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 18 juin 2025

Congressman Lawler urges reversal of Trump administration’s ban on Haiti

Mid-Hudson News Staff

US Capitol

WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) is urging the Trump Administration to reconsider the full suspension of entry for Haitian nationals.

Haiti was one of 12 countries put on President Trump’s ban this week. The move prevents the entry of foreigners who are seeking to come to the U.S. permanently as legal immigrants, as well as those with temporary visas, including tourists. Lawler represents Rockland County and portions of Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties. Approximately 12,000 Haitians live in Spring Valley in Rockland.

“Haiti’s disaster has been growing, and given our proximity to the nation and our historical interventions,” Lawler said. “We have a moral duty to help. Haitians cannot do it alone,” Congressman Lawler stated. “This travel ban will only deepen the suffering of Haitians, many of whom have strong ties to the U.S., including the vibrant Haitian diaspora in the Hudson Valley that I represent in Congress, and risks isolating Haiti further at a time when they need our support most.

According to Lawler, the situation in Haiti has deteriorated, spiraling into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that demands global attention and support. Armed gangs control large swaths of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with their influence spreading to other regions. Violence, including gang-related atrocities, has surged, with over 1,600 people killed in the first three months of 2025 alone, and more than 1 million Haitians internally displaced.

Famine conditions have emerged, with many surviving on just one meal a day. This disaster, exacerbated by corruption, poor governance, and a continuous flow of illicit weapons, has only grown worse, leaving the Haitian people in desperate need of assistance.

“The ban’s inclusion of Haiti is a misguided overreach that ignores the root causes of the crisis,” Lawler said. “The United States has led three interventions in Haiti that have ultimately failed to create long-term stability, and the United States has a unique responsibility to act.

Pan-Africanist Kémi Séba urges Haitians to forgive gangs, calls it key to ‘second revolution’

At a symposium in northern Haiti, Séba argued reconciliation with gangs is essential to fighting foreign powers he blames for destabilizing the country

by Onz Chéry Jun. 11, 2025

THE HAITIAN TIMES

Pan-Africanist leader Kémi Séba pointing his finger at an audience at State University of Haiti, Henri Christophe Campus of Limonade during a conference on June 2, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times.

Overview:

Pan-Africanist activist Kémi Séba has urged Haitians to forgive gangs— if they disarm and change course—and ally with them to ignite a “pan-African revolution.” Séba said some gang leaders wept during conversations about his proposal for reconciliation and revolution.

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Speaking before hundreds of students at a university symposium in northern Haiti in early June, controversial West African political activist and Pan-Africanist Kémi Séba urged Haitians to forgive gang members and unite with them against what he called the “exogenous forces” destabilizing the country. 

The provocative call on June 2, delivered at the State University of Haiti’s Henri Christophe campus in Limonade, has drawn mixed reactions as Haiti continues to grapple with a gang-fueled security crisis claiming thousands of lives and displacing over a million residents.

Séba, born Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi in France to Beninese parents, framed his message as part of a broader pan-African revolution, asserting that reconciliation with the gangs—if they disarm and change course—is essential for Haiti’s political and spiritual rebirth.

“Without the desire to spread true love among us, without putting the guns down, Haiti won’t stand up,” Séba said. 

“If the gangs stop being assassins and become security forces who will stand beside the people in mobilizations to denounce the exogenous forces destabilizing Haiti, Haiti will become the epicenter of the Black revolution.”

“The problem with Black people, like Malcolm X said, is that they’re very good at forgiving white people—those who colonized us—but we can never forgive Black people.”

Kémi Séba, Pan-Africanist activistnormal

The crowd, largely made up of university students, applauded loudly. Séba did not initially name the “exogenous forces” he referenced, but later identified the United States, Canada and France as foreign powers he believes are complicit in Haiti’s crisis. He accused those governments of flooding the country with weapons to stoke internal conflict.

“Those who present themselves as friends of Haiti have been their enemies from the beginning,” he said. “They give Haitians guns in massive quantities and sit back while we kill each other.”

A revolution’s epicenter

Séba’s visit to Haiti, following recent appearances in Ethiopia, Mali and Burkina Faso—countries that have distanced themselves from Western influence—signals his view of Haiti as pivotal to a global Black liberation movement. He referred to the country as the “epicenter” of a second Black revolution.

But while some attendees embraced his message of unity, others rejected the idea of forgiving gangs that have unleashed unprecedented levels of violence and suffering.

In 2024 alone, more than 5,600 people were killed in gang-related violence, according to United Nations figures. Armed groups control roughly 90% of Port-au-Prince and have expanded their influence into provincial cities such as Mirebalais and large parts of the Artibonite Department. Gang members have committed mass killings, extortions, sexual violence, arson and forced displacements across the country.

Despite that history, the Pan-Africanist political leader, activist, writer and geopolitical journalist known for his opposition to “Françafrique and imperialism” in the 21st century, insists forgiveness is the only viable path forward.

“The problem with Black people, like Malcolm X said, is that they’re very good at forgiving white people—those who colonized us—but we can never forgive Black people,” he said.

Séba claimed to have spoken directly with several unnamed gang leaders, saying some of them were moved to tears and expressed regret for their actions. Still, he added a caveat.

“Those who don’t seek forgiveness must be executed,” he said.

A polarizing message from France to Benin and Haiti

The proposal, arguably the first by a prominent figure to openly advocate for reconciliation with gangs, left attendees divided.

Jodlin ‘Gagòt’ Etienne, a small business owner from Quartier-Morin, a nearby Downtown Cap-Haïtien town, said that despite being affected by gang roadblocks, he supports Séba’s appeal.

“It’s not about forgiving—it’s about where forgiveness will take us,” Etienne said. “We need true forgiveness between us. We won’t be able to live well without it.”

Cap-Haïtien resident Mickenson Nordys also supports reconciliation, but noted that victims of gang violence—especially those in the capital—may not be ready.

“I haven’t lived what they’ve lived,” he said. “People who were raped, kidnapped, or displaced may not be ready to forgive like I am. But I believe that to move forward, we have to forgive by any means necessary.”

Séba is one of the most outspoken Pan-African activists of the past decade. In July 2024, he was stripped of his French nationality following years of anti-colonial activism. He is reportedly preparing a presidential bid in Benin for 2026.

During his stay in northern Haiti, Séba also spoke at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Management in Cap-Haïtien on May 30.

While his message resonated with some attendees, it also reignited painful debates about justice, accountability, and how to chart a path out of Haiti’s multidimensional crisis—a crisis shaped by both internal violence and long-standing foreign entanglements.

“Every student here is a means to realize the Haitian dream of living together,” Séba said. “I see in every young person a potential for resistance against national disintegration.”

National Center of Haitian Apostolate 

Sunday, June 15, 2025 – Solemnity of the Trinity - C

Proverbs 8:22-31; Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15.

Fr. Jean Ralph Riccardy Pompée THÉODAT

 Brothers and sisters! During these last Sundays, the liturgy has focused on the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity. Pentecost (Holy Spirit) Ascension (Son and Father). On this Sunday, we celebrate the loving relationship of the Three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity, the first principal mystery of the faith: "Unity and Trinity of God". We have been baptized and receive all the sacraments in the name of the Holy Trinity, we begin the day by invoking Him with the sign of the Cross; We do everything in his name and for his glory; at the end of this earthly life, we will be blessed in the name of the Most Holy Trinity. A path of life that begins and returns to God. It is a mystery that is not comprehensible in its fullness by human reason, but we can live, step by step in our lives, this relationship with the Divine.

 . The first reading that we have just heard and that we are meditating on reveals to us a mystery: there is an eternal God, who is before the beginning of all things. Mysteriously, the book of Proverbs reveals to us that this eternal Being or the "Lord" was at work. In the beginning of all things, he made eternal Wisdom resemble him.

 . It is important to note that our knowledge of God does not come from our extensive study and scholarly speculations, but from the revelation that the Lord makes of Himself. We did not invent a God in our image, it is He who revealed Himself to us from Abraham and Moses! And besides, if we had created Him in our image, He would not be called the "God of tenderness and mercy!" but we would have made Him the God of law, vengeance, and punishment. 

 . But how can we preach about God's deepest being, his essence, when no one has ever seen Him? What Jesus says at the beginning of today's Gospel text is of extraordinary value : "I still have many things to say to you, but for now you cannot bear them. When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will lead you into all truth." 

One thing is certain, to speak of the Trinity is to speak of God. Not of what he is behind closed doors, but of his manifestations, his adventures through the world of men.

 . In the second reading, Saint Paul tells us that "the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" has the role of pouring out God's love in our hearts. The Holy Spirit thus reaches our inner dimension, the deepest dimension of our being. It is God in us who guides us, teaches us, invites us to action, communion, comforts, and strengthens us. 

 . Brothers and sisters! God is not an executioner who spies on and punishes at the slightest mistake, but a Father who patiently waits for the return of his daughter or his prodigal son to celebrate, without asking for an account of what has happened (Luke 15:11-32). He welcomes the workers of the last hour (Matthew 20:1-16), all those who are deemed unworthy to attend synagogues (Luke 13:14), marginalized lepers (Luke 17:11-18, 14), publicans, sinners (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32). He dialogues indiscriminately with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42) and protects the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11). He welcomes the thief condemned to die with him on the cross (Luke 23:32-43). This God of tenderness and love invites us to a covenant with him. He inspires and strengthens us. He is our support and comfort. In fact, we are Christians, not because we love God, but rather because we believe that God loves us.

 . We could "summarize" today's feast as follows: God the Father is the source and purpose of life; Jesus Christ is the way to the end; the Holy Spirit is the strength to walk on the road and reach the goal. Amen!

 Fr. Jean Ralph Riccardy Pompée THÉODAT

What to do if immigration agents approach you | Fact sheet

A guide for the Haitian community on knowing your rights and preparing for interactions with ICE agents.

by The Haitian Times Jan. 27, 2025

A step-by-step guide for immigrants to navigate ICE encounters, including Haitian Creole resources and legal support.

Editors note: This tip sheet will be periodically updated. Last update: 02/13/2025

As the Trump Administration’s hectic immigration crackdown continues, immigrant advocates continue to update guidance to help targeted communities respond. One area they are raising awareness around is immigration enforcement’s use of duplicitous tactics that can cause immigrants to incriminate themselves. Some officers may use ploys to gain access to your home, vehicle or other property. Others may lie by omission or outright to persuade you to let them search and seize your space or belongings. 

Navigating encounters with immigration enforcement agents (ICE) can be daunting, but knowing your rights and preparing in advance can make a significant difference. This fact sheet provides essential steps to help immigrants, especially members of the Haitian community, protect themselves and their families during these situations.

1. Know Your Rights: You should be informed about your rights when interacting with ICE, including the right to remain silent and the right to refuse entry to agents without a warrant.

• Nan Kominote Nou Yo, Nan Lari Nou Yo (In Our Communities, In Our Streets)
• Si ICE Arete Nou (If ICE Arrests Us)
• Lè ICE Dèyè Pòt Nou (When ICE is at Our Doors)
• Anndan Lakay Nou (Inside Our Homes)

2. Carry a red card: This business card-sized red document created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides instructions on what to do in an interaction with ICE. It also lists essential legal contacts and encourages immigrants to have an emergency plan in place.

Red Cards link: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas

3. Document the event: If you witness an ICE operation, take note of the time, location and any other details that may help document the situation.

4. Reach out for help: Get support through local advocacy organizations such as HaCoNet, which provides resources and legal counsel.

5. Stay connected: Continue to monitor the situation, but verify the credibility of all information.

6. Protect yourself during ICE encounters: Immigration enforcement officers may use deceptive tactics to gain access to homes, vehicles, or workplaces. Understanding your rights can help you avoid self-incrimination.

• Do not open the door unless ICE presents a valid, judge-signed warrant with your name on it.
• If they show an unsigned or incorrect warrant, state that they have the wrong address or person and ask them to leave.
• If ICE enters without proper authorization, clearly state, “I do not consent to a search,” then remain silent.
• Do not sign any documents given to you by immigration officers or law enforcement.
• If ICE arrives at your workplace, remain in areas not open to the public unless they have a signed warrant for you.
• Do not point out errors in their paperwork. Mistakes such as misspelled names or incorrect dates of birth may be useful in legal proceedings later.

7. Know your immigration status and plan ahead:

Being informed and prepared can help protect you and your loved ones in case of an immigration enforcement action.

• Discuss immigration status with trusted family members, especially if it is uncertain.
• Secure important immigration documents in a safe location, ensuring a trusted person can access copies if needed.
• Develop a family plan in case of detention or separation, including arrangements for children’s care if applicable.

Editor’s note: This fact sheet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals facing immigration-related issues should consult a qualified attorney or accredited legal representative for guidance specific to their situation.

Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 4 juin 2025

Petition demands justice after Haitian woman dies giving birth in fear of deportation

Lourdia Jean-Pierre died during a home birth in El Seibo, Dominican Republic, after avoiding a hospital out of fear of being deported. A petition is now calling for accountability.

by Edxon Francisque May. 23, 2025

THE HAITIAN TIMES

Overview:

Lourdia Jean-Pierre died during a home birth in El Seibo, Dominican Republic, after avoiding a hospital out of fear of being deported. A petition is now calling for accountability.

NEW YORK — More than 800 people have signed a petition condemning the Dominican government and demanding justice for Lourdia Jean-Pierre, a 32-year-old Haitian woman who died on May 9 during a home birth in El Seibo, Dominican Republic. Jean-Pierre reportedly avoided going to the hospital out of fear she would be deported under new immigration rules.

In her home, without medical staff, Jean-Pierre delivered her baby alone. As labor pains intensified through the early morning hours, her partner, Ronald Jean, urged her to seek hospital care. But she refused, afraid that hospital staff would report her to immigration authorities. She died before help could arrive.

Her death has sparked international condemnation and has brought renewed attention to the dangers undocumented Haitian migrants face in the Dominican Republic.

The petition, initiated by a human rights organization, seeks to gather one million signatures to demand accountability and justice for undocumented Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic. 

“We say enough to a state and ruling elites that are femicidal and racist, who have made Black women—immigrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent, and Dominicans—a military target, the center of hate promotion, increased injustice, the application of unjustified and illegal force and violence, and an excuse to cover up the total absence of the rule of law,”  the petition states.

 “This is a regime sustained by racism, anti-Haitianism, classism, and patriarchy,”

the petition readsnormal

The petition shared in the Spanish language also includes details of what allegedly occurred after Jean-Pierre’s death. It claims that Dominican police detained her partner and newborn child, handing them over to immigration agents. Authorities then allegedly sealed the home with Jean-Pierre’s body inside, barring access. No medical examiner came to certify the death. It was neighbors, the petition says, who documented the scene in a video and helped arrange a burial, despite fear of retaliation.

In the last two months, mass expulsions of Haitian migrant women—some in labor, pregnant, or with newborns—have escalated under new immigration policies introduced by Dominican President Luis Abinader. A recently enforced hospital directive now requires patients to present identification, proof of address, and a work letter before receiving care—effectively denying medical services to many undocumented migrants.

“We denounce these actions to the international community for their knowledge and action, given the fascist regime and deprivation of rights prevailing in the Dominican Republic, sustained by racism, anti-Haitianism, classism, and patriarchy. A regime in which the three branches of the state act in unison, ” the petition further states.

As of May 23, the petition has garnered 811 signatures and continues to seek broader support. Advocacy groups, human rights activists, and professors from Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, Cuba, and other Latin American countries have signed the petition, highlighting the international concern over the treatment of Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic.

Jean-Pierre leaves behind four children—two of them still in Haiti—and a newborn, now in the care of a relative in the nearby town of Miches.

Cholera spreads in Haiti’s displacement camps, deepening humanitarian crisis

Cholera has become a silent epidemic in Haiti, with nearly 1,300 suspected cases, including nine confirmed and 19 deaths, reported in March 2025. Yet, this hasn’t made headlines or triggered emergency alerts from the authorities.

by Juhakenson Blaise May. 19, 2025

THE HAITIAN TIMES

A patient being transferred after receiving care at La Paix University Hospital, in Delmas 33, Port-au-Prince, on November 8, 2024. Photo by Dieugo André for The Haitian Times.

Overview:

Cholera is resurging across Haiti, with 1,298 suspected cases, nine confirmed and 19 deaths reported from the beginning of the year through March 2025. The disease, which reemerged in 2022 after being eliminated in 2019, is spreading in both urban and rural areas, particularly affecting displacement camps due to gang violence. The newly detected cases in 2025 highlight the urgent need for clean water and medical care amid a collapsing healthcare system.

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Concern is mounting at the Bois-Verna displacement camp in Port-au-Prince after two children showed symptoms of chronic diarrhea on May 12. While not confirmed as cholera, the cases have heightened fears following four reported infections in April. Those patients were initially rushed to the overwhelmed Hôpital La Paix, which failed to provide adequate care, before being transferred to a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital on Delmas 33. Despite these warning signs, residents say authorities have yet to take rapid response measures to contain a potential outbreak.

“After the families informed us of these cases, the threat remains because no decontamination session has taken place in the camp,” Jhonny Élysée, president of the Bois-Verna camp committee, told The Haitian Times. 

“We lack the materials to carry out the cleaning. Where we live, we are exposed to all kinds of diseases.”

Health risks are rising in Haiti’s displacement camps, where more than a million people live in precarious conditions after fleeing gang violence. Overcrowded shelters and poor sanitation have left them vulnerable to diseases like cholera, skin infections, and persistent diarrhea. The collapse of the healthcare system—marked by the shutdown of more than 30 hospitals and clinics due to attacks—has only deepened the crisis.

“We haven’t received any mobile clinics or emergency centers from the state after these cases, even though the problems are numerous,” Élysée added.

A concerning surge of cholera in early 2025

As of March 29, Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) had reported 1,298 suspected cholera cases, including nine confirmed and 19 deaths—marking a sharp rise in infections. Initial cases surfaced March 20 in at least three IDP sites in Port-au-Prince, where sanitation is severely lacking. Surges followed in Cité Soleil and Arcahaie, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The fatality rate now stands at 1.65%, surpassing the emergency threshold.

We lack the materials to carry out the [proper] cleaning. Where we live, we are exposed to all kinds of diseases.

Jhonny Élysée, president of the Port-au-Prince Bois-Verna camp committeenormal

Even earlier, by early March, Doctors Without Borders had treated 148 patients at its Cité Soleil facility—including 19 new cases in a single day on March 6. In Bourdon, eight people died and several more were hospitalized in April, with residents linking the outbreak to the heavily polluted Bourdon ravine, their daily water source.

Outside the capital, rural areas are also seeing deadly spikes. In Fonds Baptiste, Arcahaie—40 miles north of Port-au-Prince—23 people died and over 80 were hospitalized in March. Locals opened a Cholera Treatment Center, but staff and resources remain scarce.

After a screening in November 2024, cholera cases were also reported in municipalities across Artibonite. A vaccination campaign launched Dec. 19 showed early success, but misinformation has slowed broader uptake.

Artibonite beats cholera vaccine goal despite misinformation

Over 227,000 residents received cholera vaccines in two months, surpassing initial goals, despite misinformation and logistical challenges, especially in Gonaves.

However, while the officials reported early successes, such as exceeding vaccination targets in certain areas, persuading all residents to get the vaccine remains a battle due to disinformation.

In a public statement in march, Doctors Without Borders emphasized the urgent need for universal access to safe drinking water and medical care to halt the spread of cholera. 

And with the rainy season underway, the risk of transmission is increasing, especially in displacement camps. “For example, people don’t have tarps to protect themselves from the rain, there is no lighting, and the sanitation areas are hazardous to our health,” Élysée noted.

National Center of Haitian Apostolate 

THIRD EDITION OF THE CHOIR COMPETITION CONCERT 

Welcome to the 3rd edition of the Haitian Choir Competition Concert of 2025 ! Choirs from several dioceses in Haiti and from diaspora communities are mobilizing to participate in the 3rd edition of the Haitian Choir Competition Concert on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM. This competition concert is an opportunity for the National Center for the Haitian Apostolate Abroad, through Radio Télé-Solidarité, to express its deep gratitude to the distinguished members of our choirs who play a very important role in our churches. 

The participation of Haitian choirs in this 3rd edition of the Haitian Choir Competition Concert is a demonstration of solidarity and a great testimony of faith and love for our church. Haitian choirs from Haiti and the diaspora join hands and collaborate harmoniously in the work of evangelizing the people of God in Haiti and the diaspora. 

In this competition concert, we are very pleased to see Haitian Catholic Priests and Haitian Nuns who understand the need to sing with their choir. It is a sign of affection and encouragement for our choirs. The people of God are always very happy to see our priests and nuns so present in our spiritual gatherings. 

The Grand Choir of the Saint Louis Mirebalais Parish will truly be conspicuous by its absence at this 3rd edition of the Haitian Choirs Competition Concert. We will never forget that one of its members was murdered during the night of March 31, 2025, when malicious individuals invaded their town and massacred many members of the population. Our prayers are with our brothers and sisters of the Saint Louis Choir of Mirebalais, Reverend Father Romel Eustache, PhD, The Pastor of this parish, the other members of the clergy of this parish, the Congregation of the Little Sisters of Saint Theresa, and the valiant people of Mirebalais during this difficult time. The Saint Louis Choir had begun rehearsals to participate with us in this third edition and was the second-place winner in the second edition of the Haitian Choir Competition Concert of 2024. 

 The great choir of the Notre Dame du Rosaire parish of Croix-des-Bouquets will be present at this third edition of the choir concert. We are aware of the difficult situation in which the Commune of Croix-des-Bouquets is currently experiencing. The Grande Choir Notre Dame Du Rosaire de la Croix-des-Bouquets was 3rd in the 2nd Concert-Competition of December 2024 and I have to add that she was also present in the last two concerts and she will be with us again. It is truly a great testimony of faith, hope and solidarity. The choir of the Lycée Jacques 1er de la Croix-des-Bouquets is also participating. A big thank you to the Director of the Lycée Jacques 1er de la Croix-des-Bouquets, Professor Jérémie Joseph who did everything in his power to facilitate the participation of the students of the Lycée Jacques 1er to participate in this Concert-Competition.

Last year, His Excellency The Most Reverend Jean Désinord, Bishop of the Diocese of Hinche, was present with us at the first edition. He also opened the concert with a memorable prayer of thanksgiving and his blessing. He will be with us again if his episcopal visitation schedule allows him the opportunity. The presence of Monsignor Désinord among us always brings joy and comfort. Thank you! 

 We will also have the privilege of welcoming His Excellency The Most Reverend Joseph Gontrand Decoste SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Jérémie and Father of the Year 2025-2026 of the National Center for the Haitian Apostolate Abroad. Despite a very busy weekend schedule, he will do everything in his power to be present and give us his blessing at the end of the evening. His Excellency The Most Reverend Joseph Gontrand Decoste SJ is known for his closeness to the people of God, and like a Good Shepherd, he understood the importance of always being with the People of God. 

The distinguished members of the Jury are committed to announcing the competition results in less than two weeks. They will all be present at the concert and will invite the choir members to the announcement of the results. Before the end of June, we will hold an evaluation meeting with the choir members, with the members of the Jury present. 

 Monsignor Pierre André Pierre, Executive Director of the National Center for the Haitian Apostolate Abroad, addressed the participants: "I would like to extend a warm welcome to the choirs that will perform in this third edition of the National Center for the Haitian Apostolate Abroad Competition Concert. You are making a remarkable contribution to the liturgy of the Church." You express with simplicity and beauty, in language that touches our hearts, the mystery of God's love that saves his people. You help the people of God celebrate and commune with the divine. Just as the Apostle Paul invited the faithful who gather together in anticipation of the Lord's coming to sing psalms, hymns, and inspired canticles (Col 3:16), you remind us, following Saint Augustine, that "To sing well is to pray twice. In this world that degrades the dignity of God's children, we rejoice to walk together on the paths of hope that does not disappoint." 

Finally, we wish the participating choirs good luck and a big thank you for helping us keep the torch of solidarity among choirs burning among us. 

Brother Tob

Cap-Haïtien proves the doubters wrong with vibrant Haitian Flag Day parade | PHOTOS

Once seen as an unlikely host, the northern city embraced the moment, delivering a celebration filled with music, pride and national unity

by Onz Chéry May. 19, 2025

THE HAITIAN TIMES

Overview:

A series of images and videos from the national Haitian Flag Day parade in Cap-Haïtien on May 18, 2025.

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Just days before the national Haitian Flag Day parade, Cap-Haïtien’s town hall launched a flurry of preparations, cleaning the streets, painting curbs, and building spectator stands. Marching bands could be heard rehearsing throughout the city in the week or two leading up to May 18, filling the air with anticipation.

Many residents doubted Cap-Haïtien’s ability to host the flagship celebration, with some convinced the city would fall short. The northern city was tapped to host the national parade after officials deemed Arcahaie, its traditional location, too dangerous due to persistent gang violence in the Western Department.

But Cap-Haïtien delivered.

The city hosted an exhilarating Flag Day parade on Sunday, drawing larger crowds than in recent years. Traffic ground to a halt as revelers flooded the streets, reminiscent of the grand celebrations of the early 2000s. Revelers, many draped in Haitian flags, lined both sides of the parade route to watch fanfares and marching bands perform between them.

The marching bands electrified the crowd with the sound of their cheerful melody produced with drums, trumpets, trombones, and other instruments. Majorettes danced along the music under the cheers of an animated crowd. 

Similarly to the crowd, the number of marching bands also increased significantly from previous years. The band members sported elegant blue, red, black and white costumes as they marched down the road.

Relive some of the moments of Cap-Haïtien’s national Haitian Flag Day parade in those images.

Revelers, some adorned with Haitian flags, gazing at members of a marching band playing music during the Haitian Flag Day parade in Cap-Haïtien on May 18, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times

A trumpet player performing during the Haitian Flag Day parade in Cap-Haïtien on May 18, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times

A little girl sporting a dress made with the Haitian flag during a flag day activity in Cap-Haïtien on May 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times

Members of the crowd proudly wearing shirts, hats and scarves with the Haitian flag as design. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesRevelers adorned in red and decorated with the Haitian flag during the Haitian Flag Day parade in Cap-Haïtien on May 18, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times

Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 22 mai 2025

Aventura Library's Flag Day Celebration Literary Event

More than fifty people participated in the Haitian Flag Day celebration at the Aventura Library this last Saturday, May 17, 2025. The attending audience was well entertained by the many Haitian authors present at the auditorium. Gifted authors like Daniel Bayard, Patrick Louis, Margareth Papillon, Lyonel Gerdes, Alexandra Jeanty Leclerc, Mireille Sylvain-David, Irsa Vieux, Maryse Denis, Bito Dvid, and Jan Jak Stephen Alexis were at the scene each taking turns to talk about their books with the audience.

Live background music was provided by Ernst Registre, the maestro of Twoybajazz with Garry Metayer and Wolly Saint-Louis Jean as special guest singers at the celebration. Audience participation was quite noticeable through the dynamic Q&A exchanges from the crowd. The event was livestreaming by Harold. Patric Ellancy and Severe Kyrenios from Island T.V. were among the audience filming and interviewing the Haitian authors. In all, it was a successful Flag Day celebration at the Aventura Library.

Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center (TLCC) in the heart of Boston

 As we proudly welcome Haitian Heritage Month https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Heritage_Month, we invite you to join us on Tuesday May 20th for the long-awaited Grand Opening of the Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center (TLCC), in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts.

Named in tribute to the life and legacy of Toussaint Louverture, the visionary leader of Haiti’s revolution (born on May 20, 1743), TLCC will celebrate Haitian heritage and the remarkable achievements of the first Black republic to gain its independence and abolish slavery. More than just a cultural center, TLCC will serve as a dynamic gateway to exploring and learning about Haiti’s extraordinary historical and cultural legacy, facilitate connections across communities, and celebrate all that Boston has to offer.

 On behalf of the TLCC Executive Committee, please join us, join the Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu, and the President of the Boston City Council Rutzhee Louijeune, and a host of special guests for this Grand Opening: Charlot Lucien.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM 131 Beverly Street, Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, MA (3 minutes walk from the North Station T Station  or TD Garden; steps away from Alcove Restaurant, 50 Lovejoy Wharf)

Mingle with fellow supporters of this historic milestone, explore vibrant art exhibitions, get a glimpse of Haiti’s rich history, and culture through some performances and presentations. We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with you. Be a part of history!

Haitian singer F-MACK sets sights on becoming Mexico’s ultimate showman

Fermilus Mackenson Fils Lenor moved to Mexico to pursue his music dreams. Now, he’s blending Haitian jazz, soul and R&B with Latin flair—and releasing his debut album.

by Annika Hom May. 14, 2025

THE HAITIAN TIMES

F-MACK performing at Tonal in Mexico City on April 11, 2025. Photo by Annika Hom for The Haitian Times.

Overview:

In Mexico City, Haitian singer F-MACK is chasing a dream sparked by watching Selena as a kid in Port-au-Prince. Blending gospel, jazz, R&B and Latin sounds, he’s building a name with help from mentors, collaborators and fans. Featuring insights from engineers, musicians and cultural leaders, this story charts his rise from church choirs in Haiti to headlining stages across Mexico.

MEXICO CITY— When Fermilus Mackenson Fils Lenor watched the movie “Selena” as a child in Port-au-Prince, he knew he wanted to be an entertainer. One scene stayed with him: Jennifer Lopez, portraying the late Mexican-American icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, takes the stage at a packed Mexican festival early in her career. The crowd is skeptical at first, but as Selena begins to sing “Como La Flor,” she wins them over. “‘Como La Flor,’” the Haitian star sang softly from his Mexico City apartment while speaking with The Haitian Times. 

“I saw it and said, ‘I want to be that.’”

That childhood dream has taken shape in unexpected ways. Now 35, Lenor—known professionally as F-MACK —performs across Mexico, where he’s building a loyal audience with a distinct sound that fuses R&B, soul, gospel, funk and Caribbean influences. His debut album, Gatear— Spanish for “to crawl” is expected later this year.

“I was right about my dream,” F-MACK said. “I just needed to perfect it.”

F-MACK  is a Haitian voice that has been reshaped in Mexico.

He moved from Haiti to the Mexican state of Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave six years ago to study at the prestigious Centro de Estudios de Jazz at Universidad Veracruzana. He now lives in Mexico City and has performed at major festivals, including Bahidorá in Las Estacas and Remind GNP in Guadalajara.

Many of his songs seamlessly switch between English and Spanish; some earlier ones are in French and Haitian Creole. His extended play (EP) RENACIDO—Spanish for “reborn”—features two rising tracks and is part of what he calls his artistic evolution. “Now the baby is crawling,” he said of his album provisionally named Gatear, which will be released this year, continuing the metaphor.

I was right about my dream. And I just needed to perfect it.

Fermilus Mackenson Fils  “F-MACK” Lenornormal

The new album incorporates more Latin and rock elements but stays rooted in his signature soulful fusion. “My songs improve as I improve as an artist,” F-MACK said.

His collaborators also include Mexican musicians and writers. One crowd favorite, “A Huevo,” uses a slang term loosely meaning “let’s go!” to capture the spirit of F-MACK’s cultural crossover.

 “I just make a song, honestly. This is my Spanish, this is my English—do you like it?” F-MACK said.

From Port-au-Prince churches to the stage in Mexico

F-MACK grew up in a modest household in Port-au-Prince, where his mother owned a restaurant and his father worked in construction. His musical foundation came early—he was singing before he could talk, his mother said, and learned to harmonize with friends in the Haitian capital to Celine Dion ballads.

At 17, he joined a Christian choir after auditioning with Britney Spears and Mariah Carey songs. Gospel music taught him vocal discipline and showmanship.

When he was older, the maestro of the Haitian group Hallelujah Gospel discovered F-MACK during an event and told him to audition. It was a performance that even surprised him. 

“Suddenly, I was discovering I was special,” he said, recalling a breakthrough performance of “Jesus, You’re Everything to Me” at age 19.

After failing to get into Haiti’s École Nationale des Arts (ENARTS) in 2001, he tried again—and was accepted the next year to study classical music. That discipline would shape his professional path.

He wants to be a frontman. When he steps onto the stage, he becomes somebody else.

 Diego Zumaran, F-MACK’s sound engineer and production managernormal

In 2012, a bassist invited F-MACK to front a combo at the PAPJAZZ festival, Haiti’s annual jazz celebration gathering various global celebrities of the music world. There, he saw Haitian jazz singer Mélanie Jean Baptiste Charles perform a scat solo, and after connecting with her after the show, she gave him his first scat lesson. 

“I was in love with her [artistry]. I wanted to do what she was doing,” F-MACK said.

That same year, he met traditional musician Camil Meseguer Rioux of the Mexican band Sonex. Years later, F-MACK reached out, looking for a way to leave Haiti and expand his music career. Rioux welcomed him to Veracruz and introduced him to the jazz program that would change his life.

Rioux still remembers the first time he heard F-MACK sing. “He hit an incredibly high whistle note,” the founder of Sonex told The Haitian Times.

Open letter to the United Nations: Haitians need help now | Opinion

Daniel Jean-LouisMay 8, 2025 10:52

THE HAITIAN TIMES

Armed gangs continued to sow chaos in Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince. More than 60,000 Haitians have been displaced in the past month. Jounny Fils-Aime Johnny Fils-Aime

The simmering conflict between gangs and the Haitian police last month boiled over into the streets of Kenscoff, a mountainous town southeast of Port-au-Prince known for its cool climate, vibrant agriculture and close-knit communities. Long a peaceful, highland retreat, Kenscoff is now the latest front in Haiti’s escalating crisis.

Early on Sunday, April 20, gangs ambushed a police vehicle, killing four officers. Two wounded survivors were rushed to Fermathe Hospital, run by the Baptist Haiti Mission (BHM), which has served the region since 1955, providing not only medical care but a critical community lifeline.

I currently serve as president of BHM, where I oversee the hospital and our scholarship program, which this year is educating 32,000 children — mostly from poor, rural families with few other options for formal schooling.

By late Sunday morning, gunfire reached the BHM campus. I feared the gangs might set the facility on fire, as has happened at other hospitals. We are the only care center in the region and one of the few still functioning in the country.

With no other recourse, I turned to social media. I posted an open letter on X addressed to the Transitional Presidential Council, Haiti’s de facto government. The post was widely reshared and, remarkably, helped spur action.

By Monday, the Haitian National Police had regained control of Fermathe and restored a fragile peace — at least for now.

That same Monday, the United Nations Security Council held its latest briefing on Haiti. Watching it felt like observing a roomful of doctors debate treatment options while a patient bleeds out on the table.

According to the UN’s top official in Haiti, the country is nearing “total chaos.” Yet Security Council members fell back on familiar talking points: the United States’ expressed concern about the “significant financial burden” of intervention, while China criticized U.S. failures to properly enforce an arms embargo.

It’s striking how much the UN’s past mistakes in Haiti — most notably thedevastating cholera epidemic introduced by peacekeepers — have stifled its will to act. Rather than risk repeating errors, they’ve chosen to do nothing.

So they debate while Haiti burns. Meanwhile, more people die.

Sometimes I wonder whether the world simply doesn’t understand how bad things have gotten, or if they’ve just stopped paying attention.

In the absence of law, gang atrocities have escalated beyond words. The horrors I’ve seen and heard defy expression. Every day of inaction allows further collapse — and makes future solutions more difficult and far more costly.

The time for discussion ended long ago. What Haiti needs now is action: The Security Council must authorize a new peacekeeping mission. At minimum, it should approve a UN Support Office to bolster the existing Multinational Security Support Mission.

At other times, I wonder if people do understand — but feel too overwhelmed to care. Maybe we’ve lost sight of what we’re actually fighting for.

I’m calling for intervention because I want my students to go to school safely and to dream freely.

Despite decades of instability and a collapsed state, many Haitian children still make it to class. We could get more of them to school tomorrow — if the police had the support to push the gangs back.

Life continues, even in chaos.

Parents still wash and press their kids’ uniforms. Older siblings guide younger ones across war-torn neighborhoods. Students still line up at the bell. They still say grace. They still wipe down their lunch tables. They still smile. They still hope.

They don’t need a perfect UN mission. They don’t need foreign saviors. They just need space to grow.

What Haiti’s youth need is enough security to go to school, to work, to vote.

The United Nations was founded on a promise —to protect life despite conflict, to safeguard the vulnerable, to uphold human dignity.

It was a promise to protect children. To protect the future.

I still believe Haiti’s children can rebuild their nation. The question is whether the world will help them do it.

Can the UN keep its promise?

Daniel Jean-Louis is president of the Baptist Haiti Mission.

France Acknowledges Devastating Effect of Debt Imposed on Haiti for Freedom

After two centuries, a contrite tone from President Emmanuel Macron, though no talk of reparations for French actions that thwarted the development of its former colony.

Published April 17, 2025Updated April 19, 2025

President Emmanuel Macron of France said on Thursday that it was time to “recognize the truth of history,” 200 years after King Charles X recognized the independence of Haiti but demanded that its former French colonists be paid an enormous sum for that freedom.

As a result, Haiti became the only country in the world where the descendants of enslaved people were forced over generations to compensate the descendants of their former colonial masters.

“This decision placed a price on the freedom of a young nation, which was thus confronted, from the moment of its constitution, with the unjust force of history,” President Emmanuel Macron of France declared.

Mr. Macron, who became president in 2017 and had not previously addressed in public the question of the debt, called for the establishment of a joint French-Haitian commission of historians to examine “two centuries of history, including the impact of the 1825 indemnity on Haiti.”

The commission will be led by Yves Saint-Geours, a French historian and diplomat, and Gusti-Klara Gaillard Pourchet, a Haitian scholar living in France.

“Once this necessary and essential work has been completed, the commission will submit recommendations to both governments with a view to learning lessons and building a more peaceful future,” Mr. Macron said.

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Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 19 mai 2025

Robert Prevost, of Haitian descent, becomes first US pope, takes name Leo XIV

Haitian Cardinal Chibly Langlois plays historic role in electing new pontiff

by The Haitian Times May. 08, 2025

Overview:

Robert Prevost, a Chicago native and longtime missionary in Peru, has been elected as the first pope from the United States, choosing the name Leo XIV. Among the electors was Haitian Cardinal Chibly Langlois, who made history as Haiti’s first cardinal to participate in the sacred conclave.

By NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press | Additional reporting and editing by The Haitian Times

Update, May 9, 2025: The brother of Pope Leo XIV confirmed to The New York Times that Pope Leo XIV has Haitian ancestry through his maternal grandfather, who listed “Hayti” as his birthplace in U.S. census records. The pope’s family descends from Creole people of color in New Orleans, part of a broader migration that helped shape Black Chicago—where the pope was born in 1955. Joseph Martinez—Leo XIV’s grandfather—was born in Haiti and married in New Orleans in 1887.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first pope from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, took the name Leo XIV.

In his first words as Pope Francis’ successor, uttered from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo said, “Peace be with you,” and emphasized a message of peace, dialogue and missionary evangelization. He wore the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Francis had eschewed on his election in 2013.

Prevost had been a leading candidate for the papacy, but there had long been a taboo against a U.S. pope, given the country’s geopolitical power already wielded in the secular sphere. But Prevost, a Chicago native, was seemingly eligible because he’s also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop.

Pope Francis clearly had his eye on Prevost and in many ways saw him as his heir apparent. He brought Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 to serve as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. And in January he elevated him into the senior ranks of cardinals. As a result, Prevost had a prominence going into the conclave that few other cardinals had.

The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers when white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel on the second day of the conclave. Priests made the sign of the cross and nuns wept as the crowd shouted “Viva il papa!”

Waving flags from around the world, tens of thousands of people waited to learn who had won and were shocked when an hour later, the senior cardinal deacon appeared on the loggia and said “Habemus Papam!” and announced the winner was Prevost.

He spoke to the crowd in Italian and Spanish, but not English.

The last pope to take the name Leo was Leo XIII, an Italian who led the church from 1878 to 1903. That Leo softened the church’s confrontational stance toward modernity, especially science and politics and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social thought, most famously with his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers’ rights and capitalism.

Haitian participation in a historic conclave

Among those casting ballots to elect Leo XIV was Haitian Cardinal Chibly Langlois, bishop of Les Cayes and the first Haitian ever to take part in a papal conclave. His participation marked a historic milestone for Haiti, offering the Caribbean nation a voice in one of the Church’s most sacred decisions.

Langlois’ vote underscored the increasing representation of leaders from marginalized and underrepresented regions, including those like Haiti, which has long faced political instability and natural disasters. His role reflects the Church’s ongoing commitment to elevating voices from the global south, a shift championed by Pope Francis.

Pope Leo XIV’s election came on the second day of the conclave, which began after the death of Pope Francis last month. The conclave process followed centuries-old traditions, with cardinals writing their selections on paper ballots and sealing them in an urn before the votes were tallied.

Prevost succeeds Pope Francis, who was widely known for his efforts to modernize the Church and amplify the voices of poorer nations. Observers now watch closely to see how Leo XIV will continue or diverge from that path.

 April: Month of Haitian Choirs

https://youtu.be/VPUI3wRSUu0?si=BIsiNaRBp_Xdb3sE

The staff of the Weekly Bulletin of the National Center for the Haitian Apostolate Abroad has declared April the Month of Haitian Choirs. This is an opportunity for all of us to thank and recognize the tremendous work of our choir members within the Church and in our faith communities. Our choirs are truly a source of hope and a gold mine for our Church.

The ministry of our choir members helps many people develop a good relationship with God. Singing is always praying twice. We are often delighted to participate in a Eucharistic celebration with the fine performance of a good choir. Sometimes we arrive at Mass feeling very sad, tired, and with family problems and unpaid bills. A choir's song can help us clear our minds and place ourselves completely in God's hands.

The month of Haitian choirs will end  for us at Radio Télé Solidarité, which will run until May 25, 2025, the date of Haitian Mother's Day and the Haitian choir concert. Many of our choirs  are beginning to mobilize for this great evening of recognition and solidarity among choirs. The Radio Télé Solidarité studio is open for broadcasts with members of our choirs. Some of them are already over 40 years of existence  and play a very important role in our faith communities. We urge them to always be lights and role models within our faith communities.

Yes! It is good to express our joy and gratitude to God through song. This is one of the reasons why we will be holding a major concert with Haitian choirs on May 25th. Choirs from the 10 dioceses of Haiti and the diaspora are invited to sing for the glory of God in this concert of unity and solidarity among Haitian choirs. Finally, allow me to conclude with this verse from the prophet Isaiah:

 "Give thanks to the Lord, and call upon him; make known his deeds among the peoples; make mention of his great name! Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things; let them be known throughout all the earth!" (Isaiah 12:4-5)

 Brother Tob

Phone: 631-334-7494

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IDB boosts Cap-Haïtien hospital funding to $100M amid Haiti’s healthcare collapse

During his visit to the northern city on May 7, the Inter-American Bank’s president, Ilan Goldfajn, also signed an agreement to revise the city’s $125 million water and facelift program amid questions over management and accountability

by Onz Chéry May. 09, 2025

THE HAITIAN TIMES

Overview:

During his visit to Cap-Haïtien, the capital city of the Northern Department, Inter-American Development Bank President Ilan Goldfajn announced Tuesday an increase in funding for the renovation and expansion of the city’s Justinien University Hospital from $85 to $100 million. Additionally, Goldfajn agreed to revisit a $125 million water, sanitation and hygiene project.

CAP-HAÏTIEN — The president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Ilan Goldfajn, announced on Tuesday an increase in funds for the renovation and expansion project of Cap-Haïtien’s Justinien University Hospital from $85 million to $100 million. Goldfajn, invited by the Haitian government seeking a greater financial boost from the multinational bank, made this commitment on behalf of the institution during his four-day stay in Cap-Haïtien. The head of the IDB also signed an agreement for a revised $125 million program focused on water supply and improving sanitation and hygiene conditions in the city.

“We’re happy to announce that we’re increasing the program’s budget from $85 to $100 million to strengthen health services in Haiti’s North,” Goldfajn posted on X about the funding for Justinien University Hospital’s (HUJ, per its French acronym) renovation and expansion project. 

“There are challenges, but we are partnering for the benefit of the people of Haiti.” 

The project’s first phase will consist of revamping the hospital’s emergency and surgical rooms. Then, the officials will proceed with renovating and expanding other areas. Goldfajn added that the IDB is also helping provide healthcare services for over a million Haitians.

Founded in 1890, the JUH is one of the oldest and largest hospitals in Haiti. However, this center, which welcomes hundreds of medical students for internships annually, is nearly devoid of resources. Poor working conditions, inadequate management, a lack of equipment and a series of strikes in recent years have destabilized the hospital and endangered patients’ health. Often, healthcare workers do not treat patients unless they pay for medical supplies upfront. Patients frequently crowd into the hospital, indicating a need for more space. 

Additionally, the hospital has only two restrooms, which are typically unsanitary, leading patients or their family members to urinate in the courtyard. Despite its importance, healthcare remains one of the many neglected sectors in Haiti’s dysfunctional system. 

Therefore, increasing funding for Cap-Haïtien’s main public hospital is a positive step forward, some residents say. However, Haitians fear that the project will either remain unfinished or fail to meet expectations, as seen in the past. 

For instance, despite a $35 million project financed by IDB to address the waste management problem in Cap-Haïtien, the issue remains largely unresolved. The IDB has also funded a drainage project in Cap-Haïtien, yet the city floods anytime it rains.

“Is it me, or do these things never start, finish, or just disappear after a while? “Or am I tripping?” Pierre Paul, a Detroit resident, said on May 7 about IDB’s projects in Haiti. 

IDB projects in Haiti worth $670 million over five years

Although many Haitians are dissatisfied with IDB’s work in Haiti, the bank has invested over $670 million in projects in the country over the past five years. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, it has proposed $243 million in grant resources. Approximately $140 million of this fund is designated for a youth skills program to address the gang recruitment problem and for rehabilitating the emergency room and surgical ward at the Cap-Haïtien hospital, according to a press releasefrom the financial institution.

As for the water, sanitation and hygiene program, Goldfajn stated that the goal is to bring clean water to over 130,000 households and strengthen essential services in both urban and rural areas in the north.

“Quite an impact!” Goldfrajn said. “We are adapting our work to Haiti’s fragile context and improving delivery.”

Goldfrajn has yet to provide further details on the hospital’s renovation and expansion, nor the region’s other projects financed by IDB. The institution has not replied to The Haitian Times’ interview request with Goldfrajn. 

Goldfrajn landed in Cap-Haïtien on May 7, and as of May 8, has visited Justinien University Hospital and École Mère Anne-Marie— a Catholic school where IDB is helping provide hot meals for students alongside the World Food Program (WFP). The IDB president also visited Caracol and Codevi, two industrial parks supported by the bank. He will visit the Hugo Chavez Cap-Haïtien International Airport to explore a possible expansion project there as well.

Providing jobs from the projects

Goldfajn also hopes the projects will help create jobs in Cap-Haïtien. On May 7, he discussed job creation with Transitional Presidential Council President Fritz Alphonse Jean and Finance Minister Alfred Metellus.

“Jobs mean more than income—they bring stability and strengthen communities,” Goldfajn remarked on his social media post. “This is why we are focused on enabling conditions: energy, skills, connectivity, and infrastructure. The IDB is honored to help bridge public policy and private investment to shape a recovery plan that delivers for Haitians.”

This marks the first time a multilateral development bank president has visited Haiti in years. According to the IDB press release, Goldfajn traveled to Haiti after the Haitian government invited him.

As hospitals close, ancestral leaf remedies sustain health and tradition in Haiti’s northeast

Rural Haitians turn to ancestral remedies, fueling a thriving trade that keeps traditional healing alive

by Edxon Francisque May. 06, 2025

THE HAITIAN TIMES

Overview:

In Haiti, the trade in medicinal and sexual endurance leaves is a centuries-old practice, deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the country. It meets both the health needs of the populations, who use these natural remedies to treat various problems, and their economic needs, by providing a source of income to many families.

FORT-LIBERTE—Madame Georges ‘Madan Jòj’ Joseph gathers a handful of fresh green leaves, inhaling their sharp, earthy scent, before gently returning them to the pile in front of her at the Ouanaminthe Communal Market, where she sits daily. In her hometown of Les Perches, about 18 miles from Ouanaminthe,  in Haiti’s northeastern region, the knowledge of using medicinal plants is more than tradition—it’s a way of life. ‘Madan Jòj’ is part of a generation that carries forward a cultural legacy built on the healing power of leaves. But she is only one among many.

In the open market, ‘Madan Jòj’ sits on her “ti chèz ba” creole for a low chair in a designated space for leaves known for their medicinal healing properties. Before her, a variety of leaves are laid out, with a constant flow of people coming and going.

“Most women come here to buy leaves for treating many ailments like cysts, fibroids, asthma and men buy leaves to treat men’s problems,” Joseph said, explaining how a lot of their customers can’t afford to pay for clinics or hospitals in Ouanaminthe. “And with all the hospitals closing, people are turning more and more to leaf remedies.”

“A person who knows and trades in medicinal and sexual endurance leaves can meet the many needs of people”

Exavier Milius, a father of 12 children and a lover of the leaves.
normal

With Haiti’s limited formal healthcare system, “remèd fèy” has long served as a vital alternative. Families turn to these plants for everything from stomach aches to respiratory infections—and even for boosting sexual vitality. Over generations, communities have transformed this ancestral knowledge into a thriving trade.

The doktè fèy—Creole for “leaf doctor”—is a respected healer who selects, prepares, and advises on medicinal plants, known as remèd fèy, used to treat a variety of ailments. Often farmers themselves, they either grow the plants or source them locally to craft traditional remedies. In their communities, these healers are trusted figures, called upon at any hour to offer care and guidance.

Jonathan Joazard, 79, is one such healer, part of a long line of doktè fèy in the region. He has been giving such advice since his younger years. Although blind now, Joazard still plays a vital role in preserving these ancestral practices. Locals continue to visit him for advice and plant-based remedies, as he is a living link to generations of this knowledge in Fort-Libertè.

“For those who know plants well, it is our biggest pharmacy that can cure everything,” Joazard, a natural plant and leaf healer and trader in Fort-Liberté. 

Across the region, dozens of hands—from farmers to pickers and vendors to processors and consumers—sustain the ancient medicine guide drawn directly from the land. The trade in medicinal plants is a crucial part of Haiti’s local economy, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities are scarce. For families like Madan “Jòj’, the income from selling these plants not only enhances their livelihoods but also supports the preservation of biodiversity and traditional knowledge.

Times.

Ancestral knowledge as Haiti’s unofficial pharmacopoeia

These rural ‘doktè fèy’ practitioners tap into ancestral wisdom to treat a wide range of ailments, using nature as both their pharmacy and guide. Their practice combines knowledge of medicinal plants, traditional rituals, and a profound spiritual connection to the natural world. From physical issues like fever, pain, and headaches to emotional struggles such as grief, stress, and mental distress, they offer personalized care that acknowledges the unique complexity of each individual’s health.

“I think nature gives us everything we need to stay healthy,” says Exavier Milius, a medicinal leaf enthusiast and father of 12 children

Many plants are prized for enhancing sexual health. Remedies made with Zo devan, jouk li jou, and bwa kochon are especially popular for boosting libido and performance naturally.

“These plants are a blessing for men who don’t want to waste their money,” says Belony Christella. 

“These leaves are like natural diamonds. You just have to find them and prepare them to work their magic.”

Belijan Augustin, a leaf seller at the Ouanaminthe Communal Marketnormal

“They’re a kind of prevention for those entering old age, and for others who don’t want to rely on chemicals,” adds Phaïca, a 28-year-old woman who uses the leaf-based remedies to enhance her partner’s vitality.

Among the most commonly used medicinal plants in the northeast are those like Lyann mòl, kase sèk, lyann legliz, fèy kowosòl, and lamitye. These plants help maintain good health during winter and spring, particularly for women and children who face persistent coughs. 

“These leaves are like natural diamonds. You just have to find them and prepare them to work their magic,” says Belijan Augustin, a leaf seller at the Ouanaminthe communal market.

Healers use a variety of plants to treat common ailments, with specific remedies for different health issues. For instance, plants like Kou barik, Bwa ti gason, and safran help alleviate pain, especially for older women dealing with joint pain or stomach discomfort during colder months. Others, such as bwa savan, pwa kongo frize, and chòché, are used to combat infections, while plants like fèy lougarou are sought after for their ability to help regulate hypertension and balance blood pressure.

Herbal teas are commonly used to treat ailments ranging from digestive to respiratory issues. Medicinal oils, made by macerating leaves in vegetable oils, are applied for massages, skin conditions, or aromatherapy. Ointments, created by mixing plant extracts with a fatty base like shea butter, target skin irritations, burns, and joint pain. Bottles, made with plant extracts and alcohol like kleren lakay, kleren Saint Michel, or kleren Gran Nò, are used for conditions such as premature ejaculation or stomach pain in older women. 

The marketing of medicinal plants

The growing interest in natural remedies has led to a significant increase in the commercialization of medicinal plants. Local markets and street vendors offer a variety of plants, ranging from popular species like moringa, lemongrass, and ginger to more region-specific varieties. This popularity stems from the power of the tradition of natural medicine, passed down over generations.

“People are becoming more aware of the benefits of natural remedies, and we are taking advantage of the opportunities this creates for those of us who collect and sell these plants,” Joseph said. 

“Nowadays, when I buy 10,000 HT Gds or $ US 76 of leaves, it does not last a week. I have to purchase more,” she said.

Medicinal plant trade: A vital link in Haiti’s economy and health

The trade in medicinal plants is a crucial part of Haiti’s local economy, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities are scarce. It involves various key players. Local farmers, the backbone of this industry, are producers and harvesters; they are the healers. They do not just sell raw plants; many of them also specialize in processing plants to create products such as infusions to treat. These plants are then sold to vendors, middlemen or women, or street sellers, some of whom also serve as traditional healers. Though informal and unstructured, this trade plays a vital role in both the economy and the well-being of the communities.

One crucial link in the supply chain is the processor, who transforms raw plants into products like infusions, essential oils, and concentrated extracts. While processing methods may vary, they typically rely on traditional techniques that preserve the plants’ natural properties.

 “With the leaves, avocado seeds, coconut oil, and makristi oil, I prepare oils to promote hair growth,” says Cherlande Honoré, a young woman from Ouanaminthe who specializes in producing hair oils. 

“We believe in quality to ensure the effectiveness of our products,” Honoré adds. “That’s why we do everything by hand, without chemicals.”

Besides individuals, local businesses and cooperatives are also involved in the processing of leaves into herbal teas, oils, or ointments, selling to consumers who look after these products for their health needs. 

“With the profits I make from selling medicinal plants, I take care of my family, pay my children’s school fees, and pay the rent,” said “Madan Jòj”.

“A person who knows and trades in medicinal and sexual endurance leaves can meet the many needs of people,”  Milius said.

As economic hardships deepen and formal healthcare options continue to shrink, the enduring trade in medicinal plants offers more than just remedies—it offers resilience. For vendors like Madan Jòj and the generations to follow, each handful of leaves carries centuries of wisdom, a connection to the land, and the hope that through nature, communities will continue to heal and thrive, one leaf at a time.