Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 12 juillet 2025

Trump’s plan to end TPS for Haitians is hateful. Why aren’t more objecting? | Opinion

Bea L. HinesUpdated July 4, 2025 3:34 PM

Haitians fleeing armed gang violence in the capital and other regions of the country have crowded the northern port city of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. On Sunday, June 29, 2025, merchants could be seen along the waterway trying to eek out a living in the city where jobs and housing are in short supply. Jacqueline Charles Cette adresse e-mail est protégée contre les robots spammeurs. Vous devez activer le JavaScript pour la visualiser.

I, like many of you, try to look beyond the news headlines of horror and try to find the good in whatever the situation. These days, that’s kind of hard to do.

Take for instance, the news at the end of June that the Trump administration will try to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, citing “sufficient improvement” in Haiti so that Haitians could allegedly return home safely.

What a blatant lie.

It is no secret that Haiti has been a hellhole for many years. So, how did it recover without our knowing anything about it? 

Haiti has been roiled by natural disasters — the 2010 earthquake that killed more than 200,000, followed by devastating hurricanes. 

And the country has fallen victim to armed gangs, who think nothing of torching homes, schools and hospitals, killing and kidnapping the missionaries who risk their lives to bring hope and comfort to a people in dire need. 

Some were able to escape the turmoil and find solace, and a new life on these shores. But now, it seems, the solace many Haitians found here for many years is coming to an end. What will they go back to in Haiti? Where will they live? Or work? Or be educated? Or get medical attention?

When brutish and armed gangs took over a great portion of the country, the people who could leave were left with no other option but to flee. Over the years, Haiti, a land of majestic mountainsides and colorful creative people, gradually turned into a country in chaos. 

In September, the State Department issued a “Haiti Travel Advisory” warning Americans not to travel to Haiti “due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care.”

Even U.S. citizens still living in Haiti have been asked to leave the country as soon as possible or be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period. 

Does this sound like a place you would like to return to after having lived and worked and contributed to the economy of this country for many years? The Haitian people have become a part of our American landscape. 

More than 500,000 Haitian nationals are protected under TPS in the United States. If they were sent back to Haiti, we would be left with a great void, especially in South Florida, where their colorful culture has added flavor to the great Mixing Pot. 

So, while Haitians have eked out a life for themselves in many other parts of the country, I can hardly imagine a Miami without the Haitian influence. 

Let’s face it, folks — this isn’t about “restoring integrity” to the immigration system. Let’s call it what it really is: A blatant act of racism. It’s hating our sisters and brothers who happen to be from a Black nation.

Recently I heard an excerpt from a sermon by Pastor Loran Livingston, senior pastor at Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C., who said: 

“This is 2025… this is the worse generation, the most, evil generation since the flood of Noah, and it’s getting worse every day…” But, Livingston said, “It is not only society that is rotten, but the so-called church religious people are more like the world every day and are bringing the world into its so-called worship. There is no longer a fear of God in this world and in most churches… The Bible says, ‘… the fear of the Lord is the beginning is wisdom… but the fear of the God is gone. Many Christians no longer have a quaking, respectful fear of the God who saved them.”

I thought about Livingston’s sermon for a while, listening to his words over and over again. And I thought: “This is so true.” I grew up in church. I have always loved a good soul-searching sermon, one where I leave church wanting to be a better person, wanting to reach out to others with compassion.

This move to send Haitians, many of whom have become Americanized, back to a country that is foreign to them shows a dire lack of compassion on the part of the Trump administration. The move — along with the building of Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades — makes this generation look very bad, indeed. 

Where are the Evangelicals?

This is where I question the thousands of Evangelicals who support the president’s every move — even when it is the wrong move. 

I believe that if the true Bible-believing Evangelicals would stand up and get in a little “good trouble” as the late Congressman John Lewis once said, we would see some good changes happen in our country. People who love the Lord should also love the Lord’s people, including Haitians.

While I challenge the Evangelicals to try to persuade President Trump to rethink his order to end TPS for Haitians, I am not “picking” on them. I challenge them because of their staunch support of President Trump. If he listened to anyone, I believe it would be the Evangelicals. After all, many of them carry and promote his “Trump Bible.”

However, the burden of compassion is not solely left on the lap of the Evangelicals. As a believer, I know that God is love. He loves the just and the unjust. So, the message to love back is to us all. 

I don’t know what can be done to reverse President Trump’s decision to send a half-million people to what could mean their certain destruction. I just believe that none of us can afford to sit silently by and watch it happen.

After all — love is what love does. 

Bea Hines Al Diaz  Cette adresse e-mail est protégée contre les robots spammeurs. Vous devez activer le JavaScript pour la visualiser.

This story was originally published July 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

National Center of Haitian Apostolate 

Happy 46th Anniversary of Priestly Life Monsignor Pierre André Pierre! 

 On June 30, 2025, Monsignor Pierre André Pierre, Executive Director of the National Center of  the Haitian Apostolate, celebrated his 46th anniversary of priestly life. Like many young men of his generation, young Peter André Peter had heard God's call asking him to surrender himself completely to Him in the priestly life, and he answered yes, like his divine mother the Most Holy Virgin Mary. Monsignor Pierre is known for his humility and gift of great human relationships. 

He is a son of Arcahaie, the city of the flag, and comes from a Catholic family for several generations. He is the eldest of a family of seven children. He received his primary education from the Brothers of Christian Instruction of Arcahaie and his secondary education at the Small Seminary College Saint Martial (Petit Seminaire Collège Saint Martial), directed by the Fathers of the Holy Spirit (the Spiritists) in Port-au-Prince. Through the Collège Saint Martial, the Spiritains, who were among the great enemies of the regime of President François Duvalier (Papa Doc), trained several generations of Haitian scholars, many of whom attended the Grand Seminary of Our Lady of Haiti, after high school, to study priesthood or their vocation. What Haitian student, at the Small Seminary College Saint Martial between 1949 and 1968 in secondary classes, can forget the eminent priest-teacher of History of Haiti, The late  Antoine Adrien, Director of the establishment, who helped to be useful to the youth of Haiti country ? The large Haitian community of the Diocese of Brooklyn-Queens from 1972 to early 1986 continues to fondly remember Father Antoine Adrien, Father William Smarth and other Haitian priests of the Salt magazine  for their great closeness to the refugees or the Boat People Haitians from New York State. Today the Haitian community does not always have a spiritual leader to count on at this difficult time in our history, as the first black nation that gained its independence at the price of blood, where the Haitian is everywhere humiliated, does not enjoy any respect, despite the significant contribution economic development of the countries in which he lives. 

 The seminarian André Pierre, after his studies at the Grand Seminary of Our Lady of Haiti, was ordained a priest on June 30, 1979 by His Excellency the late Archbishop Monsignor François Wolff Ligondé, the first Haitian Archbishop of Archidiocese of Port-au Prince. Subsequently, the young priest Pierre André Pierre attended the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem where he obtained a degree in biblical studies. Back in Haiti, Father Pierre André Pierre taught in several high schools and congregational colleges in the capital. He was successively Vice-Rector of the Grand Seminary Notre-Dame d'Haiti (Section of Philosophy in Cazeau) and Rector of the same institution (Section of Theology in Turgeau), affiliated to the Pontifical Urban University of Rome. While preparing a doctoral thesis in biblical studies at the Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C., Father Pierre André Pierre was appointed director of the Haitian ministry in the Archdiocese of Washington and exercised this ministry in the Haitian community throughout the region of Washington, D.C., including parts of Northern Virginia and Maryland from 1997 to 2003. During this period in the US capital, he taught the New Testament at the Theological Union of Washington, until his return to Haiti in September 2003. 

 In addition, Father Pierre André Pierre was appointed by the then Pope John Paul II, chaplain of His Holiness, conferring on him the title of Monsignor. This polyglot and highly educated priest has therefore held several prestigious positions within the Catholic Church of Haiti, notably as secretary of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti and spokesman of the Catholic Church of Haiti from 2003 to 2009 and also as Rector of Haiti. the prestigious University of Our Lady of Haiti. 

 For nearly 4 years he has been the Executive Director of the National Center of the Haitian Apostolate Abroad. In this position, he continues to open his arms to work with anyone who believes that the Church is an organized body with Jesus Christ as its Center.

 Monsignor Pierre André Pierre is a very moderate priest who believes in unity within the Church. He does his best to bring his collaboration as Executive Director of the National Center of the Haitian Apostolate to the work of evangelization and the advancement of our community. He is keenly aware of the challenges of the National Center in this highly polarized Haitian community where it is not always easy to work and sit together. He has always taken care to listen very carefully to his interlocutors before giving his opinion or making a decision. Like many of our brothers and sisters, he continues to observe with great sadness the deteriorating situation of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora community where it is still not easy for us to sit together to help Haiti rise. 

 The staff of the National Center of the Haitian Apostolate, in communion with Radio Télé Solidarité, wishes a Happy 46th anniversary of priestly life to Monsignor Pierre André Pierre. May God continue to bless his ministry!

 Brother Tob

What is TPS and where it stands for Haitians today

Temporary Protected Status has shielded Haitians in the U.S. for over a decade—but its future remains uncertain

by The Haitian Times Jul. 03, 2025

Overview:

TPS has served as a legal lifeline for Haitians since 2010, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. amid crises back home. But a series of federal actions in 2025 have left the program—and its 500,000 beneficiaries—in flux.

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is a special immigration designation granted by the U.S. government to nationals of countries experiencing severe crises—such as war, natural disasters, or political unrest—that make it unsafe for their return. For Haitians, TPS has been both a legal lifeline and a source of constant uncertainty.

When and why did Haitians first receive TPS?

TPS was first granted to Haitians in January 2010, in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that killed an estimated 300,000 people and displaced more than a million others. The designation allowed Haitian nationals already in the United States to live and work legally without fear of deportation.

Since then, the U.S. government has repeatedly extended Haiti’s TPS designation due to the country’s ongoing instability—triggered by political violence, natural disasters, economic collapse, and widespread gang control, particularly in Port-au-Prince.

As of 2025, more than 500,000 Haitian nationals are estimated to be TPS recipients, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

What does TPS provide?

TPS allows eligible Haitian nationals to:

• Legally live and work in the United States
• Apply for employment authorization documents (EAD)
• Be protected from deportation while the designation is active

TPS is not a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, but it can provide temporary legal status and work rights during periods of crisis in one’s home country.

What’s changed in 2025?

In July 2024, President Joe Biden extended Haiti’s TPS designation for 18 months, pushing the expiration to Feb. 3, 2026. However, the Trump administration moved to reverse that in February 2025, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announcing a shortened expiration date of Aug. 3, 2025—cutting protections by six months.

Noem claimed the TPS system had been “exploited and abused for years,” and argued that Haiti’s conditions had improved enough for safe returns.

But advocates and lawmakers pushed back, calling the decision reckless. The House Haiti Caucus called the move “a shameful decision that could be a death sentence” for hundreds of thousands of Haitians facing deportation.

Has the shortened TPS deadline been overturned?

Yes—at least temporarily. On July 1, 2025, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end Haitian TPS early. The court found that DHS had overstepped its legal authority by attempting to cut short the designation without following federal procedures.

U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan ruled that Haiti’s TPS must remain in place through Feb. 3, 2026, restoring the original expiration set under the Biden administration.

“This is a huge victory for 500,000 Haitians,” said Brian Concannon, director of the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti, shortly after the decision.

What happens after Feb. 3, 2026?

That remains unclear. By law, DHS must conduct a review of country conditions and issue a decision—either to renew or terminate TPS—at least 60 days before the expiration. The next review deadline would likely be early December 2025.

If TPS is renewed, current holders must re-register and apply for new work permits. If not, the designation could expire, leaving thousands of Haitians vulnerable to deportation.

What risks do TPS holders face now?

Despite the court ruling, TPS holders face mounting challenges:

• Job loss: Employers like Walmart, Amazon, and Sam’s Club in Ohio have already started terminating Haitian workers whose employment authorization documents were set to expire, The Haitian Times reported on July 1, 2025.
• Deportation fears: ICE has been granted expanded fast-track deportation powers, even for those with expiring or recently invalidated TPS status.
• Legal limbo: With delays in asylum processing and few alternative immigration pathways, many Haitians fear they’ll fall through the cracks.

Where can TPS holders get help?

Several organizations offer legal assistance and support for low or no cost:

• Haitian Community Network (HaCoNet): Cette adresse e-mail est protégée contre les robots spammeurs. Vous devez activer le JavaScript pour la visualiser. | 1-614-600-5530
• Legal Aid Society of New York: TK
• Ohio Immigrant Alliance: ohioimmigrant.org | 1-216-867-1800
• Immigration Advocates’ list of non-profit legal services: http://immigrationadvocates.org

TPS is a temporary shield, not a permanent fix. For Haitian nationals, it has provided crucial relief—but the policy remains subject to political winds. While the court ruling offers a reprieve until February 2026, the future of Haitian TPS—and the thousands who rely on it—remains uncertain.

UN: Haiti’s gangs now control nearly all of Port-au-Prince as violence spreads

UN officials say gangs dominate the capital and are expanding into new areas, while Haiti’s transitional government struggles to respond

by The Haitian Times Jul. 03, 2025

Overview:

United Nations officials told the Security Council that armed gangs now control about 90% of Haiti’s capital and are expanding across the country. They warned of near-total state collapse as violence intensifies, undermining public safety and humanitarian efforts.

By Edith M. Lederer | Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Haiti’s gangs have gained “near-total control” of the capital and authorities are unable to stop escalating violence across the impoverished Caribbean nation, senior U.N. officials warned Wednesday.

An estimated 90% of the capital Port-au-Prince is now under control of criminal groups who are expanding attacks not only into surrounding areas but beyond into previously peaceful areas, Ghada Fathy Waly, executive director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, told the U.N. Security Council.

“Southern Haiti, which until recently was insulated from the violence, has seen a sharp increase in gang-related incidents,” she said. “And in the east, criminal groups are exploiting land routes, including key crossings like Belladere and Malpasse, where attacks against police and customs officials have been reported.”

Waly said the state’s authority to govern is rapidly shrinking as gang control expands with cascading effects. Criminal groups are stepping into the vacuum left by the absence or limited delivery of public services and are establishing “parallel governance structures,” and gang control of major trade routes has paralyzed legal commerce, leading to soaring prices for cooking fuel and rice, Haiti’s staple food, she said.

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the council “the ongoing gang encirclement of Port-au-Prince” and their strengthened foothold in the capital and beyond is “pushing the situation closer to the brink.”

“Without increased action by the international community, the total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario,” he warned.

Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïsein July 2021 and previously were estimated to control 85% of the capital. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination.

A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti last year to help quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. 

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ proposal in February to have the U.N. provide drones, fuel, ground and air transport and other non-lethal support to the Kenya-led mission has languished in the council.

In response to the gangs, the UNODC’s Waly said there has been a rapid growth in the number and activities of private security companies and vigilante self-defense groups, with some trying to protect their communities while others act illegally and collude with gangs.

“Over the last three months,” Jenca said, “these groups reportedly killed at least 100 men and one woman suspected of gang association or collaboration.”

He said the last three months have also seen an increase in sexual violence by gangs with the U.N. political mission in Haiti documenting 364 incidents of sexual violence involving 378 survivors just from March to April.

A new report by U.N. experts covering the period from last October through February said the gangs have exploited political turmoil and the disorganized response to Haiti’s security crisis, pointing to competing political ambitions and allegations of corruption within Haiti’s transitional governing bodies that have stymied action.

“While the expansion of territorial control brings gangs additional sources of revenue and bargaining power,” the experts said, “these attacks are also backed by individuals trying to destabilize the political transition for their own political goals.”

One major result is that very little progress has been made toward restoring public security or implementing the roadmap for organizing national elections by February 2026, the experts monitoring an arms embargo on Haiti and sanctions against key gang leaders said in the report to the Security Council.

With a weak national police force facing acute tensions in its leadership, an army that needs rebuilding, and the limited ability of the multinational force, the experts warned that the gangs will continue “to have the upper hand unless stronger international support is provided.”

As for vigilante groups, the experts said, they “often include local police officers, some of whom actively participate in human rights violations.”

The Haitian National Police have also carried out “a worrying number of extrajudicial killings … with suspected gang members often summarily executed,” the experts said, pointing to 281 summary executions by specialized police units in 2024 including 22 women and 8 children.

Despite the U.N. arms embargo on Haiti, gangs continue to obtain more powerful weapons not only from regional civilian markets but from police stockpiles in Haiti and the neighboring Dominican Republic, the experts said.

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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