Haïti is making headlines all over the world. And it’s not good news. The exploits of Haitians rarely generate so much interest, but we always tend to point out the excesses, spill ink to stir up thorns in the side, broadcast on loop to relay the chaos that is raging. There is hardly any media to make amends for the resilience of this cornered people. No one to highlight the fierce resistance that serves as fuel for this people hanging in the gorges of death. And what if it was to a certain extent the only way to talk about this country to finally attract attention? It is July 26, 2024. The Olympic Games have just started in France. The 33rd Olympiad of modern times. Without realizing it, according to Forbes Magazine, Haïti ranks among the ten nations with the best costume, proudly pointing to third place. At the same time, miles away from France, on “The Island of Skillfully Orchestrated Chaos,” Haitians do not even realize how much this recognition borders on irony. A paradox whose unpopular evocation is likely to greatly displease. An aerial image shows the city of Paris in all its splendor, illuminated like the gates of paradise, reflecting all the grandeur of France, all the magnificence it has acquired over the centuries, without forgetting the contribution of the blood shed by the horrible machine of colonization. I close my eyes, I go back in time, I see again this boy left to his own devices, lost without even knowing it, doomed to failure without even understanding it. And then there are the others. Boys in the same situation, or worse. Banished from society, they do not know what life has in store for them. They form the elegant class of the marginalized, in their quality of scoundrels, good-for-nothings, and thugs who spoil the splendor of society. This contrast challenges me, and I wonder for a moment if those who live the chaos from the outside grasp the stakes and the reality of the situation. Moreover, it seems to me that even the majority of Haitians living in the territory have no notion of the fundamental and essential aspects of the situation.
The year 2024 has been marked by the launch of many Haitian-created websites and mobile applications, projects that not only demonstrate the ingenuity of Haitian digital creators, but also their deep love for Haiti. Here is an overview of the most remarkable projects, symbols of Haitian ingenuity and creativity.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of all our activities and news on Haiti.
In Haiti, Christmas is a magical time for children, where traditions and festivities blend to create unforgettable memories. Two dates, in particular, mark this season: December 24, Christmas Eve, and December 31, which heralds the New Year. These moments are rich in activities and emotions, putting the youngest at the heart of the celebrations. This article explores why these two days are so special for children in Haiti.
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, the El Rancho Convention Center hosted the Made in Haïti Expo (MIH Expo), a major event aimed at promoting Haitian know-how and local industries. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Association of Industries in Haïti (ADIH) and various other companies, this exhibition highlighted the richness and diversity of Haitian products.
Music has always been an essential part of Haïtian culture, and among the many genres that have emerged from this Caribbean island, Compas holds a special place. It is a musical style that carries with it the history, cultural diversity and vibrant energy of Haïti. b~Origins and Evolution~b The Compas Haïtien, also known as Kompa, has deep roots in Haïtian and African musical traditions. Its development was influenced by genres such as Dominican merengue, Cuban salsa, jazz and even rock. This fusion of styles has resulted in a distinctive sound that embodies the cultural richness and diversity of Haïti. The Haïtian Compass has evolved over the decades, moving from a more traditional style to more modern and sophisticated forms. Iconic artists such as Nemours Jean-Baptiste and Tabou Combo helped shape the genre and propel it onto the international music scene. b~The Characteristics of the Compass~b Le Compas Haïtien is characterized by its intoxicating rhythm and complex arrangements. Traditional instruments such as guitar, saxophone, drums, and of course, bass, play a crucial role in creating this catchy music. The lyrics, often sung in Haïtian Creole, address varied themes, from love and joy to social and political issues. Dance is an inseparable component of the Haïtian Compass. The irresistible rhythms encourage the dancers to sway to the music. Traditional dance moves, such as "Kompa Direk" and "Kompa Love," reflect the joyful expression and sensuality that characterize this musical genre. b~Global Influence~b Over the years, the Haïtian Compas has transcended the borders of Haïti to conquer the international stages. Haïtian artists helped popularize the genre around the world, bringing with them the warmth and vitality of Haïtian culture. Music festivals dedicated to Compas attract fans from around the world, providing an immersive experience of this catchy music. The Haïtian Compass is much more than a musical genre; it is a standard bearer of Haïtian culture, a mirror reflecting the history, diversity and resilience of the Haïtian people. Discovering the Haïtian Compas means diving into a world of captivating rhythms, passionate dances and captivating stories, while celebrating Haïti’s unique musical heritage. Whether you are a world music lover or simply curious about new experiences, the Compas Haïtien is an invitation to an unforgettable sound journey.
On Wednesday, October 24, 2024, in the premises of the Office of Citizen Protection, on the road to Bourdon, the 8th Wednesday outing of the Monferrier Dorval chair took place. As a reminder, the Wednesdays of the chair are one of the initiatives taken within the framework of the Monferrier Dorval chair of constitutional law, established on March 12 by the Council of the State University of Haïti (UEH). The rector, Mr. Fritz Deshommes, is the technical director. Professor Henri Marge Dorléans, former Minister of Justice, is the scientific director, and the dean of the Faculty of Law and Economics, Me Eugène Pierre Louis, holds the position of both technical and scientific vice-president. It should also be noted that the two main objectives of the chair are, on the one hand, to promote the memory of Professor Dorval, then President of the Bar Association, who was cowardly assassinated in front of his house, near that of the presidential couple at the time, on August 20, 2020. On the other hand, it is about promoting the work he had undertaken in the country, as a professor of constitutional law, around the need to make a constitutional change to facilitate effective governance and better institutional management of Haiti.
Haiti, a Caribbean country with a complex history and varied landscapes, is often perceived through clichés that do not reflect the richness and diversity of its culture and people. Too often, we forget to see Haïti in all its grandeur, as a nation with a unique heritage, impressive resilience and untapped potential. In this article, we will break the stereotypes and present you with another side of Haiti, full of beauty, history and hope.
First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.
Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.
Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.
