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A successful eighth outing for the Wednesday of the Monferrier Dorval chairHaiti
A successful eighth outing for the Wednesday of the Monferrier Dorval chair
Haiti
  • November 09, 2024
  • | 0

A successful eighth outing for the Wednesday of the Monferrier Dorval chair

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.

A successful eighth outing

A successful eighth outing

This eighth edition was held around the themes of "Health, Environment and Territorial Planning", with three excellent guests, who mastered the field of their respective interventions as best as possible. They are Dr. Jean Patrick Alfred, Director of the MSPP Study and Programming Unit; Eng. Claude Germain, former Minister of the Environment of the Republic of Haiti, currently Vice-Rector of Lumière University; and finally Mrs. Christine Stéphenson, former Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Haiti, currently Executive Secretary of the National Committee for Territorial Planning. They respectively spoke on the themes of the day.

The doctor’s intervention focused mainly on the need to impose a regulation on what is commonly called traditional medicine. A minimum of science is needed in this sector, which will be able to provide more documentation on this medicinal practice. According to him. He even argued for an alliance between conventional medicine and the latter. He also stressed the need to better manage our waste, worrying about its extreme danger to our health (because it is a source of disease). He cited as examples corpses (which constitute the most dangerous waste for humans), hospital waste, and all other waste from our daily uses. Otherwise, the rest of his speech was devoted to the need to include, in a potential new constitution, and then enforce, access to health for all, to quality medicines and in sufficient quantities.

For his part, Engineer Claude Germain spoke on the theme of the environment. During his speech, he argued in favor of establishing a Haitian environmental code, rather than including articles in a new constitution concerning this sector. Because legislating without being able to enforce seems useless and ridiculous to him. Good environmental management is a serious matter. He recalled the systemic drama that Haïti is exposed to because of the changes due to climate disruption, caused by the harmful energy consumption of human beings on the planet. Haiti, alongside Burma and Honduras, remains one of the three countries most exposed to this danger, according to the final declaration made in Paris in 2015, during the COP 21 on climate. In short, Haïti will need an environmental code that can regulate the Haitian environment in its entirety. The engineer also had to denounce certain harmful practices, such as market gardening in our hills, burning our land before planting, which kill a lot of micro-organisms in our soils, making it increasingly difficult to fertilize our arable plots.

For her part, Ms. Christine spoke on the theme of land use planning, as a necessity for the development of Haiti. Because a country that knows itself is better able to move towards the well-being of its children. During her speech, she also conducted an analysis of Haiti’s territorial potential, which she described as rich and which deserves better consideration in the overall perspective of a land use plan for the development of Haiti. Because Haïti has assets that few countries in the region have, and whose better management should be able to change the country’s trajectory in order to bring it to the well-being of sustainable development.

A space for free exchange

A space for free exchange

The chair of constitutional law aims to be a space for exchange where primacy is given to scientific exchange. It is in this sense that this chair has established itself as a place where experts, in an exercise of scientific discussion, propose solutions (solutions concerning their professional fields) to be included in the perspective of a potential constitutional change. All this is accompanied by accessible debates, where the general Haitian public is invited to intervene to make their voice heard, in all its globality and diversity. The goal is to make the debate around the question of constitutional change relevant while being accessible to everyone, in particular, by emphasizing the promotion of the scientific and intelligent speaking of various Haitian experts.

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Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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The Monferrier Dorval Chair of Constitutional Law, a gesture from the State University of Haiti, for the preservation of the memory of Professor Dorval

The Monferrier Dorval Chair of Constitutional Law is a high-intellectual-intensity initiative, taken by the State University of Haïti (UEH), through the leadership of its rectorate, in agreement with the leaders of the Faculty of Law and Economics (FDSE). The initiative’s primary goal is to honor and perpetuate the memory of the valiant and brilliant Professor Monferrier Dorval, assassinated in unclear circumstances, about three years ago. And in order to make a scientific contribution to the great debate that has been going on in Haitian society for about ten years about the need to change or not, the constitution of March 29, 1987, amended on May 11, 2011. Shouldn’t we try to apply it preferably? If it needs to be changed, should this change be radical, otherwise what should it have in terms of change within a new mother law for a better institutional organization of Haiti. The chair is scientifically chaired by Professor Henri Marge. Dorléans, (current head of AFPEC), and is vice-chaired by the dean of the faculty of law and economics, Me Eugène Pierre Louis. The Chair is materialized by a set of conferences and debates (15 in total), which take place in the premises of the Office of the Protection of the Citizen OPC, under the name of Wednesday of the Monferrier Dorval Chair. It is in this sense that for the fifth edition of the Wednesday of the chair (which took place this Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the OPC, in the presence of the protector of the citizen, Me Renan Hédouville), attention was placed on education within the debate surrounding the possible development of a new constitution for Haiti. This 5th meeting took place under the theme of: "Education, Teaching, Research, Science and Technologies". The conference was hosted by three greats of the Haitian intellectual community, including two eminent professors of the UEH, namely, Professor Odonel Pierre Louis, academic director of the École normale supérieure (ENS); the vice rector of the UEH, Professor Jacques Blaise. Their interventions were followed by that of the director of the national institute of vocational training (INFP) Mr. Dikel Delvariste.

Haiti: A Little-Known Pillar of World Independence

Haiti, the world’s first independent black republic, played an exceptional role in the quest for independence for other nations. Although often overshadowed by other historical events, Haiti’s contribution to the liberation of other countries was significant and deserves to be highlighted. b~The Haitian Revolution~b At the turn of the 19th century, Haïti threw off the chains of slavery and achieved the impossible by freeing itself from French colonial rule. In 1804, the country proclaimed its independence, ushering in a new era for oppressed peoples around the world. b~Inspiration for Latin America~b The Haitian Revolution was a major source of inspiration for independence movements in Latin America. Iconic figures such as Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Miranda recognized the courage and determination of Haitians as a driving force for their own struggles. By materially and ideologically supporting these movements, Haïti contributed to the emergence of several independent nations in South America. b~Influence in Africa~b Beyond the Americas, Haïti also played a crucial role in the quest for independence in Africa. African leaders have left a legacy that has inspired entire generations of freedom fighters on the African continent. The idea that oppressed people could rise up against their oppressors found a powerful echo in the struggles for independence in Africa. b~Support for Liberation Movements~b Throughout its history, Haïti has provided substantial support to liberation movements around the world. Whether through troop dispatches, financial resources or active diplomacy, the country has demonstrated its solidarity with those fighting for their autonomy. Haiti’s contributions have often been discreet but crucial. Haiti, as a pioneer of independence and freedom, has left a lasting impact on the world stage. His legacy resonates across continents, reminding the world that the quest for freedom is universal. By recognizing and celebrating Haiti’s role in the independence of other nations, we not only honor its history, but we also commit to promoting a future where all people have the opportunity to shape their destiny.

History

History

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.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

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.