The Haitian Webmaster: Guy Alain Appolon, an undisputed reference

Redefining the image of Haïti on the internet: Yes, we can do it!

Haïti is often viewed online through the prism of poverty, political instability and natural disasters. Although these aspects are part of the Haitian reality, they do not entirely define it. Cultural richness, a glorious past, abundant natural resources, exquisite gastronomy and other attractions are equally important, but unfortunately less publicized, facets.

Haïti Wonderland: Technology at the Service of the Haïtian Narrative

On this 220th anniversary of the legendary independence of Haïti, a new initiative is born on the web: Haïti Wonderland. Launched on January 28, 2024, this innovative site’s mission is to revolutionize the way Haïti is perceived online, by highlighting its natural, cultural, historical and human assets. b~An Ambitious VIsion~b Haïti Wonderland aspires to a significant change in the perception of Haïti on the Internet. The goal is clear: when you search for “Haïti” on search engines, you should be greeted by beautiful images and inspiring stories. The team behind Haïti Wonderland wants to transform the web to allow only the beauty and wealth of this country to emerge, thus reflecting Haïtian reality. b~Authentic and Immersive Content~b To achieve these goals, Haïti Wonderland regularly publishes news articles and special blogs highlighting Haïti’s beauty, historic destinations, exquisite cuisine and anything else that can spark Haïtian pride. The emphasis is on promoting a positive and authentic image of the country. The experience offered to visitors to the site is also out of the ordinary. Thanks to virtual reality, you can explore the treasures of Haïti from anywhere in the world, providing total immersion in the splendor of this jewel of the Antilles. b~Smart Support and Rewards~b Haïti Wonderland goes beyond by integrating artificial intelligence on its site. This AI is there to provide visitors with all the information they need about Haïti, thus guiding their journey through the site in an interactive way. And that’s not all ! Haïti Wonderland offers an incentive compensation program for contributors. You can earn money by publishing blog posts on the site, rewarded based on the number of views generated. b~Commitment to Narrative Change~b The founder of Haïti Wonderland, Appolon Guy Alain, sees his initiative as a way to actively participate in changing the Haïtian narrative on the Internet. It is open to any collaboration and support aimed at achieving this common objective of improving the image of Haïti online. Through Haïti Wonderland, Appolon also wishes to raise awareness among online media to stop broadcasting demeaning images of Haïti that contribute to tarnishing its reputation. He calls for collective commitment to present the best version of Haïti. To discover the beauty of Haïti from a new perspective, visit the website: https://haitiwonderland.com or download the application from Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id =com.appographic.haitiwonderland. For all correspondence, contact them by email at contact@haitiwonderland.com. Haïti Wonderland: Rediscover, Share, Marvel.

20 Best Places to VIsit in Haiti: Tourist attractions, Beaches and More.

Haiti, a Caribbean island, is full of natural and cultural treasures just waiting to be discovered. From majestic mountains to white-sand beaches to fascinating historical remains, Haïti offers a variety of attractions that captivate travelers from around the world. Here is an overview of the main attractions not to be missed during your stay in Haiti:

Haiti: Historical Revolution and Global Impact

Haiti, a Caribbean island, carries within it an extraordinary history that resonates through the ages. Best known for being the scene of the first successful slave revolt in modern history, this nation has left an indelible mark on the course of humanity. Haiti’s history is notable not only for its revolutionary independence, but also for its impact on liberation movements and struggles for social justice around the world.

Jean-Jacques Dessalines, leader of the Haitian Revolution

In the annals of the history of Haiti, an island located in the Caribbean at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico and shared with the Dominican Republic, Jean-Jacques Dessalines emerges like a phoenix from the ashes of oppression. Born a slave on September 20, 1758 in the home of Henri Duclos, in Cormier (Grande-Rivière-du-Nord), in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, Dessalines was a Creole of African (Afro-Caribbean) origin. Freed during the 1794 abolition achieved through slave revolts, actually served as an officer in the French army during the French Revolution. At that time, the ideas of freedom and equality were at the heart of the concerns of the inhabitants of the colonies. Dessalines actively participated in the fighting against the Spanish and British forces, alongside the French, in Santo Domingo. Having risen to the rank of Lieutenant General, Jean-Jacques Dessalines turned against the French during the Leclerc expedition, sent to Saint-Domingue by Bonaparte to reestablish colonial authority and slavery during the Haitian Revolution. After the capture and deportation of Toussaint Louverture to France on June 7, 1802, Dessalines assumed a leading role in continuing the struggle for independence. He led numerous battles, including the battle of Crête-à-Pierrot in March 1802, where he galvanized his soldiers with his famous declaration: “Let those who want to remain slaves of the French leave the fort, let those, on the contrary, who want to die as free men, line up around me.” On January 1, 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines achieved the long-awaited goal of independence by proclaiming Haïti as a sovereign nation, becoming the second country in the Americas to gain independence from a colonial power. He became the first leader of the newly formed nation and was named Emperor under the name James I. However, his imperial reign was marked by authoritarian and brutal policies, including the massacre of many white settlers and the redistribution of land to peasants that was in the hands of the generals of the independence army. In addition, he organized the hunt for delinquents in the city while implementing rigorous agrarian policies, considering that they represented a threat to the stability of the nation, these controversial actions caused divisions within Haitian society. Dessalines was assassinated on October 17, 1806 following a plot organized by some of his generals in the Haitian army. His death marked the end of his brief but influential period in power. Despite the controversies surrounding his methods, he is recognized as the main architect of Haiti’s independence and his name was honored in 1903 by being attributed to the Haitian national anthem, La Dessalinienne, composed by Justin Lhérisson.Finally, the great visionary man Jean Jacques Dessalines remains an emblematic figure in the history of Haiti, recognized for his role in the fight for independence and the end of slavery in the region.

Haïti Wonderland: How to Rewrite the Narrative of Haïti on the Web?

For the last three decades the internet has transformed the way people live, access information and promote worthy causes. Institutions that embrace this technology lead the way in their respective industries and last, while countries that embrace this technology and wisely implement it enable themselves to thrive and build sustainable economies. After decades of existence, the internet has been shared with mainly two groups of people; those who use it as a tool to build, and those who use it as a tool of destruction. Those who see the internet as a bridge to make a positive impact in the world and those who see it as the comfy bed to never leave, hence, the difference between the consumer and producer. Unfortunately our beloved home, Haiti, has been of the former mindset. Is it a lack of vision, lack of skills and competences or is it lack of hard working individuals? Regardless what it is or had been for decades, now is the time to change the paradigm on all fronts necessary and reshape the future. If the past decades have been ruled by non-production and negative press, now is the time to change the paradigm by producing and using the limitless of the web to sell the beauty, the culture and the greatness of Haïti to the rest of the world. If the past has been ruled with a selective truth and an effort to showcase the worst and by extension create the worst narrative, now, my fellow Haitian, regardless of where you are on this planet, is the time for us to undertake this mission, to take responsibility and recreate the narrative of our mother land. A narrative based on truth and transparency, a narrative that tells the story of who we are and certainly who we are not, a narrative to invite the world to explore and see for themselves. It is our duty. If not now, when? If not you and I, then, who? Our main mission at Haïti Wonderland is to rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Then use the internet to bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map once again. Those are what motivate us, the oxygen that we breath, they are the reason we wake up in the morning and fight. We didn’t choose this path because we know it will be easy but we choose it because: 1. It is a noble cause 2. It is necessary and 3. It must be done. But must importantly we take this path because we know you and every Haitian in this world, who knows the truth about Haïti are tired with what you see when typing Haïti on the web, and at the same time understand that something must change, and it must be done as soon as possible. We know you are ready for this, and together we will change the narrative of Haïti on the web and we will bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map. This is a call of duty to you, regardless of your field of endeavor or where you’re located in this world. This is a call to join (http://haitiwonderland.com) to first see for yourself the movement you’re joining, then create your own account and start creating and sharing. Together we will rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Thank you for joining this worthy cause. Let’s invite the world to discover the true face of Haiti.