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False Rumor of Animal Consumption by Haitians in Ohio
False Rumor of Animal Consumption by Haitians in Ohio
False Rumor of Animal Consumption by Haitians in Ohio

False Rumor of Animal Consumption by Haitians in Ohio

Since the beginning of the week, an unfounded rumor has been circulating in the United States, particularly in the state of Ohio, accusing Haitians in the diaspora of killing and consuming pets, as well as ducks in public ponds. These allegations, widely relayed by certain public and political figures, have been formally denied by local authorities and the police in Springfield, the city where these alleged events allegedly took place. Despite these denials, the rumor continues to thrive, fueling stigmatization against Haitian migrants.

Local Authorities Clarify

According to the mayor of Springfield, the story of a cat being killed and eaten that fueled this rumor does not actually originate from his city. He clarified that it actually involved a mentally ill African-American woman who was arrested last month for animal cruelty. The mayor also confirmed that no incidents involving immigrants in illegal activities have been verified in Springfield. These clarifications make the misinformation surrounding this case even more blatant and underscore the fallacious nature of the accusations targeting the Haitian community.

The Haitian government’s response

The Haitian government, through the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), reacted vigorously to this disinformation campaign. In a statement published on September 10, 2024, the MHAVE expressed its indignation and concern over these remarks described as “discriminatory” and “dehumanizing.” The ministry, headed by Ms. Dominique Dupuy, was keen to emphasize the risks that such accusations could pose to the safety and dignity of Haitians living in the United States, particularly in Springfield, Ohio, where the Haitian community is targeted.

In this statement, available on their X account (formerly Twitter), the MHAVE recalled that this stigmatization was not a new phenomenon, Haitians being regularly victims of smear campaigns for political reasons. This time again, the Haitian community is being attacked to serve electoral interests, a few months before the American presidential elections.

Solidarity of the Haitian Government

Minister Dominique Dupuy brought together on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, more than fifty community and religious leaders, as well as representatives of organizations working in the United States, to discuss the situation. Also among the participants was Dr. Nikita Séjour, Advisor to the Haitian Prime Minister. The objective of this virtual meeting was twofold: to demonstrate the solidarity of the Haitian government with its nationals and to define appropriate responses to these attacks.

We want not only to express our solidarity, but also to send a clear signal of refusal. We firmly reject these remarks that undermine the dignity of our compatriots and that could endanger their lives

, declared Dominique Dupuy.

The ministry is currently working in collaboration with diaspora organizations to explore strategies to allow victims of intimidation or discrimination to obtain adequate protection. MHAVE also encourages legal initiatives taken by associations defending the rights of Haitian migrants.

A false rumor amplified by influential figures

Although the Springfield police, local authorities, and even the city’s mayor have all denied the existence of such acts, the rumor has taken on national proportions. The Republican presidential candidate even mentioned these accusations during a televised debate against his Democratic rival Kamala Harris on Tuesday evening, in front of millions of viewers.

Before him, the owner of the social network X, Elon Musk, had also played an important role in spreading this false information. Musk, followed by millions of users, gave a sounding board to these unfounded theories, which have spread like wildfire in a country where more than two-thirds of households own a pet.

The Haitian government, through its diplomatic and consular missions, has promised to strengthen its support for the diaspora by deploying a support and protection system. The priority is to combat this disinformation campaign that not only tarnishes the image of Haitians in the United States, but could also have dramatic consequences for their security.

Baseless Accusations

These baseless accusations targeting the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, reveal once again the extent of misinformation and xenophobia that can manifest in tense electoral contexts. MHAVE, in collaboration with diaspora organizations, remains committed to protecting the dignity and safety of Haitians living abroad, while firmly rejecting the discriminatory and defamatory remarks propagated against them.

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Appolon Guy Alain
Appolon Guy Alain
Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

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Meet Edison Juste: An Outstanding Singer

Beyond the chaos, in the heart of the desolation, there are voices that resonate. They shatter the silence, depicting the macabre reality of everyday life in a thousand shards, thus defying evil to give meaning to life and make each day a place where hope flows like a stream of honey. Edison Juste’s voice is one of them: it sings of hope, of love, while praising God. It was in Carrefour, 27 years ago, that the young singer’s sun rose within a family of four children. Edison Juste is the youngest. Between the diplomat, the lawyer, and the entrepreneur that he is, singing remains his greatest passion for this young married man. Like many Haitian singers, Edison Juste took his first steps at a very early age in a choir—Yahvé Shama—alongside children his own age. He would later become the lead singer. This was in 2010. Asked about his first real encounter with music, he replied: q~It was in 2013 that I really started singing. It was during a competition organized by Styl Doz at the Évangélique de la Grâce church,~q, says the active member of the group YES (Yon Enstriman Sen), who also expresses his gratitude to singer Joseph Rhousteau, who inspired and coached him for several years. Edison Juste stands out not only for his style, but also for his versatility. His ability to make the notes vibrate with a moving candor seems limitless. Yet, he has his preferences: q~There isn’t a single style that characterizes me. I see myself as a liquid: I take the shape of the container. Even if I remain haunted by Worship, Compass, and Jazz, he confides. Today, the Carrefour native boasts a rich and varied musical repertoire. From 2010 to 2025, he has grown both in maturity and in renown: five competition wins, his first song recorded in 2018, joining the band YES, his participation in the second album, Se pou m beni, a collaboration with Amos César in a musical, and his contribution to the album Anprent by maestro Berwin Sydney. For him, this journey is already a great source of inspiration. Edison Juste never does without the presence of God, whether in the creative process or during his stage performances: "What influences and motivates me the most is always the presence of Elohim, and the audience’s desire to savor and appreciate my work," he says.

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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.

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Natural beauty

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

Heritage

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

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