What was the old name of Haiti? A look back at its past

Conference / Festival Quatre Chemins / 21st edition

The impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people in Port-au-Prince While writers, actors, dancers, poets, among others, have gratified us with their performances, the master’s degree student in psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences (FASCH), Lourdya Blaise, spoke with the audience about trauma. Structured around the theme "Youth and Trauma, analysis of the impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people living in Port-au-Prince between 2010-2024", this conference gave rise to enriching discussions. During this meeting, moderated by Michaël Formilus, Ms. Blaise showed how the events that have taken place in the country have caused cases of trauma among Haitians. According to the student, citing the American Psychological Association, we speak of trauma as a consequence of trauma. The latter is explained by the fact that we feel threatened, whether it is the person in question or their loved ones. However, she specifies that a collective trauma remains depending on the impact that the event has on the individual. To illustrate her remarks, she mentioned the earthquake of January 12, 2010, considered a collective trauma, insofar as it still occupies our minds. This tragedy reminds us of the disappearance of our loved ones and enormous losses. This is the case of a trauma that becomes a collective trauma. For the student, it should be emphasized that when an event occurs, some people are traumatized and others are not. According to him, the violence of armed gangs is not perceived in the same way, says Ms. Blaise. There are people who have fled their homes but are not traumatized. In fact, some people see traumatic situations as a passing event, she says. The speaker also spoke about collective trauma, which, according to him, preoccupies the mind, even if we no longer experience it. It manifests itself in several forms: lack of sleep, fear psychosis, intrusive thoughts, intense heartbeat, etc. Generally, symptoms related to trauma are hard to die. When it persists, it becomes acute stress. To deal with it, we must talk to other people. If the situation persists, acute stress turns into a phase of post-traumatic stress; in this case, we must confide in a trusted person or go see a mental health specialist, she advises. In her presentation, Lourdya Bazile also drew attention to the psychological state of children in these times. According to the presenter, children are also facing this crisis situation, even if they do not talk about it to their parents. As much as adults, children also plan their future. Faced with flouted school years, they become pensive and worried, she stressed. They withdraw. The child who used to be brilliant can become violent and perform less well at school. Parents are called upon to listen to them and understand them. A good moment of exchange, rich in practical advice. The audience participated fully. In turn, the presenter invites them to breathe better and meditate. "We live in a country where worries mix, we must take time for ourselves, do sports, eat well, make sure that the sleeping space is clean and take time for ourselves. There is more than one way to find calm," recalls the psychologist. Gertrude Jean-Louis

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.

What is the name of Haiti’s largest river?

Haiti’s largest river is called the Artibonite. This majestic waterway, which crosses the country from one end to the other, is a key element in the geography, economy and daily life of Haitians. With its crucial role in agriculture, its historical importance and its impact on the local ecosystem, the Artibonite deserves special attention. This article explores the many facets of this iconic river.

Les Éditions Julien Hilaire launches "Temps de poésie"

In collaboration with HPost5, Les Éditions Julien Hilaire are launching a call for contributions for the publication of the first issue of "Temps de poésie", a literary magazine that, according to the initiators, aims to be a space for exchange, creation and celebration of contemporary poetry. In these times marked by a penchant for destruction, chaos and the law of silence, speaking has become an obligation. Speaking to denounce. Speaking to resist. Speaking to build. The first issue of "Temps de poésie" with the theme "Cathedral under construction, poems as labor" is part of this approach. This theme is an invitation to reflect on the act of building, whether material, spiritual or metaphorical, we read in the press kit. Haïti Wonderland met Ansky Hilaire, the man who leads the project. Interview.

Antreprann: The Digital Revolution of Haitian Entrepreneurship Coming August 11, 2025

In Haiti, launching an entrepreneurship business is often a real challenge. Lack of financing, scattered information, a lack of visibility for local startups, and difficulties finding mentoring or reliable partners... Many entrepreneurs find themselves facing their challenges alone, which hinders innovation and the country’s economic growth.

Sandra Dessalines, creating to testify her freedom

Sandra Dessalines is a self-taught Haitian painter, sculptor, and visual artist. She was born in Port-au-Prince but grew up in the commune of Carrefour. Today, she is an ambassador who brings Haitian culture to life through her art all over the world, particularly in France, where she has lived for more than a decade. An Honorable Journey Sandra Dessalines trained as an agricultural engineer at Quisqueya University in Port-au-Prince and continued her studies at INSA in Toulouse, France. Her official entry into the world of art came after the devastating earthquake that ravaged her homeland, Haiti, on January 12, 2010. This event pushed her towards art, allowing her to reach the level she occupies today. In terms of recognition, Sandra Dessalines has made a name for herself, with her original style, inspired by her native Haiti, gaining increasing recognition from major event organizers in Paris. In October 2024, she even received the public prize at Lmh Concept Events Art and Design for their 10th anniversary in Paris. This award perfectly reflects the originality of her work and her ability to touch people’s hearts through her creation.