What does October 17th represent for Haiti?

Pity or the work of an old soul crushed under the weight of an absinthe-flavored existence

The word crisis carries an infinite number of meanings. No intention of revealing them all this afternoon. However, a few clarifications are necessary. A kid whose parents do not have enough money at Christmas to buy her a Little Black Mermaid doll has a fit and locks herself in her room without touching her meals for the day. A boy whose dog was suddenly poisoned by a neighbor in revenge or shot after contracting rabies, losing a faithful friend overnight, enters into crisis. Finally, a society in the grip of all sorts of mutations and whose leaders are weak, perhaps prolonged in a deep crisis. In the first case, the young girl sulks to attract the attention of her parents in order to feel appreciated by children her age at school or in the neighborhood. Today, thirty minutes of negotiations can be enough to find a lasting solution. In my day, a few well-aimed belt blows would have overcome this whim. But, humanity evolves, they say. In the second case, this boy can find his smile again after a few weeks. He needs a little attention and, probably, another dog. As Stendhal would say, only passion triumphs over passion. In the last case, this society led by inepts is shaken to its deep foundations. Its institutions can disintegrate one by one. The vital forces dissolve in no time. This situation creates a societal tsunami that destroys all life within this community. It is indeed a crisis. The crisis from this point of view constitutes an alarming, desperate situation in the existence of a community where nothing is going well. Chaos reigns supreme. The very essence of life disappears. The individual can take precedence over the community. Everyone tries to solve their problems without worrying about others. The closest neighbor is relegated light years away from you. How can we turn to creation? How can we continue to conceive of otherness? How can the artist absorb this great collective disarray as a source of motivation? These are the questions I must answer. An artist sees and feels what ordinary mortals cannot even imagine in a thousand-year life. He creates to denounce, when his conscience as a human being is revolted. He exalts heroes or the homeland according to his feelings. He sings the beauty of an irresistible, captivating or ugly resplendent woman. He can also use the ambient desolation to give meaning to life. Creating in literature as in the arts in general does not depend on the situation. The act of creation depends on the creator’s disposition. Events paralyze some and galvanize others. Creating is enjoyable. Everyone therefore enjoys according to their own whim. Writing opens the way to change. The writer takes a different look at the world. By embedding himself in reality, he embellishes it, makes it better or hideous depending on the message he intends to share. All things considered, with him, life is never fixed. Writing is putting the world in a jar to travel the universe. The artist broods over his work in all weathers. Oswald Durand was delighted to see Choucoune’s beautiful body from his secret observatory. Musset, on the other hand, was in pain writing his October night. As for Dany Laferrière, in exile, he described the horrors of the Duvalier dictatorship and the carefree attitude of the young girls in his neighborhood in this violent and dangerous world. Ultimately, the writer lives in a society with values ​​that he shares or not. They condition his existence or have no hold on him. In many ways, the surrounding world serves as his laboratory. He carries out his experiments there. He casts a new, worn, disillusioned, melancholic, violent, bitter look at the world depending on his mood. Pitié is the work of an old soul crushed under the weight of an existence that tastes of absinthe. Young Mike Bernard Michel lives by expedients and lies. The hands of life fall on him with indescribable violence. Misfortune embraces him day and night. Should we give up? Musset liked to say: "Man is an apprentice, pain is his master. And no one knows himself until he has suffered." The artist must produce under all skies. Such is his vocation. Incompetents in power, legal or highway bandits, the high cost of living, unemployment, heartaches are all subjects of concern for him. If it is true that a hungry belly has no ears, the fact remains that it keeps the brain awake. What am I saying, it stimulates it to the point of creating timeless works. Mr. Pitié, you have a bright future ahead of you. Work of Jean Rony Charles, the book is available from Éditions Repérage.

Haiti: Is buying votes to be elected a form of corruption or political strategy?

The democratic political system requires the active participation of citizens in the management of the city. Everyone freely expresses their opinion for harmonious management of society. Generally the choices are made from the organization of free and honest elections. However, sometimes candidates use diverted means to achieve their ends. Can we consider this act as a form of corruption or a political strategy? In a democratic society, the organization of elections at regular intervals is an imperative. Managers are generally elected by the majority of voters, which ensures them a certain legitimacy within the framework of government management. Today, more and more, around the world, the elections are controlled by economic power. This sector gives a lot of silver to candidates who often buy the media services in order to have certain visibility through mass communication means (radio, VAT, Internet, etc.) and do without constraints Many very expensive trips, which require enormous capital. By the way, the possibility that a candidate with low financial means of being elected is increasingly reduced in Western societies. Despite everything, it is illegal to buy the votes of the voters. It is an act of corruption that should lead to criminal sanctions. No society can tolerate this practice which could hamper the degeneration of the democratic system and, consequently, of the electorate system. Civil society and human rights organizations must be vigilant in order to avoid these harmful drifts in the democratic system. In fact, the temptation to bribe the voters in order to access elective positions must be denounced as an act of corruption. In doing so, will lead to political dissenting between duty, and law, because citizens are called upon to freely choose the leaders of the city. Ultimately, the organization of the elections must be the fruit of consensus between the various groups of the social system. Managers must be chosen according to their ability to provide adequate answers to the problems of the company. They can still benefit from powerful financial means from other partners. But, giving voters directly money is a condemnable detective act which reduces the autonomy of action and thinking of voters. In this sense, the latter’s vote must reflect the desire to choose or build a fair, fair and favorable company.

Haiti: A look back at the First Rara Weekend in Petit-Goave

Haitian culture is a true treasure, woven from the creativity of its artists, its rich heritage and the diversity of its cultural expressions. Among these cultural gems, the rara stands as a true national emblem, uniting Haitians through its captivating rhythms and centuries-old traditions. During the first Rara weekend, this very essence of Haitian culture shone brightly, revealing palpable social cohesion. Despite the absence of law enforcement, tranquility reigned in Petit-Goâve, testifying to the ability of citizens to come together in peace and conviviality. However, media attention was mainly focused on the first plain, leaving a certain imbalance in the coverage of the festivities. Ratyèfè, three-time reigning champion, once again captivated minds with his talent and artistic mastery, offering an unparalleled spectacle. But his rival, Lambi gran dlo, was not to be outdone, displaying a determination to compete for first place. The event was also marked by unfortunate incidents, reminding us that despite the beauty of tradition, tensions can arise. Clashes between fans of different groups tarnished the festive atmosphere, highlighting the need for careful management of celebrations to avoid such excesses. At the heart of this musical competition, where each group aspires to recognition and victory, a complex picture of rivalries and alliances emerges. Chenn tamarin, although appearing asleep in the first moments, shows signs of waking up, ready to shake up the established order. On Sunday evening, Lambi gran dlo honored the memory of one of its loyal supporters, while Grap Kenèp was the scene of violence between fans, recalling the fragility of social cohesion when passion runs wild. In this whirlwind of emotion and competition, it is crucial to keep in mind that it is the journalist who must look to the events, and not the other way around. This is how we draw up the first ranking for this first weekend: 1. Ratyèfè 2. Lambi grand dlo 3. Chenn tamarind Beyond the results, it is the preservation of unity and mutual respect that must remain at the heart of these celebrations, making the rara not only a musical festival, but above all a symbol of the wealth and resilience of the people Haitian.

Discover Festivals in Haiti

Haiti, a multifaceted island, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich culture and vibrant festivals. Haitian festivals are much more than just celebrations; they represent the very soul of the nation, embodying its history, its traditions and its community spirit. Let’s dive into this journey, through some of Haiti’s most iconic festivals.

MUSES: The Exhibition Celebrating Haitian Women Through Art

From March 8 to 21, 2025, the Emmanuel Charlemagne Municipal Cultural Center welcomes a vibrant and emotional celebration of femininity with MUSES, a unique exhibition as part of Women’s Fortnight. This event delves into the very essence of Haitian women, representing them in all their complexity, strength, and beauty through the works of four exceptional artists. Let yourself be swept away by this unique artistic experience that invites you to rediscover women in a new light!

12 Must-See Hotels in Haiti

Welcome to Haiti, a hidden gem of the Caribbean, where warm hospitality, pristine beaches and rich culture await you. If you are planning to visit this heavenly country, we have compiled a list of 12 most notable hotels to make your stay unforgettable.