Jennifer EUGÈNE: A Pen in Service of Humanity

The Republic of the Stateless?

Haïti is making headlines all over the world. And it’s not good news. The exploits of Haitians rarely generate so much interest, but we always tend to point out the excesses, spill ink to stir up thorns in the side, broadcast on loop to relay the chaos that is raging. There is hardly any media to make amends for the resilience of this cornered people. No one to highlight the fierce resistance that serves as fuel for this people hanging in the gorges of death. And what if it was to a certain extent the only way to talk about this country to finally attract attention? It is July 26, 2024. The Olympic Games have just started in France. The 33rd Olympiad of modern times. Without realizing it, according to Forbes Magazine, Haïti ranks among the ten nations with the best costume, proudly pointing to third place. At the same time, miles away from France, on “The Island of Skillfully Orchestrated Chaos,” Haitians do not even realize how much this recognition borders on irony. A paradox whose unpopular evocation is likely to greatly displease. An aerial image shows the city of Paris in all its splendor, illuminated like the gates of paradise, reflecting all the grandeur of France, all the magnificence it has acquired over the centuries, without forgetting the contribution of the blood shed by the horrible machine of colonization. I close my eyes, I go back in time, I see again this boy left to his own devices, lost without even knowing it, doomed to failure without even understanding it. And then there are the others. Boys in the same situation, or worse. Banished from society, they do not know what life has in store for them. They form the elegant class of the marginalized, in their quality of scoundrels, good-for-nothings, and thugs who spoil the splendor of society. This contrast challenges me, and I wonder for a moment if those who live the chaos from the outside grasp the stakes and the reality of the situation. Moreover, it seems to me that even the majority of Haitians living in the territory have no notion of the fundamental and essential aspects of the situation.

Haïti Camping and Discovery: AN N AL KANPE in Kenscoff and Furcy, An Unforgettable Adventure

AN N AL KANPE, an immersive camping, retreat and discovery experience in the picturesque landscapes of Kenscoff and Furcy, Haïti brought together more than thirty young people from 17 youth organizations and associations, offering these leaders a unique chance to reconnect with nature, strengthen their bonds and immerse themselves in the rich Haitian culture.

Haitian Street Food: A Culinary Adventure in the Heart of Port-au-Prince

Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s vibrant capital, is much more than just a city. It’s a melting pot of flavors, a place where street food reigns supreme, offering a unique and authentic culinary experience. In the heart of this bustling metropolis, every corner transforms into a gourmet market, an ode to Haitian gastronomy. The tantalizing smells of grilled meats, spicy sauces, and simmering dishes invite you on a sensory exploration. Improvised stalls, often set up on rickety wooden tables, line the streets, offering a variety of culinary delights. From "griots" to "tassot," including "bannann peze" and "pikliz," each dish tells a story, a tradition passed down from generation to generation. For culinary adventurers, Haitian street food is an unforgettable experience. Every bite is a testament to the creativity and passion of the impromptu chefs, who transform simple ingredients into delicious and authentic dishes. Tell us in the comments which dish you ate until you lost your breath on the streets of Port-au-Prince, or share a great experience you’ve had!

The enrichment of France at the expense of Haiti, a History of Injustice and Exploitation

In 1804, Haïti emerged from the flames of revolution as the world’s first independent black republic, but its freedom would come at a steep price. France, a former colonial power, orchestrated an unprecedented economic revenge, weaving a web of exploitation and injustice that would hamper Haiti’s development for generations. This toxic relationship, marked by extortion and violence, not only shaped the destiny of one nation but also filled the coffers of another, leaving deep scars that persist to this day. Immerse yourself in this story, a gripping tale of colonial greed and resilience, which reminds us of the importance of never forgetting the injustices of the past and their lasting impact on our world today.

KSPGKS: An Innovative Campaign to Raise Awareness Among Young People Against HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS remains a major threat to public health, especially among young people in Haiti. Faced with this reality, LEAD-ACADEMY, an organization founded in December 2020 by Dwinny Belval, has committed itself through the project “KANPAY SANSIBILIZASYON POU GOUMEN KONT VIH/SIDA” (“Awareness Campaign to Combat HIV/AIDS”). This initiative, launched as part of World HIV/AIDS Day, aims to mobilize Carrefour schoolchildren and promote responsible behavior in the face of this epidemic.

Guédés: When Haïti celebrates its ancestors with color and fervor

Every November 1st and 2nd, Haïti comes alive with the colors black and purple to celebrate the Guédés, spirits venerated in the voodoo religion, symbols of a powerful bond between the living and the dead. Fascinating, indomitable and provocative, the Guédés form a true family in the pantheon of Haitian voodoo, where they are respected for their role as spiritual guides of the deceased to the afterlife. Led by iconic figures such as the legendary Baron Samedi and his companion Grann Brigitte, the Guédés embody the paradoxes of life and death. Each Baron has a unique personality: Baron Cimetière, Baron Kriminel, and Baron La Croix are the guardians of the souls that wander on the borders of the world of the dead. Together, they form a powerful and somewhat frightening presence, but one that is deeply rooted in Haitian culture. The Guédés are not like other voodoo spirits; they demonstrate their fearlessness in a spectacular way. Accustomed to death, they are fearless and are provocative: they eat glass, raw peppers, and coat their sensitive parts with rum and pepper. These gestures mark their indifference to danger and remind us that they have already known earthly life. They are thus psychopomps – these beings who lead the souls of the dead – and act as bridges between the world of the living and that of the dead. Some Guédés, like Guédé Nibo, wear black, purple, and white clothing, each with unique characteristics. They are many and varied: Guédé Fouillé, Guédé Loraj, Papa Guédé, and many others. These are the spirits who, each year, remind Haitians of the importance of remembering and honoring the deceased. The cult of the Guédés is not only religious; it is also cultural and historical. According to tradition, their spiritual territory, or “Fètomè” – nicknamed the “Country without Hats” – is a place where the souls of ancestors reside. According to stories, the origins of this cult go back to the Abomey plateau, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Dahomey, in Africa, where death and life coexist in a form of symbiosis. This celebration in Haïti even finds echoes in ancient history. The Romans also honored their dead with the “Fête des Lémuria”, which took place in February, to ward off spirits and restore peace between the world of the living and that of the deceased. For Haitians, honoring the Guédés is about accepting death as a part of life and celebrating the invisible bonds that unite us with those who have left us. It is also a way of resisting, because life, despite its challenges, must be celebrated in all its complexity and depth.