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Letter to My Favorite Author: An Initiative by CSimon Publishing and the Port-au-Prince Book Fair
Letter to My Favorite Author: An Initiative by CSimon Publishing and the Port-au-Prince Book Fair
Letter to My Favorite Author: An Initiative by CSimon Publishing and the Port-au-Prince Book Fair

Letter to My Favorite Author: An Initiative by CSimon Publishing and the Port-au-Prince Book Fair

The "Letter to My Favorite Author" contest is a joint initiative by CSmon Publishing, a publishing house based in Virginia, USA, and the Port-au-Prince Book Fair. The contest aims to create a platform where young literature enthusiasts can express their affection and admiration for the authors who have impacted their lives through a letter dedicated to them. This letter can be written in Haitian Creole or French by any young person aged 18 to 30 living in Haiti. The author to whom the letter is addressed can be Haitian or foreign, and even from the medieval period.

The contest began on January 27, with registration closing on that date, and will continue until April 15, when the prizes will be awarded. The awards, which are 75,000 gourdes for the winner, 50,000 gourdes for the second place, and 25,000 gourdes for third place, will be presented during the event "Living in Prose and Poetry," organized annually by the Port-au-Prince Book Fair, to be held in 2025 at the French Institute in Haiti.

A Contest Serving Youth and Literary Culture

The initiative seeks to encourage young people to understand the value of books and invite them to appreciate the impact of authors on their personal and intellectual lives. Through this action, the contest allows participants not only to pay tribute to their favorite authors but also to affirm their commitment to preserving and promoting literary culture. Additionally, this contest is a wonderful opportunity to discover new emerging talents in the literary field, contributing to the building of the Haitian literary world of tomorrow.

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Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Contest Stages

The "Letter to My Favorite Author" contest proceeds in several stages to select the best texts. The first phase involves receiving participants’ letters. The first thirty candidates who express their interest are invited to submit their letters to the Pyepoudré Cultural Center, located on Bourdon Road, from February 4 to 8, 2025. These letters will then undergo a rigorous selection process conducted by a competent jury, consisting of Evens Dossous, poet Adlyne Bonhomme, Marc Exavier, and presided over by Moïse François. After a first round of corrections and careful evaluation, the top ten texts will be selected and publicly announced.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Audiovisual Recording of Selected Texts and Public Voting

Once the ten letters are selected, the authors will be invited to record their works in audiovisual format. The recordings will be done with the technical support of the organizing committee, ensuring professional-quality videos. These recordings will then be published on the various platforms of the Port-au-Prince Book Fair and open to public judgment. This moment is important, as the public will have the chance to discover budding literary talents and support them through voting.

The literary and philosophical club of Galette-Chambon reveals its second edition: a journey to the heart of books
The literary and philosophical club of Galette-Chambon reveals its second edition: a journey to the heart of books

The literary and philosophical club of Galette-Chambon reveals its second edition: a journey to the heart of books

In an atmosphere of madness, at the Auditorium Saint Jean Marie Vianney de Galette-Chambon, where the laughs broke out, the music resounded, and the talents were dismented, started the second edition of the reading competition, around the theme "Ann Li pou n chanje peyi n ». This initiative, organized by the literary and philosophical club of Galette Chambon (CLPGACH) on Friday 06 October 2024, was marked by an overflowing passion within the public. The spectators came for several reasons: to support the applicants and live their presentations. The works, as "thus spoke of the uncle", "the vocation of the elite" of Jean Price Mars, "the ten black men" of Etzer vilary and "the courage to live in Haïti in the 21st century" of Hérold Toussaint, present innovative arguments linked to the societal context. They intertwine with folklore, Haitian culture, sociology and anthropology. These books are given to the applicants for a period of 15 days. Back, they come with their summaries and, after each presentation, in turn, reveal new perspectives on burning questions and delicate themes from works, while taking into account the concepts learned in public speaking. In this arena where the verve and the verb clash as well as logic, conviction, precision and clarity, it is a question of "saying all in a few words". The judgments are based on three criteria: the methodology concerning the substance and the form of the work; The eloquence which concerns verbal and non -verbal discourse (micro management, good pronunciation, etc.); And finally, an essential criterion: understanding. This is to assess whether the applicant has controlled the work. Questions can be asked without ignoring the context in which he lives. In addition, assistants have the opportunity to vote for the applicant who charmed them the most. This vote is precious at a higher level. Note that this vote can be made not only face -to -face but also online on our Facebook page CLPGACH. In addition, the public has always changed well through this trip to the universe of regional authors. The latter weave the frame and make vital the very repertoire of the competition vital, made up of impactful works such as "the price of irresponsibility" of Montuma Murat, "the return to citizen responsibility" written by Jean Jacquesson Thelucier and "Courage to live in Haïti in the 21st century "Professor Hérold Toussaint, to name a few. Although they died, some writers still live at the heart of our situation through their inheritance. Among them, it is necessary to quote: "the vocation of the elite" of Doctor Jean Price Mars, "the ten black men" of Etzer Villaire and "the Governor of the dew" by Jacques Roumain, as well as so many others . For this literary event to be moving and meets expectations for this second edition, many sacrifices are necessary on the part of the staff as well as the public which never leaves us alone. In this sense, we would like to thank them and call all those wishing to support this event. Indeed, if this competition is a solution found to advance together towards a common goal, its success depends on everyone’s commitment. About two years ago, the security climate in the area was not conducive to the completion of the competition. Although it is not yet ideal today, it is time to triumph over obscurantism and fight the dictatorship of ambient ignorance.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Reducing the List to Five Finalists

After the voting, the list will be reduced to five finalists. Among these finalists, three winners will be selected, and an official announcement will be made to announce the three grand winners of the contest. The winners will receive their awards on April 15, 2025, at the French Institute in Haiti. Thus, this contest will give each participant hope for recognition of their love for literature, while encouraging the emergence of new literary voices.

A Well-Deserved Tribute

Authors, whether contemporary or classical, play a crucial role in the evolution of societies by offering, through their works, reflections on the human condition, culture, and the history of humanity. Their influence is profound and should be categorized as one of the most valuable. It is essential to grant them the recognition and affection they truly deserve, whether they are still biologically alive or remain alive through their works. By paying tribute to them through this contest, CSmon Publishing and the Port-au-Prince Book Fair pay a vibrant tribute to literature itself and its transformative power. Specifically, CSmon Publishing demonstrates its commitment to Haitian literature and its global development. By financing the contest in large part, it shows its desire to invest in youth and the emergence of new voices within Haitian literature, thus contributing to enriching our literary heritage and encouraging the literary voices of tomorrow.

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About the Author
Moise Francois
Moise Francois
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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Makenson Cajuste

Malheureusement, les conditions sont données après le dépôt du texte. On a beau demander les conditions, mais aucune réponse n'a été donnée à cet effet. On n'avait pas mentionné l'âge d'éligibilité avant. C'est domage que j'ai déjà dépose mon texte alors que j'ai plus que l'âge exigé. Dans ce cas, je me demande si je dois reprendre mon texte ?

February 04, 2025 - 03:21:40 PM
Witchel Tcheetto VILMÉ

Bon bagay,bon travay nou pap lage

February 04, 2025 - 03:25:56 PM
Dr Cherlin SIMON

Ansanm nap batay poun gen yon loy edikasyon Nan peyi nou

February 04, 2025 - 07:53:31 PM
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Here are five compelling reasons why you should definitely visit Haiti’s beaches

1- Abaka Bay (Île-à-Vache): Start your Haitian adventure with the magnificent Abaka Bay, recently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by CNN. Located on the enchanting island of Île à Vache, this bay offers a pristine white sand beach and calm Caribbean waters, framed by lush green hills. Abaka Bay Resort offers a truly exclusive and secluded experience, with bungalows located directly on the beach, offering panoramic views and direct access to the fine sand and crystal clear sea. The dining options are equally impressive, with one restaurant offering breathtaking ocean views and epic sunsets. To get to Île à Vache, simply take a 15-20 minute boat ride from Les Cayes, located off the southern coast of Haiti. 2- Île à Rat (Amiga Island): As soon as you set foot on Île à Rat (also known as Amiga Island), this little slice of paradise will steal your heart. Its smooth white sand beach immediately catches the eye, while gentle waves create a dreamy oasis against the pearly shore. Located in the turquoise waters off the coast of Plaine du Nord in northern Haiti, Île à Rat is a 1.8 hectare piece of white coral covered in a small wild forest. The island is a peaceful retreat, especially for couples looking for a serene getaway. To get to Île à Rat, you can take one of the many water taxis waiting in Labadee, a 30-minute drive from Cap-Haïtien. Keep in mind that the island is uninhabited, so it is important to bring everything you need for a comfortable stay, including drinking water. 3- Côtes des Arcadins: Nestled north of the bay of Port-au-Prince, Côtes des Arcadins stretches over 19 kilometers of white sand beaches lined with palm trees, making it one of the most popular seaside destinations from Haiti. The combination of the deep blue sea, mountains, mangrove forests and the coral reef formed by the Arcadins islets creates a breathtaking spectacle. It is also a great place for divers. To get there, follow the road north of the bay of Port-au-Prince. You will be amazed by the natural beauty of this region. 4- Plage de Gelée: This beach is one of the most popular thanks to its crystal clear waters and soft sand, all with a pastoral landscape in the background. If you are looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun, Gelée Beach is a great choice. 5- Jacmel Beach: Although swimming is not recommended here, Jacmel Beach is famous for its picturesque charm and artistic atmosphere. It is located in the historic town of Jacmel, known for its lively carnival and colorful houses. Explore the beach, admire the architecture and soak up Haitian culture. Don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen, and enjoy these hidden treasures of Haiti! 🏖️☀️

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Haïti, a rich and impoverished country

Located in the western part of the island of Hispaniola, Haïti is a land imbued with natural, cultural and historical wealth. Unfortunately, behind the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its culture and the delicacy of its cuisine lies a complex reality marked by the debt of its independence and the persistent interference of third countries, casting a shadow over its stability. b~The Natural Beauty of Haïti~b Haïti, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Antilles", dazzles with the diversity of its landscapes. From majestic mountains and lush valleys to meandering rivers and sandy beaches, the country offers natural beauty worth celebrating. The famous Citadelle Laferrière mountains and the refreshing waterfalls of Bassin-Bleu are just a few examples of the splendor that characterizes this nation. b~A Rich and Diverse Culture~b Haïti stands out for its vibrant and diverse culture. A heritage of African, French and indigenous influence, Haïtian music, dance and art reflect a unique fusion. Colorful festivals, like Carnival, are celebrations of this cultural richness, attracting visitors from all over the world. b~Delicious Cuisine~b Haïtian cuisine, tasty and spicy, is another aspect worth celebrating. Dishes like griot, sticky rice, and the legendary joumou soup, traditionally prepared to commemorate independence, are all culinary delights that demonstrate the country’s gastronomic ingenuity. b~Heritage Treasures and Paradise Beaches~b Haïti’s heritage treasures, such as the remains of the Sans-Souci Palace and the Citadelle Laferrière, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are testimonies to the architectural grandeur of Haïti’s past. At the same time, beaches like Labadee and Jacmel offer havens of peace with crystal clear waters, attracting travelers in search of a tropical paradise. b~A Fascinating Story~b The history of Haïti is both fascinating and tragic. It was the first country in the Americas to gain its independence, in 1804, after a courageous slave revolt. However, this independence came with a heavy financial price. France demanded exorbitant compensation, thus laying the foundations for Haïti’s foreign debt. b~The Debt of Independence and Foreign Interference~b Despite these treasures, Haïti struggles with the reality of its independence debt. After gaining its freedom, the country was forced to pay France a considerable sum in compensation for losses associated with the abolition of slavery. This debt has been a major economic burden for Haïti, hindering its development. Additionally, foreign interference continues to create significant challenges. External political and economic interventions have often contributed to the country’s instability, hindering its ability to build a sustainable future for its citizens. b~In conclusion~b Haïti remains a country of multiple riches, but its challenges persist. Despite its natural beauty, rich culture and fascinating history, the nation needs enlightened international support and lasting solutions to overcome the obstacles that stand in its way. Haïti’s wealth lies not only in its enchanting landscapes, but also in the potential of its people to be resilient and prosper despite persistent challenges.

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History

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.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

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

Heritage

Heritage

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

Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.

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