HAITI OPEN Winter 2024

NEPHROLOGIST

From Port-au-Prince to Prominence:

THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF

DR. ROBENSON JEAN-MARIE, MD Written by: Martine St. Hilaire

Haitians in North Miami make up 40% of the dialysis population but represent less than 15% of the population. “My goal is to properly educate the Haitian populace and teach them that the scope of nephrology goes beyond dialysis,” Dr. Jean-Marie says.

14 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

D

r. Robenson Jean-Marie’s journey began in the bustling streets of Haiti’s capital, Portau-Prince, where dreams often collide with harsh realities. His story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to healing. Today, as a highly respected nephrologist in Miami, he serves as a beacon of hope for many by transcending borders and inspiring generations.

Born into a humble family, the fourth of his parents’ five children, Dr. Jean-Marie witnessed firsthand the struggles of his community, where access to basic healthcare was often a luxury.

Nevertheless, he harbored a deep-seated passion for medicine from a young age. Encouraged by his family’s unwavering support, he pursued his dream to be a doctor with relentless determination. He spent most of his adult life in Haiti and completed medical school at Universite d’etat d’Haiti in 2006. “My siblings and I all had a relationship with medicine, as most of us are nurses or doctors,” he says.

Dr. Jean-Marie’s interest in nephrology was sparked by a tragic event early in his career. In Haiti, between November 1995 and June 1996, while Robenson was in his first year of medical school, 86 Haitian children were fatally poisoned by diethylene glycol (DEG) — normally used in industrial solvents and antifreeze — that had been illegally used as an ingredient in medicinal syrup. Most of the children were five years of age or younger. When consumed, DEG causes severe systemic and neurologic complications including seizures, peripheral neuropathy, and hepatorenal failure.

A medical school professor told Jean-Marie and his peers how easy it would have been to cure all of the children had they been dialyzed in time.

Only ten of the 86 children who were poisoned were alive three months after their diagnosis.

Nine of them were flown to the US for treatment; nine of them survived, but only one child treated in Haiti lived to tell the tale. Most of the Haitian youngsters didn’t get the timely treatment they needed because dialysis wasn’t easily accessible in the country.

As a curious medical student, Dr. Jean-Marie wanted to understand more about what had happened. During his residency training in New York, he realized kidney problems were plaguing his community. That’s when he decided to specialize in Nephrology.

In high school, Robenson was always an aboveaverage student. He applied for both agronomy and medicine courses, but his heart belonged to medicine. After graduating from medial school 2006, he practiced internal medicine in

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Haiti. He then applied to medical boards in the United States. During that time, he completed a fellowship in Nephrology at Ohio State University and became the second secretary of the Florida chapter of the Haitian Medical Association.

After settling in Florida in 2015, Dr. Jean-Marie joined a practice in Broward County, but his time there was brief. He realized he couldn’t fully serve his community there. His goals differed from those of the practice. So, in 2016, he opened a practice in North Miami Beach. He couldn’t be happier about choosing this path. “I believe more than 50% of my patients are now Haitians,” he says.

The biggest challenge Dr. Jean-Marie faced when starting his practice was entering the unknown. His community harbors a folkloric mentality that fosters a lack of knowledge within the population — for example, many patients tend to not accept their disease and don’t seek help. When it comes to kidney disease, there are minimal to no symptoms, making it difficult for patients to understand they may be in a dire situation.

Haitians in North Miami make up 40% of the dialysis population but represent less than 15% of the population.

“My goal is to properly educate the Haitian populace and teach them that the scope of nephrology goes beyond dialysis,” Dr. Jean-Marie says. Dialysis is a last resort and represents less than 15% of the nephrology practice. The doctor’s main objectives are to successfully treat kidney

The doctor’s main objectives are to successfully treat kidney disease and hypertension. disease and hypertension. When necessary, he refers his patients to kidney biopsies and establishes treatment plans to preserve kidney function. He also follows up with patients after their kidney transplants.

Today, Dr. Jean-Marie is the only Haitian nephrologist in Miami-Dade County. He’s Chief of Nephrology at Jackson North Medical Center and Medical Director at DaVita Kidney Care. He’s also affiliated with North Shore Medical Center and Aventura Medical Center. He markets his business on the radio and at community events. He urges his executive staff to give a voice to patients and the Haitian community. Without question, his journey from Port-au-Prince to prominence in Florida is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative potential of education.

Dr. Jean-Marie’s plate is full. He has a wife and two children he’s devoted to and is committed to delivering excellent healthcare to the community. His hobbies include playing soccer, volleyball, dancing, and learning music.

Dr. Robenson Jean Marie, MD

(786) 615-3430 16695 NE 10th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33162

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By Alex Popa

Jean Michel Craan was born in Leogane but grew up in a village between Jacmel and Port-au-Prince. Realizing that Haiti could not help him fulfill his quest for greatness, he did the only thing that could’ve helped him in that sense: move to the US. His relocation to Florida in 2020 marked the beginning of a new life for him and his family. Jean Michel admits that he’s always had a soft spot for entrepreneurship, which has served him well over time. He now has two daughters to motivate his professional journey and an unbending desire to excel at everything he does.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS Jean Michel has a certification in Mechanics and another one in Marketing.

This double specialization has allowed him to enter several business spheres to expand his knowledge and skills. In terms of career development, things couldn’t be any better at the moment.

Jean Michel is a co-founder of “JEM”, a project he launched in 2011 in partnership with HIT (Haiti in Transition.) This non-profit organization uses chess to teach Haitian children the basics of leadership and build their character.

In 2012, Jean Michel joined “Haiti je m’engage” as a board member, a role that led to the creation of “Haiti’s Project.”

For the next three years, between 2013 and 2016, he built several companies in Haiti including Craan Technology,

Premium Taxi Rapid, TaxiPam, and Craan Learning Center.

Jean Michel didn’t let up in 2017, the year he founded Craan & Partners LLC, Luxury Car Spa, and Shippex. He also invested in the newly released “El Pama” cigar brand.

These achievements show that Jean Michel is a resourceful and competent entrepreneur with a bright future.

ABOUT SHIPPEX Shippex is one of Jean Michel’s brainchildren. He established the company in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, when people had to stay indoors to avoid contracting the feared virus. Shippex was born out of Jean Michel’s desire to create a more effective and budget-friendly shipping method.

The company grew quickly and now provides services across the US, and from the US to Haiti and Turks and Caicos Islands. Several factors have contributed to the company’s success, but Jean Michel says the main ones are the passion of the people involved in it and the vision that keeps everything running.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN LIFE Jean Michel sees himself as a successful entrepreneur and hopes he can serve as an example to others. In his view, Haitian youth need inspiration, which can be hard to find in Haiti’s troubled environment. He hopes to fill that gap and provide the younger generation with a model of success.

To Jean Michel, there are several requirements to becoming a successful entrepreneur. “[You need] the capacity to inspire and motivate others to follow your lead and create a productive work environment,” he says. “That is leadership.

Then come discipline and great sales skills to be able to sell your products or services and build customer loyalty.”

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE? Jean Michel’s journey is far from over.

He feels he’s never been more active, energetic, and inspired in his journey toward personal and professional success. His goal is to increase his company’s growth and create a comfortable life for his children.

Apart from business, what occupies Jean Michel Craan? “I enjoy traveling, spending quality time with my daughter, reading books to expand my knowledge and perspective, and lastly, enjoying a fine cigar in the company of good friends.”

ShippEx

www.shippex.net 11878 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161

HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2024 21 «

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24 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

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CONTENTS| WINTER 2024 ADVERTORIALS | pg 14 Dr. Robenson Jean-Marie, MD Jean Michel Craan Oriol Vatelia Jacky Catule Withnie Honore

INTERVIEWS | pg 36 Fatima Dug G QueenVS Luner Eugene

2023 TOP 40 | pg 46 ARTISTS & CREATORS Starring Dr. Bertrhude Albert

2023 TOP STORIES & HEADLINES | pg 58 Zafem Kanal La Haitian Exodus Michaël Brun Rutshelle Guillaume Jimmy Jean-Louis Cécile McLorin Salvant Annette in Netflix Castlevania Kidnapping Inc. Movie Haiti Takes the Gold in Taekwondo Immigration by the Numbers Napoleon the Movie

EVENTS | pg 82 Haiti Transitional Presidential Council 2024 AMHE of South Florida 2023 Gala HNVH Fundraising Gala 2023 Gala Haitian Businesses 10th Annivessary 2024 Little Haiti Kanaval 2024 Chef Thia's Dinner 2024 Soup & Champaign 2024

TALK TO US

Photo by @maybelinephotography

JEAN DELVA Editor-in-Chief Delva@HaitiOpen.com (305) 842-3555 2023 TOP 40 Artists & Creators Cover Winner BERTRHUDE ALBERT, PhD Cover Photographer MAYBELINE DESPAGNE @maybelinephotography MUA/Stylist:

@plushbeauty_

Graphic Designer MENDES CHEVALIER @mendes_1812 Proofreader ALEC ROSS Layout MOHAMMAD "MA" ALAUDDIN Photographers: MAYBELINE DESPAGNE RICARDO SAINT-CYR MACKINLEY MADHERE RICHARD LECOIN Writers: ALEX POPA MARTINE ST. HILAIRE DANIEL J.D. BAYARD ROMNIE VERTUS RALPH DELLY VANIA ANDRÉ ONZ CHÉRY THE HAITIAN TIMES J.O. HASELHOEF

FINANCIAL SERVECES

J

acky Catule was born in Haiti but has been living in Florida since 2003. He traveled from Haiti to settle down with his family, who was already living in the U.S. He

married his beautiful wife Laura in 2001, and they have two children, J-Shamar and Kyra.

In Haiti, Jacky studied Telecommunications at HaitiTec.

When he came to the U.S., he enrolled in DeVry University to study Information System Security.

He’s now pursuing a degree in Accounting at Broward College.

He’s a licensed Life and Health insurance agent in the states of Florida, Indiana, Texas, California, Georgia, and New Jersey. He’s also a real estate agent and professional tax preparer.

Jacky has worked in the financial services industry since 2013, the year he started his company, JCKC Financial Services. What he enjoys most about his career is receiving feedback from clients expressing their satisfaction with his company’s services. “We’ve been helping the community with Medicare and Obamacare since 2013, and we’ve added more services along the way,” he says proudly.

JCKC Financial Services has an excellent team of dedicated staff members who provide services in the following areas: • Medicare • Obamacare • Life Insurance • Income Tax • Auto and Homeowner Insurance • Real Estate • Document Translation • Public Notary • Fingerprint or Background Check

“We’ve been helping the community with Medicare and Obamacare since 2013, and we’ve added more services along the way,” Jacky says proudly.

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HEALTH INSURANCE Jacky faced many challenges when establishing JCKC. The first three years were especially hard. At the time, few people knew about JCKC, but Jacky has always understood that it takes time for people to trust you and your business. Now, he considers himself blessed to have found success. When it comes to marketing, Jacky chooses to interact with the Haitian community mostly through traditional media outlets such as radio and television. He’s currently working on a social media project that’s expected to launch this fall.

The continuous support from the Haitian community fuels Jacky to keep going. “Too often I hear other people say that Haitians don’t support other Haitians. My experience is different,” he says.

About 60% of his clients are Haitians.

Not only do his Haitian clients happily patronize his services; they also send referrals his way. Jacky’s secret to success is simple. He treats people with honesty and dignity.

He believes people focus more on what you do than what you say. It’s important to Jacky to be recognized for his integrity and for being a loving and compassionate individual.

Jacky treats his customers with the highest respect. He takes pride in treating every person that way because he believes that every human being is created to the image of God, hence every human being as a masterpiece of the creation deserves to be treated with dignity.

He loves people so much that he shares his blessings by continually donating to organizations designed to improve people’s lives.

Three to five years from now, Jacky expects JCKC Financial Services to have grown considerably. The company’s tagline is “Your Financial GPS” –and Jacky hopes to ensure JCKC truly serves as the Haitian community’s financial GPS. Jacky’s real estate journey started in 2015. What he enjoys most about

being an agent is helping people realize their financial dreams. He loves providing clients with useful information on buying or selling property anywhere in Florida (with a focus on Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties).

Ultimately, Jacky’s vision is for all of his lines of businesses to provide 5-star service to all clients. “Because we live and breathe this vision, over 50% of our new clients are referrals,” he says. Jacky’s best marketing plan is to focus on providing excellent customer service. The quality of service he provides is key. The Haitian community trusts JCKC, and he doesn’t take this trust lightly.

Jacky advises young people to follow their dreams and never give up… if you are persistent, determined, work diligently every day, and are self-disciplined, you’ll be successful.

Jacky advises young people to follow their dreams and never give up. He cautions that when starting a business, the first few years might be very difficult. Jacky believes if you are persistent, determined, work diligently every day, and are self-disciplined, you’ll be successful.

If something isn’t working, you’ll probably have to change your strategy, because success belongs to those who work hard and are smart.

In his free time, Jacky focuses on equipping himself with anything that will allow him to serve the community better. He also adores gardening and taking time to observe the wonders of nature.

CONTACT JACKY: 954-825-9923 954-446-7441 Jacky Catule Dade & Broward Locations: Dade: 12400 W. Dixie HWY, Miami, FL Broward: 3692 West Oakland Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes, FL

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NON-PROFIT GOALS Withnie is a simple woman with simple tastes. She enjoys singing and listening to music, reading, and writing, which keep her mind active and sharp. She’s always learning and believes nothing is achieved in life without hard work and commitment.

Withnie is crystal clear about her personal goal: she wants to make an impact. That’s why she uses her artistic expression to touch people and motivate them to become better humans. As a mother and a grandmother, she understands how important it is to inspire others to achieve greatness. She believes nothing inspires people more than a good story with deep meaning and a laugh. ACPAC is her way of doing that.

W

ithnie Honore is a mother, grandmother, artist, and Christian, but these labels don’t even begin to scratch the surface of this remarkable woman. Withnie was born in Haut-Moustiques and grew up in Port-de-Paix. She was a proud Haitian, but she knew she had to leave her beloved country to create a better life for herself and her family. She migrated to the US in the 1990s and has lived in Florida for the past 33 years.

EDUCATION AND WORK Withnie is a multidimensional woman. She holds a BS in Health Information Management and an MS in Special Education but also has strong artistic interests. She was wise enough to capitalize on her talent by learning playwriting and has produced 18 plays so far. She also dabbles in poetry and songwriting and has even produced a movie that is now available on YouTube (Une Vie Au Travers du Feu.) Because she couldn’t keep her passions a hobby, Withnie decided to take things to the next level. This is when ACPAC was born. ACPAC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “educate through performing arts.”

“We are one of the oldest

“We are more a family than an organization,” says Withnie. “We are all volunteers who work together as a team. The bond between the members is incredible.” organizations that emphasizes performing arts in the Haitian community in South Florida,” says Withnie. “With Onickel Augustin as a skilled musician, Ricardo Lefevre, a well-known comedian/ actor, and other devoted members, each year we offer a colorful, and unforgettable spectacle. The plays are culturally centered with a lesson to learn. The children are wildly enthusiastic about performing in Kreyòl ACPAC is the bridge that connects them with Haitian Culture.

HOBBIES AND LONG-TERM

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Can Young Haitians Follow Her Footsteps?

Withnie Honore believes anyone can follow in her footsteps provided they are disciplined, find a career they enjoy, and are open to criticism.

In Withnie’s view, this is the recipe for success. She knows this because her life has been shaped by these three requirements.

Withnie has learned that success comes from within. Still, her successful contribution to the Haitian diaspora is outwardly manifested in ACPAC’s work “to providing cultural enrichment, promoting moral and spiritual values, developing hidden talents among youth, and educating both adults and children through the performing arts.”

ACPAC’s Annual Performance is scheduled for December 7, 2024, at the North Miami Beach Julius Littman Theater. It will feature a play entitled “Gran Lakou”, which takes audiences directly to “LAKAY” before the Digital Revolution.

ACPACINC.org 305-343-4836 ACPAC1996@gmail.com

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PWOTEJE’M

FATIMA ALTIERI: A Life in an ALBUM

By Khainna Sejour and Alex Popa + Photos by Maybeline Despagne 36 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

atima Altieri is a proud Haitian with a clear mind and an artist’s heart. She knows what it’s like to struggle for a better life and never forgets where she comes from. Her modesty keeps her feet on the ground, giving her a sense of accomplishment every day.

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“I feel like the ones who know me will discover a new me. The ones who don’t know me will become curious to know more.”

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ARTIST INTERVIEW Fatima says her life changed dramatically after she moved to the States. The relocation provided her with opportunities that she would never have found in Haiti — and she made sure they didn’t go to waste.

A CAREER IN MUSIC Fatima admits says life as a musician isn’t easy, especially in the beginning. You need connections, reputation, money, and support to make it in the industry. She lacked all of these.

Later, she discovered that no challenge could beat dedication, discipline, and hard work.

The early days were marked by a lot of work and almost no returns. But as fate would have it, she eventually had a breakthrough. Being acknowledged as a valuable artist in the music industry is a real achievement, and Fatima doesn’t take it for granted.

“My growth and evolvement as a human being inspired me,” she says. “Along with all the challenges I faced, mountains I’ve climbed, and my many failures along the way.” Fortunately, she pushed through and got to the point where she can now call herself an accomplished artist.

THE UPCOMING ALBUM Fatima is a musician and a writer whose art is an expression of her achievements, strengths, and weaknesses. Her upcoming album is the purest distillation of that notion.

As she put it, her new album isn’t just a reflection of her artistic side, but of her personality and life as a whole.

“There’s one song on the album that is my favorite,” she says. “It is personal to me as well, a real-life story, so I decided to name the album after the song. It made sense in my head.”

She also believes the album

tells her story, the way she’s lived her life, and that it will provide people with a doorway into her soul.

Fatima couldn’t be happier about her professional accomplishments, but she admits there’s still room to grow. Her upcoming album, Pwoteje’m (Protect Me), contains at least 10 tracks and is a narrative of feminine strength and determination.

“The general vibe is inspiring and fun at the same time,” she says.

Right now, Fatima is signed with Lux Media & Marketing (Abdias Laguerre’s publishing company for the past two years).

She’s grateful for the opportunity to work with a talented team of artists who inspire her to grow every day.

Fatima has no plan to stop and believes the future has much in store for her. Her upcoming album is just the first step.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FATIMA? If you ask her what the next few years will hold, Fatima keeps her cards close to her chest. She hopes to collaborate with other artists (plans are in the works), produce more songs, release a new album, and grow as a woman and an artist. She also wants to produce more music videos with better visuals and a more professional artistic touch.

Fatima Altieri’s Message to Haitian Youth Fatima believes anyone can follow in her footsteps. She grew up in some of Haiti’s poorest neighborhoods but has managed to overcome adversity through hard work, discipline, and a never-say-die attitude.

Her artistic accomplishments send a clear message to Haitian youth. “Dream big and work hard to bring your dreams to reality.”

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DUGG’S Journey to Musical Excellence

By Alex Popa + Photos by @smallgphotography ugG is a unique artist with a rich Haitian heritage and the heart of a musician. He’s also a businessman who sees the music industry as a career opportunity rather than a place for hobbies. But life hasn’t always been kind to DugG. His upbringing was anything but peaceful and fulfilling. His family had

to deal with a lot of hardships. While he’s now in a better place financially and from a career standpoint, he never forgets what made him into the man and artist he is today.

ARTISTIC UPBRINGING AND CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS DugG considers his passion for music as a calling. It’s what he’s meant to do. “I’m a musician by anointing,” he

40 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

“I’m a musician by anointing.” says. “It’s just like a pastor that God has called to his service. I’d also say that music is mystical.”

DugG admits his road hasn’t always been smooth. He was underestimated by everyone, ignored, and given few chances when he was trying to make a name for himself. The music industry is a tough place, filled with talented and hardworking people. The competition is fierce, but DugG didn’t let that discourage him. On the contrary: it fueled his determination.

He became set on proving anyone wrong — including himself — who doubted his potential.

“In the beginning, a lot of people underestimated us, which is something all artists have to contend with at the start of their careers.”

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ARTIST INTERVIEW Fortunately, he didn’t allow himself to be influenced and stuck to his path to success.

Right now, DugG is a recognized name in the music industry. His accomplishments so far will be highlighted in the upcoming release of his new album: The DUGFATHER.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE DugG has big plans. He intends to solidify his name in the music industry, become a major producer, and elevate his label to the forefront of the Haitian publishing space. He also wants to inspire others. He believes that nothing you do as an artist and an icon matters if you don’t use your influence positively. One of his goals is to show Haitian youth that everything is possible if you want it bad enough — and work for it.

WHO IS DUGG AND ADVICE TO YOUNG HAITIANS Beneath his artistic and professional facade, DugG is just a simple man with simple pleasures. He loves Haitian cuisine, values playtime with his daughter, watches movies, and plays video games as hobbies.

He’s also active on social media but does it mostly to have fun and relax.

DugG’s advice to young Haitians is simple but powerful: “I can tell young artists to keep their feet on the ground. Success is ephemeral, so prepare for tomorrow. Make education a priority and turn your music career into a business endeavor.

Don’t use it to attract women and live a flashy lifestyle. These will come in their own time.”

Moving forward, DugG also hopes to create a learning center for youth to promote education and hard work — the two qualities he believes are at the heart of success.

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ueenVS is a Canadianborn artist who discovered her talent and passion for music by drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson. QueenVS considers herself fortunate because nobody in her family has a background in art or music.

Despite that, she grew an immense love for music and started taking singing classes at the age of 7. Music makes her feel complete and safe and allows her to express herself in unique and creative ways.

If she were to give young Haitians one piece of advice, it would be this: “Haitian solidarity is all we got. ‘L’Union Fait la Force’ is our motto, and it’s not to be taken lightly.”

QUEENVS AN INSPIRING

Content Creator

By Alex Popa

42 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

But there’s more. “As much as I love making music selfishly for my enjoyment, I intend to share a more revolutionary message with my fellow Haitians worldwide.”

CAREER AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE QueenVS considers herself to be a self-made artist. She started out making funny skits about Haiti that went viral. This opened the door to more opportunities, such as a spot on Success Junior’s Comedy Tour. After that performance, Junior invited her to Dania Improv in Florida, which gave her more valuable experience.

Queen also gained acting chops via her IG and TikTok videos. This eventually led to her directing her

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INFLUENCER INTERVIEW

French miniseries, “Penser a voix haute” (“Thinking out loud”).

QueenVS has several projects in the works, including a new video for her remixed song “Ne m’apelle plus.”

She was also invited to join the cast of a Canadian TV show, Natyf TV, which she hopes will propel her career into the highest spheres.

HOBBIES AND PERSONAL OCCUPATIONS Outside of her professional work, QueenVS enjoys cooking, eating, going to the spa, and, of course, writing songs and honing her musical skills. Her ultimate goal is to make money by doing what she loves. This way, she believes, you don’t have to work a day in your life.

She hates the routine work life: “My 9-5 is a limitation to my creativity.”

Other than that, QueenVS believes nothing is more important than family, so she always finds time to be with her loved ones, even if it requires regular travel to see them.

She says the effort is worth it because her family recharges her batteries and inspires her endeavors.

to work hard to get to where she is.

She says this is the secret to success.

Talent without work will simply go to waste.

She believes people should inspire and support one another because few have it easy in life. For most of the world, success only comes after lifelong struggle — if it ever comes. That’s why QueenVS’s mission is to grow as a person and an artist and inspire youth to follow her example along the way.

HOW TO BE A ROLE MODEL FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION QueenVS believes she’s talented and fortunate, and that she’s had

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Bae Night

A Journey from a YouTube Series to an AwardWinning Film

By Romnie Vertus

B

ae Night originated as a YouTube series created by Sandra Justice, Genji Jacques, and Luner Eugene to promote an event. The series quickly gained popularity, prompting demands for more content. To the creators’ surprise, “Bae Night” was nominated for the Miami Web Fest and went on to win Best Cinematography, Best Actress, and Best of the Best Awards.

On March 18th, 2023, I had the pleasure of interviewing Luner Eugene, the visionary behind the project. He delved into the details of how “Bae Night” came to fruition and highlighted the hard work and dedication of the team, including Antonese Johnson, Richatson “Rich Jean” Baptiste, Sandra Justice, Alexandra Bello, Genji Jacques, James O’Neal, Zorenzo, King Nathan, and his beloved Tonais Exantus.

During our interview, Mr. Eugene emphasized the importance of unity among black entrepreneurs and people, stressing the need to resolve differences peacefully. He expressed deep gratitude and admiration for his team, acknowledging the

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“Bae Night” tells a fictional tale of love, betrayal, and communication struggles within marriage.

Mr. Eugene described it as a narrative shedding light on the harsh realities of marital bonds.

The characters, Alexus (Sandra Justice) and Tony (Genji Jacques), appear to have it all but are plagued by lies and deceit, unraveling their relationship. The film explores themes of trauma, healing, and the consequences of unresolved issues.

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DIRECTOR INTERVIEW

Bae Night - still - actress

Film Directed by Luner Eugene

Night” on Amazon Prime and the miniseries on YouTube. He teased his upcoming project, “Queens King,” slated for another sold-out premiere on August 26th, 2023—a film celebrating culture. See you there!

Bae Night - still - actor

challenges they faced in producing “Bae Night” and the moments when he contemplated giving up. However, through perseverance, teamwork, and unity, they brought “Bae Night” to fruition—a film that delves into the complexities of marriage.

Mr. Eugene also offered advice to aspiring directors, highlighting the importance of funding and distribution.

He emphasized the need to network and build meaningful relationships in the industry, drawing from his own experiences.

Prior to his filmmaking career, Mr. Eugene’s passion lay in music, particularly Christian hip-hop.

Following a challenging divorce and struggles with low self-esteem, he found solace in filmmaking, inspired by a student film contest. Despite not winning, he honed his skills and eventually premiered “Bae Night” to a sold-out audience on February 11, 2023, on Amazon Prime.

In conclusion, Mr. Eugene emphasized the importance of community support and encouraged viewers to experience “Bae

Romnie Vertus - Writer

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Modern-Day Haitian SHE-ro

DR. BERTRHUDE ALBERT Strives for Strength in Unity

By Martine St. Hilaire + Photos by Maybeline Despagne

TOP 40 COVER WINNER

Dr. Albert earned a Bachelor’s in English, a Master’s in Latin American studies, and a Doctorate in Agricultural Education and Communication all from the University of Florida.

She was in school for nearly ten years, all because she wanted to study Haiti more.

All of her degrees had a focus on Haiti.

ertrhude Albert, Ph.D. is a proud daughter of Haiti who was born in Cap-Haïtien. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was an infant. Raised in Broward County, Dr. Albert grew up as a proud Haitian. “My strength came from all that diri kole, griyo, and bouyon I ate growing up,” she says. Although she was exposed to Haiti’s rich culture, she was seldom told how beautiful the

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TOP 40 COVER WINNER In January 2022, Dr. Albert started producing stories about Haiti on her TikTok page. She wanted to help the Haitian diaspora connect to Haiti’s rich history.

Growing up, she was unaware of Haiti’s powerful and glorious past, so she wanted to ensure the diaspora, especially the younger generation, had easy access to Haitian history. country truly is. Instead, she grew up hearing about the country’s poverty on the news and its inferiority complex. To many, being Haitian was almost synonymous with being “less than.” That all changed when she went to college and discovered who her people truly were.

Dr. Albert earned a Bachelor’s in English, a Master’s in Latin American studies, and a Doctorate in Agricultural Education and Communication all from the University of Florida. She was in school for nearly ten years, all because she wanted to study Haiti more. All of her degrees had a focus on Haiti. In college, she learned

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P4H Global’s mission statement is:

“Training People to Transform Nations.”

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TOP 40 COVER WINNER that Haiti was the world’s first free black republic, the only nation to be formed after a successful slave revolt. It also was the first nation to permanently abolish the slave trade.

Haiti gained independence and began to fight and fund revolutions across the region to help establish other new nations. Dr. Albert’s studies of Haitian history made her proud of her country.

Though she’s an accomplished academic, you might be surprised to know that Dr. Albert knows how to ride a unicycle and skateboard. She also juggles and enjoys photography and videography. One of her favorite personal challenges was to read 100 books on Haitian history in a year.

She loved the challenge so much that she adopted it as an annual goal. Lastly, she loves to travel and has visited 38 countries. Naturally, her favorite destination is Haiti.

In January 2022, Dr. Albert started producing stories about Haiti on her TikTok page. She wanted to help the Haitian diaspora connect to Haiti’s rich history. Growing up, she was unaware of Haiti’s powerful and glorious past, so she wanted to ensure the diaspora, especially the younger generation, had easy access to Haitian history.

Her efforts are not going unnoticed.

Several of Dr. Albert’s TikTok videos have had over one million views. Her success stems from being connected to a movement that allows Haitians and other interested cultures to get updates. Her videos demonstrate the associations between Haitians and other groups like Jamaicans, Puerto Ricans, and African Americans.

In 2011, Dr. Albert co-founded P4H Global with Dr. Priscilla Zelaya, who is her best friend. At the time, they were both University of Florida undergraduates who shared an unwavering passion for the Haitian people. They became determined to find a way to meaningfully contribute to the rebuilding of Haiti. They traveled there after the catastrophic

earthquake in 2010 with 19 other UF students. This trip was the beginning of P4H Global.

P4H Global’s mission statement is: “Training People to Transform Nations.”

Dr. Albert’s team strongly believes that sustainable development requires the empowerment of local leaders. From educators in developing countries to organizations across the globe, P4H Global equips individuals and communities through innovative programs.

The organization’s strategy is to connect, equip, and empower. They connect people from all walks of life to form mutually beneficial relationships that lead to positive change. They equip their partners with skills, knowledge, and experience to transform their communities and empower people to look beyond their circumstances to see the potential in others and

fails to make its way to Haiti. This has made her efforts much more difficult. “Trust is a hard thing to build, and we certainly are trying to build it, which will help us continue to further our mission,” she says.

Dr. Albert’s highest praise is reserved for the Haitians at the irrigation canal who have embraced her and thanked her for her selfless engagement. The locals call her “Manman lavi,” a nickname she cherishes. She received awards and recognition last year, but she says they’re nothing compared to the love and respect she gets from her heroes in the trenches who wake up every day to sacrifice for their country.

Dr. Albert lives in South Florida but is dedicated to the advancement of Haiti. She often lectures and gives presentations on the country’s

themselves.

Dr. Albert’s most important career lesson in 2023 was to trust God. She never imagined 2023 would end the way it did. There were some high highs, specifically with the irrigation canal. But there were also some very low lows. One of the biggest challenges Dr. Albert continues to face is finding individuals without donor fatigue.

Unfortunately, Haiti has a long history of corruption and financial mismanagement.

The culprits are often non-Haitians, as money donated or granted sometimes

history and current events to inspire Haitians and non-Haitians across the world. She never dreamed she’d be spearheading a major fundraising campaign for an agricultural revolution: the irrigation canal.

She’s prepared to play whatever role her community wants her to play, whether it involves social media, education, agriculture, or sanitation projects. Her team plans to scale up its teacher-training program, release entertaining research videos on social media, and ensure that once the canal is complete, the movement will live on.

“For so long, Haitians have been seen as ‘others,’ but when you study Haitian history you see that our history is intertwined with the histories of our brothers and sisters in the African diaspora all around the Americas,” she says.

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Haiti Open

TOP 40 Artists, Creators, & Producers YEAR 2023

By Alex Popa Each year, Haiti Open magazine selects 40 artists, creators, and producers who have produced outstanding Haitian-related work in their respective fields. Then, in a special edition, we publish profiles of each individual to document their achievements for the year.

In addition to featuring the Top 40 in our Year-in-Review edition, we hold an annual contest in December that allows fans to vote on which artist should grace the cover.

While Dr. Bertrhude won our 2023 cover, the runners-up were nothing short of amazing. Here are the 40 talented artists you had the opportunity to vote on: Blondedy Ferdinand, Florence El Luche, Jamessie Rachilde Joseph, Rutshelle Guillaume, Maya Fairy, Dadou DYS, Bertrhude Albert PhD, Troubleboy Hitmaker, Roody Roodboy, Zafem, Joseph Junior Zenny, Delly Benson, Medjy Tousaint, K-Dilak & Bedjine, Emilie Lafortune, Darline Desca, Wilky Toussaint, Atyspanch, King Street, Jessie Woo, Arly Lariviere, Michael Brun, Tafa Mi-Soleil, Gaelle BienAime, Durkheim, Mickael Guirand, Carel Pedre, Tony Mix, Klass, Steves

J. Bryan, AndyBeatz, Guy Wewe, Success St. Fleur Jr., Kendy Auguste, Fernando Estime, T-Ansyto, WID, Tonton Dezirab, Fouco TAK 509, and Jean Junior Dorcin.

Four of these 40 shared a few words with us to give us a glimpse of who they are and what drives them in life: Michael Brun: “My most important lesson for 2023 has been: community above all. As for my plans for the future, I aim to release my new album, produce more shows, and put together the biggest BAYO ever.”

Andy Beatz: “Adapted structure/team, professionalism, and consistency are some powerful tools to grow better and faster in the industry.”

T-Ansyto: “The most significant career lesson I learned in 2023 was the importance of adaptability and staying open to new opportunities.” And “The standout moment of this year for me was the

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launch of my second EP, featuring the track “Apiye”, a collaborative effort with Charlin Bato and Steeve J. Bryan. The release included a visually compelling video that left a lasting impact. In my latest EP, I successfully fused the Drill trend with Konpa, creating a unique blend known as Drill Konpa. I had the privilege of touring in both the USA and Haiti, and each performance held a special place in my heart.”

Joseph Junior Zenny: “I learned to share with the youngsters, I enjoyed guiding them, and shared my experience with them.”

Dr. Bertrhude Albert: “I was in school for nearly ten years, all because I wanted to study Haiti more. […] I started my TikTok page with the desire to help the Haitian diaspora connect to our great history. I wanted to ensure that the diaspora, especially the younger generation, had easy access to Haitian history.”

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TOP 40 ARTISTS & CREATORS – YEAR 2023

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TOP 40 ARTISTS & CREATORS – YEAR 2023

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TOP 40 ARTISTS & CREATORS – YEAR 2023

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TOP 40 ARTISTS & CREATORS – YEAR 2023

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TOP 40 ARTISTS TOP&40 CREATORS ARTISTS &– CREATORS YEAR 2023

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ZAFEM SHATTERS

Records in the 2023 Music Scene A Groundbreaking Year for the Haitian Music Industry

By Martine St. Hilaire

T

he Haitian Music Industry (HMI) is vibrant and diverse. Various genres such as Kompa, Rara, and Rasin contribute to its rich cultural heritage. In 2023, numerous new releases, collaborations, and events shaped the HMI landscape, but nothing compared to the musical sensation that is Zafem.

THE GENESIS OF ZAFEM Zafem’s journey began in 2017 with a shared vision among its founding members, Dener Ceide and Reginald Cangé, to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Dener and Reginald grew up together in the same neighborhood in Carrefour, Haiti, and bonded over their shared passions for sound, rhythm, and beats. They joined forces to create Zafem and release their debut album, LAS, on May 5, 2023. Both artists are passionate about all genres of music and the transformative power it has on people’s lives. Their powerful slogan, in Haitian Creole, is, “Nou gen on lòt vizyon avèk bon entansyon,” which means, “We have a new vision and great intentions.”

Drawing inspiration from diverse musical traditions and cultures, the group forged a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization. Rooted in a fusion of jazz, funk, and traditional rhythms, Zafem’s music transcends genre labels and appeals to a broad spectrum of listeners hungry for something fresh and exciting.

RECORD-BREAKING RELEASE LAS ignited a frenzy of anticipation and excitement. It wasn’t just an album, but a cultural catalyst. From the moment of

its release, the album shattered records, skyrocketing to the top of the charts and earning widespread critical acclaim.

Critics hailed it as a masterpiece of musical virtuosity, praising its intricate compositions, masterful performances, and infectious energy.

BREAKING BARRIERS AND REDEFINING NORMS By embracing diversity and inclusivity, Zafem has shattered long-standing barriers and challenged traditional notions of what constitutes “mainstream” music. Their willingness to explore new sonic territories and collaborate with artists from around the world has opened doors for underrepresented voices and expanded the boundaries of musical expression.

A GLOBAL PHENOMENON In an age of global connectivity, Zafem’s influence knows no bounds.

Their music transcends geographical and cultural barriers, resonating with listeners across continents and languages. From sold-out stadium tours to viral social media campaigns, Zafem’s reach extends far beyond the confines of the traditional music industry and cements their status as a bona fide global phenomenon.

THE LEGACY OF ZAFEM Zafem’s dominance and recordbreaking release in 2023 catalyzed change. The group is inspiring a new generation of artists to follow in their footsteps and chart their own paths to success. Whether through their electrifying live performances, boundary-pushing collaborations,

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or socially conscious activism, Zafem remains a beacon of creativity and innovation in an ever-evolving musical panorama.

Their unparalleled talent, fearless experimentation, and unwavering commitment to authenticity have propelled them to the forefront of the industry, where they continue to redefine norms and inspire generations to come. As Zafem’s star continues to rise, one thing is certain: the world of music will never be the same.

Zafem’s meteoric rise was due to a potent combination of talent, dedication, and authenticity. Both core members of the group bring a unique set of skills and influences to the table, contributing to a rich tapestry of sound that resonates with audiences on a visceral level. Moreover, Zafem’s unwavering commitment to their craft, and refusal to compromise on artistic integrity, have endeared them to fans and industry insiders alike.

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2023 TOP STORIES

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UNEARTHING HOPE THE JOURNEY OF KANAL LA

By Martine St. Hilaire

A Timeline of Haiti’s Irrigation Canal Project Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Haiti is engaged in a relentless battle for access to clean water. This struggle is emblematic of a broader global issue, but in Haiti, it takes on unique dimensions shaped by historical, social, and environmental factors. Haiti’s fight for water security is a multifaceted story of resilience, innovation, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. This is why the Kanal La project is critical to the nation.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT Before Kanal La, Haiti struggled with inadequate irrigation infrastructure that hindered agricultural productivity and perpetuated food insecurity.

Visionaries within the Haitian government and international development agencies conceived the idea of a comprehensive irrigation canal system to address water management challenges and stimulate rural development.

NGOs and engineering firms.

Surveys, feasibility studies, and community consultations identified optimal canal routes, assessed environmental impacts, and ensured local buy-in.

CONSTRUCTION PHASE (2016-2019) Groundbreaking ceremonies marked the official commencement of Kanal La’s construction, symbolizing a new era of agricultural development in Haiti. Despite logistical hurdles, including terrain obstacles and funding delays, construction progressed steadily, employing local labor and empowering communities along the canal’s route.

RISE IN POPULARITY (2020-2022) Through grassroots outreach, social media campaigns, and collaboration with local community organizations, Kanal La began to gain traction among Haitian audiences, earning a reputation for its unbiased reports and dedication to truth-telling.

Religious leaders, political leaders, artists, unions, diaspora

PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION (2010-2015) The Kanal La project started with funding from international donors and technical expertise from various partners, including

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groups, and Haitians in general have donated over $10,000 for construction materials, provided food for the canal builders, and organized fundraisers. Many average citizens, politicians, and celebrities have visited the construction site.

Typically, on Sunday evenings, crowds gather to enjoy live music from popular musicians.

CHALLENGES AND RESILIENCE (2023) Kanal La remains steadfast in its mission. Even though it still faces maintenance issues, water distribution disputes, and challenges related to climate variability.

Stakeholders collaborate to create innovative solutions, including community-led maintenance programs, water user associations, and climate-resilient agriculture practices.

SOCIAL IMPACTS The burden of water scarcity falls disproportionately on Haiti’s most vulnerable populations, including

Haiti’s irrigation canal project, known as Kanal La, is more than just a system of waterways. It’s a beacon of hope and progress for the nation. This article traces the evolution of Kanal La from its inception to its transformative impact on Haitian agriculture and communities.

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2023 TOP STORIES

Dr Bertrhude Albert Kanal la pa'p kanpe super activist

This AI (Artificial Intelligence) offers a photographic representation of the construction of the Ouanaminthe Canal separating Haiti and the Dominican Republic | CREDIT - @ouanaminthepost

KANAL LA

A view of the canal under construction, with the pathway leading from the Rivière Massacre / Dajabon River that flows between Haiti and the Dominican Republic as workers and bystanders mill about on the Ouanaminthe, Haiti, side of the shared island in September 2023. Photo by Pierre Michel Jean | CREDIT - Photo by Pierre Michel Jean

Haitians gather at the construction site of a water channel from the Massacre River, a river shared between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in Ouanaminthe, Haiti September 14, 2023. REUTERS/Octavio Jones | CREDIT - REUTERS Octavio Jones

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2023 TOP STORIES From its humble beginnings as a vision for progress to its realization as a vital lifeline for Haitian agriculture, Kanal La exemplifies the power of collective action and perseverance in overcoming adversity. As Haiti navigates the complexities of development, Kanal La stands as a testament to what is possible when communities, governments, and international partners unite in pursuit of a common goal: a more prosperous and resilient Haiti for generations to come.

Haitians view the canal as a source of food autonomy and national sovereignty, but their Dominican neighbors say the canal will divert water away from their land. The highly controversial canal is the latest chapter in the two Caribbean countries’ long, complex, and often strained relationship, which is largely drawn along racial lines and reflects the countries’ different experiences of independence.

women and children. In rural areas, women often bear the responsibility of collecting water, a task that consumes valuable time and energy and limits their opportunities for education and economic participation.

Crucially, Kanal La recognizes the importance of community participation in achieving water security. By involving residents in decision-making processes and providing training in sustainable water management practices, the initiative fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among Haitian communities.

This bottom-up approach not only strengthens people’s resilience to future challenges but also fosters social cohesion and solidarity.

CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES Despite its ambitious goals, Kanal La faces myriad challenges. Limited funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and political instability threaten to derail progress at every turn. Moreover, changing weather patterns and the looming specter of climate change pose additional threats to water security in Haiti. Yet, amidst these challenges, there are also opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

THE WAY FORWARD As Haiti continues its fight for water security, the path forward must be guided by principles of sustainability, equity, and resilience. Investments in infrastructure must be accompanied by efforts to address the root causes of vulnerability, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

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2023 TOP STORIES

I

n 2023, Haiti experienced a mass exodus of its population, marking one of the largest migratory movements in recent history. “The Haiti Exodus of 2023 is heartbreaking. We love our country, but the conditions there have become unbearable. We’re forced to leave in search of safety and opportunity elsewhere,” said one Haitian migrant. A culmination of socio-political instability, economic hardship, natural disasters, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic drove the exodus.

This article explores the causes, consequences, and the ensuing humanitarian crisis of the Haiti Exodus of 2023.

CAUSES: 1. Political Instability: Haiti has a long history of political turmoil, and 2023 was no exception. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 plunged the country into further chaos and left a power vacuum and increased violence.

Both contributed to a sense of insecurity among the population.

2. Economic Hardship: The Haitian economy has been struggling for decades, plagued with high unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. The economic downturn exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic further worsened the situation, leaving many Haitians without the means to support themselves and their families.

3. Natural Disasters: Haiti is prone to natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. In 2021, a devastating earthquake followed by Hurricane Grace exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and left thousands homeless.

4. Social Unrest: Social unrest, fueled by widespread discontent with the government’s handling of various crises including corruption allegations and the lack of basic services, contributed to a sense of disillusionment among the population.

The Haitian population tried to survive, but many already

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Ultimately, the Haiti Exodus of 2023 underscored the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the underlying issues plaguing the country. “The Exodus has torn families apart and shattered communities. We pray for strength and resilience as we navigate this uncertain journey away from home,” said a concerned Haitian native.

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Haitian migrants wade across the Tuquesa river after trekking through the Darien Gap in Bajo Chiquito, Panama, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Dozens of charter flights believed to be carrying migrants fleeing crisis-stricken Haiti have touched down in recent days in Nicaragua, the latest in a historic crush of migration to the U.S. | CREDIT - Arnulfo Franco/AP

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Haitians in Port-au-Prince rush to get a passport, hoping they will be chosen to live legally in the U.S. under President Biden’s immigration plan - January 2023

A father plays with his children in the migrant camp beneath Del Rio's International Bridge on Sept. 21, 2021. About 8,600 people were still awaiting processing

by U.S. immigration officials, many of them families with small children. | CREDIT - Photographs by Ronald W. Erdrich, Open | People 66 Haiti Culture Tourism Abilene Reporter-News

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2023 TOP STORIES felt disoriented, tired, and discouraged due to deteriorating security, rising inflation, and the worsening political environment.

Haitians living their days amid organized crime, sexual violence, and unemployment, among other difficulties, is no longer an option, and many are turning their gaze to destinations such as Mexico, Canada, and the United States. More than 100,000 Haitians arrived in the US last year.

CONSEQUENCES: 1. Mass Migration: Faced with the prospect of continued instability, economic hardship, and a lack of basic necessities, hundreds of thousands of Haitians embarked on perilous journeys in search of safety and opportunities elsewhere. Many headed to neighboring countries such as the Dominican Republic, the United States, and other Caribbean nations.

2. Brain Drain: The exodus of skilled professionals, including doctors, nurses, teachers, and engineers, further depleted Haiti’s already fragile human capital, hindering the country’s ability to rebuild and recover from its myriad challenges.

3. International Response: The Haiti Exodus of 2023 drew international attention and prompted responses from neighboring countries, international organizations, and donor governments.

Efforts were made to provide humanitarian assistance, facilitate resettlement programs, and address the root causes of migration through diplomatic channels.

HAITI’S HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

“Leaving Haiti was never an easy decision, but we had no choice. We dream of returning one day, but for now, our focus is on surviving and building a better life wherever we can,”

Haiti, the Caribbean nation once known as the “Pearl of the Antilles,” is currently facing one of its severest humanitarian crises in recent history.

The mass exodus precipitated a humanitarian crisis marked by overcrowded shelters, strained resources, and inadequate access to essential services for both those leaving Haiti and the communities hosting them. “Leaving Haiti was never an easy decision, but we had no choice. We dream of returning one day, but for now, our focus is on surviving and building a better life wherever we can,” said a participant in the mass exodus. Humanitarian organizations struggled to meet the needs of the growing displaced population, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Haiti’s humanitarian crisis requires urgent international aid and action to address the immediate needs of the population and support long-term recovery and resiliencebuilding efforts. The international community must prioritize humanitarian assistance, including food aid, clean water, healthcare,

and shelter, to alleviate the suffering of those most affected by the crisis.

Additionally, there is a pressing need for greater investment in Haiti’s infrastructure, healthcare system, education, and economy to build resilience and mitigate the impact of future crises. This requires coordinated efforts between governments, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to ensure that aid reaches those in need and is used effectively to address the root causes of Haiti’s humanitarian crisis.

Moreover, efforts to support democratic governance, strengthen institutions, and promote accountability are essential to address the underlying political instability and foster sustainable development in Haiti. The Haitian people deserve a future free from poverty, violence, and uncertainty, and it is incumbent upon the international community to stand in solidarity with them and provide the support they need to rebuild their lives and their country.

While immediate humanitarian aid is essential to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the crisis, long-term investments in governance, infrastructure, education, and economic development are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and instability in Haiti. As the international community grapples with the fallout from the exodus, it is imperative to prioritize the well-being and rights of the Haitian people and work towards building a more resilient and prosperous future for the country and its citizens.

Haitians are grateful for the support and solidarity of those who welcome them in their time of need. Despite the challenges, Haitians remain hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.

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2023 AWARD WINNER Wow that’s HUGE bro congrats!!

Keep going says Roberto Martino @vice2k Carel Pedre @carelpedre I flew from Kigali to Miami with @michaelbrun Trace Award. At the Bayo concert last night, my daughter Amalya insisted on being the one to hand it over to him with a big smile.

MICHAËL BRUN won “Best DJ” of the Year at the 2023 Trace Awards and Music Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, Africa

SOCIAL REACTIONS:

Congratulations son!! You are amaze and this award is so well deserved!! Keep shining says Sharon Brun @sharon_brun

"keep shinning my boy congrats and were going for other ones" Says Joseph Junior Zenny @tjozenny

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2023 AWARD WINNER

RUTSHELLE GUILLAUME

won “Best Caribbean Artist” of the Year at the 2023 Trace Awards & Music Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, Africa SOCIAL REACTIONS:

Congrats my blood says Wyclef Jean @wyclefjean

Congrats @rutshelle!!! Haiti to the world says Michael Brun @michaelbrun

red red red met la congrats says Joseph Junior Zenny @tjozenny

Congrats Queen… says Mickael Guirand @mickaelguirand

Congrats mama @rutshelle says Smith Etienne @smittyiproduce Congratulations hun says Wanda Tima @mrswanda Congrats Mon amour says Sarodj Bertin @sarodjbertin Félicitation Queen says @tonymixhaiti

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2023 AWARD WINNER

JIMMY JEAN-LOUIS wins Best Actor at the 2023 Africa Awards show in Lagos

BY RALPH DELLY for The Haitian Times

Haitian actor and producer Jimmy Jean-Louis has received the best actor in a supporting role trophy at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for his portrayal of Rise.

The annual awards show celebrates and honors outstanding achievements in the African film industry and rewards excellence in filmmaking in various categories.

Established in 2005, the AMAA aims to facilitate the development and relevance of African film and cinema by providing a reward and recognition platform for filmmakers on the continent. This year’s awards ceremony took place Oct. 29 at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

Jean-Louis – best known for playing “The Haitian” in the 2000s drama “Heroes” – has starred in, produced

or written for a trove of films and shows on the small and big screen alike over the past three decades.

Sunday’s award from the birthplace of Nollywood is the latest in a string of such recognition the 55-year-old has garnered from film industry organizations around the globe.

“Back from Lagos, one of the most vibrant cities in the world. I was given the Award for the Best Supporting Actor at the Africa Movie Academy Award 23 in the film RISE. I also collected another trophy I won in 2020 for Best Actor in the movie DESRANCES @amaawards_ I also had an amazing time at the African International Fillm Festival @afriff.

Lastly, I had a great shoot with brother Kunle Afolayan @kunleafo.

Thank you Nigeria 🇳🇬. Time to

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celebrate now @barbancourthaiti #Haitianhero 🇭🇹” says Jimmy JeanLouis on November 19, 2023 SOCIAL REACTIONS:

Congrats!! says Michael Brun

@michaelbrun

Congratulations says Jessica Woo

@thejessiewoo

Congratulations says @lunionsuite Congratulations! says @haitiantimes Thank you brother Hats off for your performance in the movie goat life says @jince_sungrace Just watched Aadujeevitham.

Your acting was so great and you entered the hearts of all Malayalees. says @fly_nn_rider

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2023 GRAMMY NOMINEE

Haitian American Jazz singer

CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT nominated for 2 Grammys

By VANIA ANDRÉ for The Haitian Times The Haitian American vocalist and songwriter is nominated for best jazz vocal album and best arrangement, instruments and vocals.

Haitian American Jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant is nominated for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” and “Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals,” the Recording Academy announced on Friday.

Salvant, who was born to a Haitian father and French-Guadeloupean mother, is nominated for her album Mélusine, released March 2023, and her single Fenestra. The 34-year-old, originally from Miami, is already a

three-time GRAMMY award winner.

She won Best Vocal Jazz Album in 2016, 2018 and 2019 for her albums “WomanChild,” “Dreams and Daggers” and “The Window.”

In 2019, while in Haiti for the 13th PAPJAZZ Festival, Salvant spoke with The Haitian Times about classism in jazz.

“As much as I’m happy with any audience, I would love to see more diversity,” Salvant said.

“Jazz has become this elite music, and it’s unfortunate because it’s a music that came from struggle, from people trying to get beyond

their conditions, which were not elite conditions. I don’t think it’s a music for the elite. It’s a music for everyone, and the challenge is how do we bring it to everyone?”

Other notable nominations include R&B singer SZA, with nine nods, including Record of the Year, and Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus and Victoria Monet.

The 66th GRAMMY Awards takes place Sunday, Feb. 4, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

SOCIAL REACTIONS:

so proud of you says TARRIONA TANK BALL @thinktank20 Yayayayaya!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!!!!!!!! says Thana Alexa @thana_ alexa You just keep on doing it Cecile Congratulations says @deedeebridgewater One of my favourite albums ever!!!! You are so inspiring and your music gives me life!!! says Ema Nikolovska @nikolovska.ema

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REPRESENTATION IN TV

Netflix renews

CASTLEVANIA NOCTURNE SERIES FEATURING

HAITIAN REVOLUTION HEROINE

By RALPH DELLY for The Haitian Time Netflix is streaming and has renewed a new season of an animated series about the French revolution, Castlevania

Frankly, Castlevania Nocturne puts to shame the majority of live action depictions of Haiti, in my opinion.

Nocturne, that features a Haitian heroine who escapes from slavery.

The show, a dark fantasy action series for adults, is set in 1792 during the French Revolution in a commune called Machecoul. The series follows the young vampire hunter Richter Belmont and his adoptive sister Maria Renard as they make new allies and attempt to prevent the apocalyptic rise of a godlike Vampire Messiah. That’s how they meet Annette, a sorceress who fled from slavery in SaintDomingue, the French Caribbean territory’s name before Haiti became independent in 1804.

Thuso Mbedu plays Annette, who uses ancestral magic. Sydney James Harcourt plays Edouard, an opera singer and Annette’s closest friend who helped her in a slave uprising before journeying together to France.

Created and written by Clive Bradley, it is produced by Kevin Kolde for Netflix as a spin-off and a stand-alone sequel to the original animated series Castlevania, according to the promotional materials. That show is based on the Japanese video game

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series of the same name made by Konami and loosely adapted from Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (1993) and its sequel Symphony of the Night (1997). It also incorporates story elements from Harmony of Dissonance (2002).

The first season, consisting of eight episodes, premiered on Sept.

28, 2023, and received generally positive reviews from critics. On October 6, 2023, one week after the release of the first season, Netflix renewed the series for a second season.

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REPRESENTATION IN FILM

Sundance Film Festival to feature Haitian movie about kidnapping

By ONZ CHÉRY for The Haitian Times

A photo from the “Kidnapping Inc.” film, which was selected in the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Photo via Gilbert Mirambeau’s X account

A Haitian-made film, “Kidnapping Inc.,” has been selected to premiere at the largest independent film festival in the United States, the Sundance Film Festival, the festival announced Wednesday.

“Kidnapping Inc.” is one of the 91 films that will feature in the 40th edition of Sundance Film Festival, which will take place in Utah Jan. 18 to 28. The 1-hour-and-43-minute comedy-thriller from the Muska Films production crew, was directed

by Bruno Mourral and co-written by Gilbert Mirambeau, Jasmuel Andri, and Mourral. Andri is also the lead actor alongside Rolapthon Mercure.

Some other actors starring in the film are Gessica Geneus, the writer and director of Freda, Anabel Lopez and Patrick Joseph.

“A big THANK YOU to the whole team who worked tirelessly, without stopping, with all their hearts, with all their souls despite all the difficulties and that allowed us to get there,” Mirambeau posted on X on Wednesday.

The Haitian film industry has been deteriorating in recent years

Selection by prestigious festival of ‘Kidnapping Inc.’ a new high for Haitian film industry

Prior to “Kidnapping Inc.,” a film called “Papa Machete” — a 10-minute Haitian short — premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. due to ongoing gang violence in the capital and financing issues, some have said. But occasionally, some of its work gets selected for festivals abroad, among them Freda in 2021 at the Cannes Film Festival and the 94th Academy Awards.

Wednesday, many took to social media to congratulate Mirambeau and his crew for the selection.

“Congratulations to Gilbert and the entire team,” Chrismic Giroud commented on X. “It is no small achievement to be selected at Sundance. Pride overwhelms me.”

Muska Films has been working on the film for 10 years, Mirambeau said on X, which tells the story of two kidnappers who ended up in the middle of political conspiracy after abducting someone. The film tells an everyday life aspect in Port-au-Prince as kidnapping has been rampant since the late 2010s. From Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, the Crime Observation Unit (COU) recorded 901 kidnappings, including at least 63 foreigners.

SOCIAL REACTIONS:

Bèl bagay!!! Bravo says @ngbel Angie Bell Kidnapping Inc. hitting Sundance's midnight section is a triumph, Bruno! Despite challenges, you persevered, and now your powerful story takes the spotlight.

We are so proud of you! Keep up the hard work. says @newyorkfilmacademy Visual & Performing Arts College

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2023 TAEKWONDO CHAMPION

HAITI TAKES

SOCIAL REACTIONS:

THE GOLD IN THE 2023

Nothing stops you amazing job! says @alasanann Gambian Goliath

CHAMPIONSHIP

the queen is back says @mayamataaa

TAEKWONDO WORLD

Absolute beast says @cassie.leo Cassie

Congratulations Fam says @delianovz DELiANOV️ congratulations!!!!!! CHAMPION says @jeymastertkd Jeckson Marcano Congratulations Queen well done says @dimplesbutterfly

“Very proud to be able to climb the podium for the 2023 Pan American Games!! This is a huge event that happens once every four years, and I am very proud to be one of the medalists!

With battling a few injuries this year, my absolute goal for this tournament was to reach the podium. With God’s grace and the hard work put in by my amazing coach @mohamed_a_melghagh and myself, we were able to make this happen!! I cannot thank you enough coach, you’ve have been pushing with me through it all! Also, thank

you so much to my team at @ifight_ mohamedali for always supporting me and pushing me to be the best.

Big thanks to team Haiti @coh_ht and @fhtkd2014 for your support and giving me the opportunity to represent in the Games. Thank you to Master Lee @therealwta and expert paddle holder Ava @avatkd06 for coaching and supporting me in this competition.

Lastly, I want to thank my family for always being by my side throughout my endeavors” posted Aliyah Shipman via Instagram

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2023 IMMIGRATION NUMBERS

HAITIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA AS OF 2023, BY THE NUMBERS

By J.O. HASELHOEF for The Haitian Times The year 2023 offered more opportunities than ever before for Haitians to come into the United States legally. Between President Joe Biden’s extensions of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows Haitian immigrants to stay and work legally, and the launch of the humanitarian parole process (I-134A) involving financial sponsors, Haitian families found new avenues to bring loved ones into the United States or to keep them here.

The volume is only now starting to become evident as the year winds down.

The impact of these programs will be felt across American life in 2024, certainly, with the presidential elections. And as Haitians settle in, officials will continue

to grapple with city budgets, housing initiatives, social service programs and employment levels to accommodate their growing numbers.

10 – The top 10 metro areas with the most Haitians are within or close to the six states into which the majority immigrants arrive — Florida, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California and Texas.

Top 10 U.S. Metropolitan Areas for Haitian Immigrants, 2017-22.

Migration Policy Institute.

60 – Haitians deported from the U.S. less than 24 hours after the U.S. urged its citizens to leave Haiti “as soon as possible” in August 2023.

150 – Minimum days an asylum applicant must be in the U.S. before applying for a work permit.

5,100 – Haitians intercepted at sea

by the U.S. Coast Guard in the first 11 months of FY 2023.

112,000 – Haitian nationals approved through the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) parole program – also known as the Biden Program – as of December 2023.

116,500 - Haitians registered with Temporary Protected Status (TPS),

which grants work authorization and relief from deportation. Reregistration runs until August 3, 2024.

123,294 – Pending Haitian immigration cases, many for deportation, throughout the U.S. 731,000 – Number of Haitian immigrants residing in the U.S., making Haitians the 15th largest foreign-born population.

1.2 million – Number of people in the U.S. of Haitian ancestry or race.

About 42% were born in the U.S., according to the 2020 U.S. Census and MPI tabulation data.

1.5 million – Financial sponsors for the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan humanitarian parole who applied within a few months of the program’s start.

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NAPOLEON - THE MOVIE An Epic Tragedy And A Deceitful Triumph

The new movie of Napoleon Bonaparte is of epic proportions – vibrant and magnificent cinematography with acting to match. However, without a mention of the colony of Saint-Domingue – it’s like a movie about Adolph Hitler without mentioning the Holocaust.

Napoleon, the man, put forth a flawed strategy that cost France the most valuable piece of real estate on earth at the time, Saint Domingue, the modernday country of Haiti. Under the administration of Toussaint Louverture, one of Haiti’s founding fathers, Napoleon possessed a functioning colony, most would say quite well, with relative peace and tranquility. The government was in the process of rebuilding the economy, infrastructure, and its ability to effectively govern the citizenry. Diplomatic engagement with the Americans and British had commercial trade on the rebound and free cash was circulating amongst the citizens.

Furthermore Toussaint, on behalf of France, had finally unified the east and west of the island with happy citizens on the Spanish side eagerly anticipating the future of a united Hispaniola and the peace and prosperity that it would bring.

However, Napoleon’s greed, arrogance, racism, short-sightedness, and his bowing to the pressure of wealthy absentee colonial landowners caused him to execute major strategic errors.

First, he was a racist that considered blacks and mixed-race mulattos as subhuman and beneath him. His overall goal was to harness their productive capabilities, once again through the chains of slavery, as opposed to the engine of compensated labor and capitalistic motivation.

Second, he discounted the very same resourcefulness, ingenuity, and grit of the non-white citizens to succeed, prosper, build wealth, and reinvest in enterprises.

He had no possible excuse for this miscalculation as there were thousands of examples of black and Gens de Couleur’s who had already become quite successful.

Third, he underestimated the fighting ability of local soldiers on their turf, fighting to the death to resist re-enslavement. They were familiar with every square inch of terrain and able to employ guerilla-like warfare, lethal African battle tactics, and learned European military skills against their enemy.

Fourth, the French Army’s arrogance and lack of on-the-ground military intelligence had them discount the local leaders’ ability to build a powerful and organized army, with the formation of brigades encompassing infantry, cavalry, artillery, grenadiers, dragoons, and mountain troops. A total of more than 45,000 motivated Saint-Dominguen men and women were recruited, properly organized, trained, and logistically equipped for battle, as well as auxiliaries encompassing maroon mountain troops.

And, speaking of women troops, these soldiers excelled in their fighting capabilities, with many becoming decorated heroes far outpacing the percentage of their male counterparts. In context, these women were engaged in combat,

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“Napoleon, without a mention of the colony of Saint-Domingue is like a movie of Hitler without mentioning the holocaust.”

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much to the bewilderment of French males, in the year 1802. In comparison, American women were only permitted by their male counterparts into the theatre of combat 200 years later, as recently as 2013, when the female ban on women in combat was lifted.

Fifth, Napoleon chose the wrong leaders to execute his whims. He chose his brother-in-law, young Charles Leclerc, and upon his death, a man many considered a certifiable maniac, Donatien Rochambeau, to make intelligent decisions to carry out his dastardly plans.

Instead of forging the development of local black and mulatto resources, they alienated the local community of blacks and Gens de Couleur with their brutality towards them, leading an ever-increasing number to either join or collaborate with the Armée Indigéne, or as the French would sarcastically call them” L’armée Cannibale” the Cannibal Army as they were getting their rear ends handed to them.

And finally, the miscalculation of Yellow Fever, Malaria, and Typhoid Fever. Napoleon had to have known that the disease was a serious threat to susceptible Europeans. Yellow fever had been around for years in the French colony, so why did the French army not take better precautions to limit the spread, and if infected, not have the basics in place to contain an epidemic?

French claims of death by the fever vary wildly from 20,000 to 50,000 of the nearly 80,000 persons sent to tame the island. I on the other hand believe that the exaggerated claims of casualties due to yellow fever are in large part inflated to limit the embarrassment of the French defeat by the so-called, inferior “Cannibal Army”. So, why not blame the deaths of tens of thousands of young French soldiers, as well as twenty generals, on some mysterious disease instead of the competence of the local population and the miscalculated incompetence of their leadership?

All in all, you can chalk up this faux pas in history as a complete debacle, and one that forever changed the trajectory of the Atlantic world. If Napoleon had better calculated his strategy and collaborated with Toussaint Louverture, instead of arresting him and having him killed, several different outcomes

could have prevailed. For one, Napoleon would have held onto the most valuable asset on earth at the time, the Pearl of the Antilles, with all its tax revenue in check. Leveraging a brilliant military and civil asset in Toussaint, he could have embraced Toussaint’s vision of a Caribbean basin economic system, and achieved his ambition to springboard an American invasion through Louisiana with Toussaint’s 45,000-man strong standing army, adding 50,000 of his troops, and utilized a ready-made force encompassing many of the half a million American slaves that were already upset that the ideals of America – All men are created equal – had never been, nor planned to be, implemented.

These enslaved Americans would have been eager to join in a French-led United States slave rebellion headed by the great Toussaint Louverture whom they idolized. How could that have changed the course of history? For one, it would have negated the need for an American Civil War with 600,000 casualties, for starters.

Daniel J.D. Bayard Author of Triumph To Tragedy

My 3-book series, from 1771-1804, is an actionpacked novel of love, family, war, and our nation’s hero's.

You’ll get addicted and look forward to Book #4 that I’m now writing!

MAINTENANT EN FRANÇAIS! Go To TriumphToTragedy.com Use Discount Code HAITI-OPEN for additional 20% OFF

HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2024 77 «

2023 HEADLINES

HAITIANLOCALS TRY TOKEEP BORDER CLOSED, REJECTINGDOMINICANS’ TRADE-ONLY REOPENING OCT. 12, 2023

HAITI’S BWA KALE CLAIMS 160 LIVES MAY. 31, 2023

HAITI MARKS 220 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE WITH PARADES, FANFARE AT MUPANAH JAN. 02, 2024

TEXTILE WORKERS STRIKE, DEMAND HIGHER MINIMUM WAGE MAY. 10, 2023

LABORERS IN HAITI CONTINUE STRIKING FOR $18 DAILY WAGE MAY. 23, 2023

PASSPORT PRICES DOUBLE IN HAITI AS US PAROLE FRENZY SPREADS JAN. 17, 2023

MEXICO A DEATHLY PLACE FOR MANY HAITIANS MAR. 17, 2023

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BY THE HAITIAN TIMES

WHAT DOES TITLE 42 ENDING MEAN FOR HAITIANS? MAY. 12, 2023

CANADA OPEN FOR 15,000 NEW IMMIGRANTS FROM AMERICAS REGION, INCLUDING HAITIANS OCT. 13, 2023

TO INJECT $6M IN LITTLE HAITI, LOCAL TRUST AIMS TO REVIVE DELAYED PLANS JAN. 05, 2023

HAITIAN SOCCER STAR DUMORNAY SIGNS WITH FRENCH CLUB LYON JAN. 18, 2023

HAITIAN MAN IN VIRAL DEL RIO PHOTO LOOKING FOR US SPONSOR JAN. 18, 2023

THOUSANDS CALL FOR HAITI SOLUTIONS IN GLOBAL SHEKINAH.FM MARCH JUL. 09, 2023 HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2024 79 «

2023 HEADLINES

CLAUDINE GAY INAUGURATED AS HARVARD PRESIDENT OCT. 03, 2023

AIRLINE PRICES FROM HAITI REACH NEW HEIGHTS, LETTING DOWN TRAVELERS WITH FEW OPTIONS OCT. 27, 2023

CANADA’S TRUDEAU SLAMS HAITI’S POLITICIANS FOR NOT DOING THEIR PART AUG. 03, 2023

DOMINICAN OFFICER ARRESTED, ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING HAITIAN WOMAN AT AIRPORT SEP. 27, 2023

BIDEN PICKS PENTAGON ADVISOR FOR HAITI AMBASSADOR POST MAY. 23, 2023

PAP JAZZ FESTIVAL HELD IN CAP-HAITIEN FOR FIRST TIME JAN. 24, 2023 80 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

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BY THE HAITIAN TIMES

HAITIAN SOCCER STAR DUMORNAY SIGNS WITH FRENCH CLUB LYON JAN. 18, 2023

HAITI QUALIFIES FOR WOMEN’S WORLD CUP IN HISTORIC FIRST FEB. 22, 2023

VIOLETTE STUNS AUSTINFCTOBECOME FIRST HAITIANCLUB TOWINSCCL SERIES MAR. 15, 2023

HAITI QUALIFIES FOR GOLD CUP AFTER 4-0 WIN VERSUS MONTSERRAT MAR. 25, 2023

HAITI MEN’S SOCCER TEAM CLINCHES VICTORY OVER QATAR IN GOLD CUP 2023 JUN. 26, 2023

HAITI’S WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM CONQUERS COSTA RICA 1-0 IN DR SEP. 22, 2023

HAITI TAKES TOP PRIZES IN TAEKWONDO, BOXING AT PAN AMERICAN GAMES OCT. 25, 2023 HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2024 81 «

“THE NEW GOVERNANCE TEAM MUST IMMEDIATELY RESTORE SECURITY, ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND THE RE-INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE COUNTRY.”

INDENTIFIES TRANSITIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ex-senator Louis Gerald Gilles, from left to right, pastor Frinel Joseph, brarrister Emmanuel Vertilaire, businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr, interim Prime Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert, Judege Jean Joseph Lebrun, who is not a member of the council, former senate president Edgard Leblanc, Regine Abraham, former central bank governor Fritz Alphonse Jean, former diplomat Leslie Voltaire and formber ambassador to the Dominican Republic Smith Augustin, pose for a group photo during an installation ceremony, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

HAITI TRANSITIONAL PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL (TPC) HOLDS SECRET SWEARING-IN CEREMONY AT HAITI’S NATIONAL PALACE, AS ARIEL HENRY’S GOVERNMENT OFFICIALLY DEPARTS

After installation, the presidential council must, among other things, choose its president and prime minister, form an electoral council and ensure the deployment of the multinational security mission

BY JUHAKENSON BLAISE for THE HAITIAN TIMES APR. 25, 2024 PORT-AU-PRINCE — The nine members of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) were unexpectedly sworn in at the National Palace early Thursday morning, despite the ceremony initially being scheduled

to take place at the government’s Villa d’Accueil in Musseau, a northeast suburb about 6 miles away from the center of the Haitian capital city. This surprising change was due to gang threats against the presidential palace, in Champs-de-Mars.

The ceremony was held at the National Palace amidst the sound of

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automatic gunfire in the vicinity. The TPC, now installed, will continue its operations from the Villa d’Accueil.

This council is set to lead the country following over 30 months of governance by the outgoing government.

On the same day, a letter dated April 24 surfaced, announcing the official resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was stranded abroad due to gang attacks on the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. In his letter, Henry acknowledged the state of affairs and expressed sympathy for the losses and suffering endured by the Haitian people during his tenure.

“I hereby acknowledge the state of affairs and present the resignation of my government,” wrote Henry.

“I sympathize with the losses and sufferings endured by our compatriots during this period.”

As Henry officially left, Michel Patrick Boisvert, the minister of Economy and Finance who has been running the government in the absence of the former PM since the end of February, was appointed as the interim Prime Minister by decree taken in the Council of Ministers issued in the Council of Ministers on April 24. He will hold this position until the formation of a new government, which will be established by the Presidential Council and a new transitional prime minister.

As the TPC begins its tenure, questions remain about its ability to address the numerous challenges ahead, including gang threats, holding elections in gang-controlled areas and dealing with the new political opposition. This opposition has persisted in demanding a judge from the Court of Cassation to lead the transitional period.

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TRANSITIONAL PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL

HAITIANS ARE WAITING FOR RESULTS The TPC now faces the daunting task of restoring stability and democratic order in Haiti. Former presidential candidate Clarens Renois urged the council members to overcome the longstanding

issues of division and corruption in Haiti and focus on restoring security and rehabilitating the country’s dignity and democratic institutions.

“The members of the TPC must surpass themselves and master the

old Haitian demons of division and corruption,” said Renois on Thursday.

“The mission of the TPC is to restore security and rehabilitate our dignity and democratic institutions,” he added.

Read full article on HaitianTimes.com

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AMHE SOUTH FLORIDA 2023 GALA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Photos by Ricardo Saint-Cyr @rscmediagroup On behalf of the Executive Board of the AMHE South Florida Chapter, I welcome all of you to our 2023 fundraising Gala, celebrating the achievements of AMHE and its members as a Professional Organization.

On behalf of the executive board, I thank you for your support, encouragement, collaboration, and patronage.

We are grateful for the forefathers, founders of this esteemed, reputable, professional organization which has embodied so many humanitarian and civil advocacy values.

AMHE was created to unite us as healthcare professionals under one umbrella. Our common bond remains our Haitian roots-our Haitian ancestry.

As an organization, we have accomplished great feats, too many to speak about this evening due to time restraints.

From our native land, we have witnessed much misfortune, decline, degradation of institutions, suffering, violence, despair, disorientation, lack of focus, panic, complete chaos -more recently, perhaps, than in the past. We stand ready to, someday, play an active role in the reconstruction, health education and delivery of Haiti.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear esteemed colleagues, OUR RESOLVE THIS EVENENING IS TO UNITE AS HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS It is imperative that we become better united under a common front. There is no more room for lack of cohesiveness and individualism. We understand that that there is only ONE AMHE with several chapters, and a Humanitarian Foundation – all working together for a common goal.

Those in the leadership of AMHE understand that our sole purpose is to serve AMHE and contribute to its strength and development. We shall create avenues and opportunities in order for our members to become more active and impactful.

We must provide accessible planned paths in order for our new and younger physicians and healthcare providers to be recruited, attracted, and maintained in our organization. This will ensure their active participation in AMHE. The younger generation of members must gain progressive access to the leadership of AMHE- there must be more mobility and renewal of the leadership team which will in turn foster new ideas and news ways to govern. In return, our organization will progress at a faster rate.

AMHE is not evolving in a vacuum, oblivious to the plans, ideas, and activities of other organizations. It is important for us to team up with other advocacy groups- It behooves us to be more proactive in seeking ways to network with other organizations and collaborate with them- supporting common noble causes and become more visible in our community. More than ever, AMHE must remain aware, vested, and connected with the native land.

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Ladies and Gentlemen , AMHE has indeed done a lot – but there is a call this evening for us to do more- to plan better, to execute more swiftly, to financially support AMHE several folds more than we have done in the past – Remember AMHE is ours to keep, our only (singular) Haitian Medical Association Abroad. We must have a common goal.

Our individual successes will be undermined if we do not in return, pay it back, and help each other to also succeed and create a true impact in our community, society,and native Land.

Ladies and Gentlemen, our HOPE is in the future, its nested in the next generation of physicians of Haitian Descent. Let us continue to embrace the younger physicians and open the doors, the gates which will propel AMHE to the next level. We will then be navigating in the path of becoming a truly successful organization worthy of all the sacrifices our founders, our predecessors, have made for us to remain alive after 50 years. After more than 50 years of existence, we are determined to progress, evolve, modernize, and see even further than we have in the past. Greatness is at our grasp.

AMHE must Survive. It’s a MUST. Isaac Newton, in 1675, wrote, “If we have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Our giants are our forefathers.

Enjoy the live entertainment and all this wonderful evening of celebration has to offer.

Happy Holidays. Have a Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous New Year 2024.

Thank You

Angelo E. Gousse M.D. President: AMHE Florida Chapter

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NON-PROFIT EVENTS

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Photos by Francky

House of New Vision and Hope

7TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING

GALA 2023

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NON-PROFIT EVENTS

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Photos by Anderson Gustave @elmasflaco + C&M Event Planning + Lux Cakery

Haitian Businesses 10th Anniversary

Women in Businesses

TEA PARTY BRUNCH Sunday March 31, 2024, Ft Lauderdal, FL

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NETWORKING EVENTS

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LITTLE HAITI KANAVAL BLOCK PARTY February 10 2024

Photos by Photos by Ricardo Saint-Cyr @rscmediagroup

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CULTURAL EVENTS

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CHEF THIA'S

DINNER 2024

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Photos by Maybeline Despagne, Richard Lecoin and Mr Valbrun

Credit - Maybeline Despagn

Credit - Maybeline Despagn

Credit - Maybeline Despagne

Credit - @mr.valbrun

Decoration by Marina Georges, Hors d'oeuvres by Fanfan Delights, Desserts by Chef Jodhan Mourra, and Food by Horizon Vert cooked by Chef Thia

Credit - Maybeline Despagne

Credit - Maybeline Despagn

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Credit - @mr.valbrun

Credit - Richard Lecoin Credit - @mr.valbrun

Credit - Maybeline Despagne

Credit - Maybeline Despagne

SOUP & CHAMPAGNE, JANUARY 1ST, 2024, WYNWOOD Photos by Ricardo Saint-Cyr @rscmediagroup

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RICARDO SAINT-CYR OWNER/PHOTOGRAPHER

RSAINTCYR@RSCMEDIAGROUP.COM USA: 786-488-5227 • HAITI: + 509 653-8306HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2024 97 « SAINTCYRSTUDIO@GMAIL.COM

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