Caracas witnessed a significant diplomatic ceremony on January 1st, 2026, as Venezuelan and Haitian officials jointly commemorated the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of Vertières—a pivotal historical event that secured Haiti’s independence from French colonial rule. The solemn floral tribute to Liberator Simón Bolívar at Venezuela’s National Pantheon symbolized the enduring solidarity between the two nations.
The ceremony was presided over by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Caribbean Raúl Li Causi and Haitian Ambassador to Venezuela Jean Mary Vaval, with attendance from numerous diplomatic representatives accredited to the country. This event honored the legendary armed confrontation initiated on November 18, 1803, under the leadership of independence hero Jean-Jacques Dessalines, with crucial support from Generals Christoph Pétion, Clervaeus, Romain, and the courageous Capois La Mort.
Historical records indicate this uprising represented the first major revolutionary movement in colonial America, occurring in a territory characterized by extreme inequality where approximately 88% of the 570,000 population were enslaved individuals. The battle’s outcome permanently dismantled French colonial dominance and established Haiti as the first independent republic led by people of African descent.
The bilateral relationship between Caracas and Port-au-Prince spans centuries of cooperation and mutual support, beginning with Alexandre Pétion’s historic assistance to Bolívar and continuing through contemporary initiatives including Petrocaribe energy agreements and Venezuela’s humanitarian response to Haiti’s 2010 earthquake. Venezuelan support has extended to critical projects in health, education, infrastructure, and energy development.
Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Yván Gil marked Haiti’s 222nd Independence Day with a solidarity message reaffirming Venezuela’s support for Haiti’s ongoing struggle against foreign interference. The diplomatic communication celebrated Haiti as the ‘Mother Nation of Liberties’ in Latin America and the Caribbean, honoring revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture and his enduring legacy in anti-colonial movements. Venezuela emphasized that Haiti’s fundamental strength resides in the unwavering dignity of its people.