标签： Haiti

On October 21, 2025, the 26th edition of ‘Tuesdays of the Nation’ took place at the Prime Minister’s Office, spotlighting the Haitian Government’s ongoing social assistance initiatives. The event featured Serge Gabriel Colin, Director General of the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES), who detailed the latest progress of the Social Support Program launched on October 10, 2025. This program underscores the government’s commitment to aiding vulnerable families and promoting children’s education nationwide. The initiative targets three key groups: parents, vulnerable households, and workers. For parents, over 50,000 beneficiaries registered on the Ministry of National Education’s Student Management Information System (SIGE) have received financial aid for the school year, with 153,290 parents already benefiting from grants distributed via MonCash and NatCash. Each recipient is allocated 15,000 Gourdes, plus 380 Gourdes for transaction fees. Additionally, 55,000 vulnerable households identified through the Ministry of Social Affairs’ Information System (SIMAS) will receive a 15,000 Gourde allowance, with payments commencing on October 22nd. Furthermore, 35,000 workers are set to receive 15,000 Gourdes in support, directly deposited into their bank accounts starting October 27th. These measures highlight the government’s dedication to safeguarding the most vulnerable and fostering educational opportunities for the 2025–2026 academic year.

In a groundbreaking revelation, Haiti’s Minister of Agriculture, Vernet Joseph, alongside Pierre Vauthier, the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO – Haiti), disclosed that more than 70% of the nation’s farmers are women. These women, who form the backbone of Haiti’s agrifood production, continue to face substantial challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and quality supply chains. Their critical role in sustaining the country’s food systems cannot be overstated. The recent International Day of Rural Women underscored the necessity of concrete actions to fully integrate this female workforce into the agricultural sector, particularly by empowering the ‘Madan Sara,’ the unsung heroes of Haiti’s food distribution networks. The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development (MARNDR), in collaboration with FAO – Haiti, is actively working to transform this potential into a driving force for economic and social development. In 2025, FAO initiatives, supported by MARNDR, directly assisted nearly 70,000 individuals dependent on agriculture, helping to preserve and revitalize production in regions like Artibonite, the Central Bas-Plateau, and the West, even amidst security challenges. Additionally, the National School Feeding Program (PNCS), backed by the Ministry and the World Food Program (WFP), has engaged over 82,500 small producers across 219 agricultural organizations. These efforts ensure that 70% of meals served daily to 600,000 schoolchildren supported by WFP are sourced from Haitian agriculture, enhancing children’s nutrition and stimulating the local economy. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of reaching 1.4 million students by 2025 and achieving 100% local procurement for school canteens by 2030. Furthermore, the Integrated Nutrition and Local Purchasing Program, initially funded with US$10 million, is expanding to other departments with an additional US$13 million, enabling more producers to contribute to the promotion of national production.

In a series of recent developments in Haiti, significant events across sports, international policy, and leadership have captured national attention. On October 18, 2025, the U-17 Grenadiers football team faced an unexpected setback as striker Djuny Junior Théodore abruptly left their Spanish training camp ahead of the U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Théodore cited a promised contract from his uncle as the reason for his departure, vowing to continue his football career. The Haitian Football Federation (FHF) has yet to issue an official statement, but a complaint has reportedly been filed with Barcelona police. If confirmed as a withdrawal, this could lead to disciplinary or financial repercussions under FIFA regulations. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2794, extending sanctions on individuals and entities threatening Haiti’s peace and security until 2026. These measures include arms embargoes, asset freezes, and travel bans. In the realm of sports, the University of Technology of Haiti (UNITECH) triumphed over the American University of Modern Sciences of Haiti (UNASMOH) in a thrilling 61-59 basketball match during the Inter-university Tournament for Peace. Gabriel Marc Roosevelt was named MVP for the second consecutive time, scoring 16 points. On the leadership front, significant appointments were made across various institutions. Angeline Cherfils was installed as the new head of the National Office of Crafts (ONART), bringing her expertise in education and activism to the role. Additionally, Lyonel Labady returned as Administrative Director of the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of People with Disabilities (BSEIPH), aiming to enhance operational efficiency and inclusive governance. These developments underscore Haiti’s ongoing efforts to address challenges and foster progress across multiple sectors.

The Embassy of Haiti in France, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Haiti in Paris, proudly announced the recognition of four Haitian artists by the esteemed Arts-Sciences-Lettres Academic Society. The distinguished honorees were celebrated during a grand ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel in Paris, attended by over 800 guests. The event highlighted the significant contributions of these individuals to the arts and culture, both in Haiti and abroad. The honorees include Caymitte Filipo Woodly, a sculptor awarded the Silver Medal; Kecita Clénard, a singer also receiving the Silver Medal; Wilberte Dessalines, a painter and visual artist honored with the Silver Medal; and Grégoire Chéry, a musician and singer awarded the Pewter Medal. The Haitian Diplomatic Mission expressed its gratitude to the Arts-Sciences-Lettres Academic Society for their partnership and commitment to recognizing Haitian talent. This initiative aims to promote Haitian culture in France and reshape the narrative about Haiti. Founded in 1915 by René Flament, the Arts-Sciences-Lettres Academic Society is dedicated to honoring exceptional contributions in art, science, and literature, fostering French culture globally through its annual awards and extensive network.

During the 81st General Assembly of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on October 19, 2025, the organization unveiled its annual report, shedding light on the dire situation faced by journalists in Haiti. The report emphasized that many Haitian journalists live in constant fear of harassment, physical attacks, or even death. This alarming trend has been exacerbated by intensified repressive campaigns and death threats, forcing some journalists to rely on armed protection or armored vehicles for their safety. While no journalists were killed in 2025, numerous individuals faced imminent threats, compelling them to flee to safer regions. Entire editorial teams have abandoned their posts under duress, leaving their offices ransacked and equipment destroyed. A prominent example is Joseph Guyler C. Delva, Secretary General of SOS Journalists and Vice President of the IAPA Committee for Freedom of the Press and Information, who suspended his professional activities in August due to relentless harassment. In September, he was forced to leave Haiti following death threats. In Mirebalais, armed gangs seized control of a radio station, renaming it ‘Taliban FM.’ The IAPA also criticized the Haitian government for selectively restricting journalists’ access and using state advertising as leverage against critical media, fostering self-censorship and perpetuating a climate of fear. One notable case is Radio Mega, a leading station deliberately targeted and boycotted by high-ranking authorities. The organization lamented that this dangerous environment is further aggravated by Haiti’s ongoing socio-political and economic crisis.