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.
标签: Haiti
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Media : Intensification of repression and death threats against Haitian journalists
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.
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FLASH : Warning on job opportunities in the Southeast Asian region
The Embassy of Haiti in Vietnam has issued a critical alert to Haitian citizens, both domestically and abroad, regarding a surge in dubious job opportunities advertised in the Southeast Asian region. While some offers may appear genuine, the Embassy has uncovered alarming trends through its investigations and field reports. These include illegal and exploitative working conditions, involvement in human and labor trafficking networks, forced labor practices, and even suspected cases of organ trafficking. To safeguard its citizens, the Embassy strongly advises individuals to verify the legitimacy of job offers, recruiting agencies, and proposed living conditions before committing to any employment contracts abroad. Haitian nationals are urged to contact the Embassy directly for assistance. The Embassy can be reached via email at amb.vietnam@diplomatie.ht or by phone at 024 7304 5599. Its office, located at D5A-16 Vuon Dao 679 Lac Long Quan Tay Ho Hanoi Vietnam, operates from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time. The Embassy reiterates its dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of Haitian citizens overseas and emphasizes the importance of vigilance and caution when considering international job opportunities. In cases of uncertainty, individuals are encouraged to consult the Embassy before making any decisions.
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News : Zapping…
In a series of significant developments, Haiti has taken decisive steps to address internal and external challenges. On October 18, 2025, the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) and the Prime Minister convened with a U.S. delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires Henry T. Wooster. The meeting focused on the strategic planning and operational timeline for the Gang Repression Force (FRG), aimed at curbing gang violence that has plagued the nation.
In a parallel move, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2794, extending the sanctions regime targeting entities and individuals threatening Haiti’s peace and security until 2026. These sanctions include an arms embargo, asset freezes, and travel bans, reinforcing international efforts to stabilize the country.
On the diplomatic front, Haiti inaugurated a new consulate in Tijuana, Mexico, to better serve and protect Haitian migrants in the border region with the United States. This initiative underscores Haiti’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Latin America.
In sports, Haiti’s national football team experienced a mixed outcome in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, securing a 3-0 victory against Nicaragua but suffering a 0-3 defeat to Honduras. Consequently, Haiti dropped one place to 88th in the FIFA rankings. Meanwhile, the Haitian Taekwondo Federation announced the participation of 11 practitioners in the World Championships in Wuxi, China, though security concerns may limit the team’s composition to diaspora members.
In local sports, the Inter-university Peace Competition saw UNASMOH and IWU draw 1-1, keeping both teams in contention for qualification. These events collectively highlight Haiti’s multifaceted efforts to address security, diplomacy, and sports amidst ongoing challenges.
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Social : Prelude to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the ONA
On October 18, 2025, Georges Wilbert Franck, Haiti’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, attended an open house event hosted by the National Old Age Insurance Office (ONA) as part of the institution’s 60th anniversary celebrations. The event, themed ‘ONA Family Day: Sharing and Discovery,’ aimed to foster stronger connections between the ONA, its policyholders, and the broader community. Minister Franck highlighted the ONA’s pivotal role in Haiti’s social security system, particularly in safeguarding workers’ welfare. He commended ONA Director General Ronald Bazile and his team for organizing an event that showcased the talents and potential of the institution’s employees in fields such as craftsmanship, art, and cuisine. Franck emphasized that such initiatives are vital for enhancing public understanding of the ONA’s operations and services, thereby building a positive image of the institution. Ronald Bazile, in his address, noted that the event was a precursor to the ONA’s 60th anniversary celebrations, designed to highlight the institution’s executives, departments, and services. He also underscored the event’s role in promoting Haitian culture through exhibitions, discussions, and other activities. Additionally, the ONA unveiled the ‘ONA Education Kredi Lekòl’ program, an innovative initiative offering credit facilities to insured parents to help cover their children’s educational expenses, further supporting Haitian families.
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Security : Presentation and authentication measures of the biometric National Identification Card
In a significant move to bolster regional security and combat cybercrime and transnational crime, Haiti’s National Identification Office (ONI), in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS), hosted a high-level discussion and information session this week at the Oasis Hotel. The event, attended by members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Haiti, focused on the technical features and authentication process of the new Unique National Identification Card (CINU).
Led by Reynold Guerrier, Director General of the ONI, the session aimed to enhance the ability of consular missions to detect fraudulent identity documents, which are frequently submitted during visa applications or administrative procedures at foreign offices. The initiative is particularly critical for countries heavily impacted by Haitian migration, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the United States, the Bahamas, and Spain. Representatives from the People’s Republic of China and Japan, a major institutional supporter of the ONI, also participated.
During the session, Guerrier detailed the advanced security features of the biometric National Identity Card (NIC), which includes an electronic chip storing fingerprints, facial recognition data, and iris scans. The card also incorporates a QR code and a 2D barcode, making it highly resistant to forgery. Constructed from durable polycarbonate, the card is valid for 10 years. A live demonstration enabled diplomats to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit documents, while technical materials were distributed to aid their identification and verification processes.
This initiative underscores Haiti’s commitment to modernizing its identification system and strengthening international cooperation in the fight against identity fraud and transnational crime.
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FLASH : Do not consume the 100% Haitian seasoning mix «Pam Pi Gou»
The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) has issued a public health warning urging consumers to avoid the 100% Haitian seasoning mix ‘PAM PI GOU.’ The product, which was sold in Quebec until October 17, 2025, was not prepared or packaged in a manner that ensures its safety, potentially fostering the growth of the dangerous bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria can produce a toxin that leads to severe health complications, including facial paralysis, vision and speech issues, and even death in extreme cases. The seasoning mix was sold in Mason-type glass jars and stored refrigerated, with its label prominently displaying the name ‘PAM PI GOU.’ The manufacturer has initiated a recall and collaborated with MAPAQ to issue this precautionary alert. Consumers in possession of the product are advised not to consume it and to either return it to the point of purchase or dispose of it immediately. Although no cases of illness linked to the product have been reported to date, the potential risks underscore the importance of this warning. MAPAQ emphasizes that even if the product appears normal and lacks any signs of spoilage or unusual odor, it could still be contaminated. This alert serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety standards and the need for vigilance in food consumption.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti continues to face significant challenges as it navigates a complex landscape of violence, historical commemoration, and developmental progress. In Kenscoff, Mayor Jean Massillon reported that armed bandits have killed between 400 and 450 people since January 2025 while attempting to seize control of the town. The violence has also resulted in extensive material damage, further exacerbating the region’s instability. Meanwhile, Cap-Haïtien Cathedral hosted a solemn Te Deum on October 17, 2025, to mark the 219th anniversary of the assassination of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haiti’s independence hero and national founder. The ceremony, filled with prayers and songs, honored Dessalines’ legacy of justice, sovereignty, and unity. In a significant political development, the Haitian government has decided to abandon the proposed constitutional referendum following a technical opinion from the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). The unspent funds will be redirected toward organizing the next elections. On the economic front, Haiti secured a $110 million investment from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to boost agricultural productivity and modernize transportation infrastructure. This funding is part of the 2025 Agenda and 2026 Plan, aimed at strengthening economic ties and technical cooperation. Additionally, a strategic meeting was held between Haitian leaders and security forces to address the country’s security situation and coordinate efforts to protect the population and advance the electoral process. International support was also evident, with the French and U.S. embassies expressing solidarity with Haiti and honoring Dessalines’ legacy.
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Culture : Growing interest in Vietnam for the history, culture and values of the Haitian people
In a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy, the Embassy of Haiti in Vietnam recently hosted a group of students from the Vietnam Academy of Diplomacy, fostering a deeper understanding of Haiti’s rich history and cultural heritage. The event, led by Chargé d’Affaires Darlier Dorval and Counselor Léa Perceval, featured an engaging presentation on the Haitian Revolution and its enduring impact on global diplomacy, particularly within the Global South. This initiative underscored Haiti’s pivotal role as the first independent Black Republic and its influence on liberation movements worldwide. The visit also coincided with the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières, a cornerstone of Haiti’s independence struggle, inspiring several Vietnamese students to focus their graduation theses on Haiti. Adding a flavorful dimension to the exchange, Haitian chefs Lalaroque Bichat and Madame Amenda Merilien guided students in preparing Joumou soup, a symbol of Haitian freedom. The event further enriched cultural ties with a kompa dance workshop and a showcase of Haitian music, blending culinary and artistic traditions to celebrate shared values and stories.
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Politic : Ceremony of the 219th anniversary of the assassination of Dessalines (video)
On October 17, 2025, Haiti solemnly commemorated the 219th anniversary of the assassination of General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a pivotal figure in the nation’s history and its first emperor. The ceremony, held at the Villa d’Accueil, was presided over by Laurent Saint Cyr, the Pro tempore President and Coordinator of the Transitional Council. Attendees included Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, members of the government, judiciary, military, and diplomatic corps, underscoring the event’s national significance. In his address, Saint Cyr honored Dessalines’ legacy, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Haiti’s freedom and dignity. He highlighted the current challenges facing the nation, urging unity and resilience in the face of threats to its sovereignty. Saint Cyr also stressed the importance of restoring security as a precursor to organizing free and credible elections, a crucial step for Haiti’s future. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé echoed these sentiments, paying homage to Dessalines as the ‘Hero of Heroes’ and reaffirming the state’s dedication to the ideals of liberty, unity, and national sovereignty. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of Haiti’s enduring spirit and its commitment to the legacy of its founding father, Jean-Jacques Dessalines.
