In a remarkable achievement for Haitian agribusiness, Ayitika Haiti has been awarded the silver medal in the ‘Gourmet’ category at the 30th Salon du Chocolat in Paris. The accolade was bestowed upon their 70% dark chocolate, ‘Amelonado-Criollo,’ during the 4th International Chocolate Competition organized by the Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural Products (AVPA). The event, held from October 29 to November 2, 2025, featured 240 exhibitors from over 20 countries, showcasing 170 unique chocolate varieties. Jean Chesnel Jean, the visionary agronomist and founder of Ayitika, expressed his ambition to compete in additional international competitions, particularly in the United States and Canada, with the goal of securing a gold medal for Haiti in the near future. The Ayitika team is now preparing for the Montreal Chocolate Show, scheduled for November 20-23, 2025. Ayitika’s success is rooted in its ‘root-to-bar’ approach, which ensures high-quality chocolate by meticulously overseeing every stage of production, from cacao tree selection to final product. Supported by the Knowledge and Freedom Foundation (FOKAL), Ayitika collaborates with more than 2,500 cacao-producing families, ensuring the authenticity and excellence of its offerings. The Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIHC) also extended its congratulations, highlighting Ayitika’s role in promoting a positive and modern image of Haiti on the global stage. This achievement not only underscores Ayitika’s expertise but also celebrates the talent and perseverance of Haitian artisans, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
标签： Haiti
海地
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Security : New Presidential Security Coordinator
In a significant move to bolster national security, Haiti has appointed Divisional Commissioner Pierre Louis Cangé as the new Coordinator of Presidential Security. The official ceremony took place on November 3rd, 2025, at the National Palace, presided over by the Commander-in-Chief of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Mr. André Jonas Vladimir Paraison. Cangé was promoted to the rank of Inspector General during the event, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The occasion was attended by prominent figures, including Inspector General Jean Maurest Étienne, Director of Personnel, and Inspector General Jacques Joël Orival, Central Director of Administrative Police, alongside National Palace staff and police officers. Post-ceremony, Commander Paraison and Director Orival introduced Cangé to the Secretary General of the National Palace, Ms. Marie Élisabeth Régine Joseph Haddad, who commended Paraison’s achievements and extended her support to the newly appointed Coordinator. This appointment underscores Haiti’s commitment to enhancing security measures at the highest levels of government.
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FLASH : Cap
A recent inspection of the Cap-Haïtien prison by the Association of Volunteers for the Reintegration of Prisoners (AVRED-Haiti) has unveiled a dire humanitarian crisis. The facility, designed to accommodate 500 inmates, currently houses 841 individuals, including 30 women, 16 minors, and 795 men. This severe overcrowding exacerbates the already deplorable living conditions, with cells lacking ventilation, light, and basic sanitation. The prison’s clinic, in a state of disrepair, is staffed by only one doctor and one nurse, leaving 20 inmates suffering from infectious and skin diseases without proper medical care. The kitchen is unsanitary, toilets are overflowing, and the main building is cracked and dilapidated, posing a risk of collapse. AVRED-Haiti has condemned the flagrant violations of human rights, including the lack of legal assistance, inadequate healthcare, food insecurity, and the absence of educational or reintegration programs. The association has called for urgent intervention by the State and its partners to address these issues and uphold the dignity of those deprived of their liberty.
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News : Zapping…
In a week marked by both conflict and cultural celebration, Haiti witnessed significant events across various sectors. On November 2nd, 2025, a major police operation targeted a gang led by ‘Jouma’ in the Simon Pelé and Village Solidarité neighborhoods. Elite units, including SWAT, UTAG, and UDMO, employed kamikaze drones to dismantle fortified gang positions, clearing strategic routes between Cité Militaire and Simon Pelé. While official casualty figures remain undisclosed, preliminary reports indicate numerous gang members were killed, alongside civilian casualties. Simultaneously, Voodoo practitioners celebrated ‘Gede,’ a ritual festival honoring the bond between the living and the dead through songs, offerings, and invocations. In Petit-Goâve, the discovery of five more bodies near the Ladique River raised the death toll from Tropical Storm Melissa to 36. On the diplomatic front, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a photo exhibition at the Jean Price Mars Diplomatic Academy, showcasing Haiti’s diplomatic history from the League of Nations to the United Nations. In the arts, Prime Minister Alix Didier Gils-Aimé congratulated Yanick Lahens for winning the 2025 French Academy Novel Prize for her work ‘Passagères de nuit.’ Sports enthusiasts celebrated Fantastik’s double victory at the Super 8 basketball tournament in Cap-Haïtien, with standout performances from Marcelus Jimmy and Démis Devens.
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Elections : Urgent need to regulate online disinformation
As Haiti prepares for its 2025 elections, a critical gap in the draft Electoral Decree has raised concerns about the integrity of the democratic process. The current draft, under public consultation, lacks specific provisions to address online disinformation, social media-sponsored campaigns, and the protection of candidates from cyber harassment. This oversight poses a significant threat to the credibility and fairness of the elections, particularly in a nation where 2.65 million active social media users—representing 22.4% of the total population and 35.4% of adults—rely heavily on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok for political engagement. Without regulation, the electoral process is vulnerable to manipulation, opaque financing, and cyberviolence, which could undermine public trust and democratic stability. Key risks include the rapid spread of rumors, deepfakes, and falsified content; untraceable political advertising; harassment of candidates, especially women; and the erosion of voter confidence. To address these challenges, experts recommend integrating a clear legal framework into the Electoral Decree, mandating transparency for sponsored messages, and establishing a National Digital Electoral Monitoring Unit to detect and respond to threats swiftly. These measures, aligned with international best practices, aim to safeguard the right to information, ensure campaign transparency, and protect democratic participation. The author, Jean Marie Altéma, a specialist in digital strategy and governance, urges electoral authorities, policymakers, media, civil society, and international partners to act urgently to preserve the integrity of Haiti’s elections and uphold democratic peace.
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Brazil : How to apply for a Family Reunification Visa (VITEM XI)
In a significant move to support Haitian families, Brazil has streamlined the process for obtaining Family Reunification Visas (VITEM XI) through a collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). As of March 2025, approximately 180,000 Haitians reside in Brazil, with children born to Haitian parents in the country enjoying equal civil rights, including access to healthcare and education, as stated by Brazilian Ambassador Luis Fernando de Carvalho. The Visa Application Center for Brazil (CAVB), managed by IOM since 2015, exclusively assists Haitian citizens in applying for temporary humanitarian and family reunification visas. The center provides comprehensive administrative support, including form completion, document verification, and secure document transfer. However, CAVB staff do not influence visa decisions, which remain the sole responsibility of the Brazilian Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Applicants must submit a range of documents, including a valid passport, recent photos, a criminal record extract, and notarized copies of residence permits and identity documents. Notably, for 2025, notarized documents can be submitted via email, though the embassy may request physical copies if necessary. To schedule an appointment, applicants must verify their documents with a call center agent. The CAVB is located in Port-au-Prince and requires a confirmed appointment for visits.
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Economy : Towards the implementation of the One-Stop Investment Window
On October 30, 2025, Haiti took a significant step toward modernizing its investment landscape with the convening of the Steering Committee for the Electronic Single Window for Investment (GUI). Chaired by James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry, the meeting marked the continuation of efforts to implement this transformative project, which was first initiated in 2019 and officially launched in July 2025. The GUI aims to centralize administrative procedures for investors on a single digital platform, drawing inspiration from successful models in Rwanda, Jamaica, Singapore, and Guyana. Minister Monazard emphasized the project’s potential to make Haiti a competitive economic destination by fostering transparency, reliability, and efficiency. Currently, investors face a cumbersome process involving over 12 steps and six institutions, often taking up to nine months to complete. The GUI seeks to streamline this process, leveraging technological advancements and addressing Haiti’s unique challenges. Marie Fatima Léonne C. Prophète, Director General of the Investment Facilitation Center (CFI), highlighted the project’s broader goals: attracting foreign direct investment, encouraging diaspora participation, and enhancing institutional coordination. The initiative is supported by a robust governance structure, including a Steering Committee and Technical Secretariat, with involvement from key institutions such as the General Customs Administration, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Bank of the Republic of Haiti. Upcoming steps include developing a technological prototype, drafting specifications, and creating user manuals. However, challenges remain, including system interoperability, digital payment accessibility, and the establishment of a legal framework for electronic signatures. Despite these hurdles, the GUI represents a bold effort to modernize Haiti’s administration, reduce registration times, and boost investor confidence. If successful, the project could revolutionize the country’s business climate, contributing to the CFI’s strategic goals of 60 new investment projects and 35,000 jobs by 2027.
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Justice: A fugitive police officer wanted for rape on minor
The Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) has expressed deep outrage following reports that a 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by Sévère Aly, a Haitian National Police (PNH) officer stationed in Saint-Marc. The incident, which occurred in July 2025, has drawn widespread condemnation from government officials and the public alike. Minister Pedrica Saint-Jean, speaking on behalf of the MCFDF, strongly denounced the act, emphasizing the betrayal of trust by a public servant sworn to protect citizens. The Ministry has called on the PNH and the Ministry of Justice to take immediate administrative and legal actions to ensure the perpetrator is held accountable under the 2005 Decree on sexual assault. The Haitian National Police has confirmed that Officer Aly is currently a fugitive and that a warrant for his arrest has been issued. The Inspector General’s Office has been notified, and the PNH High Command has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for ethical or legal violations. The institution has pledged full cooperation with the justice system to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law. The case has sparked calls for systemic reforms to prevent such abuses of power in the future.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti has been thrust into the spotlight following a series of significant events that underscore the nation’s ongoing struggles and resilience. In a devastating act of violence, Université Soleil d’Haïti (USH), founded by former senator Jean Renel Sénatus, was reduced to ashes in an arson attack. This institution, a beacon of education, now lies in ruins, symbolizing the fragility of Haiti’s social infrastructure. Simultaneously, the home of Elysée Blaise, interim executive agent at Montrouis City Hall, and his mother’s residence were torched by members of the notorious ‘Taliban’ gang, further highlighting the pervasive insecurity plaguing the region. Amidst these challenges, Haiti finds hope in Melissa Queenie Sapini, a Haitian-American journalist and social activist, who will represent the nation at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand. Sapini, co-founder of The Two Queens Foundation, continues to champion education and literacy in Haiti. On the diplomatic front, Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore of Haiti’s Transition Council, arrived in Doha, Qatar, to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development, signaling Haiti’s commitment to global collaboration. Meanwhile, Port-au-Prince undergoes critical road rehabilitation on Faustin 1er Road, with temporary closures aimed at ensuring safety and efficiency. In a gesture of solidarity, the United States has extended aid to Haitians affected by Hurricane Melissa, distributing essential supplies through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These events collectively paint a picture of a nation grappling with adversity while striving for progress and international engagement.
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Post-Melissa : 2 tons of medical supplies delivered to the Western Health Directorate
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought devastating floods to Haiti, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has stepped up its efforts to assist the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP). The torrential rains have led to tragic consequences, including 31 fatalities, 20 injuries, and 21 individuals still missing as of October 31. Over 1,000 homes have been inundated, 10 health facilities compromised, and more than 15,000 people displaced, now residing in temporary shelters. PAHO/WHO field teams are actively working alongside the MSPP to ensure uninterrupted access to essential health services and to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks. These teams are conducting assessments in shelters and health facilities across the affected regions to bolster local response capabilities. At the behest of Dr. Bertrand Sinal, MSPP Minister, nearly 2 tons of medical supplies have been dispatched to the West Health Directorate. This crucial delivery was facilitated by the European Union’s Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), aiming to enhance healthcare provision in the impacted areas. Additionally, medical supplies and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) equipment are being strategically positioned to swiftly address any potential cholera resurgence. Despite these efforts, significant health needs persist, and ongoing support is imperative to aid the affected populations amidst challenging operational conditions. Communication barriers are impeding the flow of information from health facilities and displacement sites, thereby complicating coordination and rapid response efforts. Moreover, obstructed roadways are hampering the land-based delivery of aid, while financial constraints could delay the execution of critical health interventions.