标签： Haiti

In a significant cultural documentation effort, Haiti’s National Bureau of Ethnology (BNE) has intensified its ethnographic research on the renowned Jacmel Carnival under the leadership of Director General Erol Josué. The institution, colloquially known as the ‘laboratory of people’s science’ (laboratwa syans pèp la), deployed its technical team on February 15, 2026, to conduct comprehensive field studies during the vibrant carnival celebrations.

The research initiative encompassed multiple methodological approaches, including in-depth audiovisual interviews with Elie Blaise, Director of the Jacmel Art Center, who provided expert insights into the carnival’s artistic significance. The team conducted systematic observations at the Jacmel Carnival Interpretation Center (CICAJ), examining historical and contemporary aspects of the tradition. Throughout various city neighborhoods, researchers captured extensive footage and documented carnival scenes through both filming and participatory observation techniques. The ethnographic mapping extended to recording cultural elements along the entire carnival route, preserving this year’s unique manifestations.

This scholarly investigation reveals the fundamental principles underlying Jacmel’s carnival traditions, highlighting the community’s exceptional creativity, generosity, and convivial spirit. The research demonstrates remarkable cultural resilience and critical thinking among Jacmel residents, showcasing how this centuries-old practice serves as crucial identity formation mechanism for both urban and surrounding communities. The documentation effort provides valuable insights into the intergenerational transmission processes that sustain Haitian cultural heritage, offering academic validation of carnival’s role in preserving national identity while adapting to contemporary social contexts.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The Intervention and Law Enforcement Corps (CIMO), Haiti’s premier specialized police unit, commemorated its 30th anniversary on February 14, 2026, with a ceremony blending solemn reflection and community engagement. The event at the unit’s Delmas 1 headquarters unfolded under the thematic banner “CIMO: Symbol of Loyalty, Resistance, and Pride,” reflecting the organization’s complex role in national security.

Haitian National Police (PNH) Commander-in-Chief André Jonas Vladimir Paraison presided over the proceedings alongside high-ranking officials and dignitaries. The atmosphere combined emotional tributes with spiritual elements, featuring prayers honoring fallen officers and recognizing three decades of service amid Haiti’s ongoing security challenges.

In his commemorative address, Director General Paraison praised CIMO’s “unwavering commitment” in combating organized crime and restoring public order. His remarks highlighted the unit’s dual role in both enforcement operations and community stabilization efforts during periods of social unrest.

The ceremony included distinguished honors for current and former commanders. Divisional Commissioner Paul Ménard, the sitting CIMO leader, received plaques of honor alongside predecessors Henrice Bleck and Monestime René, recognizing their contributions to the unit’s development.

In a significant community outreach gesture, children residing near the CIMO headquarters were awarded commemorative medals, symbolizing the unit’s effort to strengthen neighborhood relations and build public trust.

Historical context reveals CIMO’s foundational role as the PNH’s first specialized unit, established February 14, 1996. Based permanently in Delmas, its operational mandate encompasses public order maintenance during demonstrations, riot control, civil unrest management, and protection of strategic infrastructure. The unit represents a critical component of Haiti’s security apparatus, frequently deployed in high-risk scenarios threatening public safety.