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.
标签： Haiti
海地
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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.
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FLASH : Capacity Building Program for Political Parties (video)
On November 1st, 2025, Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, alongside members of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), inaugurated the Political Party Capacity Building Program at the Karibe Convention Center in Port-au-Prince. This ambitious initiative aims to empower over a thousand representatives from political parties across all ten departments, fostering a revitalized political landscape and strengthening democratic culture. The program is designed to create conditions for free, inclusive, and peaceful elections, marking a significant step in Haiti’s transitional governance. Training sessions will be conducted through three regional hubs: Port-au-Prince (West), Cap-Haitien (North), and Les Cayes (South). Developed by Haitian professionals, the program emphasizes national expertise and sustainability, structured around three key modules. The Center for the Promotion of Democracy and Participatory Education (CPDEP) will focus on organizational and functional strengthening, addressing internal governance, electoral legislation, and political ethics. Groupe Croissance S.A. will enhance leadership and financial capacity, promoting transparency and responsible resource management. Meanwhile, DAGMAR S.A. will lead efforts in communication and technological strengthening, equipping parties with digital tools and modern political communication strategies. The launch also introduced a new digital platform developed by the Information Technology and Statistics Support Group (GSIS) for registering political parties and their members. This platform aims to modernize and increase transparency in Haiti’s political system, providing the state with a reliable and secure database. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting political parties in the electoral process, urging them to embrace governance based on competence, tolerance, and transparency. The first training sessions are set to begin in November 2025. As of October 22, 2025, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that over 220 political parties had registered for the upcoming elections, a 34% increase compared to the previous cycle.
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Health : Haiti and the Dominican Republic united for prevention
In a significant move to address public health challenges, officials from Haiti and the Dominican Republic convened in the border region of Dajabón to enhance epidemiological surveillance and foster bilateral cooperation. The meeting focused on mitigating health risks, particularly in light of the cholera alert in Haiti and the prevalence of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses in the region. Haitian representatives expressed their commitment to collaboration, highlighting the potential for future joint initiatives. Dominican authorities reassured that no cholera cases have been reported in their northern border area, attributing this to effective public health campaigns promoting education, sanitation, and hygiene. Both nations pledged to bolster early warning systems, technical cooperation, and training programs for healthcare workers. These initiatives will emphasize early disease detection, rapid response, and the exchange of real-time epidemiological data. Additionally, vaccination and disinfection campaigns will be coordinated in high-risk zones. The collaboration also aims to engage local communities through awareness programs on hygiene and disease prevention, ultimately strengthening the resilience of border populations and reducing the risk of cross-border contagion.
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Politic : Laurent Saint-Cyr in Doha, Qatar
Laurent Saint-Cyr, the President pro tempore and Coordinator of Haiti’s Transition Council, embarked on a crucial diplomatic mission to Doha, Qatar, on October 31, 2025. His participation in the Second World Summit on Social Development marks a pivotal moment for Haiti, which is grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa. Saint-Cyr emphasized that this visit is far from symbolic, stating, ‘We will continue our work on the ground, alongside our diplomatic efforts, to ensure that resolving the Haitian crisis remains a top priority among all major global emergencies.’ The summit, attended by heads of state, government leaders, and international organizations, provides Haiti with a unique platform to secure financial and technical assistance, strengthen security, and lay the groundwork for free and credible elections. During his stay, Saint-Cyr will also engage with Qatari authorities to further discussions initiated at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, aiming to mobilize essential resources and partnerships. Back in Haiti, the Transition Council and the government remain actively engaged in coordinating relief efforts and providing support to communities most affected by the hurricane.
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FLASH : Electoral Decree Revealed, Diaspora and Women Voting Mandatory
On October 31, 2025, Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) released the 2025 Draft Electoral Decree, a comprehensive 103-page document featuring over 400 articles. The decree, which is now open for public consultation, mandates diaspora voting and ensures women’s participation in the electoral process through incentives for political parties. Political actors and civil society organizations are invited to collect printed copies of the document from the CEP offices in Pétion-ville and submit feedback by November 10, 2025. Key provisions include Article 6, which grants the CEP authority over electoral operations both domestically and in Haitian diaspora communities, and Article 140, which requires political parties to include at least one woman in their Senate candidate lists per department. Additionally, Article 138 mandates that 30% of National Assembly candidates must be women, with parties exceeding 50% receiving increased state funding. The decree also introduces discounted registration fees for women, candidates with disabilities, and those with advanced academic degrees. The draft decree will undergo revisions based on feedback before being published in the official gazette, ‘Le Moniteur.’
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News : Zapping…
Haiti has officially transitioned to a state of normalcy following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. On November 30, 2025, the Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM), in collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) and the National Risk and Disaster Management Plan, announced the lifting of the weather alert. This decision, marking a return to green-level conditions, signals the end of the hurricane’s influence on the country’s weather. Minister of National Education Antoine Augustin confirmed the resumption of school activities starting October 31, 2025. Meanwhile, the aftermath of the hurricane continues to unfold. The provisional death toll has risen to 30, with 20 injured and 20 missing, according to Civil Protection. In response, Minister of Economy and Finance Alfred Metellus activated the emergency fund to support recovery efforts, ensuring resources are available for Civil Protection, local communities, and relevant ministries. In other news, a police operation in Tabarre resulted in the deaths of four members of the ‘Kraze Baryè’ gang, led by Vitelhomme Innocent. On a brighter note, Haitian author Yanick Lahens was awarded the 2025 Grand Prize for Fiction by the French Academy for her novel ‘Passagères de nuit’ (Night Passengers), receiving widespread acclaim from the French Embassy in Haiti and the National Library of Haiti. Additionally, Haiti’s U-17 Grenadiers have secured support from 13 sponsors as they prepare for their first match against Egypt in the Qatar 2025 World Cup on November 4.
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iciHaiti – Post-Melissa : Health sector review
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought devastating winds and torrential rains to Haiti, Dr. Bertrand Sinal, the Minister of Public Health, convened a critical meeting with key health sector partners. The session focused on evaluating the hurricane’s impact and strategizing a response to ensure the continuity of essential health services across the nation. The assessment highlighted minimal damage to health facilities in most departments, with only minor incidents reported at Saint-Antoine Hospital in Jérémie and Immaculée Conception Hospital in Port-de-Paix. Additionally, a flash flood affected the courtyard of the South Departmental Hospital in Les Cayes. Dr. Sinal praised the dedication of health workers and the support from international organizations like PAHO/WHO and UNICEF. He emphasized the need for enhanced epidemiological surveillance and vigilance against potential health risks, particularly waterborne diseases, in the hurricane’s aftermath.
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Education : Patriotic appeal to the Haitian scientific community in the diaspora
In a bold move to revitalize Haiti’s education system, Augustin Antoine, the Minister of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Haitian scientific community abroad. The minister’s call seeks to transform the nation’s ‘brain drain’ into a ‘return of knowledge,’ fostering a renewed connection between Haitian researchers at home and those in the diaspora. This initiative aims to integrate research into Haiti’s public policies, economy, governance, and culture, ultimately building a ‘Haiti of knowledge.’
Despite ongoing efforts, Haiti’s university system continues to grapple with significant challenges, including insufficient research, funding shortages, lack of scientific supervision, and outdated infrastructure. The recently established Public Universities in the Regions (UPRs) are particularly in need of technical support, mentorship, international partnerships, and sustainable resources to strengthen their operations and contribute to national development.
Minister Antoine envisions the Haitian scientific diaspora playing a pivotal role in this transformation, not only as intellectual collaborators but also as strategic supporters of the National Education Fund (FNE), a cornerstone of the country’s public education policy. The Ministry plans to create a structured program of scientific and academic cooperation, enabling Haitian researchers abroad to contribute in three key areas: training teachers and school administrators, supporting the Departmental Directorates of Education (DDEs), and aiding the UPRs in research, innovation, and institutional development.
This initiative represents more than just a resource-gathering effort; it is a call to unite the Haitian national community around a shared vision of knowledge, excellence, and progress. Minister Antoine’s appeal emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the identity of the Haitian scientific diaspora as the ‘voice, strength, and light’ of a resilient Haiti that continues to believe in its potential and refuses to surrender to adversity.
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Post-Melissa : President Trump authorized immediate intervention
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that struck the Caribbean on October 28, 2025, President Trump has authorized an urgent U.S. intervention to aid affected regions, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The storm caused extensive flooding and destruction, prompting a swift mobilization of resources to address the crisis. Secretary of State Rubio deployed the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), comprising urban search and rescue units, to assess needs and provide critical assistance. The State Department is collaborating with UN agencies, NGOs, and local governments to deliver essential supplies such as food, water, medical aid, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters. Financial contributions to reputable relief organizations are encouraged, as cash donations enable the purchase of urgently needed supplies locally, reducing delays and supporting regional economies. Humanitarian organizations are coordinating efforts with local stakeholders to ensure an effective and adaptable response. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has warned against scams targeting donors and urged vigilance in verifying the legitimacy of relief organizations. U.S. citizens abroad in need of emergency consular assistance are advised to contact the Department of State or their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.