Articles

Haïti 15 ans après : la résilience mise à l'épreuve par une nouvelle crise

Image
  Haiti 15 Years After: Resilience Tested by a New Crisis By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) Fifteen years after the devastating 2010 earthquake, Haiti remains entangled in a web of crises—political instability, pervasive violence, and a humanitarian emergency that threatens its very foundation. While the scars of that catastrophe still linger, a more insidious earthquake—one of treason, integrity, and national identity—continues to shake the nation to its core. In recent weeks, a powerful denunciation has come from Haitian diaspora leaders and civil society organizations, signaling their refusal to accept a transition process co-opted by criminal elements and self-serving politicians. Haitian diaspora leaders and civil society organizations condemn the political elite that has allowed the country to descend into lawlessness. Their criticism centers on the participation of figures like Liné Balthazar, who, as a representative of the PHTK and its allies, has not only ...

La guerre contre la violence des gangs en Haïti : Entre réflexes individualistes et résistance communautaire

Image
  The War Against Gang Violence in Haiti: Between Individualist Reflexes and Community Resistance By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson Haiti stands at a decisive juncture in its battle against gang violence. Widespread insecurity has paralyzed large parts of the country, isolating key regions, displacing thousands, and imposing daily hardships on millions of residents. On January 10, 2025, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and CPT President Leslie Voltaire presided over the graduation of the PNH’s 34th class, “Vertières,” marking the integration of 739 new agents, including 213 women, into Haiti’s fight against insecurity [1] . Is this approach sufficient? Confronted with this complex crisis, two divergent dynamics have emerged: the "individualist reflexes" of some members of the elite and the inspiring community-building efforts of others. These contrasting forces highlight both the challenges and opportunities in Haiti’s quest for peace and stability. Haiti’s elite, often assoc...

Le Coût Caché de la Violence des Gangs en Haïti : Analyse des Conséquences Économiques et Sociales en 2024

Image
  The Hidden Cost of Gang Violence in Haiti: Analysis of Economic and Social Consequences in 2024 By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) In 2024, Haiti faces an unprecedented crisis fueled by gang violence, with far-reaching consequences that deeply impact the nation’s economic and social fabric. According to United Nations data, gangs have caused at least 5,600 deaths, injured 2,212 individuals, and kidnapped 1,494 others  [1] . Beyond the immediate human tragedy, this violence imposes colossal economic costs, worsening an already fragile economy. A detailed analysis reveals the scale of these costs, both direct and indirect. The table below summarizes the key findings of this assessment:   Cost Analysis Direct Costs Direct costs, estimated at $713.82 million, include the Value of Statistical Life (VSL) for the deceased, medical expenses for the injured, and ransom payments for kidnappings.   Indirect Costs Indirect costs, amounting to $856.59 millio...

Réimaginer l’Éducation en Haïti : Un Appel au Développement Endogène

Image
  Reimagining Education in Haiti: A Call for Endogenous Development By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson Haitian education has long been at a crossroads, torn between external influences and the need for an indigenous approach that reflects the country's unique cultural, historical, and socio-economic realities. While education is universally acknowledged as the cornerstone of development, the ideological framework within which it operates can determine whether it empowers a nation or perpetuates its dependency. The Need for an Endogenous Model Dr. Volvick Rémy Joseph, cited by Moise, aptly stated, "The development of Haiti will be endogenous or it will not be. [1]" This insight highlights the urgent need to design an educational system that goes beyond rote learning and colonial legacies. Education in Haiti must shift from merely transmitting knowledge to fostering critical thinking, self-reliance, and a profound understanding of Haiti’s historical context. The current system, ...

Soup Libèté 2025 – Mesurer l’impact et tracer la voie à suivre

Image
  Soup Libèté 2025 – Measuring Impact and Charting the Path Forward By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson Port-au-Prince, Haiti – The numbers are in, and they tell a powerful story of solidarity, resilience, and a nation coming together around the beloved tradition of Soup Joumou. With 8,260 bowls of soup served at 39 sites across Haiti, the organizers of #SoupLibète2025 have etched their name in history not just as a celebration of freedom but as a transformative social movement. A Testament to Resilience One of the standout moments of this year’s initiative unfolded around Nazon and Delmas, where approximately 2,200 bowls of Soup Joumou were served to displaced communities. These internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom have faced unimaginable challenges due to Haiti’s ongoing crises, experienced a rare moment of joy and unity. For organizers, the choice to extend the celebration to these IDP camps was deliberate. “We couldn’t leave them behind,” shared a spokesperson from Opéra...

La Main Invisible : Décryptage des Luttes Persistantes d’Haïti

Image
  The Invisible Hand: Decoding Haiti’s Persistent Struggles By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) Haiti's history, a tapestry of heroism and turmoil, bears the indelible mark of an "invisible hand" shaping its trajectory since independence in 1804. Borrowing from the reflections of Serge H. Moise in La Main Invisible, this concept embodies a covert network of power brokers who manipulate societal structures to serve interests antithetical to national progress. The result is a nation perpetually mired in systemic dysfunction and internal discord [1]. A Legacy of Manipulation The "invisible hand" is not unique to Haiti but has been particularly insidious in its post-independence development. In Moise’s view, it thrives on chaos, perpetuating division and ensuring that true nationhood remains out of reach. This shadowy force operates beyond political affiliations, financing competing factions to maintain a stranglehold on power. Its influence extends to...

La signification du 2 janvier : Un Appel a célébrer le jour des Aïeux au-dela du culte de la personnalité

Image
  January 2: A Call to Honor Our Ancestors Beyond the Cult of Personality By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) Haiti’s January 2, celebrated as the "Jour des Aïeux" (Day of the Ancestors), stands as a solemn reminder of the collective struggle and triumph of our forebears. Yet, as we commemorate this day, it is imperative to move beyond the cult of personality and embrace a collective vision that honors the contributions of all who fought for Haiti’s independence. The victories of 1804 were not the result of one man’s heroism alone, but of a unified effort by countless Haitians, from generals to maroons, who gave their lives for freedom. The Evolution of January 2 Originally established as a national holiday to honor Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the Day of the Ancestors evolved in 1904 during Haiti’s centennial celebrations. Under the leadership of President Nord Alexis, the day was redefined to commemorate all those who had fought for independence. As histori...