Articles

Analyse graphique exploratoire de la psychométrie haïtienne : Aperçus d'une enquête menée auprès de 1625 sujets.

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 Exploratory Graph Analysis of Haitian Psychometrics: Insights from a survey of 1,625 subjects. By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) Introduction: The data set analyzed in this article comes from the 2006 Vanderbilt University survey of 1,625 Haitians, covering various aspects of their psychometric profiles [1] . Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) is a statistical method that reveals underlying structures in multivariate data, such as patterns and relationships between variables, using graph-theoretic tools [2,3] . In this article, we perform an EGA to explore the psychometrics of the Haitian population, providing valuable insights into their views on issues like national pride, religion, trust, politics, and victimization. Materials and Methods Data The dataset utilized in this study consists of responses from 1,625 Haitian participants, collected as part of the 2006 Vanderbilt University survey. The survey included multiple psychometric variables, such as demographic ...

Un Joli Minois pour la Crise de l’Éducation en Haïti ? Le Cas Stupéfiant de Sterline Civil

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  A Pretty Face for Haiti’s Education Crisis? The Curious Case of Sterline Civil By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) If Haiti’s education system needed anything, it was surely a fresh dose of youthful charm and diplomatic inexperience. Enter Sterline Civil, a 30-year-old rising star whose résumé reads less like that of an education reformer and more like a social climber’s dream. The latest move by Haiti’s Conseil Présidentiel de Transition (CPT) suggests that when it comes to running the Fonds National de l’Éducation (FNE)—an institution meant to fund the nation’s struggling schools—competence is optional, but the right connections are non-negotiable. From Diplomatic Whirlwind to Educational Savior? Sterline Civil’s journey has been nothing short of miraculous. In a country where young professionals toil for decades in anonymity, she landed at the Ministère des Affaires Étrangères at the tender age of 27, quickly ascending to Directrice des Affaires Consulaires before...

Le 11 septembre d’Haïti—Multiplié par Trois : Une Nation en État de Siège

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  Haiti’s 9/11—Three Times Over: A Nation Under Siege By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) PORT-AU-PRINCE—The numbers are staggering. over 8,463 lives lost. That’s three times the number of fatalities from the September 11 attacks. And yet, the world remains largely silent. No moments of silence, no vows of retribution, no global mobilization to combat the terror engulfing Haiti. The crisis in this Caribbean nation is no less catastrophic, but the response couldn’t be more different. The Data Paints a Grim Picture Over the past four years, Haiti has been ravaged by gang violence, with the capital, Port-au-Prince, and key cities like Dessalines and Saint-Marc suffering the highest casualties. A review of recent massacre data shows that in December 2024 alone, 705 people were killed across Haiti. Entire communities are being held hostage, not by foreign terrorists but by homegrown warlords who operate with impunity. A closer look at the figures: • December 2024: 390 de...

Les Conséquences de la Fermeture de l'USAID en Haïti : Crise ou Opportunité ?

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  The Fallout of Shutting Down USAID in Haiti: Crisis or Opportunity? By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) The Trump administration’s decision to systematically dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) marks a radical shift in American foreign aid policy. For Haiti—a country deeply reliant on U.S. assistance—this move represents an existential crisis for millions who depend on aid for food security, healthcare, and economic stability. However, it also forces a long-overdue reckoning with the effectiveness of foreign aid, challenging Haiti to reimagine its development path beyond external dependency. A Fragile Nation in the Crosshairs Haiti receives approximately $400 million annually from USAID, funding critical sectors such as health, agriculture, and governance. However, the Trump administration’s sudden freeze on foreign aid, coupled with staff layoffs and the shutdown of USAID’s online infrastructure, has disrupted vital programs. The consequ...

Amour, Perte et Héritage : Le Statut Matrimonial en Haïti Selon les Groupes Ethniques à Travers le Prisme de W.E.B. Du Bois

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  Love, Loss, and Legacy: Haiti’s Marital Status by Ethnic Group Through the Lens of W.E.B. Du Bois By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) In the pantheon of sociological storytelling, few figures stand as tall as W.E.B. Du Bois. His groundbreaking work in data visualization at the 1900 Paris Exposition transformed cold statistics into compelling narratives about Black life, using innovative charts to challenge stereotypes and redefine Black identity. More than a century later, Du Bois’ legacy endures—not just in the annals of history, but in the way we analyze social disparities today. This Black History Month, scholars and data enthusiasts are revisiting Du Bois' methods to chart new realities, including Haiti’s marital status by ethnic group—a subject that offers a profound glimpse into the island’s social structures, economic challenges, and historical legacies. The Haitian Marital Landscape: A Study in Contrasts Recent data reveals stark disparities in marital statu...

L’éthique de la diffusion des messages des chefs de gangs cherchant une légitimité politique

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  The Ethics of Relaying Messages from Gang Leaders Seeking Political Legitimacy By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) In times of crisis, when criminal organizations infiltrate political discourse, journalists, policymakers, and civil society must grapple with an uncomfortable dilemma: Should we relay the messages of gang leaders who seek to transform their violent rule into political legitimacy? This question is particularly pressing in Haiti, where heavily armed gangs have taken control of large swaths of the country, acting as de facto rulers while attempting to position themselves as political actors. At first glance, refusing to provide a platform for criminals seems like the ethical choice. However, suppressing their voices does not erase their influence. Conversely, amplifying their messages risks legitimizing violence as a path to power. This article examines the ethical challenges of relaying the messages of terrorist gang leaders and the broader consequences ...

Comment la France peut-elle honorer sa dette envers Haïti en 2025 ? Un nouveau chapitre des relations franco-haïtiennes

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  How Can France Honor Its Debt to Haiti in 2025? A New Chapter in Franco-Haitian Relations By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit) The recent meeting between Leslie Voltaire, President of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between Haiti and France. Macron’s call for the United Nations to consider a peacekeeping mission in Haiti, alongside his commitment to commemorate the bicentennial of the infamous "Independence Ransom" on April 17, 2025, signals a potential shift in France’s historical stance toward Haiti. However, true reconciliation demands more than symbolic gestures—it requires concrete commitments to repair the economic and social damage caused by France’s colonial legacy. Recognizing and Addressing the Historical Debt For over two centuries, the economic burden imposed on Haiti by France’s demand for 150 million gold francs in exchang...