Haiti : the country, the history, the people & the culture

HaïtiHaïtiThe country, the history, the The country, the history, the

people & the culturepeople & the culture

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HaïtiWhat do you know about Haiti beyond the fact that it is economically the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere?

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Haïti in the NewsHaïti in the NewsAnother DisasterAnother Disaster

ThreeThree--story school collapsed!story school collapsed!

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Three stories school collapsed!Three stories school collapsed!

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Haiti geographyHaiti geography

The Haitian FlagThe Haitian Flag

Coat of armsCoat of arms

HaitiHaiti is the third largest is the third largest country in the Greater country in the Greater Antillean after Cuba and Antillean after Cuba and the Dominican Republic.the Dominican Republic.Population:Population: 8.5 million 8.5 millionGeographic sizeGeographic size:: 10, 700 10, 700 square miles. square miles. CapitalCapital:: Port-au-Prince, Port-au-Prince, 1, 3 million people1, 3 million peopleMajor cities :Major cities : Cap Haitien Cap Haitien - - Pétion-ville - Les Cayes Pétion-ville - Les Cayes – Jérémie – – Jérémie – Jacmel and Hinche. Jacmel and Hinche.

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The Map of HaitiThe Map of Haiti

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People’s life in People’s life in countrysidecountryside

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A family from Port-de-Paix A family from Port-de-Paix located in the Nort-West of Haitilocated in the Nort-West of Haiti

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A family from Pignon located A family from Pignon located in the Nort-East of Haitiin the Nort-East of Haiti

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The situation of Haitians The situation of Haitians living in the living in the Dominican Dominican

RepublicRepublicHistorically it has been denounced that Historically it has been denounced that Haitian workers who cross the border Haitian workers who cross the border to work in the sugarcane harvest in to work in the sugarcane harvest in the Dominican Republic have been the the Dominican Republic have been the victims of a whole array of abuses by victims of a whole array of abuses by the authorities, from assassinations, the authorities, from assassinations, abusive treatment, massive expulsions, abusive treatment, massive expulsions, exploitation, deplorable living exploitation, deplorable living conditions, and the failure to conditions, and the failure to recognize their labor rights.recognize their labor rights.

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The situation of Haitians The situation of Haitians living in the living in the Dominican Dominican

RepublicRepublicIn the In the Dominican RepublicDominican Republic most most Haitians live Haitians live in the "in the "bateyesbateyes". A ". A bateybatey is a sugar company town is a sugar company town consisting of barracks and a few consisting of barracks and a few houses in very bad shape. Some houses in very bad shape. Some ""bateyesbateyes““ can be worst than jail. can be worst than jail. Haitians Haitians living living in the "in the "bateyesbateyes““ are are constantly humiliated, scorned and constantly humiliated, scorned and exploited by the Dominicans. exploited by the Dominicans.

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Haitian home in a Haitian home in a Batey Batey in in the the Dominican RepublicDominican Republic

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Haitian home in a Haitian home in a Batey Batey in in the the Dominican RepublicDominican Republic

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Haitian Children in a Haitian Children in a BateyBatey Altagracia, Altagracia, Dominican Dominican

RepublicRepublic

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The role of the The role of the Haitian governmentHaitian government

What the current Haitian What the current Haitian government is doing for the government is doing for the Haitian people living in Haiti and Haitian people living in Haiti and outside of Haiti? outside of Haiti?

What the Haitian government What the Haitian government officials have been doing since officials have been doing since 18180404??

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You will find useful You will find useful information about Haiti and information about Haiti and its Governments by reading its Governments by reading

the following books:the following books:1.1. Weinstein, Brian and Aaron Segal. Weinstein, Brian and Aaron Segal. Haiti: The Failure Haiti: The Failure

of Politicsof Politics. Westport, CT: Praeger, 1992.. Westport, CT: Praeger, 1992.

2.2. Trouillot, M. R. Trouillot, M. R. Haiti: State Against Nation: The Origins Haiti: State Against Nation: The Origins and Legacy of Duvalierism. and Legacy of Duvalierism. New York: Monthly Review, New York: Monthly Review, 1990.1990.

3.3. Fatton, Robert, Jr.. Fatton, Robert, Jr.. Haiti's Predatory Republic: The Haiti's Predatory Republic: The Unending Transition to Democracy.Unending Transition to Democracy. Boulder, Col, Lynne Boulder, Col, Lynne Rienner Publishers. 2002Rienner Publishers. 2002

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Quoted fromQuoted from Weinstein, Weinstein, Haiti: The Failure of Haiti: The Failure of

PoliticsPolitics””History shows that Haitian leaders have History shows that Haitian leaders have never accepted one well known answer to never accepted one well known answer to the question about the purpose of the question about the purpose of politics, namely, improving the lives of politics, namely, improving the lives of human beings. Aristotle, the first human beings. Aristotle, the first political scientist, left the world that political scientist, left the world that simple message. The state should provide simple message. The state should provide services in return for the money and services in return for the money and loyalty it extracts from the population loyalty it extracts from the population and it should concern itself with what we and it should concern itself with what we now call the quality.now call the quality.”” (Weinstein, p. 1) (Weinstein, p. 1)

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Quoted fromQuoted from Weinstein, Weinstein, Haiti: The Failure of Haiti: The Failure of

PoliticsPolitics““Politics is the big lie, particularly the lie Politics is the big lie, particularly the lie about liberation of people of African ancestry about liberation of people of African ancestry from slavery. Through their own efforts the from slavery. Through their own efforts the Haitians did free themselves from white rule on Haitians did free themselves from white rule on the 1st of January 1804, but since that date the 1st of January 1804, but since that date almost every political elite, whether black or almost every political elite, whether black or brown, abetted by economic allies from inside brown, abetted by economic allies from inside and outside the country, has imposed its own and outside the country, has imposed its own kind of servitude on the masses. Duvalier family kind of servitude on the masses. Duvalier family rule from September 1957 to February 1986 was rule from September 1957 to February 1986 was the worst form of politics.the worst form of politics.”” (Weinstein, p. 1) (Weinstein, p. 1)

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The Haitian GovernmentThe Haitian Government

Rene Preval, PresidentRene Preval, President Michèle Duvivier Pierre Louis Michèle Duvivier Pierre Louis , , Prime MinisterPrime Minister 2121

The elite and the The elite and the government officials live government officials live

in nice housesin nice houses

Private Residence in Pétion-VillePrivate Residence in Pétion-Ville

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Private Residence in Pétion-Private Residence in Pétion-VilleVille

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Hôtel Montana in Pétion-Hôtel Montana in Pétion-VilleVille

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Hôtel El Rancho in Pétion-Hôtel El Rancho in Pétion-VilleVille

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Haiti, a history of oppression and Haiti, a history of oppression and struggles.struggles.

Landing of Columbus and the SpanishLanding of Columbus and the Spanish

Indians working as slavesIndians working as slaves

- The Spanish Period Christopher Columbus and his men Christopher Columbus and his men landed on the island of Haiti in landed on the island of Haiti in December 1492. They reduced the December 1492. They reduced the Tainos to slavery. Around fifty Tainos to slavery. Around fifty years after the arrival of years after the arrival of Columbus in the Americas, most of Columbus in the Americas, most of the Tainos in Haiti were wiped the Tainos in Haiti were wiped out through the hardship of their out through the hardship of their condition as slaves, organized condition as slaves, organized massacres or diseases they massacres or diseases they contracted from the Spaniards. contracted from the Spaniards. The genocide of the Tainos in The genocide of the Tainos in Haiti was one of the most brutal Haiti was one of the most brutal and the annihilation committed on and the annihilation committed on the Indians of the New World by the Indians of the New World by Columbus and his men, one of the Columbus and his men, one of the most complete in History.most complete in History.

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Bartolomew Las CasasBartolomew Las Casas

Landing of the first African slavesLanding of the first African slaves

- Blacks from Africa to AmericaBlacks from Africa to AmericaLater on, Bartholomew Las Casas, Later on, Bartholomew Las Casas, a Spanish priest advocated for a Spanish priest advocated for the importation of Blacks from the importation of Blacks from Africa to work on the mines as a Africa to work on the mines as a mean of ending Indian slavery in mean of ending Indian slavery in the island. Thus, in 1503, the the island. Thus, in 1503, the first blacks from Africa landed first blacks from Africa landed on the island. on the island. Years later, the Spanish would Years later, the Spanish would leave the west part of Hispaniola leave the west part of Hispaniola for the richest lands of South for the richest lands of South America where the gold mines were America where the gold mines were still fresh and rich of the still fresh and rich of the precious metal. precious metal. Spain signed with Spain signed with France the France the Treaty of RyswickTreaty of Ryswick in in 1697, ceding the western part of 1697, ceding the western part of the island to the French.the island to the French.

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African slaves in St DomingueAfrican slaves in St Domingue

- The French Period The French renamed their possession The French renamed their possession St Domingue, a translation of Santo St Domingue, a translation of Santo Domingo. The French then developed Domingo. The French then developed St Domingue into the richest colony St Domingue into the richest colony in the world. To build this wealth, in the world. To build this wealth, France imported thousands of slaves France imported thousands of slaves from Africa who were submitted to from Africa who were submitted to the same abuses and mistreatments the same abuses and mistreatments imposed on the Indians only on a imposed on the Indians only on a larger scale. Thus, the wealth of larger scale. Thus, the wealth of St Domingue was achieved on the St Domingue was achieved on the work of slaves and only a minority work of slaves and only a minority of the islandof the island’’s population was s population was enjoying this wealth, the whites. enjoying this wealth, the whites. This created a number of problems This created a number of problems and revolts against the whites. and revolts against the whites.

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Ceremony of Bois CaimanCeremony of Bois Caiman

- The beginning of the Haitian Revolution A man named Boukman, a houngan A man named Boukman, a houngan (a Voodoo Priest) organized on (a Voodoo Priest) organized on August 14, 1791, a meeting with the August 14, 1791, a meeting with the slaves in the mountains of the slaves in the mountains of the North. This meeting took the form North. This meeting took the form of a Voodoo ceremony in the Bois of a Voodoo ceremony in the Bois Caiman located in the northern Caiman located in the northern mountains of the island. All mountains of the island. All participants of the meeting swore participants of the meeting swore to kill all the whites on the to kill all the whites on the island. On August 22, 1791, the island. On August 22, 1791, the blacks of the North entered into a blacks of the North entered into a rebellion, killing all the whites rebellion, killing all the whites they met and setting the they met and setting the plantations of the colony on fire. plantations of the colony on fire. However, the French quickly However, the French quickly captured the leader of the slaves, captured the leader of the slaves, Boukman, and beheaded him, bringing Boukman, and beheaded him, bringing the rebellion under control. the rebellion under control.

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Toussaint LouvertureToussaint Louverture

-The beginning of the Haitian RevolutionThe death of Boukman although it had The death of Boukman although it had temporarily stopped the rebellion of temporarily stopped the rebellion of the North failed to restrain the the North failed to restrain the rest of the blacks from revolting rest of the blacks from revolting against their condition. The against their condition. The Revolution that would give birth to Revolution that would give birth to the Republic of Haiti was under way the Republic of Haiti was under way and nothing could stop it. Toussaint and nothing could stop it. Toussaint Louverture was the great leader who Louverture was the great leader who emerged out of the mass of the emerged out of the mass of the revolted. He was a military genius revolted. He was a military genius and a formidable leader. He and a formidable leader. He organized the slaves into a strong organized the slaves into a strong army. During the period of 1791, to army. During the period of 1791, to 1800, Toussaint used the French, the 1800, Toussaint used the French, the Spaniards and the English against Spaniards and the English against one another. He managed to eliminate one another. He managed to eliminate all his enemies until he was the all his enemies until he was the only power left in St Domingue.only power left in St Domingue.

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French warshipsFrench warships

Charles Victor Emmanuel LeclercCharles Victor Emmanuel Leclerc

- The beginning of the Haitian Revolution

Napoleon wary of Toussaint's great Napoleon wary of Toussaint's great power in the colony sent 82,000 of power in the colony sent 82,000 of his battle proven troops commanded his battle proven troops commanded by his own brother-in-law seconded by his own brother-in-law seconded by able generals, a fleet of by able generals, a fleet of warships, canons, munitions and dogs warships, canons, munitions and dogs in order to bring St Domingue under in order to bring St Domingue under control. After two years of war, the control. After two years of war, the French treacherously arrested French treacherously arrested Toussaint Louverture during a Toussaint Louverture during a meeting in June 1802. He was exiled meeting in June 1802. He was exiled to France and died in the Fortress to France and died in the Fortress of the Joux high in the cold Alpine of the Joux high in the cold Alpine mountains of Jura in April 1803. mountains of Jura in April 1803. Toussaint though had left capable Toussaint though had left capable generals who could carry on the generals who could carry on the struggle. struggle.

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Dessalines Dessalines

Jean-Baptiste RochambeauJean-Baptiste Rochambeau

-The Haitian RevolutionThe Haitian RevolutionWith the death of Toussaint, the With the death of Toussaint, the revolution was carried by the new revolution was carried by the new leader called Jean-Jacques Dessalines. leader called Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Unlike Toussaint, he was angry over his Unlike Toussaint, he was angry over his treatment as a slave and was determined treatment as a slave and was determined not to allow its return. The war fought not to allow its return. The war fought between Leclerc and Dessalines was, on between Leclerc and Dessalines was, on both sides, one of the most horrifying both sides, one of the most horrifying struggles in history. Both resorted to struggles in history. Both resorted to atrocities. Leclerc was desperate. He atrocities. Leclerc was desperate. He decided to simply execute blacks decided to simply execute blacks whenever and wherever he found them. whenever and wherever he found them. Leclerc's successor, Jean-Baptiste Leclerc's successor, Jean-Baptiste Rochambeau, simply continued this Rochambeau, simply continued this policy. Dessalines responded that every policy. Dessalines responded that every atrocity committed by the French would atrocity committed by the French would be revisited on the French. be revisited on the French.

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The battle of VertièresThe battle of Vertières

Francois Capois la MortFrancois Capois la Mort

-The final phase Haitian The final phase Haitian RevolutionRevolutionOn November 18, 1803, was fought the On November 18, 1803, was fought the Battle of Vertières, the last major Battle of Vertières, the last major battle of the final phase of the battle of the final phase of the Haitian Revolution. Haitians led by Haitian Revolution. Haitians led by Dessalines and other leaders like Dessalines and other leaders like Capois La Mort attacked the strong Capois La Mort attacked the strong French-held fort of Vertières, near French-held fort of Vertières, near Cap Français (now known as Cap-Cap Français (now known as Cap-Haïtien). Dessalines' forces won a Haïtien). Dessalines' forces won a decisive victory over the French decisive victory over the French colonial army under the Viscount of colonial army under the Viscount of Rochambeau and forced him to Rochambeau and forced him to capitulate the same night. Finally, capitulate the same night. Finally, Rochambeau surrendered and Rochambeau surrendered and Dessalines declared Haiti to be a Dessalines declared Haiti to be a republic. He took the French three-republic. He took the French three-colored flag and removed the white colored flag and removed the white from the flag to produce the bi-from the flag to produce the bi-colored flag of Haiti.colored flag of Haiti.

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1803 Haitian Flag1803 Haitian Flag

The founding fathers of HaitiThe founding fathers of Haiti

-The birth of a new nationThe birth of a new nation The revolution leaded to the The revolution leaded to the birth of a new nation. Haiti thus birth of a new nation. Haiti thus emerged into the world as the emerged into the world as the first black independent republic first black independent republic on the 1st of January 1804. Its on the 1st of January 1804. Its revolution against colonialism revolution against colonialism and slavery was the first and slavery was the first successful black movement successful black movement resulting into an independent resulting into an independent state headed by Dessalines, a state headed by Dessalines, a black man who had commenced his black man who had commenced his life as a slave, and ended is an life as a slave, and ended is an emperor. On the 1st of January emperor. On the 1st of January 1804, the heroes of the 1804, the heroes of the Independence, to honor the memory Independence, to honor the memory of the Indians who had been of the Indians who had been massacred by the Spanish renamed massacred by the Spanish renamed the island under its original the island under its original Taino name, Haiti.Taino name, Haiti.

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Alexandre Petion in Alexandre Petion in the Souththe South

Henri Christophe in Henri Christophe in the Norththe North

- The new nation divided into two - The new nation divided into two RepublicsRepublicsFrom 1804 to 1915, the new nation was From 1804 to 1915, the new nation was governed only by Haitian people governed only by Haitian people composed of former black slaves and composed of former black slaves and mulattos. The situation of the new mulattos. The situation of the new country did not improve because the new country did not improve because the new Haitian leaders were fighting against Haitian leaders were fighting against each other. The emperor Dessalines was each other. The emperor Dessalines was assassinated in October 1806. As a assassinated in October 1806. As a result,result, the country was divided in two the country was divided in two republics with Henry Christophe republics with Henry Christophe dominating the northern part of the dominating the northern part of the country and Petion the south. Henry country and Petion the south. Henry Christophe soon crowned himself king in Christophe soon crowned himself king in the north while Petion proclaimed the north while Petion proclaimed himself president for life in the west. himself president for life in the west. When Petion died in 1818, and When Petion died in 1818, and Christophe in October 20, 1820, Haiti Christophe in October 20, 1820, Haiti became a single nation again under Jean became a single nation again under Jean Pierre Boyer. Pierre Boyer.

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- The long period of InstabilityThe long period of InstabilityAfter Boyer, the country went through decades of After Boyer, the country went through decades of political instability lasting into the US political instability lasting into the US Occupation of 1915. As the historian James Leyburn Occupation of 1915. As the historian James Leyburn summarizes the situation: summarizes the situation:

"Of the twenty-two heads of state between 1843 and 1915 only "Of the twenty-two heads of state between 1843 and 1915 only one served out his president term in office, three died while one served out his president term in office, three died while serving, one was blown up with his palace, one presumably serving, one was blown up with his palace, one presumably poisoned, one hacked to pieces by a mob, one resigned. The poisoned, one hacked to pieces by a mob, one resigned. The other fourteen were deposed by revolution after incumbencies other fourteen were deposed by revolution after incumbencies ranging in length from three months to twelve years.ranging in length from three months to twelve years.””

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Admiral CapertonAdmiral Caperton

CacosCacos’’s militant s militant groupgroup

-The United States Occupation of The United States Occupation of HaitiHaiti The United States was more and more The United States was more and more interested in the Caribbean. When in interested in the Caribbean. When in 1915 Haitian president Vilbrun 1915 Haitian president Vilbrun Guillaume Sam executed 167 political Guillaume Sam executed 167 political prisoners, the US invaded the country prisoners, the US invaded the country using the event as an excuse. As soon using the event as an excuse. As soon as the U.S. Marines landed in Haiti, as the U.S. Marines landed in Haiti, they shut down the press, installed a they shut down the press, installed a new government, rewrote the new government, rewrote the constitution to give foreigners land-constitution to give foreigners land-owning rights, took charge of Haiti's owning rights, took charge of Haiti's banks and customs and instituted a banks and customs and instituted a system of compulsory labor for poor system of compulsory labor for poor Haitians. Those who resisted the Haitians. Those who resisted the occupation -- among them a militant occupation -- among them a militant peasant-run group called Cacos -- were peasant-run group called Cacos -- were crushed.crushed.

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The body of Charlemagne The body of Charlemagne PéraltePéralte

-The United States Occupation of The United States Occupation of HaitiHaiti In 1919, U.S. Marines in In 1919, U.S. Marines in blackface ambushed and killed the blackface ambushed and killed the Cacos' fearless leader, Cacos' fearless leader, Charlemagne Peralte, mutilated Charlemagne Peralte, mutilated his dead body and displayed it in his dead body and displayed it in a public square for days. By the a public square for days. By the end of the occupation, more than end of the occupation, more than 15,000 Haitians had lost their 15,000 Haitians had lost their lives. A Haitian gendarmerie was lives. A Haitian gendarmerie was trained to replace the U.S. trained to replace the U.S. Marines, then proceeded to form Marines, then proceeded to form juntas, organize coups and juntas, organize coups and terrorize Haitians for decades. terrorize Haitians for decades. Although U.S. troops were Although U.S. troops were officially withdrawn from Haiti officially withdrawn from Haiti in 1934, the U.S. government in 1934, the U.S. government maintained economic control of maintained economic control of the country until 1947.the country until 1947.

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Papa & baby docPapa & baby doc

Haitian flag under DuvalierHaitian flag under Duvalier

-The Duvalier DynastyThe Duvalier Dynasty With the death of Duvalier, With the death of Duvalier, his son Jean-Claude Duvalier his son Jean-Claude Duvalier "Baby Doc", came into "Baby Doc", came into power. Life under "Baby power. Life under "Baby Doc" was only slightly Doc" was only slightly better for the Haitian better for the Haitian people than before. His people than before. His rule was also tainted with rule was also tainted with crimes of repression and a crimes of repression and a plundering of the riches of plundering of the riches of the country. Finally, "Baby the country. Finally, "Baby Doc" was exiled to France Doc" was exiled to France where he spent the money where he spent the money stole from the haitian stole from the haitian people.people.

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François DuvalierFrançois Duvalier

Jean Claude DuvalierJean Claude Duvalier

-The Duvalier DynastyThe Duvalier DynastyWhen the Americans left in 1934, When the Americans left in 1934, the country was still in the country was still in shambles. From 1934 to shambles. From 1934 to 1957, there was a constant 1957, there was a constant struggle for power. Many leaders struggle for power. Many leaders came and went but no one united came and went but no one united or moved the nation forward. In or moved the nation forward. In 1957 François Duvalier was 1957 François Duvalier was elected president of Haiti elected president of Haiti through an election guided by the through an election guided by the military. Less than four years military. Less than four years later, on the 8th of April 1961, later, on the 8th of April 1961, he announced the dissolution of he announced the dissolution of the parliament and declared the parliament and declared himself "President for himself "President for life". Fear ruled the nation life". Fear ruled the nation under Duvalier and his Tontons under Duvalier and his Tontons Macoutes. Macoutes.

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The current Haitian flagThe current Haitian flag

General Henri NamphyGeneral Henri Namphy

--The Duvalier LegacyThe Duvalier LegacyOn the 7On the 7thth of February, 1986, Jean of February, 1986, Jean Claude resigned and left the country Claude resigned and left the country under internal as well as US under internal as well as US pressure. All Haitians celebrated his pressure. All Haitians celebrated his departure and the end of the Duvalier departure and the end of the Duvalier regime in the country. The country regime in the country. The country was under the command of a National was under the command of a National Council of Government (CNG). In the Council of Government (CNG). In the aftermath of the departure of Jean aftermath of the departure of Jean Claude Duvalier the country went Claude Duvalier the country went through a series of political through a series of political instability moving from one military instability moving from one military government to another. From 1986 to government to another. From 1986 to 1991 the country experienced as many 1991 the country experienced as many as four military coups. as four military coups.

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Jean Bertrand AristideJean Bertrand Aristide

René PrévalRené Préval

-Winds of Change with AristideWinds of Change with AristideAfter the military governments, Jean After the military governments, Jean Bertrand Aristide, a young priest was Bertrand Aristide, a young priest was democratically elected president in democratically elected president in Feb. 1991. As a tradition he was Feb. 1991. As a tradition he was overthrown by a military coup in overthrown by a military coup in September 1991, seven months after he September 1991, seven months after he had taken office. A U.N. peacekeeping had taken office. A U.N. peacekeeping force, led by the U.S.A. arrived in force, led by the U.S.A. arrived in 1994. Aristide was restored to office 1994. Aristide was restored to office and René Preval became his successor in and René Preval became his successor in 1996 elections. In 2000, former 1996 elections. In 2000, former president Aristide was reelected president Aristide was reelected president in elections boycotted by the president in elections boycotted by the opposition and questioned by many opposition and questioned by many foreign observers. Aristide, once a foreign observers. Aristide, once a charismatic champion of democracy, grew charismatic champion of democracy, grew more authoritarian and seemed incapable more authoritarian and seemed incapable of improving the lot of his people.of improving the lot of his people.

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Anti-Aristide demonstration at Anti-Aristide demonstration at Port-au-PrincePort-au-Prince

-AristideAristide’’s resignations resignationAs a result of Aristide As a result of Aristide authoritarian politics, authoritarian politics, violent protests rocked the violent protests rocked the country in Jan. 2004 with country in Jan. 2004 with protestors demanding protestors demanding Aristide's resignation. In Aristide's resignation. In February, a group of former February, a group of former soldiers took control of many soldiers took control of many cities. The protests, groups cities. The protests, groups of armed rebels, French and of armed rebels, French and American pressure led to the American pressure led to the ousting of Aristide on Feb. ousting of Aristide on Feb. 29. Thereafter a U.S.-led 29. Thereafter a U.S.-led international force of 2,300 international force of 2,300 entered the country to restore entered the country to restore order, and an interim order, and an interim government took over. Two government took over. Two years later, former president years later, former president Preval was reelected. Preval was reelected.

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Rural lifestyleRural lifestyle

Wall protecting urban Wall protecting urban ““bourgeoisbourgeois”” home. home.

As contends Professor As contends Professor Michel-Roth Michel-Roth Trouillot, "Trouillot, "The Haitian The Haitian problem is not merely problem is not merely political. It is in the class political. It is in the class structure of the country, in structure of the country, in the military organization the military organization of a society at war with of a society at war with itself, in a fiscal system itself, in a fiscal system that discourages that discourages production and investment production and investment and finally, in socio-and finally, in socio-cultural elitismcultural elitism."."

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The sociolinguistic The sociolinguistic situation of Haitisituation of Haiti

French and Haitian-Creole in HaitiFrench and Haitian-Creole in HaitiThe two official languages of Haiti are French and The two official languages of Haiti are French and Haitian-Creole. All Haitians speak Haitian-Creole, Haitian-Creole. All Haitians speak Haitian-Creole, while only about 10% of the population can be while only about 10% of the population can be considered bilingual in French and in Haitian-Creole. considered bilingual in French and in Haitian-Creole. Half of this 10% is less than fluent enough in French Half of this 10% is less than fluent enough in French to use it comfortably in any situation. Thus the only to use it comfortably in any situation. Thus the only language all Haitian people have in common is Haitian-language all Haitian people have in common is Haitian-Creole. Moreover, about 90% of the population speaks Creole. Moreover, about 90% of the population speaks Haitian-Creole only.Haitian-Creole only.

French is the language used in formal situations like: French is the language used in formal situations like: most schools, newspapers, the law and the courts etc. most schools, newspapers, the law and the courts etc. However, because the vast majority of Haitians speak However, because the vast majority of Haitians speak only Creole, there have been efforts in recent years to only Creole, there have been efforts in recent years to expand its uses. In 1979, a law was passed that expand its uses. In 1979, a law was passed that permitted Creole to be the language of instruction, and permitted Creole to be the language of instruction, and the Constitution of 1983 gave Creole the status of a the Constitution of 1983 gave Creole the status of a national language. However, it was only in 1987 that national language. However, it was only in 1987 that the Constitution granted official status to Creole. the Constitution granted official status to Creole.

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Information about the Information about the sociolinguistic situationsociolinguistic situation

What is Haitian Creole?What is Haitian Creole? Linguists do not agree on the origins of the various Linguists do not agree on the origins of the various Creole languages found around the world, and this is Creole languages found around the world, and this is certainly the case with Haitian-Creole. Some believe certainly the case with Haitian-Creole. Some believe that it emerged from a Romance-based pidgin (Afro-that it emerged from a Romance-based pidgin (Afro-Portuguese), used by sailors, slaves, and traders who Portuguese), used by sailors, slaves, and traders who came in contact with the 17th century French of the came in contact with the 17th century French of the first settlers. It is important to remember that first settlers. It is important to remember that French and Haitian Creole are two distinct languages, French and Haitian Creole are two distinct languages, and not varieties of the same language. Haitian and not varieties of the same language. Haitian Creole grammar (or syntax) has strong characteristics Creole grammar (or syntax) has strong characteristics of African languages, while its vocabulary is mostly of African languages, while its vocabulary is mostly of French origin, with contributions from Spanish, of French origin, with contributions from Spanish, African languages, and, much later, English.African languages, and, much later, English.

Information about the Information about the languagelanguage

Creole vocabularyCreole vocabulary The lexicon of Haitian Creole is derived primarily (90%) from French. This The lexicon of Haitian Creole is derived primarily (90%) from French. This

word-base, however, has been enriched with borrowings from other word-base, however, has been enriched with borrowings from other languages with which Haitian Creole speakers historically had contact. languages with which Haitian Creole speakers historically had contact. For example: For example:

- - Words of Caribbean origin:Words of Caribbean origin: manyòk kasav:manyòk kasav: manioc cassava. manioc cassava.- - Words of African origin : Words of African origin : oungan :oungan : voodoo priestvoodoo priest;; - - zonbi :zonbi : ghostghost;; - - Words of Spanish origin : Words of Spanish origin : bouske :bouske : to search forto search for;; - - sapat :sapat : sandalsandal;; - - Words of English origin : Words of English origin : kokonèt :kokonèt : coconutcoconut;; - - rilaks :rilaks : relaxrelax..- - Words of French origin : Words of French origin : rive :rive : arrivearrive; ; - - manje :manje : eateat;;

The sound system of Haitian-CreoleThe sound system of Haitian-Creole Haitian-Creole pronunciation is very close to its spelling. Each sound is Haitian-Creole pronunciation is very close to its spelling. Each sound is

written only one way in any situation. There is only one way to write written only one way in any situation. There is only one way to write each sound. There is no silent letter. There are some sounds in English each sound. There is no silent letter. There are some sounds in English that do not exist in Haitian-Creole. For example, Haitian-Creole does that do not exist in Haitian-Creole. For example, Haitian-Creole does not have the not have the thth sounds in “thick” and “the”. It contains, however, other sounds in “thick” and “the”. It contains, however, other sounds that do not exist in English.sounds that do not exist in English.

Information about Religion in Information about Religion in HaitiHaiti The most widely practiced The most widely practiced religions in Haiti are religions in Haiti are Catholicism, Voodoo and Catholicism, Voodoo and Protestantism. The official Protestantism. The official religion Haiti inherited from religion Haiti inherited from the French colonialists is the French colonialists is Roman Catholicism, with about Roman Catholicism, with about 80% of the Haitian population 80% of the Haitian population declaring themselves Roman declaring themselves Roman Catholic. Catholic. However, However, approximately half of all approximately half of all Haitians are said to practice Haitians are said to practice Voodoo. Voodoo has been Voodoo. Voodoo has been practiced in Haiti since the practiced in Haiti since the late 18th Century, but itlate 18th Century, but it’’s s only recently that it has been only recently that it has been recognized as an official recognized as an official religion in Haiti.religion in Haiti.

Information about Haitian Information about Haitian MusicMusic

The music of Haiti is influenced most greatly by The music of Haiti is influenced most greatly by French colonial ties and African migration French colonial ties and African migration (through slavery), as well as by its neighbors, (through slavery), as well as by its neighbors, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica. Styles the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica. Styles of music unique to the nation of Haïti include of music unique to the nation of Haïti include music derived from music derived from vodouvodou ceremonical traditions ceremonical traditions and and KonpaKonpa. Besides vodou and konpa musics, . Besides vodou and konpa musics, Haitian people play different styles of music Haitian people play different styles of music such as reggae, jazz, merengue, calypso, salsa such as reggae, jazz, merengue, calypso, salsa etc… Because of the American influence, there are etc… Because of the American influence, there are a lot of new groups playing hip hop and R&B in a lot of new groups playing hip hop and R&B in Creole. When listening to new generation of Creole. When listening to new generation of Haitian music don’t be surprised to hear a Haitian music don’t be surprised to hear a mixture of Creole, French and English. mixture of Creole, French and English.

Let’s wacth pictures of Let’s wacth pictures of HaitiHaiti

The statue of the Unknown Maroon The statue of the Unknown Maroon outside the Presidential Palace outside the Presidential Palace

in Port-au-Princein Port-au-Prince

The National Palace of HaitiThe National Palace of Haiti

The National museum The National museum

A Street in Port-au-PrinceA Street in Port-au-Prince

Champs de Mars, a parc in Champs de Mars, a parc in Port-au-PrincePort-au-Prince

A parc in Port-au-PrinceA parc in Port-au-Prince

Movie Theater in Port-au-Movie Theater in Port-au-PrincePrince

Labadie Beach, about 40 minutes Labadie Beach, about 40 minutes outside Cap Haitienoutside Cap Haitien

The city of Cap Haitien, with La The city of Cap Haitien, with La Citadelle in the distant Citadelle in the distant

mountainsmountains

Citadelle, HaitiCitadelle, Haitithe fortress built by Henri-the fortress built by Henri-

ChristopheChristophein the early 1800sin the early 1800s

Citadelle Citadelle LaferrièreLaferrière

The Citadelle Henri The Citadelle Henri ChristopheChristophe The Citadelle Henri Christophe, known as Citadelle The Citadelle Henri Christophe, known as Citadelle Laferrière is a large mountaintop fortress located Laferrière is a large mountaintop fortress located in northern Haiti, in northern Haiti, approximatelyapproximately 17 miles south of 17 miles south of the city of Cap-Haïtien and five miles uphill from the city of Cap-Haïtien and five miles uphill from the town of Milot. It is the largest fortress in the town of Milot. It is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere, and a prime UNESCO World the Western Hemisphere, and a prime UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built when Haiti became a Heritage Site. It was built when Haiti became a free republic at the beginning of the 19th century.free republic at the beginning of the 19th century.

The massive stone structure was built by up to 20,000 The massive stone structure was built by up to 20,000 workers between 1805 and 1820 as part of a system workers between 1805 and 1820 as part of a system of fortifications designed to keep the newly-of fortifications designed to keep the newly-independent nation of Haiti safe from French independent nation of Haiti safe from French incursions. It is possible to view Cap-Haïtien and incursions. It is possible to view Cap-Haïtien and the adjoining Atlantic Ocean from the roof of the the adjoining Atlantic Ocean from the roof of the fortress. fortress.

Les Cayes in the South Les Cayes in the South Coast of HaitiCoast of Haiti

Saut-Mathurine, a fall Saut-Mathurine, a fall in Haiti in Haiti

Aquin, country town in Aquin, country town in HaitiHaiti

Île-à-Vache in the South

Anse d’Azur in Jérémie

Anse Du Clerc in the South

A beach in the South

Grand-Goâve in the South

The MontainsThe Montains

Saut Mathurine Fall in the South

BIBLIOGRAPHYBIBLIOGRAPHY1.1. Arthur, Charles, Arthur, Charles, Haiti in Focus:Haiti in Focus: A Guide to the People, Politics & CultureA Guide to the People, Politics & Culture. .

New York, Interlink, 2004.New York, Interlink, 2004. 2.2. Fatton, Robert, Jr.. Fatton, Robert, Jr.. Haiti's Predatory Republic: The Unending Transition Haiti's Predatory Republic: The Unending Transition

to Democracy.to Democracy. Boulder, Col, Lynne Rienner Publishers. 2002 Boulder, Col, Lynne Rienner Publishers. 20023.3. Haggerty, Richard A. ed. Haggerty, Richard A. ed. Haiti: A Country StudyHaiti: A Country Study. Washington, GPO for . Washington, GPO for

the Library of Congress, 1989.the Library of Congress, 1989.4.4. Leyburn, James G. Leyburn, James G. The Haitian PeopleThe Haitian People. (Rev. ed., with introduction . (Rev. ed., with introduction

by Sidney W. Mintz.) New Haven: Yale University Press, 1966. by Sidney W. Mintz.) New Haven: Yale University Press, 1966. 5.5. Nicholls, David. Nicholls, David. From Dessalines to Duvalier: Race, Colour, and National From Dessalines to Duvalier: Race, Colour, and National

Independence in Haiti.Independence in Haiti. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers UP, 1996. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers UP, 1996.6.6. Schmidt, Hans. Schmidt, Hans. The United States Occupation of Haiti, 1915-1934The United States Occupation of Haiti, 1915-1934. New . New

Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1971. Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1971. 7.7. Trouillot, M. R. Trouillot, M. R. Haiti: State Against Nation: The Origins and Legacy of Haiti: State Against Nation: The Origins and Legacy of

Duvalierism. Duvalierism. New York: Monthly Review, 1990.New York: Monthly Review, 1990.8.8. Weinstein, Brian and Aaron Segal. Weinstein, Brian and Aaron Segal. Haiti: The Failure of PoliticsHaiti: The Failure of Politics. .

Westport, CT: Praeger, 1992.Westport, CT: Praeger, 1992.

THE ENDTHE ENDThanks for listeningThanks for listening

The revival of HaïtiThe revival of Haïti

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