Sak Pase?

The last time Haiti was in the International news was December of last year - oh what a year. Hurricanes, food riots, and a collapsed government. The bad news was unending. Since that time, the biggest news was no news: there was an election held and no one came. The election was to fill 12 senatorial seats, but the party of former President Aristide, Fanmi Lavalas was excluded on a technicality. Leading up to the polling in April, many of us were holding our breath, but the 'only' violence reported was a demonstration at the palace in Port au Prince and rioting in Mirebalais.

In the meantime, the UN Security Council reported that security in this all-too-often volatile nation is improving, and judicial and constitutional reform, although slow, is underway. The blue helmets of the UN forces (MINUSTAH) are not welcome by the majority of Haitians, but their presence seems to be helping to stabilize some areas of basic services. They have trained a local police force of over 14,000, something missing for a long time.

On other fronts, there are still serious problems, as continued stories attest. Aid has been trickling in, but not all that was promised has been received. Global economic woes don't help, of course. Lack of employment options continue to plague Haiti, people do somehow manage to live on $1-2 per day (the minimum wage is 1.60). The HOPE (Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement) Act, passed by Congress in 2006, promises to be a 'dream' trade deal - but these are sweatshop jobs, more likely to freeze this nation in abject poverty than to really forward any improvements.

The heightened awareness of Haiti's existence has offered some leverage: just before the Summit of the Americas, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Port au Prince, and even dropped by Cite Soleil where she looked in on the operations of the USNS Comfort. Former President Bill Clinton was just appointed UN special envoy to Haiti, and even Rush Limbaugh had to add his opinion .

So, currently it is a mixed bag - continued economic struggles, coupled with environmental degradation and a couple of centuries of political corruption. The election of Obama was greeted with enthusiasm, but my friends are still wondering (as am I) when Minnesota will have two Senators. They are also wondering when the blue helmets will finally leave, and when Haiti will make the headlines for something other than a disaster.... Oh. And did I mention that hurricane season officially begins June 1? Yeah - already the heavy rains have killed at least 11 people. Good thing the Haitian people have a sense of humor.

                  EXCERPT FOUND ON : http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/5/24/720912/-Haiti:-no-news-is-good-news-(w-Ayiti-candy)

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“Celebrating Haiti–

The first independent black nation”

 

 

While Haitians recognize and celebrate collective achievements such as the writing of the first Haitian constitution in 1801, the victorious Slave rebellion against France in 1803, the declaration of Saint Dominique’s independence  (currently Haiti and Dominican Republic) in 1804, or the end of American invasion in 1934. Haiti’s contribution to world history is often overlooked.

 

The Haitian Revolution was the first and most successful slave rebellion in the Western Hemisphere. This revolution fueled the widespread movement for freedom throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, and served as an inspiration to African- American leaders in the 1930's. The Haitian revolution has challenged the world's concept of supremacy by being the first independent Black nation in the world and the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere.   to African- American leaders in the 1930's. The Haitian revolution has challenged the world's concept of supremacy by being the first independent Black nation in the world and the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere.  

 

One of the primary symbols of freedom from the Haitian Revolution was the creation of the Haitian flag. Catherine Flon, an Arcahaie's (a town located outside of Port-Au-Prince) seamstress, stitched together the first version of the Haitian flag on May 18, 1803. Since then, May 18th has been observed as the Haitian Flag Day as it has become a source of pride and synonymous with unity, and individual liberty. Thus, while Catherine Flon is often a forgotten figure in our cherished history, the significance of her creation is greatly remembered as she constructed more than just a mere patchwork of material and color but a commemoration of our tumultuous struggles and the heroes of our history, Toussaint L'ourverture, Jean Jacques Dessaline, Alexandre Petion, and Capois La Mort.   

 

Indeed, the bicolor of the Haitian Flag may be thus explained: The red symbolizes the blood and the sacrifices made by the heroes of the Haitian Revolution, and the blue is emblematic of hope and unity. The slogan of Haitian reads "L'union Fait La Force"- In Unity we find Strength.

For most Haitian, the flag incarnates the spirit of freedom and rebellion against mental and physical slavery. The Haitian flag still today remains a symbol of national pride and patriotism. As we celebrate the Haitian flag Day, we need to remember that our ancestors created this bicolor blue and red and it should remind us of the firm commitment and unprecedented sacrifices made by our independence heroes to liberate Haiti from slavery.

 

Reference Materials

1. www.haitianheritagemonth.net/NewsBulletinBoard/2006/NewsBulletinBoard2006.html

2. www.heritagekonpa.com/2005%20Haitian%20cultural%20week.htm

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