EchodHaiti.com:Guestbook Archive (October-December 2003)

October-December 2003 Entries

for all who are interested, there will be a Solemn Mass tomorrow January 1 2004 at 2:00 pm at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It is located at 400 Michigan Ave. N.W. Wash DC. There will also be a reception after the Mass between 4-11 PM at Marriott Metro Center 775 12th Street N.W.........If you can attend one event, please attend the Mass at 2:00.
I want to wish Echodhaiti and everyone a Happy New Year 2004.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 07:36:08 (EST)

>
> > > >>Quatre vieilles dames prennent le café et discutent des positions
> > > >>respectives de leurs fils :
> > > >>
> > > >>- Moi, le mien, dit la première, il est Pasteur.
> > > >>En s'adressant à lui, tout le monde dit " Mon père " !
> > > >>
> > > >>- Ah, surenchérit la seconde, c'est pas mal... Le mien est Evêque.
> > > >>En s'adressant à lui, tout le monde dit " votre Grâce "...
> > > >>
> > > >>- Allons allons, pointe la troisième, je crois que je vous
> > > >>surclasse... Le mien est Cardinal.
> > > >>En s'adressant à lui, tout le monde dit " votre Éminence " !
> > > >>Leurs yeux se tournent vers la quatrième qui sirote son café en
> > > >>silence.
> > > >>Presque de concert, elles s'enquièrent :
> > > >>
> > > >>- Et vous, ma chère, comment s'adresse-t-on à votre fils ?!
> > > >>
> > > >>- Oh, le mien ? Il est strip-teaser dans une boîte de pédés...
> > > >>Un mètre quatre-vingt-dix, baraqué, et une bite comme un tuyau de
> > > >>poêle.
> > > >>
> > > >>C'est bien simple, quand il baisse son slip, tout le monde
> > > >>s'exclame " Oh, mon Dieu !... "
semwen
glendale, md - Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at 17:33:35 (EST)

Why konpa kreyol did not perform at SOb last friday ? Wyclef jean ,PAPA JUBE and a lot fans were disappointed of their absence
jacqueline celestin fils-aime <jahayiti@fouye.com>
new york, ny - Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at 09:31:37 (EST)

I am a Haitian-American and all my life I have seen Haitians argue about politics. Arguing about politics seems to be a favorite Haitian pastime. But one thing I never here about are solutions the problem in Haiti is not Aristide or the Lavalas party. The problem is that Haitians are always critics but how many of you have actually tried to make a change in Haiti? Haiti's government has been unstable since 1804 after the revolution. Our own revolution even though I have always been proud that we were the first black republic was the beginnings of this whole mess. Haitians have a need for absolute power and thrive on greed they don't support the country but in general care about themselves. I really hope the new generation can change all the problems created by the older generations. I think that the older generations of Haitians are too emotional about the country Haiti needs to be looked at like a business. Haiti and the people of Haiti have so much potential look at the contributions that we have made in the world as immigrants. STOP BLAMING AND UNITE FOR SOLUTIONS AND CHANGE.

PS. All the talk about Aristide sacrificing children is ridiculous superstition is one of Haiti's biggest downfall wake up!!!

MS.IET <cdeluxxe1@aol.com>
Silver Springs, MD - Monday, December 29, 2003 at 15:21:41 (EST)

We wish you all HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! HAPPY BICENTENNIAL!!

Dec 31/Jan 1st Events--I am looking to photograph the different events going on in the DC area community for the Bicentennial. Please email me (webmaster@echodhaiti.com) with any events that may be going on, whether big or small.
It may be some families gathering, political gathering, children celebrating, soup event, religious ceremonies, etc. I would like to do a photo report for the EchodHaiti.com visitors about how the DC Community "celebrated." "protested," "prayed," wished, and hoped the passing of January 1, 2004.

thanks
Ginau (webmaster@echodhaiti.com)
webmaster <webmaster@echodhaiti.com>
- Monday, December 29, 2003 at 13:25:54 (EST)

¿Ki kote?

Where are the Haitians hiding in Houston?

Help
thoreau <tremendotipo@yahoo.com>
houston, tx - Monday, December 29, 2003 at 04:44:38 (EST)

Hi, I wish the echo d'haiti staff and participants, including readers and writers, a merry christmas and a happy new year. Also, I seize this opportunity to say a prayer accompanied with meditation for our beloved "HAITI".
WiIner Domond <www.nene9874@aol.com>
Beltsville, Md - Sunday, December 28, 2003 at 20:27:54 (EST)

Hello everyone,
Happy Holidays.
With the assistance of friends, I have been maintaining a 40-day retreat(since November 22)which will culminate on January 1,2004, Haiti's Bicentennial Day.
We are inviting every Haitian, every person of Haitian descent, and every advocate for world peace to focus their thoughts on a prosperous and peaceful Haiti at 12 noon(Eastern Standard Time)on January 1st before they eat soup(or noon time meal for non-Haitians).Our aim is to raise our collective consciousness while demonstrating Haiti's motto, "L'union fait la force-In unity there is strength". Imagine all these positive thoughts converging on Haiti and a better life for Haitians! Imagine the positive impact of such a powerful event!
Please assist us by sharing this information with everyone you know and by standing in circle with us. Partial postings may be seen at http://queenanacaona.blogspot.com.I will stand in circle back home; I want to be among the people who keep that place vibrant every day.
Have a blessed Independence Day.
Florence Bastien
Vision 2004
Let there be light!

Florence Bastien
Sunrise, FL - Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 12:48:46 (EST)

Below is a list of minority scholarships that may be of interest to some of you on the board. Feel free to cut and paste and it pass the information along.

MINORITY SCHOLARSHIPS

Pass this scholarship information on to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. There are a number of companies and organizations that have donated monies for scholarship use to African American's, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest. AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!

PARENTS, HEADS UP! No one is going to knock on our doors and ask if we can use a scholarship. Take the initiative to get your children involved. There is no need for money to be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it.

Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one, you probably already know how useful additional money can be.

51) BELL LABS FELLOWSHIPS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITIES
http://www.bell-labs.com/fellowships/CRFP/info.html
http://www.bell-labs.com/fellowships/CRFP/info.html

52) Student Inventors Scholarships
http://www.invent.org/collegiate/
http://www.invent.org/collegiate/

53) Student Video Scholarships
http://www.christophers.org/vidcon2k.html
http://www.christophers.org/vidcon2k.html

54) Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships
http://www.coca
http://www.coca cola scholars.org/programs.html

55) Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships
http://holocaust.hklaw.com/
http://holocaust.hklaw.com/

56) Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships
http://www.aynrand.org/contests/
http://www.aynrand.org/contests/

57) Brand Essay Competition

http://www.instituteforbrandleadership.org/IBLEssayContest-2002Rules.html

http://www.instituteforbrandleadership.org/IBLEssayContest-2002Rules.html
IBLEssayContest-2002Rules.ht
http://www.siemens-foundation.org/

83) GE and LuLac Scholarship Funds
http://www.lulac.org/Programs/Scholar.html
http://www.lulac.org/Programs/Scholar.html

84) CollegeNet's Scholarship Database
http://mach25.collegenet.com/cgi-bin/M25/index
http://mach25.collegenet.com/cgi-bin/M25/index

85) Union Sponsored Scholarships and Aid
http://www.aflcio.org/scholarships/scholar.htm
http://www.aflcio.org/scholarships/scholar.htm

86) Federal Scholarships & Aid Gateways

87) 25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel
http://www.blackexcel.org/25scholarships.htm
http://www.blackexcel.org/25scholarships.htm

88) Scholarship &Financial Aid Help
http://www.blackexcel.org/fin-sch.htm>
http://www.blackexcel.org/fin-sch.htm

89) Scholarship Links (Ed Finance Group)
http://www.efg.net/link_scholarship.htm
http://www.efg.net/link_scholarship.htm

90) FAFSA On The Web (Your Key Aid Form & Info)
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

91) Aid &Resources For Re-Entry Students
http://www.back2college.com/
http://www.back2college.com/

92) Scholarships and Fellowships
http://www.osc.cuny.edu/sep/links.html
http://www.osc.cuny.edu/sep/links.html

93) Scholarships for Study in Paralegal Studies
http://www.paralegals.org/Choice/2000west.htm
http://www.paralegals.org/Choice/2000west.htm

94) HBCU "Packard" Sit ABroad Scholarships (for study around the world)
http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/packard_nomination.html
http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/packard_nomination.html

95) Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
http://ccmi.uchicago.edu/schl1.html
http://ccmi.uchicago.edu/schl1.html

96 INROADS internships
http://www.inroads.org/
http://www.inroads.org/

97) ACT-SO ?EURoeOlympics of the Mind" Scholarships
http://www.naacp.org/work/actso/act-so.shtml
http://www.naacp.org/work/actso/act-so.shtml

98) Black Alliance for Educational Options Scholarships
http://www.baeo.org/options/privatelyfinanced.jsp
http://www.baeo.org/options/privatelyfinanced.jsp

99) ScienceNet Scholarship Listing
http://www.sciencenet.emory.edu/undergrad/scholarships.html
http://www.sciencenet.emory.edu/undergrad/scholarships.html

100) Graduate Fellowships For Minorities Nationwide
http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Student/GRFN/list.phtml?category=MINORITIES
http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Student/GRFN/list.phtml?category=MINORITIES

101) RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS AT OXFORD
http://www.rhodesscholar.org/info.html
http://www.rhodesscholar.org/info.html

102) The Roothbert Scholarship Fund
http://www.roothbertfund.org/scholarships
http://www.roothbertfund.org/scholarships.

Love For My People
- Friday, December 26, 2003 at 07:15:00 (EST)

I would like everything going well.
JEAN WILNER MENOS <menos_601@yahoo.com>
brooklyn, ny - Thursday, December 25, 2003 at 21:41:04 (EST)

Love, a heartfelt thanks for the kind words. I want to wish you and the Echodhaiti.com family a merry Christmas and a fruitful and prosperous new year.
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at 18:59:45 (EST)

I would like to wish the staff of Echodhaiti.com and all the participants/readers of this guestbook a Merry Christmas.

At the same time, I would like to send an extra special holiday wish to Pierre R Torchenot, Mobottto, map swiv, smooches, Yopran’m, Jean Claude Vivens, Anonym, siromel, Fran, Kamoken, Yves Dayiti, Fran, Natasha, Felix, Ncog, Concerned Haitian, Cynical Haitian, Editing Haitian, Observer, Petion, and anyone else I may have forgotten.

Thank you so much for allowing me to take part of your discussions. Even more importantly, thank you for letting me be of the echohaiti.com family. May God bless you and yours.

Love For My People
- Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at 11:46:48 (EST)

"The Bush administration opened up undeveloped areas of the largest U.S. national forest to logging on Tuesday, scrapping a Clinton-era rule aimed at protecting the wilderness."

This is part of an article on Yahoo.

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at 11:18:05 (EST)

SOYEZ FIER D"ETRE HAITIEN- Plusieurs centaines de citoyens haïtiens vivant en haïti et dans la diaspora, ont été remarqués ce mardi dans l'aire du Champ de mars et aux abords du palais présidentiel pour observer le déroulement des travaux relatifs à la célébrationdu bicentenaire de l'indépendance nationale.

A part les nombreurs stands déjà construits devant le palais national pour accueillir les visiteurs haïtiens et étrangers, une tour devant mesurer plusieurs dizaines de mètres de hauteur est en train d'être érigée par une firme taïwanaise à la mémoire des ancêtres.

De nombreux haïtiens de la diaspora rencontrés devant le palais présidentiel, ont fait savoir que c'est un honneur et un e chance pour eux de se retrouver au pays pour célébrer le bicentenaire de l'indépendance nationale.

Ils ont fait savoir que beaucoup de compatriotes résidant à l'étranger sont déjà au pays en vue de cette grande fête nationale. Ils invitent ceux qui sont encore hésitants, à rentrer au plus vite au pays, en dépit des problèmes auxquels le pays est confrontré.

Vous n'aurez pas la chance de célébrer un autre bicentenaire, a lancé Pierre-Richard Pierre.

Des haïtiens venus de Carrefour, de Delmas et de toutes les auitres communes de la capitale ont aassuré qu'ils seront chaque jour devant le palais présidentiel pour suivre l'évolution des différentes réalisations.

Tous ceux qui passent dans la zone sont attirés par l'ampleur des travaux, a fait savoir un touriste français.

Tous les citoyens interviewés ce mardi au Champ-de-mars, ont invité les haïtiens à l'unité en vue de la célébration de l'indépendance nationale.

Certains ont déploré le fait que certains dirigeants et membres des partis politiques du groupe des 184 qui peuvent se rendre à l'étranger au cours des fêtes de fin d'année, cherchent à saboter les festivités du bicentenaire de l'indépendance.

C'est justement pour cette raison qu'ils refusent d'observer la trêve de Noel, ont-ils fait savoir.

Lors de la manifestation de lundi, plusieurs leaders de l'opposition dont Micha Gaillard et Paul Denis ont fait savoir que les manifestastions de rue constituent leur façon à eux de célébrer le bicentenaire de l'Indépendance.

Par ailleurs, dans de nombreuses régions du pays, notamment dans la cité de l'Indépendance, les habitants se déclarent mobilisés pour fêter le bicentenaire de l'indépendance.

la police a fait savoir que des mesures drastiques de sécurité seront adoptés pour assurer la sécurité de tous ceux qui veulent participer à cette grande fête.

Parallèlement, de nombreux haïtiens et des touristes étrangers arrivent quotidiennement à l'Aéroport Mïs gaté de Port-au-Prince.

Des artistes sont actuellement en répétition en vue de fournir, ont-ils dit, des prestations à la hauteur de la geste des héros de l'indépendance.

Un navire militaire sud-africain, le "DFrakensberg" est arrivé lundi à port-au-prince avec un équipage de 133 personnes.

Ce bateau précède l'arrivée du président Thabo Mbéki qui doit participer à la célébration du bicentenaire de l'Indépendance.

Des délégations d'Amérique du Nord, de l"Euurope, d'Afrique et de la Caraïbe ont confirmé leur arrivée à Port-au-prince, en dépit des difficultés socio-politiques.

L'indépoendance d'Haïti est la fête de la liberté et une fête mondiale, ont fait savoir plusieurs invités.

AHP 23 décembre 2003 1:00 PM

1804-2004
- Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at 08:18:24 (EST)

peace,
Silly rumors about sacrificing babies??? Why would any one even repeat something like that? Let along posting that where we've been having an intelligent discussion.
map swiv
- Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at 05:26:10 (EST)

Map ban nou ti nouvel sou Haiti,

Demen mercredi 24 desanm lan, etidyan yo deside pran lari nan kapital la, paske twop krim fèt, twop viol, sou pasyan yo. Etidyan yo deside mete ko yo deyo malgre Mario Dupuy ap fè kouri rimè ke gen sektè ki pral tire sou etidyan yo pou yo fè konnen se lavalas.

Nan afè rimè sa. Avoca Rectora Inivèsite a tou fè konnen ke kelkeswa sa ki rive a manifestan yo, Mario Dupuy responsab paske, lè li di ke gen rimè se menas lap fè.

Nan Jacmel, Depi komansman semaine lan, savle di depi lundi 21, etidyan yo te vle soti, men pat gen moun nan Commissariat Jacmel la ki te vle pran let yo a ki te gen parcour la. Bon kan menm yo di yap soti Mercredi 24 Decembre lan quelque soit sak rive.
J.G
Jacmel, - Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 23:01:12 (EST)

Hey Washington, I am Carlo from Nouveaute Productions. We bring entertainment in all areas in the diaspora. We are thinking of bringing together for a big party T-Vice and Djakout in the DC area around Easter. How does it sound?

Carlo
Carlo of Nouveaute Productions
- Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 17:10:09 (EST)

Hello everyone, hope all is well!
Happy holidays!

PS: Smoochees, are you ok? you have not posted anything on the board for a while. Si sa bon di li bon.
Yopran'm
- Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 12:42:25 (EST)

According to a well known source, Andre Apaid had a meeting in Petion Ville with some of his henchmen soon to be "Ninjas". They invited a very well known Voddo Priest from Kenskoff who performed a ceremony. The difference was the fact that 2 so-called "Chime" were sacrificed hoping that Aristide would leave by Dec 31, 2003 date to which the contract of the Opposition with the international will expire. This ceremony and the new movement is baptized "Koukourouj" in reference to the opposition being labeled "Ti Rouj". Mezami nan ki sa nou tombe la. Nap kouri pou la pli e pi gele se nan rivye nou vle tombe.

A suiv....
Acajou
- Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 09:23:59 (EST)

CEEPCO RECORDS would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season and thank you for your strong support in 2003. Our 5 events were very successful because of you.

We would like to take this opportunity to inform you of our next events:

CARIMI - Sat. March 27, 2004
SWEET MICKY - Sat. April 24, 2004
T-VICE - Sat. July 10, 2004

Please visit us online for your music needs at www.checkoutcds.com

Thank you.
CEEPCO RECORDS <ceepco@aol.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 07:54:00 (EST)

Selon une source bien informée, dont nous devons conserver l'anonymat pour des raisons de sécurité, Jean Bertrand Aristide aurait eu hier soir vers 22h une réunion avec certains officiels du gouvernement Lavalas à Tabarre. Le but de cette réunion est de peaufiner ce qu’ils ont baptisé l’opération «Siklòn pou 2004 ka bon». Une cérémonie orchestrée par Sô-Anne s’est tenue au début de la rencontre. Sô-Anne a réuni quelques Mambos biens connues de la place en vue de rééditer selon leurs dires le sacrifice du Bois-Caïman. Mais à la place du cochon deux nouveau-nés ont été égorgés en guise de sacrifice.

How would you rate this article: badgood Go »

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>

Madame Aristide, selon notre source, ne devait pas faire partie de la rencontre. C’est en entendant les cris de ces pauvres innocents qu’elle est descendue de sa chambre où elle dormait pour découvrir le triste et macabre sacrifice de son mari défroqué. Elle ne pouvait s’empêcher d’éclater en sanglots et de vomir. Soudain elle est devenue hystérique et hurlait de toutes ses forces. Aristide, après l’avoir pris par les deux bras pour la secouer, la regarda froidement dans les yeux et lui aurait dit :« Si ou renmen grenn nan fô renmen po an tou».

La personne qui rapporte cet évènement est encore sous le choc provoqué par le caractère lugubre et sanguinaire de cette cérémonie. Elle s’est réfugiée ce matin dans une ambassade avec ses deux filles et son garçon. C’est une personne très connue de la bourgeoisie port-au-princienne qui a œuvré à la montée d’Aristide au pouvoir.

Cette rencontre préparée par Sô-Anne, Jonas Petit le porte-parole du gouvernement Lavalas, Jocelerme Privert ministre de l’intérieur, de Gérald Gilles sénateur contesté et de Mario Dupuy ministre de la propagande d’Aristide et un autre partisan obscur, Jean-Claude Jean-Baptiste, a été tenue également dans le but de mettre fin aux désertions qui existent présentement au sein de la famille lavalas.

Jusqu’où iront-ils? Que mijoteront-ils encore? Combien de temps encore faudra-t-il endurer cette barbarie?

smooches... madanm ap bay problem. I cannot get down to Maryland. I remember your gouyad anba jen gason maryland
Peace
Boston, Ma - Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 00:24:27 (EST)

Although my name is Mcduff Goldman, I am Haitian. I have been here in the US since I was in high school. I have spent a lot of time traveling throughout the US and it has been quite hard to find Haitian establishments within the states I have visited. I am sure that there are a lot of people who know about these establishments. However, in cities I have been in, such as Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and others, I have not known where to find Haitian organizations, including businesses, churches, and restaurants. For this reason, my brother, who lives in Philadelphia, along with a few businesses partners, and me, created Blue Water Marketing, Inc. The first and primary goal of this new business was to create a directory for the Haitian community in Philadelphia. Involved in this project were Haitian churches, business owners, professionals, promoters, and others. When this directory was completed, it was printed in large quantities and distributed free of charge in churches and businesses, as well as different community events.
We have encountered much success with this endeavor, not only with finding advertisers, but also with those in Philadelphia and the surrounding community who utilized the directory. We are currently creating the second edition of the directory in Philadelphia, along with the first directories in New York and New Jersey. These directories are not limited to the Haitian community, but to anyone wanting to expand their popularity among the Caribbean/ West Indian community. Our website, BlueWaterPages.com, is also in its final stages of development. It will feature the advertisers in the physical directory, as well as anyone else desiring to be an online advertiser. For those of you reading this that would like to be included in our project, or simply are interested and want some information please contact myself, Mcduff Goldman, at Mcduff@BlueWaterPages.com, info@BlueWaterPages.com, or jobs@BlueWaterPages.com. This is not limited to any specific area – if you feel that your community needs something like this, please contact us. We’d be glad to help.

Mcduff Goldman <Mcduff@BlueWaterPages.com>
Brooklyn, NY - Saturday, December 20, 2003 at 22:28:02 (EST)

Hello to All
I have been on your website several times and read many comments i would like to say hello to all viewwing and all members on the haitian community in DC and also everywhere in the world.
i would like to condradulate you on a beautifull and very informative website. I
Mcduff Goldman <mcduff@bluewaterpages.com>
brooklyn, NY - Saturday, December 20, 2003 at 21:50:32 (EST)

Le plus Haut, long time no see. Good to have you here.
Pierre Richard
Columbia , MD - Friday, December 19, 2003 at 15:54:34 (EST)

Hi, I've been reading or observing what's been going on here at this website. First, let me introduce myself as "LE PLUS HAUT OR NENEDO" as Jn Claude Vivens and Pierre Richard usually call me. I mention their names because they're the only people that, not only my friends, I know on this site. It is a very interesting discussion that you guys have been taking on, and I hope or wish to see more informed haitians on this site take part or share their views when having intelligent discussion.
Wilner Domond <Nene9874@aol.com>
Beltsville, Md - Friday, December 19, 2003 at 14:17:47 (EST)

Great contributions in this discussion. This kind of critical thought is the essence of spirited debate and positive social change.

With respect to the current personal, social and political concerns in Haiti, as well as the views expressed by participants of this discussion. DOES ANYONE BELIEVE THAT RESTITUTIONS FROM FRANCE WILL HELP OR HURT HAITI? IN EITHER CASE, HOW IS IT SO? (Please refer to excerpt below for background)

ON HAITI'S CLAIM FOR RESTITUTION

At the 2002 commemoration of the Battle of Vertieres, President Jean-Bertrand Aristide announced that alongside the celebration of the bicentennial of Haiti's independence, the year 2004 would be marked by restitution and reparation. Five months later on April 7, 2003, President Aristide became Haiti's first president to officially announce that Haiti will seek restitution from France.

On the eve of the bicentennial of Haiti's independence in 2004, Haiti's claim for restitution from France is morally correct and legally justified. It is a logical remedy to issue from the 2001 French legislation recognizing slave trade as a crime against humanity, as the indemnity paid by Haiti was for the ill-gotten gains of the illicit trade in slaves.

Restitution will allow Haiti to invest in its people. Schools, hospitals and roads - long victims of the onerous indemnity payments - will be built and renovated. And in the words of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, restitution will allow the country to move from misery to poverty with dignity.

When Haiti defeated Napoleon Bonaparte's army at the end of 1803, two historic events resulted: in an international community dominated by slave-holding nations Haiti became the first republic to issue from a successful slave revolt; and France lost its most prosperous colony - the mainstay of its economy which had in the years leading to the Haitian revolution accounted for one-third of France's foreign trade. Within ten years of Haiti's independence France would seek to undo both events. France planned and executed a policy to punish Haiti for France's humiliating military defeat and to guarantee France's economic domination over Haiti for the next one hundred years:

• First, upon the threat of re-enslavement, in 1825 France imposed an exorbitant indemnity on Haiti, which Haiti clearly could not afford to pay.
• Second, France guaranteed that Haiti would never be able to pay that debt by exacting a tariff reduction on all French vessels entering Haiti's ports, thereby significantly reducing the revenues earned by the Haitian government.
• Third, the French assured Haiti's economic economic dependence on the French banking system by forcing Haiti to its bankers for credit.
• Fourth, France exerted its substantial influence with other European powers and the newly liberated South American nations to isolate Haiti in the international community.
• Fifth, even when the 1825 indemnity was reduced by a subsequent treaty in 1838, France failed to honor the terms of that treaty which promised to grant Haitian imports beneficial tariff treatment.
• Sixth, the creation of a French owned bank in Haiti to serve as Haiti's official treasury, fiscal agent, collector of custom receipts, and loan negotiator, was the ultimate step in seeking French domination over Haiti's finances.

The double debt - the indemnity and the ensuing loans contracted by the Haitian state to pay this indemnity - set Haiti on a course of financial crisis which is one of the principal factors in Haiti's underdevelopment. Haiti made its final payment in 1947 on consolidated debt incurred to repay loans taken to pay the indemnity.

In 1839, one French observer recognized that the April 1825 French ordinance had engendered poverty and great misery in Haiti. During the entire twenty-five year administration of President Boyer that began in 1818, not one additional public primary school was opened and no secondary schools for girls created, even though the population of Haiti was estimated to have nearly doubled. The number of public primary schools remained at fourteen, all of which were in the cities. In 1822 Port-au-Prince counted only one public primary school, and the first rural public school was not created until 1848, forty-four years after the independence. With so much of the government resources pledged to servicing a debt for which Haiti received nothing in return, there simply was not enough money for a public education system. And so it was with health, agriculture, roads and infrastructure.

During the November 14, 2003 inauguration of the new Lycée Jean-Jacques Dessalines public high school in Croix-des-Bouquet, the President linked restitution with the construction of more public schools throughout the country, calling for Education, Literacy, and Restitution!

Based on a briefing booklet on Haiti's claim for restitution to be released soon.

Love For My People
- Friday, December 19, 2003 at 12:52:04 (EST)

MeDJ
Jean Calude Duvalier was not elected. He was chosen by his father.
Anonym
- Friday, December 19, 2003 at 12:00:35 (EST)

Jean Claude Duvalier must be smiling right now to see

1) The same individual who was giving him a nightmare now is dealing with one similar.

2) Still after his departure, the country is only moving backward.

3) Believe it or not, a lot of people would love to see him return to Haiti.
Jean Claude was a Baby (un portrait) when he was elected president, therefore, I did not expect him to do much at the time. But life wasn't so hard. It would have been so interesting, if only he can run for president on the next election.

1er January 2004, est pour moi la date que tous les Haitiens en general doivent prendre une prise de conscience et realisent que le pays a besoin de ses enfants pour survivre. Notre HAITI CHERIE est malade. Nos ancestres ont travaille tres dur pour nous laisser ce bel heritage.

Que pouvons nous faire pour aider le pays a remonter le niveau? Et qu'est-ce qu'on doit faire pour paver un meilleur chemin pour les autres qui viennent?

C'est la question que l'on doit se demander.
MeDJ
- Friday, December 19, 2003 at 08:34:07 (EST)

HEY BOARD, WHAT'S UP.
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DJ- SLICK
COLLEGE,PARK, MD - Friday, December 19, 2003 at 01:06:37 (EST)

I am Celebrating no matter what?

BUT Let me give you the sources for our failure:

Individualism, Restavek, President is Papa (aka Bondie), Father not taking their role, No respect for the hands that feed us.

Individualism:
How many times you see haitians get together and too many egos split the union. Cause Education System in Haiti

Restavek:
2004 we are still holding children in bondage. A lot of them bright mind kids that would have becaome valuable ressources for our developemt.

President is Papa:
We all believe it will take one individual to save the nation. Jesus was not born in the new world. After Aristide, their will be another papa Just like papa Dessalines, Lescot, Fignole, Duvalier.

Father not taking their role:
How many of us Haitian Men go out and conceived and failed to take their responsabilities. Same thing that is going on in the inner city of america, but a little more common in Haiti.

Haitian Woman you need to earn your respect too !!! No need to say more here.

Haitian Peasant:
Neg mon , habitant decore and all the pejorative names we call them but we often do not realize they are the MVP of our society. How do we thank them for their hard work!

Well, we all should reflect on those issues and make other reflect on those issues as well.

Each one of us have a skeleton in Haiti's problem but What are we going to do starting today to seek the changes for our "HAITI CHERIE". It will take a self examination Revolution to turn things around.
siromiel
DC - Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 23:19:48 (EST)

Erratum-pour le repos des âmes de nos ancêtres.
Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, MD - Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 20:27:54 (EST)

The disagreement is simple, even today most Haitiens don't know what they are celebrating.

If you see it as: We must celebrate the great day "JANUARY 1st", the day that our ancestors put an end to the French colonization,then I say YES we must celebrate.
(COLONY: Any territory ruled by a distant state).

But if you see it as: we must celebrate because we have been independent for two hundred years,then you are also saying that you are celebrating two hundred years of success.
If the answer is NO,then you need to think hard, real hard before you start to celebrate because the opposite of success is failure.I don't think anyone in their right mind celebrate failure.
(INDEPENDENT:Free from the influence or control of others-Not depending upon another for financial support).
Once again -THINK

So today if you ask me what I, Jean Claude Vivens,am celebrating I will tell you that I'm celebrating the anniversary of our victory. POINT

As far as I'm concerned the great history started in Bois Caiman in 1791,and it ended in Pont Rouge in 1806.
Dépi yo te fin'n assassinen Dessalines toute lot leader Haitien ap véyé zo yo. Haitien pa fè Haitien confians ki fè toujou guen dé kan.Ki ba nou 200 misérables et tristes années.
In any case I think that everyone should PRAY in the morning of January 1st 2004.
Prier pour Haiti,pour le peuple Haitien, et surtout pour le repos de l'ame de nos ancestres.

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, MD - Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 20:05:51 (EST)

"It seems that there was a strategy of destabilization making it impossible for the government to do anything."

"If you believed in the lavalas movement yesterday, there is absolutely no reason why you should not believe today."

Are you guys serious?

Lavalas, Aristide's movement was popular and seem like an idea whose time has come. But Aristide's movement was lacking vision, ideology, structure,ect. Infact, all Lavalas had was passion for preaching a "change," not necessarily for the better. The lavalas movement never had a course of action mapped out, he had no idea how he was going to lead these poor folks. If Aristide wasn't overthrown Aristide, Haiti would have suffered a serious blood shed. Aristide wanted a revolution without anyform of resolution, he should have never elected for president if most Haitians knew how to analyze. He would lead Haiti into a civil chaos, and would know how to get her out of the mess. But was the Aristide before he was overthrown.

Like the Lavalas before, the movement still does not have a clear plan how to salvage Haiti. The main difference is that now he his polically savvy and he's had a taste of luxury and therefore his ideology change. He's no longer a sympathizer of Mr peralte who's ideoly was Aristide's original foundation.Infact Aristides hires an "All American" to protect him from haitians(si moin mouri te gen pouvwa, chalmagne peralte ta kase cou'l sek,lol). Now Aristide is a sympathiser of the "elite," the very thing he preached against. To come back to luxuty part, can you recall your first sexual experience? It was mind boggling. You just had to have more regardless of parents or dangers involved in getting it. Well this is somewhat what is going on in Haiti today- La course au dollar, la course au pouvoir.

"You have an elite corrupted, anti-nationalist and who does not give a damn about the plight of the masses of Haiti and you have a middle class "malpropre" prostituted whose members think that they are better from those who are at the bottom, even though this is where their roots are. Each group is fighting for control of the state'apparatus with one objective: to make money."

Agreed! but some of the people who would reffer to themselves as "elite" are really no elite at all, they are just one pay check away from being expose as "pov tankou job."

The people who are truly resposible for this constant decadence in Haiti, the real "puppetmasters" :Brandt, Madsen,Berhman,Gardere,and many more, are not really Haitans. They roots are elsewhere, they could careless about Haitian folks. Haiti is a just host for they blood sucking appetite.

Pierre Richard
Columbia, MD - Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 16:33:01 (EST)

I still think that some of us either understand or act like they do not understand what is going on in Haiti. If you look at the article or like many would like us to believe, the problem in Haiti today is "Aristide". This is far from being true. Aristide is the result of a movement that was embraced by many in the haitian society. Many who have joined the movement did not believe in what it stood for. Aristide can leave and will one day leave and then what? However the movement that brought Aristide will continue. If you believed in the lavalas movement yesterday, there is absolutely no reason why you should not believe today. Now Aristide the person can be a disappointment but that does not mean that the movement fails. When you look at Haiti, the majority of haitians are "pitit so yette". Many manage to come here and forgot where they came from. The majority of haitians who are in voting age are unemployed, illiterate but not stupid, uneducated but politically savvy and this is where the problem comes. You have an elite corrupted, anti-nationalist and who does not give a damn about the plight of the masses of Haiti and you have a middle class "malpropre" prostituted whose members think that they are better from those who are at the bottom, even though this is where their roots are. Each group is fighting for control of the state'apparatus with one objective: to make money. We saw under Duvalier the way the Accra, the Bigio,Bennett etc. were making money,. We saw the way Apaid senior financed the 1991 coup d'etat and supported the Military in repressing the population. We saw the way some of the current governing team coming form the lower classes enriching themselves. The question today is not only Aristide, it is all of those people who are asking for Aristide to leave who themselves have not done anything to advance the society when they had the opportunity. I think this is why they are afraid to face the population. Whether you like it or not, you cannot eliminate the lavalas movement, nor can the opposition be eliminated. So all of those who oppose should use the year 2004 to start planning the take over of government in 2005. But the way we are going , we are headed straight like Liberia, Ivory Coast. I agree with Kamoken fully.
Fran
- Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 14:31:35 (EST)

In taking a nonpartisan approach, I am posting the following article to ask the question "where do we go from here?"

HAITI'S BICENTENNIAL
Freedom can't be enjoyed yet, Haitians say
As their homeland's bicentennial approaches, Haitians on the island and in South Florida debate what they have to celebrate.
BY JACQUELINE CHARLES AND JANE REGAN
jcharles@herald.com

Emboldened by Haiti's hard-won independence war, the feared and revered Gen. Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a former slave turned revolutionary hero, addressed the first free black republic in the Western Hemisphere:

``Citizens, it is not enough to have expelled from your country the barbarians who have bloodied it for two centuries . . . which held for so long our spirits in the most humiliating torpor. . . . We must at last live independent or die.''

The speech was delivered Jan. 1, 1804, in Gonaves, Haiti. Dessalines was the proud black warrior who tore the white out of the French flag to create a new banner representing the only successful slave uprising in history. But in the 200 years since his rousing proclamation, Haiti has barely tasted the fruits of independence.

Instead, the Haitian republic has endured decade after decade of turmoil. The world beholds a country in shambles, ravaged by AIDS and lacking even basic services such as paved roads, running water and consistent electricity. Democratic stability remains a distant dream.
On the eve of the 200th anniversary of the Haitian Revolution, many Haitians are asking themselves whether it is cause for celebration.

The answer is far from simple. For some, the fact that their ancestors accomplished what no other black population has -- topple slavery from the ground up -- is worth the grand-scale celebration planned to start Jan. 1.
''This is important and we should make it as big as we can,'' said 21-year-old Nayeli Fanfan, who moved to Miami from Haiti three years ago. ``If we don't celebrate it, how are we going to remind people of what we accomplished?''
For others, the occasion carries painful reminders of turmoil fueled by dictatorships, coups d'etat, military juntas and the undeniable casualties of black-on-black violence.

HAPPY AND SAD
''I am happy we've been free for so long, but I am also very sad at our present state,'' said Jessica Dorcee, a 19-year-old Miami Lakes resident born to Haitian parents. She plans to spend Jan. 1 praying for ``my Haitian people.''
``When I look at the present state of Haiti, there is nothing much to celebrate. . . . What have we gotten out of being free besides hardship, pain?''

Events in Haiti over the past few days have added to the conflict many Haitians feel about the bicentennial. More than three days of student-led anti-government protests have crippled the capital, Port-au-Prince. On Friday, government supporters set up burning barricades around the National Palace to keep protesters away and police fired tear gas at demonstrators.

A day earlier, about 50,000 protesters demanded the resignation of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in one of the largest protests in a decade. Dozens of people were reported injured.

In South Florida, home to 214,893 Haitians as of the 2000 Census, Haitian Americans responded with sadness and concern. In several businesses along Northeast 54th Street in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, the response was the same: Aristide must go.

''How can you celebrate when people are dying?'' said a store owner, who declined to give her name. ``The situation in Haiti right now is one you cannot speak of.''
Alex Dupuy, a scholar at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., said fellow Haitians should approach 2004 with an honest reflection on who they are and where the country is headed.

''We should have a critical examination of what the revolution was really about,'' he said. ``But nobody is going to do that, certainly not the people in power. The real celebration should be of the masses, those who rose up against their oppressor. That is worth celebrating, but to do so means we have to ask the question of what were these masses aiming for and why didn't they succeed.''

More than 200 years after Dessalines helped Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the revolution, empower slaves with the famous cry, ''Cut off heads, burn down houses'' (koupe tt, boule kay), Haitians continue to battle for the liberties the revolutionaries sought.

Haitians have to look no further than the very city where Dessalines officially declared Haiti independent. Gonaves is today the site of anti-government demonstrations and reprisals from police that have left more than a dozen dead since an armed gang in the seaside slum of Raboteau revolted against Aristide in September.

The gang and its supporters -- whose numbers appear to be growing -- say they want Aristide to step down. On Dec. 1, assailants torched the City Hall for the second time in months. It is being renovated for the Jan. 1 celebrations, Aristide has announced.

''We believed in Aristide like Jesus Christ,'' Alvarez Thermitus, a Gonaves resident who has gone from dreaming about becoming a soccer star to wondering how to feed his family, said recently before joining an anti-government protest.
''I believe in God in heaven, but he was a god for us here in Raboteau,'' Thermitus said of Aristide, a former priest. ``But he has done too much harm. His police are worse than the army. He has forgotten the poor. He needs to go. We need a different president. We won't drink pumpkin soup [the traditional New Year's Day meal] with Aristide.''
If Haitians in the diaspora are torn, then those living with the day-to-day reality of dashed hopes in Haiti like Thermitus are even more conflicted about Jan. 1 and the celebrations announced by Aristide's government.
A glance around the poor neighborhood of Fort Mercredi, which overlooks Port-au-Prince and the harbor, tells the story. A brand-new portrait of Aristide and a sign demanding restitution and reparations of $21.7 billion from France go mostly unnoticed by the men, women and children wearily carrying buckets down the bumpy paths of this slum.
At a nearby primary school, a teacher is cynical.
''How can we celebrate 2004? Look, here we are practically on the site of a fort our ancestors used to fight the French,'' said the woman, who declined to give her name, fearing reprisal from Aristide supporters. ``Today, it's a couple of walls surrounded by the slum that has grown up around it. We have no water, no electricity. Half the kids around here don't go to school. Is this what 200 years of independence got us?''
On the outskirts of the capital, the director of a brand-new public high school, named after Dessalines, disagrees.

`LIVING EXAMPLE'
''It's true the country has a series of economic problems, but that doesn't mean that we can't celebrate 2004, because 2004 is the pride of all Haitians,'' Aldophe Bertin said. ``If people want to criticize the president, they can, but right here before you is a living example of what he has done for the country, and there are many others. I just hope that over the next 200 years, the country changes and develops like all other countries.''

Such hope for Haiti's future is also shared by Haitians in South Florida, many of whom are planning to commemorate the bicentennial by offering a special prayer for Haiti.
''Like all Haitians, I wish Haiti could change,'' said Frantz Mortimer, a North Miami Beach social worker and poet who was born in Gonaves 35 years ago. ``This is my dearest wish.''

Love For My People
- Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 14:02:22 (EST)

Kamoken,

I am with you 110%. I also feel the same way. What is going in Haiti right now is bigger then us. Some people already had an agenda to mess up the celebration of our 200 years of independance. Up until now, the great nations do not want to hear this piece of history. Our independance should have been handed to us, just like they did to most black countries. We should have never taken it. For them it is still an issult.

It is true that Aristide is not doing much for Haiti. He is getting richer and richer and spending millions on his body guards while most of the population is dying with anger, but why and why waited 2, 3 weeks before the celebrations to start asking for his departure. I doubt it very much that Aristide will go anywhere any time soon. I feel sorry for my Haitian brothers and sisters down there, because as long as Aristide is on power, a people will die every day.

I also hope that the police force in Haiti stay neutral instead of serving as Aristide's tool to do injustice to the people.

It is so sad to see pictures of kids holding fire arm in the streets of Haiti.

An nou priye pou ti peyi sa
Parce que je suis tres nostalgique.
MeDJ
- Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 13:04:32 (EST)

To All: If you forgive me, I would like to make a few comments on what is going on in Haiti, my country, our country. January 1, 1804-January 1, 2004, 200 years of independence, 200 years of the first successful slave revolt in the world, 200 years of black liberation, 200 years celebration leading to the liberation of many countries of Latin America, 200 years of a victory that has changed the course of history not only for us bu also for Europe and North America, particularly the Unites States, to name only those. Today it is a good opportunity not only to celebrate it but also to reflect on where we would like to go the next 200 years. Instead, we are saddened to see haitians fighting for power not to change the destiny of the nation for good but only to chase a group and to take power possibly to do worst. In Haiti today, we must admit that the current Aristide government has been under assault ever since it has taken power. It seems that there was a strategy of destabilization making it impossible for the government to do anything. It is true that we have corruption, it is true that the government seems no to have the capability of taking the country to a higher level. But for god sake, there was an election and they have a mandate for 5 years whether we like it or not. As an example, The current Bush administration has stolen an election. This Bush administration is the most corrupt american administration that this country has ever seen. They are arrogant, they are stupid, they do not respect any laws (international or local). But yet the other party is organizing itself to go to the polls in November 2004. Having said that, you mean to tell me that we cannot organize an election in Haiti under the current government with a high presence of the international community. This has led me to believe that there was another agenda that we don't know yet. The independence celebration is not an Aristide affair, it is the right of all haitians to celebrate it. It is a national event for those who understand what a nation is. When the US is in danger, no one is democrat or republican, everyone is American. But we haitians have yet to understand this. When we destroy the country, we move backward another 15-20 years. This politic of "gro-grenn", "gro ponyet", has to ve over in Haiti. This division has to be eradicated if we want to move forward. If the wealthy is fighting the poor calling them chimeres, folks we are bound to fail. Those who have money should put in place programs to help the poor but not wishing that they had an army to "bayo baton" kick their behind and continue to exploit them. It is a shame not only for all haitians whether you live in or out of Haiti. We are the only one in the caribbean today that they called "Pariah". Many of us are being paid to destroy our country. It is sad and it has really affected me. Folks think about this and I know that I have touched on a lot of points. But think about it.

respectfully

Kamoken
Kamoken
- Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 12:14:59 (EST)

Hope you don't mind me posting some news on the board. Bonne Lecture!

SAfrica: Government defends Mbeki's plan to attend Haitian bicentennial fete

Publication : BBCAP -BBC Monitoring Africa
Source : FAC - Factiva Select
DEC 18 2003

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Text of statement issued by the South African Department of Foreign Affairs published on South African news agency SAPA web site

The government has taken note of criticism by a tiny minority of the forthcoming visit to Haiti by President Thabo Mbeki and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, scheduled for 1 January 2004.

It will be unfortunate if a perception were to develop that just as this minority has never accepted the democratic rule by the African majority in South Africa they will accordingly find it difficult to join in a celebration that portrays the first victory of Africans over slavery in Haiti 200 years ago.

For them, the current challenges facing the people of Haiti feeds into their stereotype tendency to portray Africans and black people in the continent and elsewhere in the diaspora as hopeless and failures.

Accordingly, Africans must not look for role models of democracy, peace and justice in their own history and people but only in the first world. We refuse to be party to efforts that seek to obliterate the history and achievements of African people in the continent and elsewhere in the diaspora.

We desire for ourselves what we desire for the peoples of the world including the people of Haiti. If we desire peace, prosperity and sustainable development for the people of South Africa so do we for the people of Haiti and the rest of the South.

Accordingly, as we celebrate the 10 years of the youngest African republic in peace and harmony, so would we want to join with the people of Haiti in their bicentennial celebrations of the oldest African republic.

During her recent visit to Haiti, Minister Dlamini Zuma held discussions with President Jean Aristide, representatives of his government and leaders of opposition political parties and civil society. Both the government and opposition political parties are of the view that it would be tragic if they were not to celebrate such a historic moment.

We will not join in the fray that seeks to deny the people of Haiti the right to claim their heritage! Consequently, both President Mbeki and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will indeed join the peoples of the world and Haiti in celebrating this bicentenary.

To the chagrin of those who call on our president not to visit Haiti, the Haitian government and opposition political parties have called on SA to assist them in addressing the sharp political and economic challenges currently facing the country.

The government will indeed rise to this challenge and has accordingly agreed to assist in this regard.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa

Department of Foreign Affairs

Source: SAPA web site, Johannesburg, in English 0847 gmt 18 Dec 03

Yopran'm
- Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 11:23:52 (EST)

SAfrica: Mbeki's plan to attend Haitian bicentennial celebrations criticized

Publication : BBCAP -BBC Monitoring Africa
Source : FAC - Factiva Select
DEC 18 2003

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Text of report by South African news agency SAPA web site

Cape Town: The Democratic Alliance [DA] has strongly criticized President Thabo Mbeki's plans to visit Haiti for that nation's bicentennial celebrations on 1 January next year.

"If President Thabo Mbeki wants to go to Haiti for a private holiday, that is one thing.

"It is something altogether different if he wants to go there with all the trappings of state, at the expense of the taxpayer and the defence budget," DA acting leader Douglas Gibson said in a statement on Wednesday [17 December].

Plans for Mbeki's visit were consolidated last week during a visit to the strife-torn island state by Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

It was announced at the time that South Africa had offered Haiti 10m rands "as material support" for its celebrations.

It was also reported that the SA navy replenishment vessel SAS Drakensberg had left Simonstown for the island so it could serve as a safe haven for Mbeki and his party if the situation there got out of hand.

In his statement, Gibson said Haiti was descending into chaos and civil disorder.

"It does not seem to us that there is much to celebrate in Haiti, but if the Haitians wish to celebrate the fact that they are the poorest and most backward country in the Americas, that is their affair.

"Surely it does not need to be dignified by the presence of President Mbeki with a whole entourage, and with the SAS Drakensberg standing by to rescue him and his party in the event of a serious threat to his safety.

"The 10m rands being donated for the celebrations could be more profitably spent here in South Africa giving underprivileged children a decent meal for Christmas," he said.

Source: SAPA news agency web site, Johannesburg, in English 1107 gmt 17 Dec 03

Yopran'm
- Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 11:13:03 (EST)

The Haitian Community of St. Camillus hopes you can join them for a HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Fund Raiser Gala Dinner at St. Camillus Church- Camillia Room
1600 St. Camillus Drive
Silver Spring MD 20903
On Saturday December 20, 2003
from 8:00 PM-1:00 AM
Dinner will be served at 9:00 PM promptly

Adults $40 Children $15

For more information and/or tickets, please contact:

Olga Madiou at 303-434-7996
Carole Coaxum at 301-935-5975
Marlene Lalane at 301-598-1174
Edante francisque at 301-439-0305
Gerard Severin at 301-937-1233
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 09:18:14 (EST)

HAITIAN ARTS & CRAFTS
Sat, Dec 20, 2003

Come and see the beautiful Arts and Crafts from Magical Haiti. Paintings, painted cedar boxes, painted masks, CD Holders made out of a gingerbread house, old drum turned into art such as candle holders, pencil holders and masks....-
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLS. GO TO WWW.IZORA.NET
Thank you for your support...
Thaylor <Thaylor@Izora.net>
Silver Spring, MD - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 23:59:27 (EST)

Anonym,
Le Président Bush devrait arrêter sa recherche des armes
chimiques en Irak et focaliser ses efforts dans les endroits où il pourrait trouver quelque chose de valable.

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 16:12:28 (EST)

Excuse me. I meant to say: Voix de L'Amerique.
If you think i am lying, just visit the following site:
http://www.voanews.com/creole/
I just wanted to pass the info. I do not care whether or not anyone is for or against Aristide.
Anonym
- Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 15:50:02 (EST)

apa yo pran eko nan men ti mesye yo.
kote smoochees? kote Ncog? kote Mobutoo?
What kind of propaganda is this?
map swiv
- Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 14:15:35 (EST)

O! mwen te bliye di ou ke site intenet sa pa Radio Metropole, li pa Vision 2000, li pa Haiti Press Network (HPN).

Petion
- Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 14:03:25 (EST)

Anonym, mwen kwe ke ou tre bet pou mete gwo manti sa sou intenet sa. mezanmi se avilisan sa pou we kote ou ban mon bezouin pran pouvwa nan kondisiyon sila. Li avilisan pou tout ayisyen ke seswa andedan peyi-a ak sa kap viv nan diaspora. Le monde entye ap ri nou. Si nou pa respkete listwa nou an tan ke pep, nan pwen moun kap respekte nou. Ou pran pouvwa pou avanse ou peyi men ou paka chache pran pouwva pou detrui ou peyi. Sak pi red la, se nan manti ke ou ye e se nan vie ak fo propagan ke ou ap fe. Anonym, al lague brezing ou, ou lot kote. Sa-a pap pase.

Petion
Petion
- Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 14:00:05 (EST)

Pèp ayisien abitié ak enfòmasyon fo mamit sa yo, Chat konen rat konen mayi pap keyi tout tan lè-l pa rivé, nou sèmanté pou nou mouri lib, Pòv pa di sòt pousa...nou konpran'n jwèt la 2004 la fété kanmenm. Reyinstisyon WI fo enfòmasyon NON..Eleksyon WI Kou déta NON
Tifrè
Ayiti, - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 13:16:31 (EST)

Folks,
This is dangerous. La voie de l'Amérique a reporté ce qui suit:
Pòtoprens: Kèk Manifestan Anti-Aristide Di Lapolis Enjekte yon Likid nan Bra yo.
Anonym
- Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 12:19:41 (EST)

Plusieurs dizaines de milliers de membres et partisans de Fanmi lavalas ont manifesté mardi dans l'aire du champ-de-mars à Port-au-Prince en guise de soutien à la constitution et au respect du mandat constitutionnel du président Aristide.

Cette manifestation s'est déroulée à l'issue du 2ème congrès national de l'organisation politique Fanmi Lavalas ouvert dimanche à l'hôtel karibe.

Elle intervient également à l'occasion du 13ème anniversaire de la première élection à la présidence du père Jean Bertrand Aristide le 16 décembre 1990.

Depuis la matinée, des milliers de personnes se sont rassemblées à proximité du palais présidentiel, alors que des milliers d'autres étaient dispersées dans toute la zone avoisinante.

Nous sommes là pour dire que le président Aristide n'est pas seul. Nous sommes présents aujourd'hui comme nous l'étions le 16 décembre 1990 et le 26 novembre 2000 (2ème élection d'Aristide), ont-ils lancé, en entonnant "nous ne pouvons pas trahir notre sang parce que notre sang, c'est le sang d'Aristide".

De nombreux autres manifestants ont fait savoir qu'ils sont prêts à donner leur vie pour faire respecter le vote populaire.

"Nous n'irons plus jamais dans le maquis, après le coup d'état sanglant du 30 septembre 1991 qui a fait plus de 5000 morts", ont-ils scandé.

Les manifestants ont accusé les dirigeants du groupe des 184, fer de lance des manifestations visant le renversement des autorités constitutionnelles, d'avoir financé le putsch de Raoul Cédras.

En fin d'après-midi, plus d'une dizaine de milliers de personnes qui participaient à la clôture du congrès ont convergé vers le champ-de-mars pour former une marée humaine avec celles qui s'y trouvaient déjà.

" Nous avons voté un président pour 5 ans. Il doit boucler son mandat conformément à la constitution", ont lancé des manifestants en choeur, ajoutant que tous ceux qui veulent arriver au pouvoir doivent passer nécessairement par des élections.

Ils ont réaffirmé leur volonté d'accompagner le processus démocratique jusqu'au bout, tout en appelant ceux qu'ils nomment les forces anti-changement à donner une chance au pays pour fêter dans la paix le bicentenaire de son indépendance le 1er janvier 2004.

Depuis jeudi, des partisans de Fanmi Lavalas observent des veillés patriotique à proximité du palais après que des membres de l'opposition conduits par des anciens militaires eurent tenté d'investir le siège de la présidence pour y prendre le pouvoir par la force.

Moi
- Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 11:40:23 (EST)

Radio Solidarité a repris ses émissions après avoir été contrainte d'observer un arrêt de travail d'une journée suite aux menaces d'incendie des locaux de la station.

Les menaces faites tant au télephone que pendant les manifestations de l'opposition ont commencé après la diffusion par Radio Solidarité d'informations au sujet de la dispersion d'une mannifestation jeudi à proximité du palais présidentiel.

Plusieurs médias avaient indiqué que la police avait tiré à bout porrtant et à hauteur d'homme sur les manifestants. Cependant, les reporters de Radio Solidarité sur place avaient indiqué n'avoir rien constaté de tel et que la police avait plutôt tiré en l'air pour disperser les maniifestatns qui voulaient franchir un périmètre ineterdit dans l'objectif d'investir le palais national .

Comment n'y aurait-il pas eu de morts ou de blessés si les policiers avaient effectivement tiré à hauteur d'hommes sur des milliers de manifestants, s'étaient-ils interrogés.

Mais, c'est plutôt la station qui a été acusée de désinformer, en raison du faitt qu'elle n'a pas relayé la même nformation.

Depuis plusieurs mois, en raison de la confusion politique qui règne en Haïti, la population recoit les infomations diffusées avec beaucoup de réserves.Et la crédibilité de la presse n'a jamais été mise à aussi rude épreuve.

De nombreuses informations diffusées se sont révélées par la suite fausses.

1.- Le mois dernier, des correspondants de presse basés aux Gonaïves ont rapporté qu'un bébé avait eté carbonisé dans un incendie qui aurait éclaté lors d'une intervention de la police. On apprenait le jour suivant que cet enfant n'avait jamais existé et que la maman présumée est une femme qui avait avorté deux semaines plus tôt.

2- Il y a deux semaines, des médias diffusaient une infomation selon laquelle des têtes coupées avaient été decouvertes dans plusieurs quartiers de la ville. Alors qu'en réalité, il ne s'agissait que d'une seule tête, celle d'un bandit tué par des habitantts de Delmas. Mais cette tête avait été promenée, en signe de joie en plusieurs endroits avant une intevention de la police.

3.- Il y a égalemennt deux semaines, des médias affirmaent que le chef de l'oposion du Nord, Jean-Robert Lalanne, avait éte blessé par balles lors d'une attaque perpétrée par des partisans duu gouvernement. Citant des responsables de l'opposition, ces médias faisaient savoir que les agresseurs portaient des T-shirt à l'effigie du président Aristide.

Un jour plus tard, Jean robert Lalanne devait reconnaitre qu'il n'avait pas été blessé par balle et qu'il ne pouvait pas accuser les partisans du gouvernement de responsabilité dans sa blessure à l'arme tranchante. Toutefois, la plus grande confusion continue d'entourer les circonstances de cette blessure.

4.- La semaine dernière, une bonne partie de la presse rapportait que le directeur général du ministère de l'Inéterieur, Bellh Angelot, avait gagné l'exil tout comme deux chefs d'Organisation populaires, Paul Raymond et René Civil. alors que ces 3 personnes vaquent à leurr occupation dans la capitale.

5.- Des médias ont également rapporté vendredi qu'un étudiant a éte tué le même jour suite à une manifestation du groupe des 184. Toutefois, jusqu'ci, il est impossible de savoir quel étudiant et où il a été tué.

6- Lors d'une manifestation de l'oppposition conduite samedi par Théodore Beaubrun dit Lòlò, des reporters affirmaient qu'ils étaient obligés de se mettre à couvert en raison de la présence de membres d'OP armés de machettes et de piques qui voulaient attenter à leur vie. nToutefois, des reporters de Radio Solidarité et d'autres médias qui se trouvaient également sur les lieux de la manifestations ont fait savoir qu'il n'y avait rien de tel et qu'il s'agissait de pure invention. Ces cas sont légions auu cours de ces dernières semaines.

7- Ce même vendredi, des radios rapportaient qu'un dépot d'armes qui auraient appartenu à la police avaient été pillé à Delmas 2. Selon des habitants du quartier, aucun incident de ce type n'a été enregistré dans le quartier. Des membres de la PNH affirment aussi que l'institution n'a enregistré aucune perte d'armes.

8.-Au lever du jour, ce lundi, plusieurs médias rapportaient qu'il y avait des manifestations anti-gouvernementales de Pétion-Ville jusqu'au Canapé-Vert.

En realité, seuls quelques pneus vite enlevés par la police brûlaient sur la route.

Les risques de désinformation viennent également du fait que certains médias choissisent de recueillir des informatios au téléphone de la part d'auditeurs anonymes. "Pourvu qu'ils disent ce que certains ont envie de diffuser. Et malheur au pauvre auditeur qui fait confiance aveuglément", a deploré un citoyen.

Moi
- Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 11:38:53 (EST)

Police Halt Student-Led Protest in Haiti
By MICHAEL NORTON
The Associated Press
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Police fired warning shots Saturday to break up a fourth day of protests led by university students demanding the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Hundreds of people joined about 200 students as they marched from the state university to midtown Port-au-Prince, where they confronted police.
Protesters said the police fired warning shots above their heads and a group of Aristide militants shot directly at them. They said they found safety by jumping behind a wall.

Haiti's situation has deteriorated as a long-suffering population of 8 million confronts deepening poverty and unemployment. Critics of the government, meanwhile, say some officials are enriching themselves off favors and the drug trade.

"Aristide has got to go ... he betrayed his people," said carpenter Bazelais Derival, after some of the protesters hid from police and Aristide militants in his yard.

On Friday, thousands of people took to the streets in response to a call from opposition parties and civil groups for Haitians to demonstrate "until the country is liberated." They called Aristide and other top officials "outlaws."

A police force accused of being partisan blocked roads and used tear gas to keep thousands of marchers from central Port-au-Prince Friday. Aristide militants lobbed rocks and reportedly fired gunshots that wounded three people.

Union leader Montes Joseph said Saturday's protest was a "warmup" for a bigger march Monday.

"We have the right to demonstrate but this dictatorial government won't let the people express themselves," he said.

At least 21 people have been killed in increasingly violent demonstrations since mid-September.

Student-led protests in Haiti played a mayor role in the fall of President Elie Lescot in 1946 and the dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier in 1986.

Aristide's government says the protests aim to spoil state-sponsored celebrations Jan. 1 of the celebration of the world's first black republic.

Aristide, Haiti's first freely elected leader, was deposed in a 1991 military coup and restored in a 1994 U.S. invasion. He stepped down in 1996 due to a term limit and was re-elected by a landslide in 2000.

P.S. My e-mail program automatically add sender and recipient to my address book. If you wish not to receive e-mail about Haiti. Please let me know and I will remove your e-mail address from my address book.

Email: info@moun.com

Pierre Rirchard
Columbia, MD - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 11:37:48 (EST)

Des hommes armés commettent un viol dans un centre hospitalier

Le personnel de la maternité Isaïe Jeanty située à Chancerelles (Port-au-Prince) est sous le choc après le viol d’une patiente par des inconnus armés, le vendredi 12 décembre 2003.

La victime , agée de 20 ans, a été abusée sexuellement sur son lit d’hôpital par ces individus lourdement armés . Le Syndicat du Personnel Infirmier (SPI) qui a révélé l’information se déclare offusqué par cet acte ignoble qu’il considère comme un crime. Pour le SPI, cette situation est inacceptable.

Dans la région de Petit-Goâve , des membres d’Organisations Populaires ( OP) Lavalas ont violé hommes et femmes de plusieurs familles durant les six (6) derniers jours , rapportent les correspondants de presse.

Ces viols en série sont vivement condamnés par la Coordination Nationale de Plaidoyer Pour les Droits de la Femme (CONAP).L'organisation estime que l'impunité qui prévaut en Haïti permet la perpétration de tels actes.

NO DIOL TO TALK!
Jean Claude T.
VA - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 11:12:22 (EST)

My Haitian brothers and sisters, we need to talk instead about the chaotic situation going on in Haiti on the eve of 2004. Right now Dessalines, Toussaint, Boukman, Petion, Capois,and all of our ancestors that have fought so hard to give us Haiti Cherie as heritage might be so ashamed of us. After 200 years of independance, we still cannot put our heads together to embellish our country.

This was e-mail to me, I just want to share it with the board.

COMPTE-RENDU DE LA REUNION TENUE AU PALAIS NATIONAL
LE 12 DECEMBRE 2003

Malgré les hésitations de certains membres du gouvernement à proposer des actions violentes en représailles à la manifestation d'hier, les décisions prises au cours de cette réunion de haut niveau sont les suivantes :
- Bloquer toutes les universités
- Empêcher toute manifestation dans les rues de Port-au-prince et aux environs du palais national
- Maîtriser la zone de Raboteau en utilisant tous les moyens possibles, incluant magie et infiltration
- Accélérer l'arrivée du bateau militaire qui est parti de l'Afrique du Sud avec au moins 200 militaires à bord pour sécuriser les Gonaïves
- Semer la panique dans les rangs du secteur commercial en incendiant certaines stations d'essence et magasins au centre ville
- Réduire au minimum la capacité d'émission des stations de radio, spécialement celles de la capitale
- Établir des brigades d'hommes armés pour sillonner les rues do Port-au-Prince, Gonaïves, Petit-Goaves et Cap-Haïtien à bord de voitures sans immatriculation
- Barrer la route à tout accès vers le palais national
- Commencer par l'enlèvement de certaines têtes de pont du mouvement étudiant

TRES IMPORTANT A NOTER:

- Gérald Gilles est chargé de trouver les coordonnées de ces étudiants.
- Sò Anne est chargée du financement des activités.
- Duclos Bénissoit et Harry Céant sont chargés de la logistique et des communications.
- Lovensky Pierre-Antoine est chargé de la coordination entre les chefs des bandes de concert avec Jean-Claude Jean-Baptiste.
- Mario Dupuy est chargé des liaisons entre le Ministère des Finances et Sò Anne.
- Jonas Petit est chargé de transmettre les ordres du Président aux autres membres du comité de l'opération baptisée « Siklòn pou 2004 ka bon ».

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LE PEUPLE HAÏTIEN A L'INTÉRIEUR COMME A L'EXTÉRIEUR DOIT ÊTRE MIS AU COURANT !
LES MEDIA TANT HAÏTIENS QU'ÉTRANGERS DOIVENT LE DIFFUSER !
LA COMMUNAUTE INTERNATIONALE DOIT SE RENDRE A L'ÉVIDENCE !
CE PLAN MACABRE DOIT ABSOLUMENT ÊTRE DÉNONCÉ ! RAS LE BOL TOUT BON !

Me
- Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 10:09:42 (EST)

I want to say a big THANK YOU to the 10th DOHE for the Town Hall meeting with INS and Homeland Security Dept that they organized in Silver Spring. It was very informative. I hope next time more people from our area will show up.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 10:01:43 (EST)

People,I think Torchenot is right when he said that this is about having conversation.The only thing is when we use word like f**,it shows some anger.

We have our differences on the issue,but the point I'm trying to make "an bon gran moune" is that you don't bite a helping hand.
Mankind have been doing it for so long, I refuse to do it myself in 2003 paské li pa bon.

Yo té mété dé clou nan men Jésu sou Ponce Pillate.

Haitiens fè o tan

Lord only knows with our ego,our anger,our pride,our emotion, our attitude, from 1804 to Date how many helping hands ké Haitiens koupé, raché,ou bien men'm boulé.
If anyone forget let me remind you that on October 17,1806 the body of Jean Jacques Dessalines was mutilated in Pont Rouge.The body of the Emperor was left in the street until it was picked up by a crazy woman name Défilé.
If today we have no running water,we are paying for the blackout,dead bodies in the street, and the streets are full of trash,sé kapab paské asé souvan nou modé dwèt kap ba nou mangé.
Sometimes I ask my self is our history (POST 1804) really a great one.In our present the bodies of little Dessalines are found almost every day in the streets. And our future is uncertain.

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, MD - Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 22:24:03 (EST)

I guess we can all agree to a certain extent that Bloomberg’s gesture, whether politically motivated or genuinely sincere, was a plus for our people. Felix has a point when he said “The Mayor don't get an A for what he did. WE get an A+ for what he did. The apology alone is a sweet victory for us Haitians.” In other words, we should never have to accept these types of racist remarks against our national identity. If Bloomberg, as a member of the Jewish community, won’t tolerate anti-Semitic remarks against his community from politicians, entertainment or game producers, why should we? After all, we are a proud and resilient people and we don't have to accept that kind of abuse anymore.

On a different note, even though we are all pretty autonomous on this board. It’s a pleasure and honor to be part of this online community. I think the love, discouragement, hope and pride we all feel for “OUR PEOPLE” and "OUR COUNTRY" is evident in our discussions. It can even be felt from those who don’t respond or haven’t responded in a while (Hi NCOG and Pierre). Hope I don’t sound to mushy so forgive me if I do.

By the way, has anyone started making plans for our Independence/ Bicentennial Day? Here’s an idea.

Is there anyone going or interested in attending the 1804-2004 Happy Birthday Concert at Carnegie Hall in New York? If so, maybe we can put together a Washington delegation (or group) to attend. I can probably get us a descent group rate since I know the producers. I believe ticket prices range from $30-$100. I think it’s safe to assume most of us have a family member or two that we can stay with in NY.

Nevertheless, this is an open invitation to anyone who will be in town during the holidays. In the meantime, is there anyone on this board going to Haiti for the Jan 1st? If so, when are you leaving?

Love For My People
- Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 12:36:02 (EST)

"The Mayor don't get an A for what he did. WE get an A+ for what he did.
The apology alone is a sweet victory for us Haitians."

You call this apology a victory:

"We never meant for this to happen," said James Ankner, Take Two and Rockstar Video Games’ spokesperson. He said the game was meant for people "to have fun, obviously not at the expense of others."
In a statement released, the makers of the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City said, "We are aware of the hurt and anger in the Haitian community and have listened to the community’s objections to certain statements made in the game. Accordingly, we will remove the objectionable statements from future copies of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City."

Alix, I am not a bit suprise. If we can acceptably manage to live without running water on an "island", no electricity but yet still pay the "Black Out" bill, no safety measures, no medicine, piles of trash towering over humans, dead bodies rotting in the streets for days. I can certainly understand why that Mayor Bloomberg's political gesture would make you feel like a human, even a winner.

I hope with all this commotion about 2004, we can raise our standards and stop living in sub-human conditions.

By the way, all my rants here on Echodhaiti.com are for conversation purposes, not to express my frustrations. I punch my walls for that,lol.
Pierre Richard
Columbia, MD - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 22:13:56 (EST)

Usually I only read,but not write.
Mr Pierre Torcheno: I see your frustration,but we can at least say thank you to the mayor for his help,not f- you.

The Mayor don't get an A for what he did. WE get an A+ for what he did.
The apology alone is a sweet victory for us Haitians.

Felix
Germantown, - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 21:35:28 (EST)

"Whatever his motive may be, the bottom line is: his voice was heard."

And he gets an "A" for that.

If he win another term, may then we will see how sympathetic he his.

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia , MD - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 19:22:08 (EST)

Torchenot I personally don't know Mr Blomberg,however I feel that among all the politicians (New York,Miami,Boston,Washington etc...) he was the only one who really took a stand against the video game producers.Whatever his motive may be, the bottom line is: his voice was heard.
O.k, yo toute sé vacabon,men si you vacabon ban'm you roulib, ou bien li ban'm you ti bourad pou'm soti nan you labou o mwen fok mwen ka dil mèsi.
I don't need to hug him,shake his hand or kiss his a****,I can only say thank you and walk away.

Guin you pwoveb creyol ki di: "rayi chen men di dan'l blan"

é guen you lot ki di: "gran mesi chen sé kout baton".

After all my brother we can agree to disagree on the subject;you say f******* him,I say thanks to him.I'ts a matter of opinion.

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, MD - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 18:41:53 (EST)

"How do you think they should sympathise?"

Chances are Bloomberg screwed many folks to amass his fortune and his current office. In other words the CEO of Rockstar Games and Bloomberg share many commonalities. Don't translate Bloomberg "political gesture" into a "fellow feeling." We got to stop this nonsense
Pierre R Torchenot
columbia, md - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 16:36:11 (EST)

I don't know any of them on a personal basis, therefore I can't say much about them. How do you think they should sympathise?
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 16:10:27 (EST)

"Don't ever underestimate the stupidity of American folks..."
LMAO...

Ncog
Washington, DC - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 16:02:25 (EST)

Who said anything about Bloomberg getting richer through the elections?

I am specifically speaking about Bloomberg's shrewdness. Infact, show me one "billionaire" who made his billions sympathizing with the masses.The idea is almost paradoxical. Here are a few: Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Paul Allen, Warren Buffet, Michael Dell, Georges Soros. They are all cut throat business people.

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 15:56:29 (EST)

Sadam Captured is a plus for Bush Bur his reelection will be base on other succes for example the economy is on the right track if it stays the course that only will be a greater facter for his reelection, remember Bush sold the war on the concept of wapon of mass distruction and so far it remains to be found, NOW if Osama is captured in the next few months DEAN and the rest of them should save the $$ for 2008.
Ala
- Monday, December 15, 2003 at 15:35:54 (EST)

I think if he is a millionaire/billionaire he does not need reelection votes to becomes richer. He could easily influence the system with his money from the outside where there is less scrutiny.....So only a common man can express simpathy for the common man?
President Bush reelection seems more certain, but not a done deal. He does look good now.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 11:34:20 (EST)

Mobutoo, there are nearly 800,000 to 1,000,000 Haitians in NY. While the majority will not vote for one reason or another, the Haitian vote is very significant. Bloomberg is a shrewd billionaire, do you honestly think that he would condole with the common man? This just another political move.

As far the Haitian Embassy, it's an authorized scam!

Love, how are you doing my dear? I always believed that Bush would subject us with another 4 years of whatever you wanna call this, but with this latest news, it is now written in stone. Don't ever underestimate the stupidity of American folks.
Pierre R Torchenot
- Monday, December 15, 2003 at 10:17:53 (EST)

PRT, that is harsh your comment about Mayor Bloomberg. I don't think Haitians in NY would make that much impact in Bloomberg's reelection. There are maybe hundred thousands but few are U.S citizens and very few will vote. Even if that was true, could it also be that the Mayor really feels that it was unjust for Haitians to be portrayed that way. The least you could do is to give him the benefit of the doubt. At least he is helping. I don't know if our embassy in DC issued any statement regarding the video game and they are supposed to be represent our people in U.S.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 08:44:48 (EST)

Good idea Torchenot and Jean Claude. Maybe we should include his contact info as well.

In the meantime, does anyone believe that Bush will be reelected in 2004 now that Saddam has been captured and the economy is said to be picking up? If so, is this good or bad news?
Love For My People
- Monday, December 15, 2003 at 05:20:12 (EST)

Official: Saddam Dug Hole to Hide Himself
28 minutes ago

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), trapped in a cellar, dug a hole and buried himself as U.S. soldiers moved into the house where he was hiding, an Iraqi official said Sunday.

AP Photo

"The American soldiers had to use shovels to dig him out," Entifadh Qanbar, spokesman for Governing Council member Ahmad Chalabi, told The Associated Press.

Qanbar, basing his account on reports from members of the U.S.-led occupation authority, said Saddam had a salt-and-pepper beard when he was captured. Soldiers photographed him, shaved the beard and photographed him again before running DNA tests, he said.

"The DNA test confirmed 100 percent Saddam Hussein's identity," he said.

Qanbar said the capture took place "in a town very close to Tikrit," Saddam's hometown 100 miles north of Baghdad

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Sunday, December 14, 2003 at 07:18:23 (EST)

"I think that we Haitians should send thank you letters to Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York, for his support to the Haitian community in our fight against Take-Two Interactive Software Inc & Rockstar Games Inc."

Jean Claude, Bloomberg's throne is up for grab and now he looking for some votes. F*&K him!
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia , MD - Saturday, December 13, 2003 at 15:52:27 (EST)

BY JANE REGAN AND MICHAEL A.W. OTTEY

OPPOSING ARISTIDE, Protests, violence paralyze Haitian cities

Tens of thousands of protesters in Haiti demonstrate against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide; at least five reportedly are killed in clashes with police.

PORT-AU-PRINCE -- Massive and sometimes violent protests shook much of Haiti Thursday as tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators took to the streets to demand President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's resignation.
Four local radio stations -- Radio Carabes, Radio Metropole, Vision 2000 and Radio Kiskeya -- suspended broadcasts after death threats and a drive-by shooting at Radio Carabes, The Associated Press reported. Station owners said Aristide supporters promised a night of terror.
The demonstration was one of the largest in a decade, with some estimates placing the marchers at as many as 50,000.
Schools and businesses closed as the student-led protest wended its way through the capital, stopping near the Presidential Palace and the offices of the Organization of American States.

In Gonaves, a local radio station reported that police shot and killed anti-Aristide protesters, with five confirmed deaths and at least 12 injured, however there was no independent confirmation of the casualties.
There were no confirmed reports of deaths in Port-au-Prince.
At the Presidential Palace, riot police fired warning shots and tear gas at demonstrators. Police also fired machine guns and handguns in the air, causing panic.
When protesters passed in front of the state telephone company, where several well-known pro-government activists receive paychecks, marchers demanded that salaries to the chimere, or thugs, be stopped.

In front of the state television company, which has frequently been accused of one-sided, pro-government reporting, they chanted, ``Look at the minority!''
Protesters also chanted slogans against the Organization of American States, accusing the group of supporting Aristide and doing nothing for Haitians.

`SMALL MINORITY'

Aristide, who has condemned the violence, referred to protesters as ``a small minority.''
Some government leaders have said the demonstrators are seeking to spoil state-sponsored celebrations of Haiti's bicentennial on Jan. 1 in Port-au-Prince and Gonaives.
University of Haiti students, 15,000 strong, have become increasingly critical of Aristide in recent weeks, accusing his administration of corruption, human rights violations and ignoring the needs of students.
T
hey called for another protest today.
''What has happened is unacceptable,'' university professor Frantz Varella, who was Aristide's former minister of public works, told The Associated Press. ``These young people aren't politicians. They are the intellectual elite of the future in revolt against the intolerable.''

PREVIOUS ATTACK
Thursday's march came one week after Aristide supporters attacked an anti-government rally of university students, injuring dozens and ransacking two colleges.
The U.S. Embassy, the OAS, Amnesty International and dozens of organizations denounced the attack, which left over two dozen injured and the university dean hospitalized.
Bands of armed Aristide supporters reportedly roamed the capital seeking out anti-government protesters. Aristide backers have clashed with students and other anti-Aristide demonstrators for months, causing serious injury and property damage. University of Haiti Rector Pierre-Marie Pacquiot was among the injured.

Aristide, in his second term, also appeared to be losing support among members of his Cabinet. Education Minister Marie-Carmel Paule Austin, who had been a minister for about a year, resigned late Wednesday night, expressing anger over the attacks on the student protesters.
University deans also issued a letter condemning the attacks and called on Aristide to step down. It was the first time the deans had issued a unified call for the president to resign.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
The government said Austin was using Wednesday's violent attacks on demonstrators and police failure to stop attacks to save face.
''She knew she was going to be replaced because she is under investigation for misappropriation of funds,'' said Mario Dupuy, a government spokesman.
Austin could not be reached for comment.
Paul Antoine, an Aristide spokesman, told The Herald on Thursday that Aristide condemned the violence on all sides.
He said the students, however, had armed thugs in their midst who were also responsible for violence.
Antoine said Aristide asked the police to conduct a thorough investigation of the matter and to arrest those responsible for the attacks.

Thursday's march grew in size and lasted for more than eight hours, as people came off their stoops and closed their businesses to join the demonstration.
They carried branches -- the traditional sign of victory -- and chanted anti-Aristide slogans.

PUSH FOR CHANGE
''This has gone on long enough,'' said Theodore ''Lolo'' Beaubrun, who heads the well-known Haitian roots music band Boukman Eksperyans. ``It's time for Aristide to step down and we need a lot of other changes, too, in order for Haiti to become a democracy.''
Beaubrun was among the thousands of people who joined the march.

Businessman Anderson Laforet said he closed his office and joined the students because of his ties to the university.
''I was once a university student,'' said Laforet, marketing director at a technology firm, as he marched toward the National Palace in a sea of students. ``The attack on the university was unacceptable!''
Laforet was surrounded by tens of thousands of men and women who waved branches and holding homemade signs, who chanted: ''Down with Aristide! You'll be gone by the weekend!'' and ``Aristide -- look at the minority!''

NATACHA
- Saturday, December 13, 2003 at 14:34:54 (EST)

Thousands Demand Haiti Leader's Ouster
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: December 12, 2003
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) -- Thousands of Haitians took to the streets Friday demanding the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, while his supporters marched outside the National Palace pledging to defend the government.
At least three people were reported shot and wounded by Aristide supporters, according to witnesses including reporters. Government supporters also threw stones at the marchers, trying to break up the demonstration. Fearing further violence, the U.S. Embassy and many stores were closed Friday.

Four radio stations resumed news broadcasts with police posted outside their offices. Radio Vision 2000 and Radio Metropole were among four radio stations that suspended broadcasts Thursday amid death threats from government supporters. The other two, Radio Caraibes and Radio Kiskeya, reopened several hours later.

Friday's protest came a day after scores of opposition parties and civil groups urged Haitians to demonstrate ``until the country is liberated.'' They called Aristide and other top officials ``outlaws.''
Eight people were injured during Thursday's demonstrations. Also Thursday, a government supporter was reported killed in a drive-by shooting outside the National Palace, a government statement said.

At least 1,000 people marched with a carnival band outside the National Palace on Friday, in a capital paralyzed by increasing violence. On the city's outskirts, thousands more chanted ``Down with Aristide!''
When police blocked the road, some got on their knees, begging officers, ``Let us through!''
Instead, police fired warning shots and lobbed tear gas canisters. Protesters dispersed at dusk, pledging to regroup Saturday.

University students led the protests Friday for a third day, and marched despite repeated use of tear gas. Anticipating the unrest, banks, stores and schools closed and street vendors stayed home.
A bystander was shot and wounded by government backers, independent Radio Vision 2000 reported. Witnesses also saw two demonstrators shot and wounded by Aristide partisans; others were injured by hurled rocks.
At the National Palace, Marcel Moise said he and other Aristide supporters had gathered ``to prevent people from causing mayhem.''
``We won't stand for people calling out, 'Down with Aristide,''' said Moise, 42.
Government backers also set up flaming tire barricades across the capital and harassed drivers. Ronronne Chantal, a U.N. official, said his vehicle was stolen along with his belongings.

Haiti's government has been at loggerheads with the opposition since flawed 2000 legislative elections.
Since mid-September, at least 18 people have been killed and scores wounded in clashes during protests.
Governing party Sen. Clones Lans called Friday's demonstration by Aristide supporters ``an example of democracy.''
``Aristide partisans have the right to express themselves too,'' Lans said. He said the president's opponents want a ``coup d'etat.''
Earlier this week, Aristide condemned the violence as ``unacceptable,'' blaming it on ``false students'' who infiltrated demonstrations.
Student protests also contributed to the fall of President Elie Lescot in 1946 and dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier in 1986.

Aristide, Haiti's first freely elected leader, was deposed in a military coup in 1991 and restored in a U.S. invasion in 1994. He stepped down in 1996 due to a term limit and was re-elected by a landslide in 2000.
The opposition refuses to participate in new legislative elections unless Aristide steps down. The president says he will serve out his term, which ends in 2006.

NATACHA
- Saturday, December 13, 2003 at 14:29:17 (EST)

I think that we Haitians should send thank you letters to Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York, for his support to the Haitian community in our fight against Take-Two Interactive Software Inc & Rockstar Games Inc.
To those of you who may not know it,Mayor Bloomberg spoke out on Sunday at a Haitian church in Brooklyn.His remarks hit the New York media,and on Tuesday Take Two-Interactive Software Inc apologized,saying it would delete the dialogue from new copies of the game.

Sometimes we need a louder voice pou fè yo pran men yo.
Mayor Bloomberg konpran'n sa sa vlé di 204,561 Haitiens kap viv nan Nou Yok.Si sé pa plis sé chans paské lè ya fè ressesman Haitiens ki pa guen résidans yo di "DIAB PA KONTE'M BON DIE KONTE".
Si'w sé bon Haitien wap kon'n parole sa.
Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton , MD - Friday, December 12, 2003 at 22:40:15 (EST)

Good news in the Haitian music industry and for the Twoubadours music lovers.
This Sunday December 14,2003 the Haitian band "New York Twoubadours" will perform live on the Today Show Christmas Special on NBC. The show will be broadcasted live from New York and can be seen around the world.I don't know exactly when in the program the Haitian band will perform,I was told it will be between 8am and 10 am EDT, try your best to watch.

I'm also looking for more info about Wiclef Jean performing @ the 2004 Super Bowl.

VOYE MONTE -VOYE MONTE- VOYE MONTE

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, MD - Friday, December 12, 2003 at 20:21:39 (EST)

Great news. This was an unacceptable, racist attack on our people. We should never have tolerate such as this. Maybe the protests will help prevent this from happening again in the future.

In the meantime, thanks for the plug Mobutoo. Look forward to your participation and anyone who else is interested. Please join us for this important dialogue.
Love For My People
- Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 20:44:06 (EST)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=568&ncid=568&e=7&u=/nm/20031211/bs_nm/life_game_haitians_dc_2
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 18:45:53 (EST)

NEW YORK– Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Video Games issued an apology late Tuesday for comments in one of their games that Haitian community officials found offensive.
"We never meant for this to happen," said James Ankner, Take Two and Rockstar Video Games’ spokesperson. He said the game was meant for people "to have fun, obviously not at the expense of others."
In a statement released, the makers of the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City said, "We are aware of the hurt and anger in the Haitian community and have listened to the community’s objections to certain statements made in the game. Accordingly, we will remove the objectionable statements from future copies of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City."

EchodHaiti.com <webmaster@echodhaiti.com>
- Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 11:47:02 (EST)

To me it doesn't matter much where it starts but it has to take stronger hold in Haiti first. Let's say we have a big impact here with the march but everytime Haiti makes the news, it is because of "a coup d'etat", necklacings, boat people, etc. The changes do not have to be political per se in Haiti. There are many groups in the diaspora that are helping in building schools or helping some small communities in Haiti. We can help them with their fundraising activities. When we in the diaspora go on vacation in Haiti, don't act like big shots, teach one or two what you have learned here in the U.S. Some of us, the minute we land on Haiti's soil, we act like macoutes. We know we can't do it here in the U.S. but we do it in Haiti. That's why I believe that we must make the change within ourselves first then we can ask/demand others to do the same. Otherwise, it is going to be a very long struggle........
Different topic but somehow related, the Town Hall meeting with Homeland Security organized by the 10th DOHE (10th Department Organization for Haitian Empowerment). I know most of us know of some Haitians that are here illegally. We need to be there to know at least what to tell our Haitian friends who need this type of info. Most likely it will be us who will help them with their paperworks or with immigration. See you there.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 08:40:50 (EST)

Hi Mobutoo and Concerned Haitian, the both of you have done a great job capturing and presenting both sides of the spectrum. Both of you have valid points and I am sure that there is a camp that supports each of your views.

Please keep in mind that we have less than three weeks before Haiti celebrates her historcal bicenntenial. SO it is important for us to start thinking and discussing issues such as these so the occasion will not be "brief" and "meaningless." Instead, we have to take a proactive and critical approach to effectivley address the "Haitian cause." In the meantime, I promise not to over due it on this board so I don't come across too preachy.

However, I would like to submit the following two questions based on Mobutoo and Concerned Haitian's positions. "Should Haitian empowerment begin in Haiti or with the Haitian Diaspora in the U.S.? In either case, under what conditions?

Please join this discussion. YOUR OPINION IN THIS MATTER IS IMPORTANT.

Love For My People
- Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 06:40:16 (EST)

Mysterious girl huh? I bet you're someone I already know. But if you're not just introduce yourself when you see me. I won't bite. Look forward to meeting you, Mysterious girl.
But as for the performance, you or any one else who comes out will not be disappointed. Remember Sunday , December 14th at Los Arrieros , 7926 Georgia Avenue, Doors open at 10pm. Call Max for info 301-728-9715
Max Fonrose <mf20722@aol.com>
Riverdale , MD - Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 17:28:08 (EST)

DC Area Haitian Dialogue with DHS
Department of Homeland Security) staff

Town Hall Meeting

WHAT: Special invitation to the Haitian community from the DC Metropolitan Area and those concerns about the current U.S. policy toward Haitian refugees to meet and dialogue with Deputy Chief David Venturella of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Community Relations Officer Ms. Gloria Williams-Brevard from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).

WHEN: Saturday, December 13, 2003 from 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

WHY: To discuss the unfair treatment of Haitian refugees and explore how current DHS (Department of Homeland Security) law would affect the Haitian community in the long-term. Inform the community about the services that BCIS "INS" (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services) offers and learn how the community can access such service.

WHO: Organized by 10th DOHE (10th Department Organization for Haitian Empowerment)

WHERE: The Silver Spring Library
8901 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
4 ½ blocks from the Silver Spring Metro Station or Ride-on Bus #8 #9 #12 #13 #14 #22 and/or Metrobus #Z's; also 2 blocks from #C7 #Q2 #Y6 #Y8

For more information contact 10th DOHE at 202-452-5511 or e-mail Eugenia at 10thdohe@10thdepartment.org.

N.B. Mark Your Calendar! Celebrate Haiti's bicentennial at the National March for Haitian Empowerment March 20, 2004 in Washington, DC! Visit www.10thdepartment.org for more information.

10th Department Organization for Haitian Empowerment (10th DOHE) <10thdohe@10thdepartment.org>
Washington, DC - Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 17:22:05 (EST)

Don't worry I'll be there. I have been trying to meet you but you look like a very difficult man. I would like to meet you, I have been waiting ... Do you mind? I mean, Are you available?
Let's make this our special meeting day. I 'll be noticeable...
Are you down?
who am I?
For you to find out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The mysterious girl

The mysterious girl
md - Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 02:42:17 (EST)

Please come and support your local haitian talent. This Sunday at Los Arrieros 7926 Georgia Avenue. This Suday December 14th, Legace and The Sinit will be performing Live. 5 dollars to get in and they will be drink specials all night . You must be 21 and over. So come and suppor your local haitian talent. Doors open at 10 and we will party before and after the performances.
Max Fonrose <mf20722@aol.com>
Riverdale, MD - Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 00:42:46 (EST)

Mobutoo,

It seems that when someone in Haiti comes up with a radical idea, they may be putting their life in jeopardy. So let’s start the Empowerment movement here in the U.S. where we have the freedom to voice our opinion without the fear of ambush or death.
Concerned Haitian
- Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 15:56:15 (EST)

I am very optimistic that all you have said is very realistic. I only see getting there through a different approach, not necessarily better. I see the empowerment starting from Haiti and moving abroad. Your approach is for Haitians to be seen in a different way. Mine, is for Haiti/Haitians to present themselves in a different way that will dispell those begative views.
Mobutoo
Stafford, - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 13:17:16 (EST)

Mobutoo,

Your right. That’s because we were not the only ones classified as the primary carriers. In fact, the at-risk groups were homosexual or bisexual males which constituted the largest group, followed by intravenous drug abusers, Haitians and hemophiliacs

It was not until, hetrosexuals and well known celebrities such as Magic Johnson and rapper Easy E contracted the disease that the stigma began to die. Despite this fact, the connection between AIDS and Haitians lingers to this day. To a certain extent, the lens used to view our national identity is boat people, people from the poorest country of the western hemisphere, and pagan voodoo worshippers (Don’t forget the Serpent and the Rainbow movie). And now, Rockstar Games.

In other words, we have to work at dispelling these negative stereotypes that continue to marginalize our people. We have no other choice. If we miss this opportunity next year, it will be challenging for us to embrace and achieve genuine Haitian empowerment at home or abroad.

Dr. Martin Luther King once said “There is nothing more powerful than the marching feet of a determined people.” For better or worse, we were able to demonstrate how determined we were and what “L’Union Fait La Force” really means. Marching here in the US may not bring immediate results to this movement but it can reenergize the cause. Hopefully, it will be a first step.

So what happens after the march [or the bicentennial year]? Great question but it should be directed to participants of this board. I can only speak for myself as an individual with a vision for our people. I believe the Haitian Diaspora should aim to be proactive, strong and unified in order to create positive social change. I also believe that we can not turn our backs on Haiti now. Instead, I think that a collective effort needs to be made to help our brothers and sisters become self-reliant.

I don’t mean to sound idealistic but this is how I feel. All I want to do is help and I know I’m not alone. So in order to see the change we hope for, we must begin with ourselves.

So what about you Mobutoo. Do you believe Haitian empowerment is possible? If so, what must we do to achieve it? Would anyone care to share their views?
Love For My People
- Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 11:26:45 (EST)

Love For My People, forgive me for playing the bad guy here for a second. By 1990, most people were aware that AIDS were not a Haitian disease. I don't think "The March" was the cause that people are not making this stupid connection Haitian-SIDA anymore. I would like to know how by marching here in the U.S we are going to "address and raise awareness about issues affecting our people". After the march, what happen???
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 08:47:24 (EST)

Torchenot, thank you so much for your input. You are absolutely right. Dubois' social leadership skills can in fact be questioned based on the arguments you presented. Nevertheless, I think we should embrace him as one of us even though he had a problem doing it on his on.

With that in mind, I really agree with your following statement when you said "I find kind of sad that we Haitians have to look in the past in order to find "Haitian empowerment." Every time we want to show the world "Haitian greatness" we must present the world with some achievements that our forefathers/mothers accomplished. Where did we go wrong? Who failed us?"

Even though your point is well taken, I don't think it's only a matter of asking "where did we go wrong or who failed us? Rather, how can we create "new" and "meaningful" accomplishments for the present and future without minimizing our accomplishments from the past? In other words, how can we foster Haitian empowerment that means something today?

Mombutoo, thanks for pledging your support. However, don’t forget the impact of the AIDS march on April 20, 1990. I believe the national march can have a similar impact on addressing and raising awareness about issues affecting our people. On a different note, I do not wish to comment about what is going on in Haiti because I believe that politics (along with classism, language, and the color line) is a topic that causes division among our people. And besides, I don’t know enough about the topic either.

Nevertheless, I don’t believe we can afford to remain silent, passive and divided any longer. We need Haitian empowerment now more than ever in the same way African-Americans needed black power during the civil rights movement. Haitian empowerment is a vision for positive social change in Haiti and abroad. It is a dream that has great potential to become reality as long as it is shared and embraced by our own.

Love For My People
- Monday, December 08, 2003 at 23:56:24 (EST)

Hi there! I like your site, it looks great!
Greetings from Gregg,http://www.sms-mailfieber.de/

Gregg
- Monday, December 08, 2003 at 16:30:07 (EST)

I can't believe there's been so little comment on the other section of Echo. I just went to it myself. Echo we may be taking you for granted.

Very interesting. I'm going to hold off comments until others can comment on the memorial page.
ayiti negrès
- Monday, December 08, 2003 at 13:04:04 (EST)

Yopran'm, mèci manman with the holidays list... By the way I told mambré but she had nothing at this time. Thanks.....
Regarding the "NATIONAL MARCH FOR HAITIAN EMPOWERMENT ", I think the best effect is to march in Haiti requesting our leaders to change, to live up to the current challenge facing the country that the slaves fought so hard to liberate. I may be wrong but I don't see how by marching here will have an impact. Sure, we are being discrimated against by others but it is worst when we(Haitians) discriminate against each other. If needs be, I will be at the march to support. But I believe that we need to look at ourselves and make the necessary changes, then look outward.

Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Monday, December 08, 2003 at 10:34:35 (EST)

pepe
pepe 289
- Sunday, December 07, 2003 at 13:46:13 (EST)

Happy Discovery day! so many holidays, Gosh... Just wanted to share with you all.

Haiti
Holidays for Haiti for 2003 include:
January-1 Independence Day
January-2 Ancestry Day / Forefather's Day
January-6 Tirer Gâteau (Les rois)
February-25 Norriture Rituelle des sources têt d' l'eau
March-16 Loco Davi (manger du bois rituel)
March-19 St Joseph Expression de la juridiction Legba
March-20 Legba Zaou
March-25 Annunciation
April-7 Toussaint L'Ouverture Day
April-14 Pan-American Day
April-18 Good Friday
April-27 Dan Wè Zo, alias St Louis Cleimeille
April-29 Cassé Canari ou Wèt mô nan d'lo
April-30 Mangé les Morts
May-1 Agriculture and Labor Day
May-12 Mangers pour divers loas
May-18 Flag & University Day
May-18 Manger pour Gran'n Aloumandia
May-20 Simbi Blanc
May-22 National Sovereignty
June-19 Corpus Christi
June-24 St. Jean's Day
June-27 Our Lady Perpetual Saviour
June-28 M'Guine Sauveur table servie pour maitresse Erzulie, Tenaisse, Mambo
July-1 The Precious Blood
July-4 Day of Agwe
July-25 Papa Ogou (St Jacques le Majeur)
July-26 Gran'Délai et Gran'Aloumandia (Sainte Anne)
July-29 Maitresse Silverine
August-15 Assumption Day
August-25 Table Communion pour Dan Wezo, Roi de France
August-30 Agou
September-25 Roi Wangol, Mousindi
September-29 Manman Aloumandia
September-30 Maitresse Délai
October-8 Death of Henri Christophe
October-17 Dessalines Day
October-24 United Nations Day
October-30 Chanté - messes
November-1 All Saint's Day
November-2 All Soul's Day
November-18 Vertieres' Day
November-25 Mangé Yam (fête de la moisson)
November-30 St. Andrew's Day
December-5 Discovery Day
December-10 Ganga - Bois
December-12 Agoué - Arroyo (Mangé la mer)
December-25 Bain de Noêl (Frotté feuilles) or Fête des Membres

Copyright © 1998-2004 Earth Calendar. Disclaimer.

Yopran'm
USA - Friday, December 05, 2003 at 11:01:59 (EST)

Haitiens mes freres,
I want to start by saying that honestly last weekend was a total lost for the show producers here in Maryland.
I attended all the parties from Echo -Lacay-Xpoze to my own "Fantik Romantik".En verite nou toute pèdi tan nou, ak cob nou.Notre beau public chéri a brillé par son absence.
The sad part is the fact that some people love it (just love it) when the parties don't go well and that the producers lost money while trying to keep the culture alive here. --SO SAD--

With regard to the big ?
We have to look at it from different angles
From a legal stand point,to be Haitian you have to be born in Haiti- born from Haitian parents-never renounce to your Haitian nationality.
From a social stand point, we even call some friends of Haiti "Haitian by association" because their heart goes to our country and its people.
From a cultural stand point,our children born in the diaspora consider themselves Haitians,but be careful it's only with regard to their relationship to us.Legally they are NOT.
From a political stand point many Haitians have renounced their nationality,but really don't give a d*** about the adopted country (U.S, FRANCE, CANADA etc...) because they still consider themselves Haitians.Some of them don't even care to vote or to participate in the municipal affairs,they don't even know the name of their council member.Some are working in Haiti in post that legally they were not supposed to,but we all know yo renmen Haiti.Others here in the diaspora don't care for Haiti,Haitians,Haitian community,Haitian music etc...

Men en general nou toute pitit,ak pitit pitit Haiti chérie, pitit,ak pitit pitit Haiti Thomas nou toute ki renmen Haiti et ki pa pè di ké nou fier,nou toute ki kenbé drapo nou an ro nan toute march, nan manifestation ak nan carnaval New York,Boston,Canada,Miami ak nan Washington-ce nou ki considéré comme HAITIENS. 1804-1904 ou 2004

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, Md - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 21:43:45 (EST)

Love, thank you kindly. I think it is safe to concur with the notion that W.E.B. Dubois was at the forefront intellectually during his time. However, I am reluctant to agree with you that he was a great leader. It is true that he was a founding member of the NAACP. Jews funded the NAACP, and historically, Blacks and Jews have had a bitter relationship. Therefore, many Blacks felt that the NAACP was more of a deterrent to their advancement than it was useful. He was very prejudice against his own people to the point that he made comments regarding the africoid features of Marcus Garvey. When Jamaican born Marcus Garvey came to america and organized the biggest and most successful Afrocentric movement (economic,political, social) in the history of this country, Dubois repudiated him, collaborated with immigration, which ultimately led to the deportation of Marcus Garvey. Many Blacks resented Dubois, their dissatisfactions with Dubois among other things, drove him to a state of bitterness and eventually left the country for Africa where he later died.

I think he was great scholar, but a terrible leader.
I will pick up his autobiography sometime in the near future.

I find kind of sad that we Haitians have to look in the past in order to find "Haitian empowerment."
Everytime we want to show the world "Haitian greatness" we must present the world with some achievements that our forefathers/mothers accomplished. Where did we go wrong? Who failed us?

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 20:14:47 (EST)

WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU AT IZORA CLUB RESTAURANT LOCATED ON EAST WEST HIGHWAY, in beautiful downtown Silver Spring, Maryland to A HOLIDAY SHOW: http://www.izora.net This is the weekend before Christmas for all your late shoppers. It will take place on Saturday December 20, 2003 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Sunday December 21, 2003 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Come, have lunch and enjoy yourself at IZORA. For those of you who loves facials, this is an opportunity to have one free of charge. Hope to see you all there.

Marjorie Depestre a Mary Kay, Mary Kay Consultant will be doing facials with the Mary Kay Products. Free facials will be done by group of four people. Products will also be available for sale.

Pressed4Time, America's largest Mobile Dry Cleaning will be there for you to sign up your office and offer this perk to your employees. Pressed4Time offers free-pick up and delivery of dry cleaning services and more.....
PRESSED4TIME WILL BE OFFERING A DISCOUNT TO THEIR FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS. MOREOVER PRESSED4TIME WILL BE SELLING GIFT CERTIFICATES AS STUFFING STUFFERS.

Sima Azimi will have beautiful jewerly and shawls from Afghanistan. Some of the profit will benefit the Afghan women that do make the jewerly.

Haitian arts and crafts. Come and see the beautiful Arts and Crafts from Magic Haiti. Paintings, painted cedar boxes, painted masks, CD Holders made out of a gingerbread house, old drum turned into art such as candle holders, pencil holders and masks....-

Arielle <femme_toutbon@yahoo.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 18:37:36 (EST)

You are right I don’t know who you are, however this is an open forum and I am entitled to interject with my opinion based on the comments you've made. You can’t assume that I know exactly what you are trying to say. You put yourself out there and I made a comment. You are inviting folks to make remarks when you sit at a "roundtable".
You made the statement that "WEB's father may have been born IN Haiti and OF Haitian mother, but it could be ARGUED that he was not "Haitian."" It sounds to me that you are discounting his Haitian ties because he is not Haitian enough.

Well tell me, Who do you consider to be Haitians?

Cynical Haitian
- Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 16:01:09 (EST)

OOPSSSSSSSSSSS "EDITING"
Ti cina
- Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 14:33:29 (EST)

Welcome to Echodhaiti Editin Haitian! I am certain that your service as an "EDITOR" will be useful here. Again, thanks for the "logic" oops I hope I am using the right word this time. Enjoy your stay!
Ti cina
- Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 14:31:40 (EST)

cynical,
touchy subject for you, huh?, listen you don't know where I was born or who I am. My opinion on the subject has not been made yet, so what are you all at arms about.
Those are fair questions and your reaction to it means that it should be discussed more.
Instead of going off the handle, please tell us your point of view.
I'm listening...
map swiv
- Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 13:41:38 (EST)

Ti cina,

It's NO PUN INTENDED.

What is a pun:

A pun is defined by Webster as "the humorous use of a word, or of words which are formed or sounded alike but have different meanings, in such a way as to play on two or more of the possible applications; a play on words."

"Le calembour est la fiente de l'esprit qui vole."

"A pun is the lowest form of humor - when you don't think of it first."

"Of puns it has been said that those who most
dislike them are those who are least able to utter them."

Examples:

Alarms: What an octopus is.
Pasteurize: Too far to see.

Egotist: One who is me-deep in conversation.
Flattery: Phony express.
Hangover: The wrath of grapes.
Income Tax: Capital punishment.

I used to be a ballet dancer, but found it too-too difficult.
I used to be a banker, but lost interest in the work.
I used to be a pimp, but then I got laid off.
I used to be a printer, but never made a good impression.
I used to be a Viagra salesman, but just couldn't keep up.
I used to work for Victoria's Secret, but then I got a pink slip.

Especially for you Ti Cina...

There was once a chief of an African village who had a magnificent throne room in his thatched hut. One day, the chief hired a some workers to expand his throne room. Not knowing what to do with the throne during construction, they put it in the attic, out of the way. A few days later, one of the workman was replacing a pole that held the attic in place. Tragedy struck as the heavy throne fell through the attic floor and killed the workman.Which only goes to show that "People in grass houses shouldn’t stow thrones"

Editing Haitian
Anywhere, Ny - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 13:38:18 (EST)

mapswive,

great questions and excellent point. you are right, his was an African-American (mixed raced heritage). However, since his son Alfred was born in Jacmel and his son was born in the states. I don't think I'm stretching the facts by calling him a second-generation Haitian Amercian. As a matter of fact, most of our parents who migrated to the US from Haiti did so around 1965 and on with the introduction of the new immigration policy of 1965 (sorry can't remember the name).

That being said, the majority of these same immigrants, both legal and non-legal, gave birth to American born children who are around 39 and younger. Like Dubois, most of us have done very well for ourselves here and this pattern is even evidenced in our children. There is a whole body of literature about second-generationers.

So as hard as it may to believe it, Dubois was one of us. This fact blew my mind considering the fact that he is so heavily revered in the social science field. My only concern is that he did not grasp or promote his Haitian American identity as much as he did his African American one. Unfortunately, most of us can relate but the question is Why? Why do most of us have a problem identifying with our “Haitianess?”

As for your series of questions, I think my answer would be "YES to all of the above." But I would be interested in seeing what everyone else has to say in response to your question - "What makes a person "Haitian"?

Love For My People
- Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 12:34:11 (EST)

Oh God here we go with one of those Haitians who think they are better than the other just because they were born in Haiti. Can I just be Haitian because my parents are from there and I was born elsewhere? Do I have to eat grio, legume and sauce pois to be a "true Haitian"? Get off your high horse.
Cynical Haitian
Anywhere, NY - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 12:12:37 (EST)

love for my...,
thanks for responding and giving the info, but W.E.B.'s father was an African-American (mixed raced heritage). He fathered a WEB's father in Haiti with a Haitian woman (DuBois family - same last name no relation), and then he returned to America with the child. So it may be a stretched to say the WEB was "A SECOND GENERATION HAITIAN AMERICAN WITH IMMIGRANT PARENTS."
Questions: What makes a person a "Haitian"?
born on the land?
raised by the culture? born on the land and by the culture?
born of "Haitian" parents, but not of the culture?
born of "Haitian" parents WITH the culture?

WEB's father may have been born IN Haiti and OF Haitian mother, but it could be ARGUED that he was not "Haitian."

Moboutoo, PR, Love for my..., JCV, I await your inputs.
map swiv
- Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 11:37:53 (EST)

Ti Cina,

Love you too. But again, no point intended. So please keep me out of this if you plan to make something out of nothing. Take care.
Love For My People
Silver Spring, MD - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 10:46:52 (EST)

" No point intended" oh oh, cela veut dire koi? Est ce que c'est une faute de frappe? Vous auriez pu ecrire NO POUND INTENDED, a moins que you did not INTEND to make a point. Alors mon vieux, corrigez votre erreur.

Ti cina
- Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 10:19:14 (EST)

Torchenot,

According to "The Autobiography of W.E.B. Dubois," only his father was born in Haiti (chapter VI - My Birth and Family). Nevertheless, Dubois, who was born in Great Barrington, MA, was not only one of the greatest intellectuals and social leaders of his time. He co-founded the NAACP based on the Haitian revolutionary theme of freedom and equality based on his grandfather's account. DUBOIS WAS A SECOND GENERATION HAITIAN AMERICAN WITH IMMIGRANT PARENTS.

He even talks about what was going on in Haiti at the time, as well as Boyer's open invitation to blacks in the US - which has a lot to do with why his grandfather was there. It is a fascinating account and a good read.

This is a great example of Haitian Empowerment. Thanks for taking this discussion to a higher level. No point intended.
Love For My People
SIlver Spring, MD - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 09:19:05 (EST)

Echodhaiti.com, I visited your spinoff-Haiti2004.info. In the article titled HAYTI, W.E.Dubois's grandfather left America to go live in Haiti, before he returned to America, he fathered a son, Alexander Dubois, who is the father of W.E.Dubois. Was W.E. Dubois also born in Haiti?

PS: It looks really good, post more info if you have.
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia , MD - Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 20:14:48 (EST)

trait dunion may rest in peace,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nou pa regrèt li.
mon conpè
washington, dc - Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 19:20:53 (EST)

Is Trait-d'union still in operation? I haven't seen or heard anything about this local publication for sometimes now. Hopefully all is well and alive.
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 19:11:08 (EST)

Observer.....Thanks for coming out to support us. Hope you come back again. I just want to say one thing about your comment......it's so hard to please a crowd. The djs are doing their best. It's a shame to see that there are more Africans than Haitians that come out and support us. So therefore we must please our crowd. Let's say you are a DJ and your crowd is nothing but chinese people. What would you do? Will pump them up with Konpa or their music? You feel me? Do you see my point? If we had a haitian crowd, of course we will be playing konpa net ale. But the crowd is Africans so we must please the crowd. Now work with me on this. Let's try to pull our people out because you and I both are tired of this. I am tired of the African music....lol

Let me add this, we had many friday nights were the crowd was nothing but Haitians. Those nights were konpa all the way. Even the Africans were enjoying our konpa. I guess it just so happen that you came out the wrong night. Give us another chance and come party with us friday night.

One last thing.....bring a friend and spread the word.

We need more people like you and your suggestions are welcome.

Thanks again for your support

smoochees
- Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 10:12:44 (EST)

Wow it's wonderful to see how people can unite in one place....just to chat!! yeah about Oasis I went....and well I will be honest if a haitian is down with african music then fine but don't ask to come and sit just to hear a whole rack of these songs not that I am being prejudice or anything but let's face it not even the african people were enjoying their own song, something else needs to happen...big suggestion the same routine every friday CUT IT, PEOPLE ARE TIRE OF IT
Observer
New Carrollton, MD - Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 23:55:35 (EST)

Welcome to the board Jenni. Hope you have a great time here. If you really want to meet people from all over the place, old friends, and people from Boston.....Haitianconnection.com is the place to be. I don't know if you already know about them or even heard of them. Great site. You meet people from all OVER. Check it out (if don't know about it yet). You will have a great time there. People really get connected. All types of connection. Have fun!
smoochees
- Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 11:46:19 (EST)

Sakapfet! I am a newcomer to the area from Boston, MA. I am looking to connect with some of my Haitian people. This website has been a great source of info but I still have not been able to meet anyone. I look foward to meeting everyone as time goes on. Jetienn01@hotmail.com
Jennifer Etienne <jetienn01@hotmail.com>
Upper Marlboro, MD - Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 10:09:37 (EST)

Yopranm.....mwen tal pran yon ti repo NYC. I spent quality time with the family and close friends. I was not feeling any partying at all. Mwen pat kon sal tap pase'm. Ko a gin le di 7 ase banm yon break. Laj ap monte. Mwen komense granmoun....lol. E byen gin le pou sa. Fok la vi plezi ta fini pou mwen yon jou...lol/ Ale we friday night mwen nan Oasis...lol. How's your thanksgiving?

Maximo mi amor.....ke pasa?
smoochees
- Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 09:35:19 (EST)

Gerard,
Have you met most Haitians? Have you interviewed most Haitians? It would be wise to think just a moment before making such statement. " most Haitians don't accept constructive criticism". Maybe, through your eyes,your criticism was constructive.

Amoise
- Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 02:27:03 (EST)

Horloge du mensonge.
>
Un homme décède et va au paradis. Il arrive dans le bureau de St- Pierre, et remarque que les murs sont ornés d'une multitude d'horloges, intrigué il lui demande " dites-moi, à quoi servent ces horloges accrochées contre vos murs ? ", et le saint homme de lui répondre : " ce sont les horloges du mensonge, lorsqu'une personne dit un mensonge, son horloge personnelle avance d'une heure.
>
Voici par exemple celle de mère Teresa, elle est bloquée sur midi, donc elle n'a jamais dit de mensonge.
>
Voici celle de Martin Luther King, elle marque deux heures, donc il a prononcé deux mensonges dans sa vie.
>
L'homme observe les différentes horloges et demande: " je ne vois pas celle du président Aristide. St- Pierre" : Elle se trouve dans le bureau de Jésus, il l'utilise comme ventilateur ! !

>Moi et ma maison nous servirons l'Eternel
Aristide
Port-au-Prince, - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 23:58:53 (EST)

People, people, please come check out the Oasis on Fridays. I read that someone said that there was more african music than kompas. We really need haitian people to come see for themselves. As one of the DJ's , I try to give the crowd a variety. But naturally we are goin' to play for the crowd. So the more haitian people who show up , the more kompas you will hear. But please show up the and support your people.

Thanks,

UNI
UNI <mf20722@aol.com>
Riverdale, MD - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 18:39:34 (EST)

The weekend was terible for me,my sister was supposed to get here Friday afternoon from from Boston,and she finally made it to Md after 11.00 pm.This is the reason I didn't get my chance to party with Echo.
The rest I prefer not to talk about it.

K-rine
Rockville, md - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 18:11:29 (EST)

Hi Anoym,

You've made an excellent point which is well taken. However, I was wondering if you were referring to next year's National March for Haitian Empowerment or a different one? If it is the national march, it is important to make clear that the objectives for the march is to celebrate Haiti's bicentennial and call for Haitian empowerment NOW.

Although we would like to march against racial depictions against Haitian people for profit or entertainment purposes, we will also be marching against and in support of a number of issues affecting our people. You can visit our site at www.10thdepartment.org for a complete list.

Please keep in mind that the website has not been updated in several months due to a lack of time and commitment on behalf of our website developer. We hope to resolve this issue very soon.

In the meantime, if anyone knows a Haitian/Haitian American webdeveloper who can help us upload some information, please send the contact information to mcharles@10thdepartment.org. We would truly appreicaite it.

Hope this addresses your concern.

Love For My People
Silver Spring, MD - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 16:39:50 (EST)

This is the content of an e-mail I received from a someone. What do you guys think about the following e-mail?

Someone forwarded this email to me last week. I can't believe people are getting ready to protest against a "stupid" video game. In fact, I've been getting quite a few emails about this Rockstar game. I just can't see the big deal. This march will accomplish the exact opposite. It will only help promote RockStar Game. Just look at their target market. TEENAGERS. Do you think teenagers care about "corporate responsibilities"? I didn't think so either. I don't think people disrespect Haitians because we are being portrayed as gangsters in movies and video games. People don't respect us because of our corrupt gov't, lack of education and we've failed to accomplish economic prosperity. I think we are being too sensitive about this. I hope these people will use their time for something more constructive.

Anonym
Columbia, MD - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 15:12:59 (EST)

I likes, i likes! Smoochees, repon' non sista. Ou tal pran'l NYC weekend lan? Bo isit tro raz.

'"Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?".Here's an update for you. Nowadays 50% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize its not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage.'

Yopran'm
- Monday, December 01, 2003 at 14:53:12 (EST)

Hmmm, this is an update on an old thought....

For all those men who say,

"Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?".

Here's an update for you.

Nowadays 50% of women are against marriage.

Why?

Because women realize its not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a
little sausage.

Have a great day!

Semwen
Glendale, Md - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 14:11:42 (EST)

Marie, our community is dying! This community shined by it's absence at a time when help and encouragement were needed.
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 13:37:10 (EST)

Smooch,

Last weekend was just okay. I went to Oasis on Friday to celebrate with Echod'Haiti, too bad I did not see you. The crowd was small. Maybe you have left by the time I got there. Most likely the place had more African than Haitian. I only heard 3 Kompa songs the whole night, which got me wonder, is "Friday Night" an African event?

Saturday Night.
First, I went to Saint Vincent Palotti High since they stated at 9:30PM. This party was nice, but not as crowded as the last one. The dance show was very nice. It was the highlight of the night. The girls have potential, they need a good choreographer to teach them more folkloric steps. I liked their outfits displaying the Haitian colors. It would have made me happier the see more Haitian dancesteps. I hope the officiels focused more on that. As far as getting on the dance floor the crowd was cold throughout the night. The stage was decorated pretty nicely, laser lights, ect...but the sound was not too plesant to my ears at certain point.

I left the school little after 1AM because, I wanted to catch Vibes at Oasis. It was just okay with a small crowd.

Overall, with Vibes in town,many people out of town, I had fun. The party in Laurel was the best one. The place is dainty nice for any bal. I heard the guys announcing for February 14, 2004 on their second anniversary having New Stars from New York performing live at the school. Anyway, I wish them luck, because it is very risky to plan a bal during winter time due to weather problem that may present.

Sunday
I did not go anywhre. Maybe Ajimal can comment on "Fanatic Romantic" and tell us who was there and if he had a chance to meet his new friend Gerard.

Peace to love to all my Haitian people
Marie
- Monday, December 01, 2003 at 12:03:55 (EST)

Smooch,

Last weekend was just okay. I went to Oasis on Friday to celebrate with Echod'Haiti, too bad I did not see you. The crowd was small. Maybe you have left by the time I got there. Most likely the place had more African than Haitian. I only heard 3 Kompa songs the whole night, which got me wonder, is "Friday Night" an African event?

Saturday Night.
First, I went to Saint Vincent Palotti High since they stated at 9:30PM. This party was nice, but not as crowded as the last one. The dance show was. It was the highlight of the night. The girls have potential, they need a good choreographer to teach them more folkloric steps. I liked their outfits displaying the Haitian colors. It would have made me happier the see more Haitian dancesteps. I hope the officiels focused more on that. As far as getting on the dance floor the crowd was cold throughout the night. The stage was decorated pretty nicely, laser lights, ect...but the sound was not too plesant to my ears at certain point.

I left the school little after 1AM because, I wanted to catch Vibes at Oasis. It was just okay with a small crowd.

Overall, with Vibes in town,many people out of town, I had fun. The party in Laurel was the best one. The place is dainty nice for any bal. I heard the guys announcing for February 14, 2004 on their second anniversary having New Stars from New York performing live at the school. Anyway, I wish them luck, because it is very risky to plan a bal during winter time due to weather problem that may present.

Sunday
I did not go anywhre. Maybe Ajimal can comment on "Fanatic Romantic" and tell us who was there and if he had a chance to meet his new friend Gerard.

Peace to love to all my Haitian people
Marie
- Monday, December 01, 2003 at 12:01:40 (EST)

Il n'est jamais trop tard pour bien faire. Alors ECHODHAITI BONNE FETE. Sorry I missed the party. I'll catch you guys next year.
smoochees
- Monday, December 01, 2003 at 09:38:31 (EST)

Marie.....WELCOME! I love to you see new people on the board. Sak pi red la yo tout konnin'm...lol

Se pa mwen kap fe bagay yo non. Pa okipe K-rine....lol

Did ya had fun for the weekend? Mwen pat la...
smoochees
- Monday, December 01, 2003 at 09:19:24 (EST)

Greetings,

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. How many of you feel so bloaded stuffed this morning?.....lol

K-rine.....How are you? Should I welcome you too or are you an old member on this board. Just in case let me do my JOB.....WELCOMEEEEEEEEEEE DEAR!

I know Ajimal and I do not know Gerard. Me welcoming him does not have anything to do with what's going on between him and aji. Mwen pa pran bo. I like to swiv bagay yo. Kite mesye yo debat yo. Mwen pat la so mwen pa ka bay opinion pa'm. Can you believe as lakay production member, it's on the board that I find out about Fanatic Romantic? Anyway, I welcome every new member that joins us on this board. Regardless of who they are. Gerard was new here so I welcome him.

By the way, eske ou te jwen afe friday night? Paske mwen pat la ki vle di tout bel ti gason yo te free. Did you catch any? ;)
smoochees
- Monday, December 01, 2003 at 09:17:06 (EST)

Good Morning Friends,

Hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday as we draw nearer to the close of another year.

I know I tend to be a little wordy in my entries and maybe this may cause the message to get lost. So I will keep them short and sweet from now on in order to get to the point.

With this in mind, would anyone care to share their thoughts, questions, comments, or suggestions on the following two points?

First, what do you think about the objectives for next year’s National March for Haitian Empowerment which are to celebrate Haiti’s bicentennial and call for Haitian empowerment NOW?

Second, do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The Haitian national identity is stigmatized and still viewed in a negative light. As a result, we have become members of a marginalized group that has NO collective voice, power, or vision.

Your opinion matters so please don’t hesitate to contribute to this online discussion.

Love For My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 09:16:56 (EST)

ugo dey hererereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
mumu <mumu@lome.com>
lome, lome - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 05:45:53 (EST)

Bonjour,Haiti cherie.I miss you my sweet heart.
Mwen ta vle pou tout ayisyen ta mete yo ansanb pou ayiti ta pi bel pase yon mango fransik.
An nou fete bel fet 2004 sa-a ansanb kom fre ak se
Mesi, pou nou tout
Se Te jean charles.
Jean, charles <jeank2220002002@yahoo.com>
Hallandale, Fl - Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 11:32:27 (EST)

Yon gro kout chapo pou EchodHaiti,"Kote tout Ayisyen se star", pou 5 an sevis yo nan kominote ya... Mwen regret ampil ke mwen pa kabab celebre avek nou... Ginau, Jean Jean,kongratilechonn...apre nou, se nou, e ap toujou nou...
Mirna
- Friday, November 28, 2003 at 20:58:34 (EST)

Yon gro kout chapo pou EchodHaiti, Kote tout Ayisyen se star", pou 5 an sevis yo nan kominote ya... Mwen regret ampil ke mwen pa kabab celebre avek nou... Ginau, Jean Jean,kongratilechonn...apre nou, se nou, e ap toujou nou...
Mirna
- Friday, November 28, 2003 at 20:57:45 (EST)

Echo pam nan-
I certainly will be there tonight to tell you guys Happy Anniversary.

You know that this December 2nd is also the 13th Anniversary of Haiti A Suivre.Last year at this time we did the big twelve (12) with Tabou at Blair H.S(Award Night)etc... Tonight it's my turn to party with you.
Keep up the good work-you know I got your back

Jean Jean -no diol to talk.

Se pou'n continué ap travail pou yo,
yo guen pou rivé you tan pou yo wè nou té fè.

Sé pou'n continué ap travail pou yo
yo guen pou rivé you tan pou yo wè nou ro, nou ro, nou ro

Nou ro ,nou ro,et nap toujou ro

TI MANNO ET LE DP EXPRESS

BONNE FETE ECHODHAITI.COM

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, Md - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 20:37:24 (EST)

Echodhaiti.com, on behalf of my family, I would like to express a heartfelt thanks for your matchless service that we have benefited from. Thanks to you our community is better structured today than it was 5 years ago;a few short years ago information was colonized, but because of your vision those days are well behind us. It's with highest level of pride that I will say that you guys are my fellow Haitians.
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 19:50:39 (EST)

HAPPY 5th ANNIVERSARY ECHO!

Selfness could be described as a semantically baseline for an unwarranted dimension of cognitive consciousness, which variously and undoubtedly leads to self-righteous. As it may be a compulsory urge in human’s behavior, ECHODHAITI, you have magnified yourself by holding high the torch of distinction. Your inestimable contribution since the inception has nullified any ill projected perceptions. You seem to be on the verge of internationalizing the inter- Haitian debate by your exemplary approach to communal promotion, and thereby, affirming our common humanity and identity.

In this regard and wholeheartedly, I convey my congratulations to you on your 5th anniversary. You shall unyieldingly continue to maintain the long-haul services to our beloved community. It is not always easy to be the subject of expectations. You should shield yourself with courage and determination against mischaracterizations, psychological assassinations and defamation. One of the most important virtues in life is to be useful in whatever capacity. An unprincipled life is not worth living… Joyeux anniversaire à toi Jean Jean, Ginau et tous les autres d’ECHODHAIT!

Kenbe fèm,

Rony GUITEAU

Rony GUITEAU
- Friday, November 28, 2003 at 17:33:09 (EST)

Han han,

Se smooches pap fe bagay yo. An bin kipe yon ti jeune homme pou mwen tou okay.
Weekend sa change aktivite nan kominote ya, map fete net al kole. An nou fe yon ti efo pou supote mou'n kap fe fet sa yo jan K-rine di ya.
Vendredi (Aswe a) map fete avek DJ Jean Michel Echod'haiti et Lakay, Samedi soir map fete nan Saint Vincent, Laurel avek DJ Wolado, Dimanch map fete nan Los Arrieros avek Ajimal.

Map profite net, paske pa jan'm gin yon weekend konsa. An plus de sa, pap gin ni lapli ni snow.

Marie
- Friday, November 28, 2003 at 11:29:04 (EST)

Bravo to all the promoters and deejays in this community who are trying real hard to entertain us .We all know it's not easy, sé effort neg yo ap fè ak lagen nan poche yo.They deserve our support not the b.s of someone new in our community kap vini fè ti difé volé entre nous.

Yo pran'm, I'm glad to see you rally next to Agimal.
Gerard started on the wrong foot,he did not give constructive feedbacks,li attaké nou toute by saying "is that the way you GUYS do things in this area" "you GUYS need to tell the truth" He also said "I spend some time there and I did not see ANYBODY"
Agimal,on the other hand, did named some people who were there, people that we all know.So I can only beleive Agimal

Smooches, I understand that you are with lacay production-think,just think... do you think gerard deserve your welcome.

Mirna...Ou wè sa Agimal di...li guen rézon mezanmi.

Smooches hope to see you tonight.Pa pran toute kité you bel ti gasson pou mwen tou sista.

K-rine
Rockville, md - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 10:12:53 (EST)

Very good advise to Ajimal. Sa samble li yap yon bel fet, map la kanmin'n nan St Vincent school nan Laurel. Denye foi mwen te la, li te bon. Moin espere ane sa lap 2 foi pi bon.

Marie
USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 08:42:11 (EST)

Well said Agi,vacabon an pa connin ou, li pa con'n moune.
You named some witnesses -epi that's it-ti gera used the word "anybody" meaning zero.So I can also say that he is a liar.
FINI.
Petion
Bethesda, md - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 21:05:56 (EST)

I want to wish "HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY" to all the readers and members of the ECHO WEB.

I also want to tell agimal to let go of this words exchanging feud with the gentlemen from Virginia. It will not take him anywhere.

I was indeed present at Los Arrieros. The place was not packed. But the small crowd enjoy itself. We had a very mature conversation where we talk about our beloved country "HAITI CHERIE", the problem that promoters are facing in Maryland. We consume, and the food was not bad at all, the restaurant staff was very kind to us. We have listened to a good collection of chansonnettes francaises, songs that we haven't heard for a long time, songs that brought back a lot of memories to most of us. I HAD A GOOD TIME and so the people that came down with me from Columbia and Baltimore. Agimal was very tentative and welcomed all opinions because he wants to make "Fanatic Romantic" works... Remember the program is for us the public where we can go on a Sunday evening to relax with friends or family members, better yet, meet fellow Haitian brothers and sisters in the community.

At last but not least, there is "Melodias Romanticas" in New York, so many Sunday programs in Boston and Florida. What is wrong with us? Why can't we also have on ... AGIMAL KIMBE LA PA LAGE.

Before I go I want to remind evrybody about the "3rd Annual Thanksgiving Bash" taken place at St. Vincent Palotti High School in Laurel this Saturday November 29. It will start at 9 PM sharp. You will have a chance to win a free CD mix or the new Wyclef CD featuring T-Vice and Buju Banton, or a 1804 T-shirt if you get there on time. Also, there will be the very first performance of a new dance group in the middle of the show. These girls are HOT HOT HOT. You can not afford to miss that.

Direction: From 95 - Take 198 Laurel, turn Left on 8th St. by the Shell gas station. After 2nd Stop sign, the school will be on the Left hand side.
Paul
- Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 11:42:13 (EST)

Happy Thanksgiving Folks!
Can we all get along? No need to bring this subject up again. Hopefully, next sunday will be better, who knows, what kind of review we will have monday morning?
Much respect Agimal!
Yopran'm
- Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 09:35:03 (EST)

Mirna,
Je respecte bien l'opinion des autres,leurs observations et leurs critiques à mon endroit,mais lui, il n'êtait pas au rendez-vous.
Voilà pouquoi j'ai dit qu'il mérite des coups de pieds dans son arrière- train pour retourner dans son latrine.
Je sais que c'est pas mon devoir de dire qui a le droit d'écrire sur echo, ou qui peut habiter la communaute,tout simplement j'ai exprime mes sentiments car pour moi il n'est pas le bienvenu parcequ'il a menti et il m'a categoriquement attaqué.
je pense que c'est mon droit le plus entier de me defendre si une personne m'attaque.C'est aussi mon droit le plus humain d'être faché si une personne raconte des mensonges juste pour piétiner ce que nous sommes entrain de faire ici.
Et puis d'ailleurs le fait d'exprimer ma colère n'a rien à voir avec ce que je fais pour la communauté ou avec mon éducation scolaire ou familiale.Tout le monde peut se facher.j'ai vu des juges en colère,mettant dehors des indesirables dans les tribunaux.J'ai vu des presidents en colère,souvenez-vous bien de 11 Septembre.J'ai vu des pasteurs,et des pretes en colère mettant dehors des fideles.Allons encore plus loin Jesus tout en colère a expulsé des vagabons de son temple,et la bible même parle souvent de la colère de Dieu.Alors pourquoi donc vous voulez me juger moi le promotè/le.../le...etc...

Si mat mété you vacabon sou men li, sa pa vlé di mwen pa serieu pou sa--- voyons -misié ya fe wrong number, lap con'n jorge ak toute georgette.
J'ai comme l'impression qu'il s'était rendu à un autre endroit ce soir là,car il n'a pas parlé de la musique qu'on jouait,des gens qui êtait là etc.Il a dit qu'il n'y avait pas de fête à Los Arrieros,qu'il n'y avait personne,et qu'il ne m'avait pas vu.
Si quelqu'un veut le croire c'est bien---moi j'ai des témoins credibles très connus dans la communauté comme Luc Bernard ,Alex Sanon ,dj Master G, dj Woolado etc...

JUGES YO JUGER'M BIEN TANPRI.

NOU GEN DOIT GUEN FO NON NAN ECHO-MEN VOYE ROCHE SOU MOUNE E PI NAP CACHE MEN SE LACHE VRE.

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, Md - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 21:31:12 (EST)

Smoochees, thank you very much for your welcome. I will check the place. I guess it is in MD. I will find it. Thank you very much. Do you a phone for them?

Gerard
Arlington VA
Gerard
Arlington, VA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 14:41:40 (EST)

We're doing pretty good "Al". Dad and Ed are going to Haiti in two weeks. Please tell "Manbre", in case she needs to send something to her folks.
Happy thanksgiving !
Yopran'm
- Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 14:14:00 (EST)

Fellow Haitians, Today I made a routine visit on an Afro-American adult message board and the Rockstar Games statement pertaining to Haitians was the subject in one of the threads. The thread title is "Haitian group wants GTA banned." The reponses from the Afro-Americans were unilaterally against Haitians wanting the game banned. One Haitian felt that the recognation of Haitians existence by Rockstar Games was glorifying. Another Haitian felt that we were to sensitive.

I wonder what would become of Rockstar Games if one of their games promoted the extinction of Jews?

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia , MD - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 13:51:58 (EST)

I won't suffer the same fate as Sese Seko, I removed his style long time ago from my system.......
Yopran'm, how are you and the family doing?
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 13:49:53 (EST)

Gerard....mwen di'w "WELCOME" ou pa di'm "THANK YOU"...lol (just kidding). They are not any Haitian restaurants in the area. Not that I know of. YONYON is the place where you can go and get some Haitian food. He doesn't have a restaurant (at least not yet) but I am pretty sure he's working his way up there. Chez Yonyon is located at the corner of riggs rod and chillum (I think). He's not bad at all. Check him out.
smoochees
- Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 11:28:46 (EST)

Mobutoo, Thanks for the welcome. You know it is kind of true, when you give advice to most haitians, they cannot take it. They only see their own world. One thing we learn is to be able to digest feedback and see ways to improve things. But haitians tend to always say "I do it and accept it the way it is" or "it is my way or else". Remember I said "most". I did not say that everyone was like that. By the way I hope that you won't have the same fate as Sese Seko? Also, I am looking for a haitian restaurant in the area. Is there a place where one can go and get good haitian food?

Gerard
Arlington VA
Gerard
Arlington, VA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 11:07:27 (EST)

Welcome Gerard, I hope you like VA like I do. However, I disagree with your statement "most Haitians can't accept constructive criticism". I would say there are a lot, but "most" based on a few Haitians out of 7 millions plus, is very debatable. Those who don't accept constructive criticism are very vocal therefore they stand out, but they are not the majority.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 10:46:39 (EST)

Mezanmi....WELCOMEEEEEEEEEEEEE to all the new members and HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Pa manje twop selman. Pense ak sak pa ginyin yo.

smoochees
- Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 09:45:48 (EST)

First of all, thanks for the welcome. Second, the way someone talks, the words he or she uses tell a lot about that person. When I arrived there, I looked around and no one asked me where I live nor where I came from. That is a big lie. Second,I sat there at the place and there was not and I repeat there was not anybody having a great time. That is also a big lie. I am a haitian american who has just been transferred here. I work for the government. I don't know you and you don't know me. And to tell you the truth, I don't even want to know you because I can tell that you have no class, no respect and you are not an educated individual. I can assure you that you do not possess not even a high school diploma and like most haitians you cannot accept constructive criticisms. No wonder your name is "agimal" because you cannot act properly. You will never see me again in any of your functions. This was the first and that was the last.

Gerard
Arlington VA
Gerard
Arlington, VA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 09:07:48 (EST)

What we need is a "Welcoming Committee" so we won't have to get approval on how we welcome someone new. I suggest we follow Yopran'm's approach to Agimal's tactic/technic. Happy Thanksgivings all.

Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 08:18:59 (EST)

maggiedoo,
When I was in Elementary School, I went to a school owned by the Delerme. His name was Gerard Delerme. His son is Raynald Delerme. You probably recognize him as Baba. He is an actor. He played in Haitian movies. Contact the "Frere Polycarpe" school in Port-Au-Prince. The school is situated in Rue Monseigneur Guilloux.
Anonym
Columbia, MD - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 08:07:14 (EST)

Ladies and Gents, if you find yourself in an emergency, please call 911, not Psalm 91, not Matthew,not John. Zo neg sa yo pa bon pou fe bouton.

Semwen, fe respe'w tande, wap bay mave infomacion,lol.
Pierre R Torchenot
columbia , md - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 07:41:25 (EST)

Emergency Phone Numbers
>
>When in sorrow, call John 14
>When men fail you, call Psalm 27
>If you want to be fruitful, call John 15
>When you have sinned, call Psalm 51
>When you worry, call Matthew 6:19-34.
>When you are in danger, call Psalm 91.
>When God seems far away, call Psalm 139.
>When your faith needs stirring, call Hebrews 11.
>When you are lonely and fearful, call Psalm 23.
>When you grow bitter and critical, call 1 Cor. 13.
>For Paul's secret to happiness, call Col. 3:12-17.
>For idea of Christianity, call 1 Cor. 5:15-19.
>When you feel down and out, call Romans 8:31-39.
>When you want peace and rest, call Matt. 11:25-30.
>When the world seems bigger than God, call Psalm 90.
>When you want Christian assurance, call Romans 8:1-30.
>When you leave home for labor or travel, call Psalm 121.
>When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, call Psalm 67.
>For a great invention/opportunity, call Isaiah 55.
>When you want courage for a task, call Joshua 1.
>How to get along with fellowmen, call Romans 12.
>When you think of investments/returns, call Mark 10.
>If you are depressed, call Psalm 27.
>If your pocketbook is empty, call Psalm 37.
>If your loosing confidence in people, call 1 Cor. 13.
>If people seem unkind, call John 15.
>If discouraged about your work, call Psalm 126.
>If you find the world growing small,
>and yourself great, call Psalm 19.
>
>Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is
>necessary.
>
>All lines are open to Heaven 24 hours a day! Feed your faith,
>and doubt will starve to death!
>(Author Unknown)

Semwen
glendale, md - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 00:00:37 (EST)

I am so pleased to have found this site. I am surprised that i hadn't heard about it sooner. I found it while i was on wyclef jeans site. man i really enjoyed track number 16 on his album. My son and i were dancing all around our house waving our haitian flag. by the way...is anyone familiar with the last name Delerme...and if so...in what way. My siblings and i are searching for our relatives on pur fathers side and his name is Delerme. He is in his final stages ofd alzheimer(forgive the spelling) and all of his info. is locked in his memory bank forever....we've just met in the past six years. SO you see..we know very little about hios family and his personal history....my mother always says that it is important to know your descendents(but in creole) and I don't know them.
maggiedoo <mblsdone@aol.com>
mountvernon, ny - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 23:31:49 (EST)

in response to what was said about haitians and city vice...I don't think that haitains are remaining in your criticle words"chose to remain silent, passive and disengaged". i mean the haitian n nyc are begining to say alot about it. anyway haitains (in nyc) don't have histiry of being punked....need i remind you of the march on the brooklyn bridge was it in 96' over the rock hudson and AIDS crisis.....to be haitian/ haitian american is a beautiful thing

maggiedoo <mblsone@aol>
mountvernon, ny - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 22:39:25 (EST)

Agimal mon cher, j'ai honte pour toi...swa dizan yon promote/produce/repote/Reyal estate agan nan kominote ya, wap pale led konsa sou bod la...ou ta kite sa pou yon lot moun, mwen te panse ke ou te yon mounn serye wi... Gerard gin dwa bay opinyon li, se obsevasyon pali...fok ou komnin ke ou paka sasitfe chwa tout mounn...
Mirna
- Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 20:52:23 (EST)

OOPS Again, I didn't know that I wasn't allowed to Welcome people to the Community. Should we ask for permission now?
Pa blie ke moune nan gin dwa utilise Pseudo sou echodhaiti. Li pa dwe'w pou li identifie tete li. M'sieu pat satisfe, un point et c'est tout. Why are you calling him names? Aren't we all grown ups here? Gosh!

"And OOOPS... that's the fact YO PRAN'M

If you want to welcome ti gera in our community it's your choice- let me tell you that real men like AGIMAL se ak kout pied nou mete TI VORIEN deyo lakay nou. "

Yopran'm
- Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 20:04:54 (EST)

Gerard(if that's really your name)where in my comments did I ever mentionned anything about attendance.Did I ever said that the place was crowded-packed or full. Sir, did I said anything of that nature for you to accuse me of making false statement.I said that I thank those who were there- And I also said that "WE"(meaning those who were there)all had a great time.
TI GERA FROM ARLINTON -you are a nobody from nowhere
Let me tell you that you were not at Los Arrieros Sunday,because I personnally welcomed and acknowledged every single guest,and the only two people who were there from Virginia are my friends Frantz Simon and the singer Jean-Claude Eugene.They are two fine gentlemen who did gave me some "CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACKS" for the program,not a "just come"like you in our community hiding under a false name behind your P.C.----PUNK - "LACHE"
The rest of the people are from Silver Spring and Columbia,and beleive me I known everyone who were there,and since you dont' know me yet, the readers can back me up on that.I know everyone who attended.
In this community we are one family-that's why I said Gerard(if that's really your name)because sunday I was not among strangers,I was among friends.Therefore "YOU" are either a liar or a hypocrite. CHOOSE.

And OOOPS... that's the fact YO PRAN'M

If you want to welcome ti gera in our community it's your choice- let me tell you that real men like AGIMAL se ak kout pied nou mete TI VORIEN deyo lakay nou.

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, Md - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 18:58:32 (EST)

Hi Friends,

Recently, Yves Dayiti and Natasha brought to our attention the controversy surrounding Rockstar Games racial depictions of Haitian people in their videogame. To make matters worse, Torchenot noted that a similar attack was made against us in the Bad Boyz II movie – but again – the Haitian Diaspora chose to remain silent, passive and disengaged. In the words of a friend who was outraged by the RockStar report, he said “Once again they have disrespected the children of Loverture and Dessalines. Let the revolution begin!!!!

Based on echodhaiti.com’s countdown clock, there are 36 days remaining until the Republic of Haiti commemorates its 200 years of independence as the first, black independent nation in the new world. Although this is a significant historical contribution, Haiti is still not free. We are not free in Haiti because the revolutionary dream of equality and self-determination is not yet a reality for all. We are not free in the Haitian Diaspora because the Haitian national identity is stigmatized and still viewed in a negative light. As a result, we have become members of a marginalized group that has NO collective voice, power, or vision.

This may explain why agencies and companies such as the Office of Homeland Security, INS, IMF and others, including RockStar Games, can do whatever they want to us and get away with murder. It is time for us to come together to RISE and STAND UP against these ongoing attacks against our people. We can no longer accept this kind of treatment, and the truth of the matter is - WE DON'T HAVE TOO.

Someone once said "we teach people how to treat us." Can it be that we have taught others how to treat us this way? If so, does this explain why we are a disempowered group whose voice and concerns don’t seem to matter? Believe it or not, there are a series of things WE CAN do on a collective front to counterattack racial depictions and discrimination against our people?

That is why 10th DOHE (10th Department Organization for Haitian Empowerment) is organizing the NATIONAL MARCH FOR HAITIAN EMPOWERMENT to celebrate Haiti’s bicentennial and call for Haitian empowerment NOW. The march will take place on Saturday, March 20, 2004 right here in the nation’s capital, and is being organized at the grassroots level by several groups in targeted states. The march will address a series of issues confronting our people such as racial discrimination against Haitian people; unfair economic and trade policies against Haiti and more. At the same time, TOGETHER WE CAN march to support Haiti's historical contributions to the US and the world, as well as Haitian pride, culture and resilence just to name a few.

Since we are in the final phase of talks with prospective partners, we plan to announce members of the steering committee sometime next month. The steering committee will consist of organizations on a national and grassroots level, student groups, churches and so on. In addition, there will be several celebrity endorsers, politicians and notable advocates signing on very soon.

Please view this entry as a Call to Action and an open invitation as to How You Can Get Involved. Right now, we are have three critical volunteer positions that will help us move forward in the final phase of organizing. First, we are looking for a web developer who can work in a Coldfusion environment using MySQL and Java. We have a significant amount of information that needs to be uploaded and we are unfortunately at a stand still due to our current web developer’s lack of time and commitment. We also need a grassroots online coordinator to help us spread the word about the march on the internet. We also are looking for a graphic developer to create flyers that can be downloaded by the general public from our site that gets anywhere from 15 - 60 thousand hits per month. However, there are a number of other positions open to interested organizers. I am reaching out to members of this board and our community and would like to know if any of you can help.

Please keep in mind that you will not only be helping with this march, you will be helping us advance the Haitian Empowerment movement that will lead to positive social change for our people. Together, we can build on the patriotic vision of unity in strength.

In the meantime, I will try to keep members of this board abreast with any new changes. I usually check this board at least two - three times per week. I, along with other members would be interested in reading your thoughts, recommendations and concerns.

For more information, visit www.10thdepartment.org or call 202.452.5511. If you are interested in helping with any of the above positions please contact me at mcharles@10thdepartment.org.

Take care and Kimbe la.

Love For My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring , MD - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 13:03:23 (EST)

OOPS!! Welcome to our community Gerard!
Yopran'm
- Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 11:46:03 (EST)

I saw the comments about the fanatik romantik affair. I am new to this area. I do not understand. I went there on Georgia Avenue, I spent some time and I did not see anybody. It was a total failure. I happened to find out about this through this site and I went to check it out. Is that the way you guys do things in this area? You guys do not tell the truth. It would make better sense to say something like this "since it was the first night, things were not that great but hopefully in the future, more people will know and will come". Remember there are many other people who are reading this.

Gerard
Arlington Va.
Gerard
Arlington, Va - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 08:53:48 (EST)

Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity to Celebrate the

200th Anniversary of the Haitian Revolution
"CRUISING INTO HISTORY/HAITI 2004"
(Ambassador-At-Large, Danny Glover)

Wednesday, December 3, 2003
6 to 8 pm

Find Out How You Can Be Part Of History In the Making!

Please Come Prepared to Sign Up for this Unique Cruise and Support the Effort
We Accept Cash, Checks & Credit Cards
Contributions are Tax Deductible
Bring a friend or two – the more the merrier!

RSVP By Monday, December 1, To: Larry Holeman
202-319-1077 or lholeman@metrovoice.com

For more information on the Cruise, please visit
www.CruisingIntoHistory.org

*DC Committee, Haiti Support Project: Ka Flewellen, Aminifu R. Harvey, Joyce Howard, Martine Johnson,
Junette Pinkney, Fritz & Gladys Racine, Rose Rice, Patricia Roberts, Herlande Rosemond, Jean Zephir.
Jean Zephir <jean@ejzdesign.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 05:04:20 (EST)

I would like to thank the fan(jean)who put the reminder for us in this guestbook about Fanatik Romantik.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank those of you who came to the show last night-We all had a great time.
DJ Woolado mille fois merci.
Mario Germain is the producer of Fanatik Romantik and I am the executive producer of the program,however Mario was not able to attend due to the tragic death of his son Michael in Canada.Woolado had to step up to fill his shoes for us.
Next Sunday Mario will be there with a large variety of bolero-chansonnettes and latin musics
If you have a poem for your love one or a special song for him/her,please let mario know in advance at least by Saturday,so that he can prepare the program according to your request.
The feedback that we received last night is that the public would like us to start the show at 7pm instead of 8pm
I will meet with the owner this week to see if that will not affect the restaurant operation,if it's ok with him and his staff,we will not have any problem to make the adjustment.

Once again thank you all, and remember that your CONSTRUCTIVE feedbacks are always welcomed at JCV.
My number is (240) 463-7196
jcvivens @mris.com
and for your request use the wacahapa e-mail address: wacahapa @hotmail.com

Mwen renmen nou toute

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, Md - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 19:50:13 (EST)

Tonight, Sunday ... Tonight, Sundat ... Tonight, Sunday

Every body don't forget the kick off of "Fanatic Romantic" at "Los Arrieros" on Geogia Ave.

The music will be provided by DJ Neil and DJ Woolado

Come and enjoy the good old days with nice Chansonnettes Francaises, Bolero, Salsa, etc...

Then dance the night away with simply the best of Compas.
Drink special all night. Food at discounted price.

Have fun!

Jean
- Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 09:13:09 (EST)

Hi Friends,

I just wanted to congratulate the staff of Echodhaiti.com on their 5 year anniversary. This site is a valuable resource to our community and it is a postive way to stay connected. Again, congratulations.

I just wanted to give a heads up about the National March for Haitian Empowerment. I am currently working with one of the groups organizing the march here in DC. However, if you all don’t mind. I’m hoping we can discuss the march next as members of this guestbook.

I'm sure most of you are getting ready for the big party tonight so I won't attempt to address this issue right now. Especially when there is so much that can be said about it, as well as the Haitian Empowerment movement that is both good and bad. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a great time tonight. Enjoy your weekend and Kimbe La.

Love for My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring , MD - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 13:40:15 (EST)

Meme....wap byen fe'l. M'dako....lol

ain't nothing going on babe. You know what's up. Moun yo ap esaye chofe yo anba fredi a....lol

smoochees
- Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 23:10:18 (EST)

PEACE.....O boston? Ou kite nou?....mwen dako ak menaj ou a. Tout sa'm ta fe. Le'w gin mayi nan soley fok ou veye pou KOK pa beke. When you're far away it's hard to do that. GREAT MOVE!!!

Selman pa lage nou. Always come by whenever you get a chance. Mave'w nan fredi a. Bo lakay fret tou.....lol

smoochees
- Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 23:08:32 (EST)

Thaylor.....you know how I do things and I know people like you will appreciate "kritik". The pleasure was all mine. GREAT LOOKING OUT ;)

I've been invited to dinner to the restaurant of my choice and guess what my choice was.............IZORAAAAAAAAAA
I'll be there soon.

Thanks...map tan ou nan SAHARA

smoochees
- Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 23:04:14 (EST)

Can anyone tell me where can I find a Haitian Seventh Day Adventist Church in Philadelphia, Pa?
Inquiring Haitian
- Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 15:42:26 (EST)

Yes Smooches I am in Boston, fredi ya red. Remember I told you I was moving. My girlfriend did not want me to stay in Maryland.
Anyway...
Haïti LEVE PYE OU !

ET LE MOMENT EST ARRIVÉ…

Parents et femmes d’Haïti, jeunes et étudiants d’Haïti, entrepreneurs et socioprofessionnels d’Haïti, secteur culturel, associations paysannes et tous les autres citoyens d’Haïti,

Haïti Leve Pye Ou interpelle une fois de plus votre conscience de citoyens de ce pays, car l’heure est arrivée de faire appel à votre courage et à votre sens de solidarité. Le moment est arrivé de faire tomber le masque d’indifférence que nous avons appris à porter pour faire face aux souffrances qui nous entourent tous les jours et partout en Haïti. Le moment est arrivé de nous « dézombifier », de faire revivre notre passion et vibrer cette fibre qui nous permettra enfin, de ne pas accepter l’inacceptable et de dire NON à l’intolérable …Car rappelez-vous bien, que chaque fois que nous fermons les yeux, chaque fois que nous détournons la tête, c’est comme un coup de poignard à notre pays, à notre avenir et à celui de nos enfants…

Le Groupe des 184 qui a travaillé et travaille encore dans le but de favoriser un changement dans NOTRE Haïti, a donné en maintes fois un exemple de courage et de ténacité face aux multiples obstacles qui ont été dressés contre lui. Venez donner une chance à notre pays et exprimer votre soutien le plus entier à la caravane de l’espoir de Port-au-Prince, qui aura lieu ce vendredi 14 novembre à midi à la rue St Honoré, en face du Rex Théâtre.
Y aura-t-il des risques d’être victime de violence ? Ferions-nous preuve d’imprudence en y allant ? Oui et non... Oui pour les raisons que nous connaissons tous déjà trop bien.

« Non, parce que face à un régime de terreur, le fait même d’exister est une imprudence et nous devrions chaque jour nous excuser d’être encore vivants… »

Et pour ne citer que ceux que je connais, n’oublions pas :

Mireille D. Berthin (assassinée), Gérald Khawly (assassiné), Daphnée Berthold (assassinée), Marie Juliette Philippe (violée et assassinée), Gérard Cassis (assassinée), Docteur Carl Madsen (agressé, paralysé, décédé), Annette D. Lemoine (assassinée), Micheline Lemaire (assassinée), « Pacha » Vorbe (agressé, handicappé), Isabelle R. Wawa (kidnappée), Boris Potensky (kidnappé, disparu), Miryam Sergil (kidnappée), Nathacha C. Zreik (kidnappée), Jean Dominique et Mr Louissin (assassinés), Danièle Lustin (assassinée), Johnny Sambour (assassiné), Pierre Kanzky (assassiné), Geneviève Armand (kidnappée), Sylvio Claude (assassiné), Michel Gonzales (assassiné), « Butch » Ashton (kidnappé), Roland Décatrel (assassiné), « Chouchou » Hakim (assassiné), Jean Jean Borno (assassiné), Gina Prospère (kidnappée), Adrien Hilaire (kidnappé), Valérie Gaetjens (kidnappée), Brignol Lindor (assassiné), « Ti Gabo » Brunet (assassiné), les frères Plaisimond (assassinés), Antoine et Georges Izméry (assassinés), Maxime Millet (assassiné), Edwin Schetigny (kidnappée), Maryse S. Plaisimond (assassinée), Guy Malari (assassiné), Jimmy Lalanne (assassiné), Bernard Fils Aimé (kidnappé), Rose Brian (kidnappée), Jean Lami (assassiné), Mr et Mme Gayard (assassinés), Guy André (assassiné), Manuel Delva (assassiné)……………………

Sans compter une moyenne de 59 cadavres de personnes assassinées, ramassés dans les rues de Port-au-Prince chaque mois…

Sans compter tous les autres, victimes d’assassinat, d’agression, de kidnapping, de viol ou autres et qui pour la plupart n’ont jamais obtenu justice…

Peuple Haïtien, le moment est arrivé de « casser la peur » et de prendre notre courage à deux mains !

HAITI LEVE PYE OU !

Ref. Chronique d’une rencontre à Cité Soleil, Yanick Lahens

N.B. Si vous voulez que le pays change, faites suivre ce message à dix autres personnes.

Peace
Boston, MA - Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 12:49:26 (EST)

Hi,
I need everyone to go to this web page : www.legace.net and check it out. These guys are Haitians just like us. They are a group made of three guys based in Washington Dc and Canada. The lead rapper is actually very well known in our community. His name is Maxime Fonrose and he is UNI SOUND who plays every friday in the Sahara Club with Dj Jean Michel. They are currently working on an album that should be coming out by the end of the year.
They had multiples shows in Montreal, Canada and also down here before. If you missed them before, don't let it happen again.
THEY ARE HAVING A SHOW ON DECEMBER 14TH 2003 AT THE LOS ARIEOS on gorgia Avenue.... more info later. Please clear up your schedule that sunday so you'll be able to check them out. They need our support.
Don't worry: NOU MèT KWè'M! BON BAGAY!!!!!!!
For info... please feel free to email me at meme_509_meme@yahoo.com

ps. Don't forget to come out this friday night to the SAHARA, Howard University will be representing....
Bisous à tous! waz up smoochees?
Melinda

Melinda <meme_509_meme@yahoo.com>
Silver Spring, Md - Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 11:59:11 (EST)

Smoochees, as always your the first to give me the good with the bad.. (I don't take this as bad) Yes, my partners are African, and I am the only one in the group that is from the Caribbean (Haiti). With that said we had Jean-Michel playing for us on Friday nights. Due to some people that I work with, they pissed him off and he is no longer here on Friday nights as you already know. I'm working hard to get him back... The DJ that we have on Saturday (DJ Yveco, who used to play with Jean-Michel) understands that we do have Haitians that come and plays Kompa. He does not play it long, but plays it. The more Haitians I get in the more he will play...
We are only three 1/2 months old, and will get better with feed back from people like yourself.
I am working with Jean-Michel to bring more events to Izora. So I look forward to seeing you and your posse soon.
As always, thank you for your support....
Oh, yes I will come to support your Friday nights soon...
Thaylor <Thaylor@Izora.net>
Silver Spring, MD - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 22:49:27 (EST)

Venez contempler les oeuvres de Dieu,le pere des orphelins, le defenseur des veuves.venez celebrer sa gloire et faire retentir ses louanges le samedi 29 Novembre de 9:00am-2:00pm en compagnie des membres de la Premiere Congregation Baptiste Haitienne de Washington a l'occasion de sa journee annuelle d'actions de grace.Le rendez-vous est au 1501 Columbia Rd NW Washington DC. Appelez le 202 332 7510 pour plus de details ou contactez nous a ergosumex@yahoo.com
Joel Joseph <Ergosumex@yahoo.com>
Lakeridge, Va - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 22:05:53 (EST)

Hone - bonjour mesie ze dam

Dear EchodHaiti staff:

Ayibobo to you, all, for this great website that you put on this world of technology in order for us (not only Haitians but also Haitians by association) to communicate with one another and stay connected with our culture.

Although this was not the subject of my e-mail, complimenting you on your well informed website, I just feel that it would be ungrateful in my part to ignore this opportunity of congratulating you on a job well-done. Once again, mes compliments!

In the mean time, I am trying to reach Kesse du group Koudjay. I would like to ask you, if you have any contact of him, please let him know that Chicago is calling Koudjay over. And there is no other option of line of communication. This is regarding an invitation for Koudjay to put up a nice performance in Chicago for its midwest fans. This would be the first ever time Koudjay visit Chicago.

My personal e-mail address is ggaspard2@yahoo.com and day time phone number is (773) 442-4286. I'll appreciate your effort for making this possible.

Thanks for the opportunity that you give me for using your website as a mean of communication to contact with our brothers and sisters and stay connected with our culture.

"L'Union fait la Force"

Bonne fete 2004

Gary Gaspard

Gary Gaspard <ggaspard2@yahoo.com>
Chicago , Illinois - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 19:55:15 (EST)

In order to commemorate Haiti's 200 years of independence. We've added a new section to EchodHaiti.com

www.echodhaiti.com/haiti2004/

Please take a moment to check out this section. It is still a work in progress, but we would appreciate your feedback.

Thanks/mèsi anpil
webmaster <webmaster@echodhaiti.com>
- Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 10:08:57 (EST)

Mr. Thaylor...How are you dear? Long time no hear. How's business?

I've heard of Izora. Never got the chance to come out and check it out. I will one of these days once I make my schedule clear. It's a promise. I must tell you that I've gotten some feedback regarding Izora. I don't like to make my own conclusion or state my opinion base on what people are saying or even rumors. I like to see and observe things for myself. Everything I've heard about Izora is good. As far as the service, the food, the people, the night club itself, all GREAT. But people complain about the music. They feel that as haitian if they come out to support they should be at least be able to hear or dance to some good kompa. Every other international club that you go to they play every music. It's very rare that you will hear some Kompa. You might hear Zouk but not kompa. Now I don't know and will not agree with what they're saying. I've not been to your club. Who do have playing as a DJ? I know Izora is an African club but do you or the DJ plan on playing some kompa/zouk? As a haitian, you play a big role at Izora and I think you should promote our music to other nations. I bit you anything a lot of us will come out if they know that Izora is pumping with some good Kompa. Keep in mind that Haitians do not feel that they should support other nations when they can not even support themselves in the entertainment business. Unless there's interests.

Anyway, I just thought that I will mention that to you. Like I said, I have not checked you out and can't not base on what they're saying. I'll come out there a saturday night maybe for dinner and see how you do it at IZORA...lol.

While we at it, you should take some time and check us out on Friday night at SAHARA OASIS in hyasttville (old Villa Lakay). We're out there doing our thing with DJ Jean Michel, UNI SOUND and DJ DESMOND (and African DJ) every Friday night. It's a Classy International Affair. Check us out. We're getting there :)

Thanks and it's always a pleasure to hear from you. I'll be at your place soon. Look out for me

Good day!
smoochees
- Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 09:55:32 (EST)

Si yo ka rense? epi se mwen yo rele radotez la wi...lol. Se defen yap defen kite yo defen....anmweyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

Je vous en pris!
smoochees
- Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 09:36:58 (EST)

Yopranm......je suis la. Mwen pap fe lera du tou. I've been getting caught in traffic and making it at the metro around 8:20 instead of 8:00. Se sak fe ou pa we'm enko a. I will try one day to get there at 8. How have you been? Hope all is well.

Take care!
smoochees
- Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 09:35:02 (EST)

Sesawi....I just sent you a reply. Thanks for the invite :)
smoochees
- Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 09:28:39 (EST)

Cap-Haïtien, 18 novembre 2003-(AHP)- Des dizaines de milliers de personnnes originaires du Cap-Haïtien ou venues des différentes regions du Nord ont participé mardi à l'intérieur du nouveau site de Vertières aux cérémonies marquant les deux cents ans de la bataille de Vertières, l'ultime bataillle qui a ouvert la voie à l'independance d'Haïti.

Parallèlement, des milliers d'autres personnes s'étaient massées sur le long de la route nationale pour célébrer ce grand évenemennt

Dans son message de circonstance delivré en presence également du doyen du corps diplomatiique, de nombreux diplomates, des haïttiens venus de la diaspora et des touristes, le président Aristide a rendu un homage apuyé aux héros de l'independance.

Ila condamné l'esclavage qu'il a présenté come un crime contre l'humanité. ll lancé un message en faveur de l'unité, de la reconciliation nationale, tout en appelant les haïtiens à ne plus accepter des conditions de vie qui les deshumanisent.

En ce sens, il a condamné les pratiques de coup d'état.

" Il ne faut plus que des coups d'état vous obligent à vivre dans le maquis", a-t-il lancé à la fouille qui l'a interompu à plusieurs reprises par ses applaudissements.

Il a invité une nouvelle fois les hommes poliques haïtiens à emprunter la voie des élections pour arrive au pouvoir..

Le président a également fait savoir que les haïtiens gagneront la bataille de la restitution comme ils ont gagnée la bataile e l'indepenndannce.

L'Etat haitien réclame en effet de la France 21 millards de dollars en retour ds 90 millions de francs or que le président Jean-Pierre Boyer avait dû verser en 1825 aux autorités francaises pour qu'elles reconnaisent l'independance d'Haïti..

Notant que les diplomates francais et Americains ont boudé la cérémony en protestation des évenements du 14 Novembre écoulé..

Ala
- Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 08:30:28 (EST)

"Mima, yon ti tolerans will go a long way, so be patient and show some type of Konpreyansyon.

" if you like to make a change just look in a mirror start by the one you see in it".

Ala, Kisa blan te vle di? come again...Se ti tolerance sa'a wi ki fe nou gen nou ye-a...By the way, my name is Mirna not Mima...Next....
Mirna
- Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 07:38:21 (EST)

IZORA, an Upscale African/Caribbean international theme restaurant and night club in downtown Silver Spring, MD, is hiring for these positions:
Line Cooks
Servers
Hostesses
Rest Room Attn.
Experience in high volume restaurant/Night Club a must.
Excellent salary and benefits package.
Wednesdays & Thursdays only between
2:00pm to 5:00pm only for interviews
1115 East-West Hwy.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fax information to 301-495-2965
NO PHONE CALLS PLS..........
www.Izora.net
Thaylor <Thaylor@Izora.net>
Silver Spring, MD - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 03:26:10 (EST)

I want to first say to Echodhaiti, thank you for all the support you have given me in the past and present.. My name is Thaylor, I am part owner and operator of Izora Restaurant and Night Club. A new Restaurant and Night Club in the DC metro area. (www.Izora.net) In downtown Silver Spring... I'm reaching out to all my Haitian Brothers and Sisters in the area for your support. This is your place as well. I've been asked by a lot of you why do I not have more Haitian this or that. Well, the truth be told I have every nation but Haitian's supporting me. (not in the large numbers that I would need to keep something Haitian going). To those that come out to support me, I say thank you very much. To those that have not made it out to Izora yet, trust me you will enjoy yourselves. We are open everyday and have a lot to offer.. So if you have not been to Izora yet, pls. make it part of your weekend plans. Ask for a Haitian Magic Stick when you get here. Thank you for your support...
Click here: Izora Out of Africa Into Silver Spring (washingtonpost.com)

Thaylor <Thaylor@Izora.net>
Silver Spring, MD - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 03:12:19 (EST)

Anmweyyyyyyyyyyyy! Ala kote moune ka ranse papa. Smoochees, Wap fe lera (le rare), apa mwen pa we'w di tou nan metro, ala ou sa manman, ou jwen', le sa bon di li bon.
Ala, the P.O. Box, address is posted under people, this is it : EchodHaiti.com
PO Box 13007
Silver Spring, MD 20911

Yopran'm
- Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 14:59:02 (EST)

Mima, yon ti tolerans will go a long way, so be patient and show some type of Konpreyansyon.

" if you like to make a change just look in a mirror start by the one you see in it"

By the way Echo, would you please post at least a P.O. Box address for other type communications...

GREAT JOB
Ala
- Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 14:47:29 (EST)

Marie Carmel and others...
You know what I like about you guys, you act as if EchodHaiti is paid to inform you of evey single activities going on in the community...If you know of any events planned for the community just send a note to the webmaster... "Nou te kite Ti Marie Haiti"...Pa gen moun ki rete avek moun icit la ...They are just doing us a favor...
Ayisyen pa gen'm satisfe...
Mirna
- Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 13:34:39 (EST)

I often visit your guessbook but never feel the need to respond to your guest book. However, I was visiting my cousing in Boston this past weekend. And she asked me if I was going to go to the Haitian march in DC. I asked her what march was she talking about and she said she heard an ad on a local cable show. What is going on? Can someone tell me about this so-called Haitian march? Why are we the last to know about an things like this and we live rite here. Am I the only one in the dark? Thanks for bringing this up concerned haitian?

By the way, keep up the good work with your site.
Marie Carmel
Columbia, MD - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 12:06:10 (EST)

NATIONAL MARCH
for HAITIAN
EMPOWERMENT

WASHINGTON, DC
Saturday, March 20, 2004

Celebrate Haiti's 200 years of
Independence
and
Support Haitian Empowerment NOW !!!

Concerned Haitian
- Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 10:47:46 (EST)

Smooches,
we say hello but we don't talk. I'd like to invite you to a committee called MIHRN more details......"can I have your email so I can give you more details.They are having a banquet on the 22nd.

Peace!
Sesawi
Sesa wi
Silver Spring, MD - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 09:52:49 (EST)

CAN WE GIVE MR SAM HOUSER A CALL AND TELL HIM HOW WE FEEL?

Shame On You: Rockstar Video Games

A CBS 2 Special Report

Nov 6, 2003 11:38 pm US/Eastern
NEW YORK (CBS) Brutal, bloody images and racist messages. It's all packaged in a popular video game. One outraged Haitian American viewer, who didn't want to appear on camera, says the message is unacceptable.

CBS 2's Arnold Diaz takes a closer look, but a word of caution, what he found is not appropriate for children.

It's the best selling video game of all time, and may be the most graphically violent. The object of "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" is to kill, kill again, then kill some more.

"This game is very extreme. There's a lot of blood, you can shoot people's heads off," says John Difenderfer

Difenderfer says he's addicted to the game, plays it for hours on end, and admits it can mess with your head, â€œI think you have to have a strong mind to be able to play this game and not want to go out and kill people."

While much of Vice City's violence is random and indiscriminate, Shame On You found as you get deeper into the game it takes an ugly, racist twist. Players are instructed to exterminate an entire ethnic group!

"My mission in the game is to kill the Haitians," says Difenderfer.

That's right, kill the Haitians! Just read to the game's dialogue:

"I hate these Haitians. We'll take them out, we'll take these Haitians down."

The Haitians are portrayed as evil drug dealers in "Vice City." the player's goal? Wipe them out, an order given both verbally and in writing:

"Stinking nest of Haitians. We gonna kill them all. Kill all the Haitians."

"This is a game that is not only racist, but it is dangerous," says Dr. Henry Frank.

Frank, Director of the Haitian Centers Council, was shocked and outraged when we showed him the game. He says this is a cultural attack on the one million Haitians living on our area. "To kill the Haitians like beasts, like nothing, you are attacking our self-esteem, our respect and everything that we have."

He fears the worst may happen, "You don't know where you are going to get some crazy mind who will apply exactly what they have seen on the game."

Why is Rockstar Games, the maker of "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" using the killing of Haitians as entertainment?

The company is based right here in New York City. Its president, Sam Houser, is ranked as one of the entertainment industry's most powerful people. But he's hiding, refusing to speak with us at all, refusing to even acknowledge the community's concerns about the game.

"They don't care who they are offending," says Dr. David Walsh.

We spoke to Dr. David Walsh from the National Institute on Media and the Family via satellite from Minneapolis. He says while "Vice City" is rated M, inappropriate for kids under 17. Studies show the game is hugely popular among young teenage boys, and that's got him worried. "For them to be playing a game that dehumanizes and makes a whole group of people the object of derision and persecution, that's not the kind of message we want to be sending to our young people. "

Haitian leaders now say they won't stand for it. "When our self-esteem, our prestige is down, we'll fight for that. I'm going to mobilize my community, they have to do something," adds Frank.

So into the CBS 2 Hall Of Shame we induct Rockstar Games and its president, Sam Houser, for cashing in on racism and violence.

One thing is certain: The violence and racism haven't hurt the video's sales.

Estimates are that Rockstar Games has already made $260 million from "Vice City" in its first year of release
Alexanon
Silver Spring, MD - Monday, November 17, 2003 at 21:30:33 (EST)

I have to pass on that one, maybe next time. Thanks for a prompt response Ginau.
Yopran'm
- Monday, November 17, 2003 at 15:15:38 (EST)

Yopran'm, the party on November 28 is a "thanksgiving" party. We've survived five years, and it's all because of the support of the community, people like you and the others on the board. So, we want to give thanks to you and everyone who have supported EchodHaiti.com
I'm sorry you don't plan to attend, because it won't be the same without you. You've supported the site from the beginning. We plan on having a great time, celebrate the site, celebrate thanksgiving, celebrate Haiti and Haitian culture. We'll also do some recognitions, and raffle away some gifts.
Hope you and everyone else can make it. We plan on having a great time.
Ginau <webmaster@echodhaiti.com>
- Monday, November 17, 2003 at 13:43:55 (EST)

Hope all is well for you guys!
To Jean-Michel or Gineau, regarding Echodhaiti's "Party" on November 28, I was wondering if it's a fund-raising party or else. I don't plan to attend, but would like to send a contribution. Pls. let me know.
Yopran'm
- Monday, November 17, 2003 at 12:20:01 (EST)

Ala and Natasha, please listen carefully...

SH{EDITED BY WEBMASTER} up!!!
mwen kache
- Monday, November 17, 2003 at 08:46:14 (EST)

Natacha,
Que vos scripules font voir trop de delicatesse:

Si pronner la verité me donne le titre de de "propagandiste" Que bien, je le porterai. On vit en un aire ou les organizations médiatiques du pays font partie intégrante de l'opposition, alors les informations que publient "l'opposition" n'aurais jamais l'objectivité qu'exige la profession. Alors Ms. Natacha j'estime qu'il nous faudrais des hommes de coeur pour faire la balance de l'information, des hommes qui soient fiers de leur originalité, des hommes qui croient à la souveraineté de notre nation.

Jamais, des Gagnard, Apaid, Foley et autres arriverais à dérouter ce peuple haitien de gagner cet indépendace relle
que "les raisons du plus fort" leur ont privé depuis trop longtemps.

Pour finir je vais vous joindre guand vous parlez d'une opposition Authentique, la seule facon qu'on arrivera à un systeme de transition balancé et respecté.

Ala
- Monday, November 17, 2003 at 08:18:00 (EST)

Respect to you my people,

l like everything on this site thank you for thinking of us, but as know we each like different things l would appraciate if next time l can find some information on school in haiti, and be able to comunicate with friends on your chat line in Haiti.
merytony leriche <merytony @aol.com>
philadelphia, PA - Sunday, November 16, 2003 at 23:39:11 (EST)

Ala,

Comme vous professez bien votre nouvelle profession d'estafette, de propagandiste et de plaidoyeur. Mais, la toge que vous portez si indignement me paraît si usée. Quant à la cause que vous défendez, elle est corrodée par l'indifférence, l'incompétence et la démagogie populistes. Il vous faut bien vous adresser à vos protégés, cher monsieur le fossoyeur, pour qu'ils aient la compassion de vous en doter d'une nouvelle.

Quand arriverez vous à la conclusion que ce groupuscule anachronique qu'est Lavalas, est un naufrage historique, conséquence malheureuse, d'une élite politiquement abominable, sans vocations, visions et perspectives, capable de contribuer à une réele refonte socio-économique d'Haiti. C'est pourquoi, une opposion authentique -- non pas le groupe des 184 et la convergence non plus -- doit émerger pour sauver le pays des abîmes qui le hantent.

Auriez vous l'audace politique de faire croire que des réalisations sommaires, comme l'inauguration d'une petite école par çi ou par là, serait une grande percçée sociale. Voyons, si au seuil de ce troisième millénaire, un chef d'Etat n'a point la décence, après tant d'indécences, de créer au moins ce minimum, alors, il faudra sans autre forme de recours, le jeter avec l'eau de ses bains immondes...
Natacha
- Sunday, November 16, 2003 at 09:58:52 (EST)

DUVAL, CROIX DES BOUQUETS- Le president de la nation Jean Bertrand Aristide a Unaugurer ce Vendredi 14 Novembre le nouveau local du lycée Jean Jacques Dessaline dans le cadre de sa campagne d'alphabetizasion nationnale.

Cet etablissement scolaire est une vaste réalition du gouvernement Haitien si on prend en consideration les dificultés economiques et sociales que traverse Haiti. L'édifice est composée de 20 salles de classe (Unité moyenne de 31 élèves) deux salles de personnels, un café terria, une bibliotèque, un terrain de basquette, un de football, un de Voleyball.

M. Aristide a aussi celebré l'ouverture d'une place publique dans cette mème localité et un marché publique est en bonne marche pour sa grande ouverture projetée pour la fin du mois de Décembre.

D'un autre part, la fondation Aristide en collaboration avec le gouvernement Tiwanais et la société Cubano-Hatienne viennent de mettre en oeuvre la nouvelle faculté de sciences et de medcines à Tabarre.
Ala
Haiti, - Saturday, November 15, 2003 at 17:03:47 (EST)

Port-au-Prince, 14 novembre 2003 - Les responsables du groupe des 184 ne sont pas parvenus à présenter ce vendredi à leurs partisans le projet de nouveau contrat social au Champ-de mars.

Ils entendaient à cette occasion réclamer le départ des autorités constitutionnelles qu'ils accusent de mal gérer le pays.

Ce mouvement a été étouffé dans l'oeuf puisque les partisans de Lavalas qui étaient plusieurs milliers ont occupé toute l'aire du chasmp-de-mars

Les partisans de l'organisation politique des 184 peu nombreux par rapport à ceux d'en face se sont contentés de lancer des slogans hostiles au président Aristide, criant Vive André Apaid, le président du groupe des 184 qui comprend entre autres les médias privés réunis au sein de l'ANMH.

Les pancartes de l'organisation de l'opposition étaient écrites en anglais

Parallèlement, les partisans de Fanmi Lavalas lançaient des slogans en faveur du respect du vote de la majorité appelant le groupe des 184 et la convergence démocratique à emprunter la voie des urnes s'ils souhaitent arriver au pouvoir.

Si le président Aristide quittait le pouvoir qui serait en mesure de le remplacer et de contenir la population dans la situation actuelle, se sont-ils demandés.

Ni les partisans de lavalas, ni les 184, n'ont jamais été empêchés d'exprimer leur point de vue, ce pendant, étant minoritaires, ces derniers ont presque été noyés.

Toutefois, à un certain moment, face au risque d'affrontement entre deux groupes rivaux et suite à la panique créée par le lancement de jets de pierres, la police a dû intervenir avec des gaz lacrymogènes pour disperser les uns et les autres.

Si des membres du groupe des 184 ont indiqué avoir été empêchés de manifester, certains d'entre eux se sont rendus coupables de graves intolérance

Un journaliste de Radio Solidarité Volcy Assad, a été agressé verbalement par des membres de cette coalition politique issus de la Fédération des Etudiants Universitaires Haïtiens (FEUH).

Les membres du FEUH qu'il affirme pouvoir identifier ont menacé de lui faire un mauvais sort.

M. Assad a été accusé de ne pas travailler dans le sens de l'opposition.

La direction générale de Radio solidarité a condamné cet acte d'agression et la considère comme une grave atteinte à la liberté de la presse.

La direction générale de la station dit rendre le groupe des 184 et particulièrement les membres du FEUH en question, responsables de tout ce qui pourrait arriver à Volcy Assad

Par ailleurs, 3 membres de la caravane des 184 dont David Apaid et Charles Henry Baker ont été arrêtés en présence d'une équipe de journalistes pour possession illégale d'armes.

Il s'agit de 3 pistolets, des munitions, des boucliers des menottes et d'un ordinateur.

Le président du groupe des 184, André Apaid et son avocat, Gervais Charles soutiennent que les permis de ses armes avaient été renouvelés.

Toutefois, la police avait interdit le port d'armes dans l'aire prévue pour la manifestation. C'est dans ce sens que des fouilles ont été effectuées au cours de la matinée.

La police a également interpellé des membres d'organisations populaires proches de lavalas qui ont enfreint les dispositions de l'institution.

La manifestation s'est déroulée sous haute sécurité de la Police Nationale d'Haïti. Plusieurs personnes ont été blessées à coups de pierres au cours d'échanges entre les deux camps.

Ala
- Saturday, November 15, 2003 at 13:47:22 (EST)

did wesley gee died?

anna <sexything_261@msn.com>
tortola, virgin islands - Saturday, November 15, 2003 at 10:32:56 (EST)

An nou fè yon ti kalkil ansanm, The transition of power from The "Have" to the "Have not" is near impossible, se nan kafou gennen sa-a Ayiti trouvél jodi ya... an desanm 1990 Ti nèg Ayisien fè yon radiyès pou ranplace The "have" by the "have not" we all know the outcome of that daring risk,Kou deta, ekzil e latriyé... Now Aristid tounen Ayiti a kòz 2 gro pouvwa nan peyi bò icit te nan chere pit Alòs titid benefisié de sa, se konsa li tounen, sa pa vle di se tounen yo te vle li tounen, pou sa te fèt yo te dil li kou li parèt fò li privatizé tout sa leta pwosede, li menm li mande pou yo grazé lamé...Kalkil ki fèt is the following: If we bring him back without any financial aid he will be unabale to help his suppoters (pòv yo) they will eventually turn against him. sa pa rivé fèt bien ke peyi détérioré Klass pòv la rete atache ak Titid sa kreye yon fistrasyon nan mitan klas "have" la se rezon sa-a ou wè anbasad change de tanzantan, anbasad tounen lidè politik, lajan ap bay adwat a gòch a dwat...Tansyon wan pi ro nan dènié jou sa yo paské yo remake 2004 la ap fété wè pa wè...Here's what I think: En dépi de nos sentiments de classe,de religion, de politique nous devrions faire une seule voix quand il s'agit de la cellebration de notre independance..( a suivre)
Ala
- Friday, November 14, 2003 at 11:28:08 (EST)

I guess Ncog put an end to the discussion.
what's new around town for the end of the year??
map swiv
- Friday, November 14, 2003 at 09:34:44 (EST)

Happy Friday Morning to all my Bros and Sis'!

Se mwen
- Friday, November 14, 2003 at 09:30:04 (EST)

Nord Ouest Reuni
8th Annual Gala

Saturday, December 6th, 2003
8:30 PM – 2:00 am

La Guardia Airport Marriott
102-05 Ditmars Boulevard
East Elmhurst, NY 11369
1.718.565.8900

Cocktails & Art Exhibit Vertières and Beyond
Presentations by Dr. Cauvin Paul
from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Master of Ceremony Roselin Jean

Live Music With Septentrional
Celebrating Their 55th Anniversary

Five Hour Open Bar
Three Course Dinner 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Donation: $100.00 Per Person

Your participation will help us continue the construction of the dormitory for
the school children of Baie de Henne.

RSVP November 20, 2003 516.292.3496

Jean Zephir <jean@ejzdesign.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Friday, November 14, 2003 at 06:37:59 (EST)

200 lane lendepandans

Yon lendepandans san finans
se yon lendepandans ki nan rans
Rans sa a bay degoutans
Degoutans sa a mennen n nan tchans .
Ke w te moun Bèlans
ou byen moun Grandans
Nou tout nan rans .
Piske nou pran nan konivans
Konivans sa a charye tout chans
pou nou viv kòm nèg independan .

Jean Fautyl Louis <fofo632000@yahoo.com>
East orange, NJ - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 22:52:20 (EST)

If deez peeps (opposition/lavalas)reely cared about Haiti.
Dey would say:
"in memory of our great common ancestors, who gave up their lives and who fought so their decendants could be free, we will stop immediately all protest and confrontations for the next two months, so that we may celebrate 200 years of struggle."
amen.
Ncog
Washington, DC - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 19:59:59 (EST)

Sure, Smooches,
You can e-mail me.
Alain Moise
Laurel, - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 19:34:57 (EST)

Dessalines, pa aji tankou ou pa konpran sa mwen te mande ou-a: Ki kote u bare avek statistik-sa ki di konsa ke an mowayen 59 ayisyen mouri nan potoprins? Tanpri, mwen ta rinmin konin?

Seli

Seli
Arlington , VA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 17:28:01 (EST)

Haïti : nécessité d'un contre-pouvoir organisé et efficace

P-au-P, 12 nov. 03, [AlterPresse] --- Les évènements actuels en Haïti « mettent en péril le pouvoir contesté et contestable de Jean-Bertrand Aristide » et témoignent de l'importance de la société civile dans la transition démocratique, estime le Professeur Jacky Dahomay, membre du comité de réflexion sur les rapports France/Haïti.

Quand les forces politiques traditionnelles sont dans l'incapacité de faire respecter les libertés dans une société, il revient à la société civile (prise en tant que contre-pouvoir face à l'État) de crier halte, juge Jacky Dahomay, qui observe la situation haïtienne depuis de nombreuses années et a produit d'importants textes sur le sujet.

Jacky DAHOMAY pointe du doigt l'incapacité de l'opposition politique haïtienne à « entraîner le pays dans une dynamique de libération démocratique ». « Tout se passe comme si l'opposition, regroupée au sein de la Convergence (…), était dépassée sur sa gauche par une ébullition positive de la société civile représentée par le groupe des 184 (associations et institutions) », écrit Jacky Dahomay. Il souligne également « la déclaration signée par les intellectuels haïtiens et dénonçant la dérive totalitaire du régime en place ».

Jacky Dahomey croit que la société civile qui s'était constituée comme un contre pouvoir face au régime des Duvalier a été dénaturée par Aristide. Le peuple, a-t-il indiqué, est substantialisé, caractérisé notamment par ceux qui meurent de faim, ce qui interdit de le penser comme pluralité en témoigne la formule aristidienne célèbre : « la paix dans le ventre, la paix dans la tête ! ». Et par voie de conséquence la réduction de la société civile en une stricte « société de besoins ».

Jacky Dahomay dénonce, au passage, l'instauration, par le pouvoir en place, d'un climat de répression en Haïti, par des « assassinats d'opposants, de journalistes, de membres d'associations diverses », sans oublier la vassalisation de la justice, la corruption des juges et de la police « qui n'est plus qu'une garde privée d'Aristide, nouveau baron de la mafia haïtienne ».

Pour Jacky Dahomay, la voie de la solution de la crise haïtienne à moyen et long terme passe inévitablement par la dynamisation des secteurs de contre-pouvoir. « Ce n'est que si cette société civile parvient à s'organiser et à s'épanouir effectivement, que seront brisées les cadres historiques et culturels déterminant, au plan anthropologique, la persistance des dictatures depuis 1804 ». [rv gp apr 12/11/2003 05:30]

Dessalines
- Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 17:16:35 (EST)

Bon mesye kite priye an pran kantik, a pa Andre Apaid se ou Ameiken ke li ye? Mezanmi ki kote nou ye la? poukisa gouvenman ayisyen pa depote misie? voye li tounen nan peyi li.

mwen
Mwen
Washington, DC - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 16:52:39 (EST)

Saint Marc, 12 Novembre 2003: Des membres et partisans de l'opposition reunis au sein d'une organization denommee RAMICOS, ont incendie mercredi leas locaux de Radio Pyramide a Saint Marc.
Les membres de l'opposition ont detruit a coup d'armes et de peirres les equipments de la radio ainsi que d'autres materiels. le directeur general de la station, Fritzon Orius, un ancien de Radio Haiti Inter et les autres membres du personnel n'ont eu la vie sauve que grace a l'intervention de la police.
M. Orius a fait savoir que la brance locale de l'opposition accuse la station d'etre tres proche de Lavalas et de diffuser des informations qui ne vont pas dans le sens de l'opposition, mais susceptibles de demobiliser ceux qui cherchent a obtenir le renversement des autorites constitutionelles.

The Question is: Where are the US Embassy's information service in Haiti, NCHR, Michael Norton of Associated Press, Haiti Democracy Project, Group of 184, Radio Metropole, etc. You will not see the outcry, the press statements?

This is Haiti today

Ola

Ola
- Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 16:38:55 (EST)

Yopranm....je suis la wi. Je ap swiv anba anba....lol. I was away for awhile. I got back in town yesterday. Alors me voici. Pou tout sak te konpran smoochees te ale nap sis tande. Mwen la pi red....lol. How are you girl?
Le'w we mesye yo ap diskite politik/pwoblem ayiti I like to read instead and learn. Mwen pa fe komenter. Politik ak religion se de suje ke mwen evite paske quand il sagit de yo tout moun vle se opinion pa yo a ki bo. Mwen minm le konsa mwen pito ret deyo. Daye sa'm konnin. Pou dat mwen kite ayiti....lol

Liz.....welcome to Echo. Hope you enjoy your stay. Feel free to discuss whatever comes to your mind (well you know what I mean). Don't let any body on this board intimide'w. As long as you do it in a respectful matter...it's all good girl. Pale pale'w. Pa kite le toufe'w. One thing I've learned is to ignore the iletre ones. WELCOME AGAIN!!!

PR.....Thanks for stopping by Friday. You missed halloween night. It was the best night. Hope to see you there this Friday.

Alain moise.......we might be related. Is it ok if I contact you via email?

Everyone else......muahhhhhhhhhh from smoochees

smoochees
- Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 16:19:33 (EST)

let's deal with it amongst us who has been writing on this board so it may rest in peace. Yes Haiti has a problem of color but until everyone individually change their way, the problem will still exist. I surely don't want to be part of the problem. We all have to do our part, don't expect the other(s) to make the move or change first.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 15:38:10 (EST)

Mapsuiv, you have asked 2 very good questions. To understand US policy toward Haiti, you have to look back and reflect on the past positions of US. Under the Duvalier Dictatorship, US provided full support to the dictatorial regime. They provided money, intelligence and policed the haitian people for the regime. It was fair game because the vastly haitian majority were being exploited and if they made the slight chance of rebelling, they were killed. But at that time who were the biggest profiteers? it was the elite allied with some so-called professionals of the middle class. When they realized that Duvalier was no longer an asset and that his fall was imminent, they asked him to leave and he was rushed out of Haiti. But since the fall of Duvalier, it has been a struggle for the majority of Haitians to take control of the destiny of Haiti. And this is where the US falls. The US cannot tolerate any "Popular" or "nationalist" government in Haiti. The real fight is to gain control of all the government apparatus, to use Haiti as test case for IMF, World Bank and to continue have governments in place where the leaders are nothing but lackeys to the US. Now Aristide had the chance but he has failed. Now the question for them is to find someone most likely from the opposition who appears to be popular and is s good "yes sir" man who would continue to support the elite in their continued exploitation of the masses. They have not found such person yet and this is their dilemma. The current opposition in Haiti has no credibility in the eyes of the majority and they are afraid of going to elections because they are not sure of the outcome. They fully remeber the Bazin's experience. So their hope is to drag the current crisis hoping to make a lot of dents in the support of the Lavalas party so that when they decide to go to the polls, they will have to face a very weak lavalas party. This explains the killings of the leaders of the popular organizations. But the danger wis to have a divided and polarized society that will take years and years to recover and will plunge the country in more misery.
Seli
Arlington, VA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 15:24:32 (EST)

The issue of color in Haitian culture is something in reality has never been dealt with, but in actually must be dealt with in order for the country to move.
But I will move on...
Is the US supporting Group 184?
Is the US adding to the problem by taking side?
map swiv
- Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 14:42:38 (EST)

I would like to ask Dessalines to provide proof that an average of "59" people per month are being killed in Port-au-Prince. I would like to know which Port-au-Prince that person is talking about? It is ok to be against but it is absolutely despicable to lie to make a point.

Seli
Seli
Arlington, VA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 14:36:38 (EST)

Mobutoo, I praise your argument. If Dessalines wanted discriminate against "darker skinned" Haitians, he would have left them out completely. The fallen Haitians listed were well known, many were just "light skinned". Sure thousands of no names died, but the author of the original post, DESSALINES, did not in anyway form discredit them.

Look at you guys trying to make a stand for "Haitians" against this recent injustice, yet you can't even unite on any front. You think Rockstar Games will take you seriously if they know that "skin shade" is still an issue today as it was 200 years ago. Clean your house first, may be strangers will respect your efforts. Again, Mobutoo, praise to you for transcending "skin shade"
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 13:48:56 (EST)

Let me also add that I am baffled the fact that I see many of the leadership of the Group of 184 are the same people who were rejoicing and supporting the September 1991 Coup d'etat in which the "Ninjas" were created. Remember when those folks were in power, right here in Petion Ville, if you were balck walking the street with a girl identified as close to being a mulatress, the "Ninjas' will beat the hell out of you if not kill you. If I am lying, you don't have to go far, just ask Dadi Silva. If he is honest with himself, he will tell you what he did.

Seli
Seli
Arlington, VA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 13:35:07 (EST)

Rayi chien men di dan li blan. What Ala raised makes me think. What about the many other haitians who have been killed or massacred such Massacre de Piatre, massacre de Jean Rabel, Massacre a cite soleil during the Group 184 visit, massacre of 4 employees of the ministry of interior, etc What about those, they don't count?

Seli
Seli
Arlington, VA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 13:05:45 (EST)

I have heard the expression, It applies to those who are not comfortable in their skin color. Some people do not need others acceptance to feel good about themselves.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 09:32:17 (EST)

La branche locale de l'opposition aux Gonaïves a de nouveau fait couler le sang dans la Cité de l'indépendance

Une jeune fille a été tuée ce mardi par balles lors d'une manifestation organisée par le front anti-Aristide composé de représentants locaux des partis de l'opposition et du groupe des 184.

Les minifestants de l'opposition conduits par les hommes du repris de justice Jean Tatoune étaient munis d'armes lourdes.

Il ont mis fin prématurément à leur mouvement à l'arrivée d'une patrouille de police.

Des manifestants de l'opposition avaient incendié lundi des maisons et des véhicules de partisans de Fanmi Lavalas dans la Cité de l'indépendance. Le groupe des 184 a promis de faire couler pour forcer le départ du gouvernement.

Les manifestants avaient alors fait savoir qu'ils feraient tout pour tenter de s'emparer du pouvoir.

L'organisation des droits de l'homme NCHR a indiqué qu'elle va mener une enquête avant de condamner ces violences commises par la branche locale de l'opposition aux Gonaïves.

Ala
- Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 09:01:40 (EST)

I didn't get from the "tout se milat" comment that there lives didn't matter, but I think that the point was that they reprensent only a certain part of the population.
If organization 184 "plen milat" that DOES say something about the organization (at least on the surface, b/c of the history of "milat" and the people).
By the way, have you ever heard that if your color is "black" but you're rich than you're a "milat" ;-)
map swiv
- Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 08:34:56 (EST)

I know the color thing exist but we are talking about people who were assassinated and all that was said "tout se mulat" like it the only thing that matters. Even if it was the "elite" that was mostly represented on the list, should it not matter that their lives were unjustly terminated. If we don't stop looking at color as the first thing, it will continue for the next 200 years. I know it is not easy to overlook color but I try as much as I can. I can't change my color or the past but I can change how I feel/react.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 08:19:39 (EST)

Mobutoo, the "color thing" has been running and ruining Haiti for 200 years. It's like saying don't worry about the "racial discrimination thing" in the US. It affects where you live, where you work, even how long you live, WHETHER YOU KNOW IT OR ACCEPT IT OR NOT.
The Haitian "elite" is a different color and has always been. It's not the heart of the issues, but we have to face it.
map swiv
- Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 21:16:19 (EST)

It may not be popular, but we have to bypass the color thing. If they were victimized by the government or whoever, their color shouldn't not be the primary focus. How are we to make a stand against those in the video games or movie world who want to "kill the Haitians" if shade of lightness or darkness still divide us. If some names are omitted and should be there, let's add them too. But to just say they are "mulatres" like it does not matter or matter less is a low blow.....On the video games subject earlier, I'll pass the phone numbers around to the Haitians I know in Stafford and we will call them tomorrow.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 15:37:38 (EST)

Ha, Ha, Ha, nan tout non sa yo on peut seulment compter de 2 ou 3 ki pa Milat...Ha ha ha,Alar de karkar Men an kisa nou pran
Ala
- Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 13:37:16 (EST)

Haïti LEVE PYE OU !
ET LE MOMENT EST ARRIVÉ…

Parents et femmes d’Haïti, jeunes et étudiants d’Haïti, entrepreneurs et socioprofessionnels d’Haïti, secteur culturel, associations paysannes et tous les autres citoyens d’Haïti,

Haïti Leve Pye Ou interpelle une fois de plus votre conscience de citoyens de ce pays, car l’heure est arrivée de faire appel à votre courage et à votre sens de solidarité. Le moment est arrivé de faire tomber le masque d’indifférence que nous avons appris à porter pour faire face aux souffrances qui nous entourent tous les jours et partout en Haïti. Le moment est arrivé de nous « dézombifier », de faire revivre notre passion et vibrer cette fibre qui nous permettra enfin, de ne pas accepter l’inacceptable et de dire NON à l’intolérable …Car rappelez-vous bien, que chaque fois que nous fermons les yeux, chaque fois que nous détournons la tête, c’est comme un coup de poignard à notre pays, à notre avenir et à celui de nos enfants…

Le Groupe des 184 qui a travaillé et travaille encore dans le but de favoriser un changement dans NOTRE Haïti, a donné en maintes fois un exemple de courage et de ténacité face aux multiples obstacles qui ont été dressés contre lui. Venez donner une chance à notre pays et exprimer votre soutien le plus entier à la caravane de l’espoir de Port-au-Prince, qui aura lieu ce vendredi 14 novembre à midi à la rue St Honoré, en face du Rex Théâtre.

Y aura-t-il des risques d’être victime de violence ? Ferions-nous preuve d’imprudence en y allant ? Oui et non... Oui pour les raisons que nous connaissons tous déjà trop bien.

« Non, parce que face à un régime de terreur, le fait même d’exister est une imprudence et nous devrions chaque jour nous excuser d’être encore vivants… »

Et pour ne citer que ceux que je connais, n’oublions pas :

Mireille D. Berthin (assassinée), Gérald Khawly (assassiné), Daphnée Berthold (assassinée), Marie Juliette Philippe (violée et assassinée), Gérard Cassis (assassinée), Docteur Carl Madsen (agressé, paralysé, décédé), Annette D. Lemoine (assassinée), Micheline Lemaire (assassinée), « Pacha » Vorbe (agressé, handicappé), Isabelle R. Wawa (kidnappée), Boris Potensky (kidnappé, disparu), Miryam Sergil (kidnappée), Nathacha C. Zreik (kidnappée), Jean Dominique et Mr Louissin (assassinés), Danièle Lustin (assassinée), Johnny Sambour (assassiné), Pierre Kanzky (assassiné), Geneviève Armand (kidnappée), Sylvio Claude (assassiné), Michel Gonzales (assassiné), « Butch » Ashton (kidnappé), Roland Décatrel (assassiné), « Chouchou » Hakim (assassiné), Jean Jean Borno (assassiné), Gina Prospère (kidnappée), Adrien Hilaire (kidnappé), Valérie Gaetjens (kidnappée), Brignol Lindor (assassiné), « Ti Gabo » Brunet (assassiné), les frères Plaisimond (assassinés), Antoine et Georges Izméry (assassinés), Maxime Millet (assassiné), Edwin Schetigny (kidnappée), Maryse S. Plaisimond (assassinée), Guy Malari (assassiné), Jimmy Lalanne (assassiné), Bernard Fils Aimé (kidnappé), Rose Brian (kidnappée), Jean Lami (assassiné), Mr et Mme Gayard (assassinés), Guy André (assassiné), Manuel Delva (assassiné)……………………

Sans compter une moyenne de 59 cadavres de personnes assassinées, ramassés dans les rues de Port-au-Prince chaque mois…

Sans compter tous les autres, victimes d’assassinat, d’agression, de kidnapping, de viol ou autres et qui pour la plupart n’ont jamais obtenu justice…

Peuple Haïtien, le moment est arrivé de « casser la peur » et de prendre notre courage à deux mains !

HAITI LEVE PYE OU !

Ref. Chronique d’une rencontre à Cité Soleil, Yanick Lahens

N.B. Si vous voulez que le pays change, faites suivre ce message à dix autres personnes.

Dessalines
- Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 13:15:44 (EST)

Pierre
I made an error. The games start from 6:30 o 11:30 PM. The games last an hour. we can play anytime between 6:30 and 11:30p.m A complete schedule will be available on December 8.
Alain <amoise@aol.com>
Laurel, MD - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 11:29:43 (EST)

Pierre,
Yes we are playing indoor. the tournament starts Monday, December 8 2003. We will play on Mondays between 6:30 and 1:30 pm
Alain <amoise@aol.com>
Laurel, MD - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 10:23:04 (EST)

It is good that we have their numbers to contact. Now we should have a plan of actions and do it. Let's give these numbers to all our Haitian friends and start calling them and busy their phone lines. We should all start on the same day to have a better impact. We will complain without using foul language. I suggest we start tomorrow Wednesday 11/12/03. We should call all numbers listed. For those who don't want to make long distance call from your home phone, buy phone cards if necessary. Other suggestions??? Otherwise I will start calling tomorrow morning.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 07:58:14 (EST)

Alain, are you guys playing indoor?
Pierre R Torchenot
columbia , MD - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 23:16:22 (EST)

Wait a minute! Why is Rockstar Games catching so much flack? Were Haitians not depicted as barbaraic drug lords and gansters in the Blockbuster movie Bad BoysII? Could it be possible that Rockstar Games is only trying to capitalize off the idea from the writers and directors of Bad BoysII?

How come Sony Pictures get off so easily while they portrayed Haitians as senseless lab rats?

Are we looking looking for an apology or reparations?

Pierre R Torchenot
columbia, MD - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 23:13:53 (EST)

I would like to announce that BOYO, a Haitian indoor soccer team
in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area, is looking for some players in the
following positions:
1 Left back
2 midfielders
2 forward
1 Goalkeeper.
The requirements are as follows:
*A team player
*A well-behaved person(discipline is key)
* A player who follows instructions effectively.
*A player who is able to play the game well(skills must be above average).
The League will start on Monday, December 8th 2003 in Rockville, Maryland.
If anyone is interested in joining this team, please contact me asap at:
amoise@aol.com
Thank you,
Alain Moise

Webmaster <webmaster@echodhaiti.com>
- Monday, November 10, 2003 at 23:09:56 (EST)

Oh, now people, let's walk the walk, we're always talking.
Where are the "activists?" the
Here's some info:
The game is put out by Rockstar Games (http://www.rockstargames.com), BUT they are owned by Take2interactive Software, inc (http://www.take2games.com/index.php?p=global_contacts) and Here's their contact info:

Corporate Office
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
622 Broadway, New York,
NY 10012
(646) 536-2842

Public Relations

James Ankner – Take-Two (Investors & Media Relations) - (646) 536-3006
Jeff Castaneda - Rockstar Games - (212) 334-6633 x217
Anne Marie Sims – Gathering – (410) 933-9191 x108
support@take2baltimore.com
map swiv
- Monday, November 10, 2003 at 21:14:22 (EST)

Shame On You: Rockstar Video Games

A CBS 2 Special Report

Nov 6, 2003 11:38 pm US/Eastern
NEW YORK (CBS) Brutal, bloody images and racist messages. It's all packaged in a popular video game. One outraged Haitian American viewer, who didn't want to appear on camera, says the message is unacceptable.

CBS 2's Arnold Diaz takes a closer look, but a word of caution, what he found is not appropriate for children.

It's the best selling video game of all time, and may be the most graphically violent. The object of "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" is to kill, kill again, then kill some more.

"This game is very extreme. There's a lot of blood, you can shoot people's heads off," says John Difenderfer

Difenderfer says he's addicted to the game, plays it for hours on end, and admits it can mess with your head, “I think you have to have a strong mind to be able to play this game and not want to go out and kill people."

While much of Vice City's violence is random and indiscriminate, Shame On You found as you get deeper into the game it takes an ugly, racist twist. Players are instructed to exterminate an entire ethnic group!

"My mission in the game is to kill the Haitians," says Difenderfer.

That's right, kill the Haitians! Just read to the game's dialogue:

"I hate these Haitians. We'll take them out, we'll take these Haitians down."

The Haitians are portrayed as evil drug dealers in "Vice City." the player's goal? Wipe them out, an order given both verbally and in writing:

"Stinking nest of Haitians. We gonna kill them all. Kill all the Haitians."

"This is a game that is not only racist, but it is dangerous," says Dr. Henry Frank.

Frank, Director of the Haitian Centers Council, was shocked and outraged when we showed him the game. He says this is a cultural attack on the one million Haitians living on our area. "To kill the Haitians like beasts, like nothing, you are attacking our self-esteem, our respect and everything that we have."

He fears the worst may happen, "You don't know where you are going to get some crazy mind who will apply exactly what they have seen on the game."

Why is Rockstar Games, the maker of "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" using the killing of Haitians as entertainment?

The company is based right here in New York City. Its president, Sam Houser, is ranked as one of the entertainment industry's most powerful people. But he's hiding, refusing to speak with us at all, refusing to even acknowledge the community's concerns about the game.

"They don't care who they are offending," says Dr. David Walsh.

We spoke to Dr. David Walsh from the National Institute on Media and the Family via satellite from Minneapolis. He says while "Vice City" is rated M, inappropriate for kids under 17. Studies show the game is hugely popular among young teenage boys, and that's got him worried. "For them to be playing a game that dehumanizes and makes a whole group of people the object of derision and persecution, that's not the kind of message we want to be sending to our young people. "

Haitian leaders now say they won't stand for it. "When our self-esteem, our prestige is down, we'll fight for that. I'm going to mobilize my community, they have to do something," adds Frank.

So into the CBS 2 Hall Of Shame we induct Rockstar Games and its president, Sam Houser, for cashing in on racism and violence.

One thing is certain: The violence and racism haven't hurt the video's sales.

Estimates are that Rockstar Games has already made $260 million from "Vice City" in its first year of release.

(MMIII, Viacom Internet Services Inc. , All Rights Reserved)
NATACHA
- Monday, November 10, 2003 at 19:26:45 (EST)

Thank you Yves
Ja
- Monday, November 10, 2003 at 16:33:55 (EST)

Hi All, I would like to share a piece of information that I think ought to be a matter of concerns to all haitians no matter your religious or political affiliation.CBS 2 did a special report on a company that came up with a video game which is very violent. The company is "Rockstar Games" and the video game is called "Vice City". The issue with the game is the fact that the goal is "to kill the haitians". In the dialogue, it is stated "That's right, Kill the haitians; I hate these haitians. we will take them out,we will take these haitians down" The haitians are portrayed as "vicious drug dealers who must be wiped out". You can find more information on the following link:
http://cbsnewyork.com/shamestories/local_story_310210921.html

it is racism at the highest form. I think there ought to be a strong reaction from the haitian community.

Yves Dayiti
Yves Dayiti
Silver Spring, MD - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 15:00:23 (EST)

Make yourself at home Liz.

To everyone else, Happy Monday!
By the way, did anyone watch Haiti a Suivre over the weekend? For those of u who missed it, there's new program on sunday night called " Fanatic Romantic", eske moune ki pa amourez yo ka vini tou? eske se gratis ti cheri.
Smoochees, blan'an resi ba'w travay sista, where are you? How's it going?

Yopran'm
- Monday, November 10, 2003 at 14:15:41 (EST)

Hi everybody,
I've been checking out this guestbook for a long time but never wrote anything . I really enjoyed reading everyone specially; map swiv, PR, Smochees, yopramn...no offense everyone else.... I always have the impression that people get mad around here if you don't agree with what they are saying. I believe that Everyone has their own way of seeing things and that we should be able to discuss without getting upset or taking anything personnal.
anyways I'm welcoming myself to this guestbook as a new member.
I wanted to know a little bit more about this past election in haiti. If anybody knows details about what happenned, fit me in .... Thanks
liz
Liz
md - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 13:05:24 (EST)

Cet article est tiré du livre des femmes et concubines des anciens tonton macoutes, Frapp et des militaires criminels qui torturé, emprisonné, tué, pillagé et violé les enfants de notre Haiti pour trop longtemps, la lutte est dure certe mais nous arriverons a nous debarrasser des ces ennemies de la patrie Haitienne qui se complotent comme dans le passer avec des ptits fils du colon pour nous empecher a celebrer la victoire de la defaite de leur père...Sèl bagay fwa sa-a yo pa gen ni tank ni mitrayèt pour les defendre.LA JUGULATION DE LA CRISE HAITIENNE PASSE SEULEMENT A LA TENUE DES URNES ELECTORALES COMME A PREVU LA CONSTITUTION DU PAYS, La tuerie de Amiot, Colibri, Jean Dominique, de Malarie,Ismery, DE Jean Marie Vincent et de tant d'autre pap detounen nou sou rout nou.
2004 Wè pA wè
- Friday, November 07, 2003 at 14:18:43 (EST)

DECLARATION DES MOUVEMENTS DE FEMMES

INTEGRES DANS LE COLLECTIF CONAP

Face aux brigandages du gouvernement Lavalas, nous le déclarons hors-la-loi. Oui, est hors-la-loi un gouvernement qui extorque, terrorise, viole et tue les populations. Oui, est hors-la-loi un gouvernement qui se montre irresponsable et tyrannique. Oui, est hors-la-loi un gouvernement qui ne sert et ne protège que ses partisans-es et ses sbires.

Les communautés internationales doivent non seulement prendre acte de ces agissements, mais également et surtout assumer, sans ambiguïté, leurs responsabilités et cesser d’apporter leur soutien au gouvernement. Nous ne réclamons pas le droit d'être évacuées, ni le droit à l'asile politique. Ce pour quoi nous nous battons, c'est le droit d'exercer nos libertés citoyennes, en tout temps et publiquement, conformément aux prescrits constitutionnels.

Nous exigeons le respect intégral des Droits de la Personne, la jouissance des libertés publiques. Nous réclamons que l'Office de Protection du/de la Citoyen-ne (OPC) remplisse sa mission, en faisant diligence d'une part, pour s'enquérir, notamment auprès de la TNH, sur l'implication des véhicules des institutions étatiques dans la répression et, d'autre part, pour exiger l'arrestation et la sanction des chimères.

Nous tenons le gouvernement Lavalas responsable de toute violence dont pourrait pâtir les organisations membres de la CONAP et de toute attaque contre leurs locaux; en particulier celui de Enfofanm,qui abrite l'unique Centre de Documentation spécialisé en littérature et actualité féministe et est dépositaire du matrimoine du Mouvement des Femmes Haïtiennes.

La répression ne nous fera ni taire, ni nous terrer. Nous sommes des militantes féministes, héritières d'une longue tradition de lutte et de résistance, et nous saurons survivre aux torrents rageurs de Lavalas. Comme tout torrent, Lavalas passera, c'est sa destinée. « Pa wè, pa tande, pa pale, se pa yon solisyon! Ne pas voir, ne pas entendre,ne rien dire,n'est pas une solution !».

Port-au-Prince, le 30 octobre 2003

NATACHA
Potomac, MD - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 11:44:45 (EST)

En marge du Conseil des ministres qui s’est tenu le 31 octobre au Palais national auquel la presse était invitée à assister à une partie, une grande exposition de photos témoignant des réalisations des autorités gouvernementales au cours du 2ème mandat du président Jean Bertrand Aristide, présentant de nombreuses places publiques, des routes, des hôpitaux, des lycées, des travaux d’irrigation, des logements sociaux et des centres resto-alpha, a été inaugurée.

Au cours de son intervention, le chef de l’Etat a salué la détermination du peuple haïtien à soutenir les efforts du gouvernement Lavalas visant à établir la paix et indiqué que les travaux présentés ont été exécutés en dépit des sanctions économiques imposées au pays par la «communauté internationale» et les manœuvres des détracteurs du pouvoir pour saboter ces efforts.

Profitant de l’occasion, le président Aristide a parlé de l’organisation des prochaines élections. A ce propos, il a rappelé que la voie des urnes représente une exigence constitutionnelle qui doit conduire à l’instauration d’un Etat moderne. «Nous voulons travailler, nous allons continuer à dynamiser ce travail visant à l’établissement d’un Etat responsable, d’un Etat régulateur, d’un Etat qui veut rompre avec les pratiques traditionnelles. Il faut cesser la dictature, la corruption, les violences pour bâtir progressivement un Etat moderne. Et un Etat moderne passe par les voies et principes démocratiques qui conduisent à des élections libres, honnêtes et démocratiques », a déclaré le président Jean Bertrand Aristide. Plus loin, il a réitéré la volonté de l’Exécutif de réaliser un scrutin selon les recommandations de l’Accord initial concernant la création du Conseil électoral provisoire (CEP), selon les prescrits de la Constitution et la résolution 822 de l’OEA. Il parait évident que le président priorise un accord politique pour résoudre la «crise» post-électorale.

Cependant, peut-on croire que la Convergence Démocratique pourrait un jour accepter de participer au processus de formation du CEP de consensus afin de trouver une issue à cette «crise» électorale pré-fabriquée? Les déclarations et actions de déstabilisation concoctées par cette «opposition» prouvent qu’elle est plus intéressée à oeuvrer pour le renversement du régime constitutionnel qu’à participer aux élections.

En effet, après le meurtre de Amiot Métayer, il y a plus d’un mois, les représentants de l’«opposition» macouto-bourgeoise ont ouvertement donné leur soutien au désordre planifié dans la Cité de l’Indépendance, dont l’objectif n’est autre que de créer un climat de terreur, de saboter les cérémonies du bicentenaire de l’Indépendance qui doivent se dérouler dans cette ville le 1er janvier 1804, et conduire au renversement du gouvernement. Parallèlement, dans la métropole du Nord, le responsable du KONAKOM/Convergence, Micha Gaillard et le colonel des ex-Forces armées d’Haïti, Himmler Rébu, ont participé activement aux manifestations anti-Aristide convoquées par le Front de l’opposition du Nord (FRON) de Jean-Robert Lalanne.

Tandis que Paul Denis de l’OPL/ Convergence déclare de son côté: «Ce pouvoir-là est malade et il n’existe aucun remède pouvant éradiquer sa maladie. La solution à la crise du pays on ne peut pas la trouver avec ce pouvoir. Alors il faut travailler, se mobiliser pour renverser le gouvernement Lavalas. Et c’est aussi pour dire à la communauté internationale que les solutions qu’elle préconise visant à nous aider à sortir le pays de l’abîme ne correspondent pas, en aucune façon, à la situation réelle du pays… ce n’est pas une démarcation par rapport à la résolution 822 puisque nous n’avons jamais abandonné la résolution du 15 décembre 2002 (celle prônant l’option zéro) … Nous n’avions même pas voté la résolution 822, il s’agissait d’un accord entre la communauté internationale, l’Organisation des Etats américains et le pouvoir.» C’est dire encore une fois que Paul Denis et ses acolytes de la Convergence n’ont que faire de la médiation ni des décisions de l’OEA qui pourtant joue leur carte.

Paradoxalement, le responsable de la Mission spéciale de l’OEA, David Lee, se perd dans des propos contradictoires au sujet des élections. Au cours d’une conférence de presse le 31 octobre, il a déclaré que «L’OEA ne cautionne pas l’usage de la violence dans les rues ni ailleurs pour renverser un gouvernement en vue d’atteindre d’autres objectifs privés ou publics…; des élections crédibles constituent les moyens d’accéder au pouvoir selon les prescriptions de la Charte démocratique et elles demeurent une étape nécessaire quoique insuffisante pour que Haïti reprenne sa progression sur le chemin du développement démocratique.» Et à radio Galaxie, le même David Lee sans vergogne d’avancer: « Je pense qu’on ne peut pas tenir de bonnes élections aujourd’hui étant donné la situation qui existe en ce moment.» D’après lui, quand est-ce qu’il faudrait les tenir ces élections? Quand on aura créé un vide institutionnel et qu’on pourra ainsi isoler le président de la République en le traitant de «dictateur» s’il se voit dans l’obligation de gouverner par décrets?

Sur les ondes de radio Kiskeya, David Lee a parlé ensuite de l’exécution sommaire de Woodson Lemaire dit «Colibri», afin d’empêcher celui-ci de répondre de ces actes devant la justice. Faut-il en déduire qu’il existerait un parallèle entre ce meurtre et celui d’Amiot Métayer comme semble le suggérer David Lee, qui paraît connaître mieux que personne les circonstances de la mort de Lemaire?

On revient toujours au point de départ avec l’OEA et son représentant qui feint toujours de renvoyer dos à dos et le gouvernement et «l»opposition», car tout en «concédant» que le chef de l’État doit compléter son mandat de cinq ans, il n’en dit pas moins que les élections ne sont pas possibles à l’heure actuelle, s’appuyant en l’occurrence sur le meurtre d’un chef de bande à Cité Soleil. Tout à fait étrange, c’est à croire que ce crime vient à point nommé pour valider les désirs de David Lee et de «l»opposition»! Pour finir, il n’est pas inutile de lui rappeler, à Lee, que des attentats meurtriers quotidiens en Colombie n’auront pas empêché de tenir des élections, alors même qu’on enlevait la moitié des candidats!…

Things that make you Go Hmmm
- Friday, November 07, 2003 at 09:01:29 (EST)

Just the notion of expressing ourselves freely on this board or any other forum for that matter without the fear that our name will be on the big Cahier at Mayi Gaté is evidence that this current system in Haiti is on a better path then the past, not there yet if they stay the course we will have a free and proper Haiti in the future. One fact we have to put in mind, the transition from dictatorship to freedom was never easy and will never be specially when what you have deal with is a population of 85% poor and uneducate...We Haitians are use to "coup D'etat" So it will take the sacrifice of his (Aristide)political carier to get to more civilised system
Mathon L.
- Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 18:06:11 (EST)

I am glad that someone has touched on this point because I forgot to mention that "analfabet pa vle di bet pou sa". Also my only regret is the fact that we are not able to have such discussion in Haiti istelf. I have been home but no where either on radio or television that one can see such an open minded and enlightened discussion on the whores of Haiti.
Jackito
Wheaton, MD - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 17:54:13 (EST)

Love,

yes and no, that is pathetic and hopeless, respectively!

Last weekend, My brother told something that I felt was so true: Aristide and Duvalier were not very different in some ways(terror,pillage),but one of the main difference is that Ariste A LIVRE LE PAYS AU VAGABONDAGE.

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 16:15:27 (EST)

November 6, 2003

Fantastic!

I am rejoicing to notice that the article posted a couple days back has sparked some constructive controversies on the board, and parallelly, awakened the more fundamental dimensions existing in our awkward political system and collective behavior. I might add that the ultimate goal has been achieved in sharing the article with you all.

Tolerance has yet to become a basic instinct in our political environment. What could it be attributed to? Some irrevocably would allude to our high rate of illiteracy. May be so!

However, we should continuously bear in mind that the masses have never been principally and systematically in power. They may have erected themselves as proxies to the power struggle that has been plaguing Haiti by vowing allegiance to either an individual or a political group. There are in fact instances in our almost two centuries of independence where the helm of power has transited in the hands of the derisively called “popular government”. We know what their fate has been and what they become today. To that end, it would be unconscionably inappropriate to suggest the contrary.

It is therefore widely believe that most of the dilapidated state, in which Haiti finds itself today lies in the conscience of the oligarchic elite. Not only because they have kept power longer, but because of their educational privilege and financial status deriving from the exploitation of the urban and rural poor. It was (and still) is a moral obligation for them to create super structure that would bridge the country to progress and modernization. We are all responsible to maintain and beautify the environment in which we live. When they are not instigating the assassination (murdering) of Dessalines, collaborating with foreign occupiers, manipulating puppet governments, financing military coups, they engage themselves in political sabotage. Like they did in Congo, Chili, Argentina, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Brazil... We should agree that this social class, in spite of its savvy, has equally failed us. It is really time for a “mea culpa”. I am mindful, however, that they can still contribute to the wellness of Haiti.

Having said that, a notion like institution, even less, democracy should not be interpreted like an end in itself, a transmutation from a complexly organized society to another on, whose social and cultural constitutions diametrally differ. Institutionalization and democratization are more function of an intra-guided, consensual and collectively integrated vision. Are we attaining that level yet? Individually, may be such; collectively, no! No one individual can possibly pull a country singularly, solely; it should be a plural effort! We ought to renounce to cult of personality, to president prophet…The State (l’Etat) is not the government. We, the people are the nation and the state. The government is comprised of elected and nominated functionaries. Their power derives from the citizens who elect them; to whom they are accountable.

In democracy, the constitution and rules of law should be sanctified and venerated. Notwithstanding the privileges, rights, we, the citizens should enjoy and be granted.

The solution to our problems is to bring profound change in our political super structure by completely deleting the data profiles of the currents political leadership in Haiti. It is, certainly, not by toppling a government. Whatever bad and corrupt a government may be- I understand its continued presence on the political scene might be exacerbating and costly for the nation – it should be allowed to complete its term.

The opposition and other opponents should instead focus their efforts on a socially and sound political agenda and prepare themselves for the next general elections. That is the only perceivable way to uphold the constitution and pave the way for a true democratic society. There should be political “alternance”. No one party should grip, ascend itself to power by frauds, falsifications, racketing, assassinations and intimidations. Haiti has to irreversibly divorce with the circle of political disruptions. We need complete new faces and names. We have competent individuals inside and outside Haiti. We will prevail; it is a matter of work, perseverance and good timing!

NATACHA

NATACHA
Potomac, MD - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 13:34:24 (EST)

Torchenot,

Although I am not to familar with the political discussion going on, I just wanted to say one thing and I hope you will not take offense.

I don't think it's fair to generalize your views or experiences to say that "...Haitians are among the most unruly and uneducated people on this planet." Even if there was a hint of truth to your statement, you make us sound so hopeless and pathetic. If we continue to refer to our people this way, how will we ever see and experince positive social [political or democratic] change?
Love for My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 12:24:11 (EST)

PR, you are right on... Sad but so true.

Undercover Haitian <Incognito>
- Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 11:58:47 (EST)

The problem of Haiti today is not the notion of democracy itself. I firmly think that haitians know what democracy is all about and they have proven it. The question is the difference between democracy and the notion of governance. This has been inherited ever since the Duvalier era and we have to break this before we can move further. let me explain myself: During the Duvalier era, the goal to become "Minister" or "Ministre" was to get rich and to steal money. For example, it was common to hear that if you become Minister, if you have a car and did not have a house, you have to get that house. Once you get it, get out of the way for someone else to take his part. Today, the tradition continues. People consider politics as a way of getting money and an easy life. You heard that slogan all the time" Ah ou pral mange paske neg ou a monte". Even not too long, when the political parties were negotiating with Lavalas, they ask for the ministers that handle the money and to put their partisans in place. More often, with unemployment rampant in the society, you find people in places who are not qualified. Such is the case today. We have to redefine the role of the political parties in the country and this is where the education process is important. Today you heard all the time in the society: lavalas pran pouvwa poukont li, li refize patage li ak lot pati yo" So to speak, power in Haiti becomes a "butin" to share but not a way to advance the country and the society.

Jackito
Jackito
Wheaton, MD - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 11:50:00 (EST)

Lol@gobermint

Brotha, let me be the first one to tell this board that I am not claiming that I know everything, infact, I am a humble learner whose passion for learning is healthy. Ncog, the idea of the democracy is that people are in charge and the government is more like a chaperon, and that idea sounds good on paper. The notion of democracy is relying on the people's ability to respect and obey the laws of the land, respect each individuals rights and treat eachother as equals.To put it in short term, the people need to be well educated! As an Haitian, can honestly say that Haitians are among the most unruly and uneducated people on this planet. Without this abilities, you might as well declare the law of the jungle- survival of the fittest!

Let's say that NCOG was a billionaire and wanted to help Haiti with his financial abilities. Ncog goes around the county building infrastructures(building,roads,hotels,beaches,schools,etc) in order to develop the country. Ncog, you'd better set up an education apparatus to educate these people otherwise your investments would not last very long or hire a police force to guard your invesments. Without the proper education, they would shit on the beaches, they piss in parks, they would burn and destroy the roads when an uprising emerges, and every else would go into smoke just like they doing now when tension arises.

That's all I am saying!
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 11:14:26 (EST)

My friends from Haiti, when I read the news about Haiti, I am even more disturbed than ever before. Here comes the US Ambassador saying in a press conference that his governement will not recognize any elections in Haiti without the participation of the opposition. But to me this is an unfinished statement because "What if the opposition refuses to participate as they have been doing? What if they continue to sabotage the process? Worst than that, the opposition will have the upper hand in the formation of the Provisory Electoral Council. Something is not right. The government cannot sit down and lose control of the situation. they will react to any provocations. Is that the path we want for the country? So everyone has to do their part and we are not seeing this in the country. Do some sectors in the society want a civil war? Do some sectors of the country want to sabotage the independence celebration no matter which form it may take? Can someone shed some light?

Jackito
Jackito
Wheaton, MD - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 10:47:29 (EST)

Pr if U say dat Haitians R not ready 4 democracy, Wat R U proposin? Edukate I, Wat type of gobermint U proposing?
Ncog
Washington, DC - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 08:11:33 (EST)

PR, my bad, but when someone starts off by saying "don't you dare..." usually they're not happy. Anyhow...
map swiv
- Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 21:00:16 (EST)

Map swiv,what ever you give the idea that you could get me upset? That would be a neat trick!ou pap swiv bien, lol. Let us move to more constructive attainabe realities.

Never once did I say that America wasn't corrupt. I know of the unfair dealings of the Americans founders since the conception of this nation to the current injustices and ambitions of it's present leaders. The point that I am making is Haiti is not comparable with America because our founders and currents leaders did not plan or are not planning for the welfare of Haitians, while the founding fathers and the currents leaders of this country have planned or are planning for the betterment of this country, and this percisely why we are discussing "how Haiti" can get better while we are here "in America," otherwise this conversation wouldn't exist.

Another point that I am swearing by is that Haiti is not ready for democracy.Peut etre une demagogie; d'apres Larouse:Demagogie= attitude consistant a flatter les aspirations a la facilite ou les prejuges du plus grand nombre pour accroitre sa popularite, ou pour obtenir ou conserver le pouvoir. The precedent discription fits Haiti's current system perfectly!

Jackito, easy with your assumptions. I am not going sit here and jot down the first number that crosses my mind
to back up my points.

"In Haiti today, that notion of service does not exist in anybody's vocabulary"

I just quoted you in your last entry, sounds like you're agreeing with me.
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia , MD - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 16:57:29 (EST)

PR. I feel that you're upset-- sorry. Didn't mean to get you wild up.
Check America's history, and find out the corruptions, the elections problems (not even talking about bush/gore), the fist fights in Congress, etc, etc, America today is an evolvement of Democracy.
Too many times "we" demand that Haiti be more like the US (freedom, less corruption, better public services) but yet when "we" propose the solutions, "we" say Haiti is different; it's corrupted; things will never change.
In this discussion we're talking about Govern't and masses, but we're forgetting the real power in Haiti -- La Bourgeoisie (s'cuse spelling). Those who call themselves Haitians but only act in their own benefits.
map swiv
- Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 14:41:32 (EST)

PR, I have no doubt in my mind that I know Haiti more than you do. I travel to Haiti an average of 6 times a year. I work with the institutions in haiti and I have amny friends of mine in the public ministers. So I know what I am talking about. I am going to repeat it again:Change will occur when the leadership understands the role of the institutions in the country. We have to make it clear that government is there to serve the citizens. In Haiti today, that notion of service does not exist in anybody's vocabulary. No one has made an assessment of the country to portray 1) the current state of the nation 2) identify the problems and 3) propose solutions(short term and long term).
I have not heard this from anyone. The only thing I have been hearing or read is the fact that "Aristide has done this or has done that". There are a lot of ills in our country that can be attributed to Aristide, to the private sector, to the church (both catholic and protestant), to many who are today "political leaders"etc and I can go on and on and on. But we need ways to move ahead and to solve problems without one killing another. We need to change our conception of obtaining power in Haiti. Let me stop here. I am getting too long.

Jackito
Jackito
Wheaton, MD - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 12:39:47 (EST)

Jackito, the question that posed to you yesterday was simple to ask: Are you are familiar with Haiti? And are you familiar with way business is conducted in Haiti? Do you have experience with Haitians living in Haiti?

"All you need is a leadership who understands the role of the institutions"

Easier said than done. Even if a leader with good intentions and understanding was to emerge and becomes the next president, he/she could easily get caught up in this present system.

The word democracy should never be use in the same sentence with Haiti unless it being used to discourage us from this idea.

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, md - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 11:57:30 (EST)

First of all, I would like to ask PR what does it mean by "haitian way of life"? Mapsuiv has gotten the point and I fully agree with him. In Haiti today, you do not have to dismantle the institutions to start over again. There are people in those institutions who are serious about their job. All you need is a leadership who undesrtands the role of the state institutions and have a real vision of what the country ought to be. Today in Haiti, we do not have that. Another example, last week there was an election to elect the top Dean of the unioversity systems in Haiti. Did you know that right after the election results were made public, a group came out and denounced the election which was a public event. There was even a campaign period. If you have allegations against any candidate, why wait after the elecetion to bring them out? This is our problem today. We refuse to accept democratic principles. I have never run across one haitian who has admitted "defeat" and "congratulate" the opponent. This is our biggest problem. It is our individualism.

Jackito
Jackito
Wheaton, MD - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 08:53:51 (EST)

18 Novembre 1803
18 Novembre 2003

VERTIERES :
THE ULTIMATE BATTLE
FOR HAITI'S INDEPENDENCE

Please join the haitian people in spirit as they commemorate
this important moment in WORLD HISTORY.
Planned events include an historical exhibit from
Wednesday, November 19 to Sunday, November 23, 2003,
from 10 : 00 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m. at
the Haitian Embassy
Jean Zephir <jean@ejzdesign.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 08:12:35 (EST)

Map Swiv, don't you dare compare Haiti and the United States. The US is a well structured and organized country, while Haiti is just a location with people living there. Haiti is too corrupt to try to change it within itself. All Haitian institutions need to be dismantled because they are rotten to the core. This is beyond Aristide and his endangered gansters. I next leader should come out of the diaspora where there are examples of well organized systems.

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 18:17:05 (EST)

PR,
Don't go there. A "way of life" can change, overnight in some situations.
What Jakito said made a lot of sence. If you are against Aristide, just as if you are against George Bush, work to change the laws and government around him. None of you would dare to seriously demand GW's removal from power. If we want a democracy, we have to learn to deal with things democratically.
LET'S FIND SOLUTIONS... It's Aristide today, tomorrow will be someone else, unless we change the SYSTEM.
peace
map swiv
- Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 17:13:03 (EST)

Jackito, are you familiar with the Haitian way of life?
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia , MD - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 16:55:42 (EST)

Natacha, many of us do not understand what it means to play an opposing role in a society. I am not disputing you putting this article here on this website, but what I do not understand is the fact that there is something called election. In Haiti today, there is abolutely no reason why elections cannot be held to solve many of the things that you have listed. We have a strong international presence. We even have the OAS sending international police in the country to help with the electoral process. But yet, you find some haitian people continue to focus all their attention on Aristide the "person" as opposed to coming up with concrete propositions to help the country move forward. I am tired of seeing those who claim to be democrats behaving as promising dictators of tomorrow. In Nicaragua, in El salvador in the middle of a civil war, they had elections. But only in Haiti, that our individualism, our selfiness and our personel interests come before the salvation of our country. If you want to control Aristide and take power, start by controlling the legislature which has power to check what the executive is doing. One cannot eliminate the Lavalas party, not can the Lavalas party eradicate the opposition. We have to learn to live together instead of putting one group against one another, thus continue to plunge the country in chaos resulting in more misery and criticism for all haitians no matter where they are and where they live.

Jackito
Jackito
Wheaton, MD - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 15:36:48 (EST)

Haïti, la loi des milices

Exécutions, trafics d'armes ou de drogue... Haïti vit à nouveau dans la terreur des bandes armées, héritières des "tontons macoutes", et proches du nouveau pouvoir de Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Samedi 6 juillet 2002, tôt dans la matinée. Le Père Jean Hanssens se presse pour aller dire la messe lorsqu'il découvre un cadavre brûlé, rue Silvio-Castor, dans un quartier populeux de Port-au-Prince. "J'ai appelé la police. Vingt-quatre heures plus tard, le cadavre était toujours là, les gens du quartier avaient peur de parler", raconte le religieux belge, installé depuis plus de trente ans en Haïti.

Depuis ce jour, il tient une macabre comptabilité. Avec l'aide des sept commissions de l'association Justice et Paix de Port-au-Prince, il épluche la presse et recueille les témoignages afin d'établir autant que possible un recensement des corps retrouvés dans les rues de la capitale. Son dernier rapport fait état de 59 cadavres en mars et avril. "C'est la même moyenne que dans nos rapports précédents, environ un cadavre par jour. Il y a quelques accidents, très peu nombreux, des règlements de comptes. Dans au moins 25 % des cas, les autorités paraissent impliquées, relève le Père Hanssens. Et encore, nos statistiques ne tiennent pas compte des enlèvements et des disparitions."

La majorité des victimes, tuées par balles, n'ont pu être identifiées. Dans certains cas, des témoins courageux ont discrètement raconté qu'ils avaient vu des policiers ou des membres des "groupes tolérance zéro"(proches du pouvoir) exécuter des prisonniers. "Lorsque le cadavre porte des menottes en plastique, il s'agit en général d'une exécution extrajudiciaire", indique le Père Hanssens.
Près du tiers des cadavres ont été retrouvés à Cité Soleil, l'interminable bidonville qui s'étend en bord de mer, à la sortie nord de la ville. Les "chimères", bandes armées liées au pouvoir et souvent impliquées dans le trafic de drogue, contrôlent les quartiers de Cité Soleil, où plus de 300 000 personnes croupissent au milieu des ordures, sans eau potable ni égouts. En avril, 13 personnes y ont été tuées lors d'affrontements entre gangs rivaux. "Sous la dictature des Duvalier père et fils -la période 1956-1986- et pendant le coup d'Etat militaire -1991-1994-, les raisons de la violence étaient plus claires. Maintenant, on ne sait plus ce qu'il faut craindre, les coups viennent de partout. Je ne vois pas de volonté politique de lutter contre l'impunité ou d'instaurer une véritable démocratie. Je vois un pouvoir qui cherche à préserver ses privilèges à tout prix", analyse le religieux, membre de l'ordre des scheut.

Cet ordre avait pourtant joué un rôle important au côté de Jean-Bertrand Aristide, dans les années 1980, lorsque le jeune curé de Saint-Jean-Bosco, dans le bidonville de La Saline, commença son ascension. A l'époque, il était l'apôtre de la théologie de la libération, promettait un avenir plus juste à la grande masse des déshérités. Fort de son aura de leader tiers-mondiste, il bénéficiait d'un soutien important à l'étranger, en particulier en France. Pendant des années, son mouvement, la Famille Lavalas (avalanche en créole), allait incarner l'espoir.
Aujourd'hui marié et père de famille - il a renoncé à la prêtrise en 1994 -, M. Aristide n'est plus le "prophète des bidonvilles" et ses soutiens d'hier ont pris leurs distances (Le Monde du 31 janvier 2002). Il vit à l'abri de hauts murs dans sa résidence de Tabarre, dans la banlieue de Port-au-Prince. Protégé par des gardes du corps américains, il ne se déplace qu'en hélicoptère. S'est-il pour autant converti en dictateur, comme l'affirment ses opposants ? "Il a poignardé l'espoir démocratique de ce peuple !", s'exclame Evans Paul, l'ancien maire de la capitale, qui s'est publiquement excusé d'avoir naguère soutenu Aristide.

Evans Paul fut pourtant l'un des parrains de la candidature victorieuse de ce dernier à la présidence, en 1990. Au péril de sa vie, il s'est ensuite battu pour le retour au pouvoir du président déchu durant les trois ans d'intermède du coup d'Etat militaire qui fit plusieurs milliers de victimes. Dix ans plus tard, Evans Paul est l'un des adversaires les plus déterminés du chef de l'Etat, réélu en 2000 lors d'une consultation boycottée par l'opposition, la communauté internationale et la grande majorité des électeurs.

Jean-Claude Bajeux, ancien ministre de la culture, a lui aussi bataillé pour le retour d'Aristide après le putsch de 1991. A la tête du Centre œcuménique des droits de l'homme, il dénonce désormais les dérives du pouvoir. "C'est le modèle mafieux, accuse-t-il, tout le pouvoir est concentré entre les mains du "parrain", qui utilise tour à tour la séduction, la menace, l'argent et les exécutions sommaires. Il joue sur le climat d'insécurité et d'impunité pour maintenir une dose d'incertitude. Mais la violence est toujours là."

Une histoire illustre bien la situation : celle d'Amiot Métayer. Militant du retour à l'ordre constitutionnel durant le coup d'Etat, Amiot Métayer, surnommé "Cubain" en raison de sa peau cuivrée, est pourchassé par les militaires et contraint de s'exiler aux Etats-Unis. A son retour aux Gonaïves, ville poussiéreuse située à 100 kilomètres au nord de Port-au-Prince, il crée une "organisation populaire" (OP) avec les jeunes laissés-pour-compte du bidonville de Raboteau. Trafic de drogue, extorsion à la douane de cette ville portuaire dont il prend le contrôle... Son OP lavalassienne se transforme en un gang ; elle devient l'Armée cannibale.
Exhibant pistolets et armes automatiques, les membres de cette "armée" font la pluie et le beau temps aux Gonaïves. Amiot Métayer désigne même les autorités municipales. A la demande du Palais national, ses troupes font aussi la chasse aux opposants. La communauté internationale réclame son arrestation et son jugement, comme l'a rappelé le diplomate américain James Foley, ancien porte-parole du département d'Etat, récemment nommé ambassadeur des Etats-Unis à Port-au-Prince, lors d'un petit déjeuner avec Aristide en septembre. Deux jours plus tard, le 22 septembre, "Cubain" était assassiné.
A
ristide justifiait l'abandon de Gonaïves à l'Armée cannibale par le souci "d'éviter un bain de sang", que le rétablissement de l'autorité de l'Etat risquait de provoquer. Jusqu'à la découverte du cadavre de "Cubain" à la sortie de Saint-Marc, une petite ville au sud des Gonaïves. Chacun de ses yeux avait été transpercé par une balle tirée à bout portant. Une exécution interprétée comme un message destiné aux autres chefs de gang, exécuteurs, complices ou témoins des basses besognes lavalassiennes qui seraient tentés de parler.

Selon Winter Etienne, porte-parole de l'Armée cannibale, Amiot Métayer aurait été éliminé sur ordre du pouvoir, car il s'apprêtait à faire des révélations sur l'assassinat, le 3 avril 2000, de Jean Dominique, le journaliste le plus connu du pays, fondateur de Radio Haïti Inter. Son engagement aux côtés de Lavalas n'avait pas entamé son indépendance, et il n'hésitait pas à dénoncer les méthodes du régime dans ses chroniques. Les magistrats qui ont tenté d'enquêter à partir des rumeurs insistantes mettant en cause des proches du président ont été contraints de fuir Haïti. Les responsables du crime n'ont jamais été inquiétés.
Les langues des policiers et des juges au courant des affaires délicates ne se délient qu'après leur mise à l'abri à l'étranger, que ce soit aux Etats-Unis, au Canada ou en France. C'est le cas, par exemple, de Jean-Michard Mercier, maire adjoint de Port-au-Prince entre 1995 et 2000. Réfugié en France, il affirme avoir vu Harold Sevère, un ancien du Palais national, aujourd'hui membre du cabinet du directeur de la police, à proximité de Radio Haïti Inter, le jour du crime.

Ces accusations suscitent la colère des partisans du président. "Ces gens sont prêts à toutes les bassesses pour avoir la possibilité de vivre en France ou aux Etats-Unis", réplique Jonas Petit, le porte-parole de la Famille Lavalas à propos des témoignages des transfuges du régime. "Les médias ne parlent que des quelques cas non résolus, comme l'assassinat de Jean Dominique, mais regardez les Etats-Unis, personne ne prend au sérieux la thèse officielle sur l'assassinat de Kennedy", ajoute-t-il en indiquant d'un signe de tête à son garde du corps qu'il peut s'éloigner.
"Les élites diabolisent les organisations populaires, les pauvres, qu'elles traitent avec mépris de "chimères" -surnom donné à certaines bandes de jeunes proches de Lavalas- et de "gros orteils" -surnom donné aux paysans- pour les maintenir dans l'exclusion. Bien sûr qu'il y a des voyous, mais n'oubliez pas qu'à son retour, en 1994, Jean-Bertrand Aristide avait demandé à l'ONU de désarmer la population. Non seulement ça n'a pas été fait, mais d'importants stocks d'armes des troupes internationales se sont retrouvés entre les mains de la population",ajoute le jeune responsable de Lavalas, plutôt vif et avenant.
"En imposant le gel de l'aide à Haïti, poursuit-il, la communauté internationale espérait que le peuple se révolterait contre Aristide. Nous n'avons que 3 000 policiers pour 8 millions d'habitants. Ce n'est pas la force répressive de Lavalas qui a maintenu Aristide au pouvoir, mais tout simplement le soutien de la population. On conteste la légitimité de notre président. Mais quelle est la légitimité de Bush ? L'OEA -Organisation des Etats d'Amérique- s'est tue lors de la crise électorale aux Etats-Unis."

L'une des premières décisions du président Aristide à son retour d'exil fut de dissoudre l'armée haïtienne. Avec l'aide d'instructeurs américains, français et canadiens, une nouvelle police fut formée à la hâte. Très vite, son contrôle est devenu un enjeu majeur. Aristide a placé aux postes de commandement des hommes et des femmes de confiance, comme Hermione Léonard. Avec le ministre de l'intérieur, Jocelerme Privert, et l'ancien chef de la sécurité présidentielle, Oriel Jean, Hermione Léonard est l'une des principales courroies de transmission en direction des OP. Selon le témoignage de plusieurs repentis, les missions seraient rétribuées en liquide et donneraient parfois lieu à des distributions d'armes, généralement des pistolets- mitrailleurs Galil.
Le responsable de la Coalition nationale pour les droits des Haïtiens, Pierre Espérance, dénonce cette situation. Son engagement a failli lui coûter la vie. Le 8 mars 1999, il a survécu par miracle à une tentative d'assassinat : une balle lui a fracassé la rotule gauche et deux autres se sont logées dans son épaule gauche. Les tireurs n'ont jamais été retrouvés. Quelques années plus tôt, à l'époque du coup d'Etat, Pierre Espérance risquait pourtant sa vie pour cacher les partisans d'Aristide et s'insurger contre les assassinats, les bastonnades, les tortures. Aujourd'hui, alors que la violence ne cesse d'empirer, il publie, malgré les menaces dont il fait l'objet, un accablant rapport sur le "retour des attachés", avec les noms et photos de plusieurs de ces auxiliaires de police chargés des sales besognes.

Héritiers de la milice des "tontons macoutes", qui semait la terreur à l'époque des Duvalier, les "attachés" - civils armés jouissant d'une totale impunité - ont fait leur apparition après le coup d'Etat de 1991. Exécutions sommaires, tortures, viols, disparitions... Ils ont pourchassé les partisans du président exilé durant les trois ans du coup d'Etat. "Depuis le lancement de l'opération "zéro tolérance", le 28 juin 2001, les attachés ont refait leur apparition", affirme Pierre Espérance. Cette fois, au côté du pouvoir lavalassien.
Tee-shirts noirs portant l'inscription "BS" (brigades spéciales) en lettres jaunes, ils utilisent les mêmes méthodes que les "tontons macoutes" pour terroriser les opposants, mais aussi pour racketter les commerçants ou les émigrés revenant au pays avec un pécule. Selon M. Espérance, ils sévissent au Palais national, dans les ministères et les mairies, mais aussi dans les commissariats. Celui de Delmas 33 (un quartier de la capitale) serait ainsi devenu l'un de leurs bastions. "Les détenus y sont torturés et les exécutions ont lieu sur la route Batimat, entre l'aéroport et Cité Soleil ou sur la petite place Cazeau", précise Pierre Espérance, qui a recueilli plus de dix témoignages concernant ce commissariat. "Je ne comprends pas l'attitude des Américains et de l'OEA, conclut-il. Pourquoi ne font-ils rien face à un pouvoir qui encourage la violence et l'impunité et s'appuie sur des gangs armés ? Pourtant, ils ont les informations."

Jean-Michel Caroit

Natacha
Potomac, MD - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 15:16:13 (EST)

November 20 - 23

Man By The Shore by Raoul Peck

(Co-Sponsored by TransAfrica Fourm)
(Haiti/France/English subtitles/106 minutes/1993)

The director of the acclaimed film LUMUMBA produced this moving story seen through the eyes of a little Haitian girl named Sarah. Her discovery of the truth about her father's role as a General in Haiti during the Francois Duvalier régime fills her with the need to escape to an imaginary world

www.ericocafe.com 202-518-9742 / www.blackfilmmakers.net 202-232-3400/ www.TransAfricaForum.org

Siromiel <homme7s@hotmail.com>
Washington, DC - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 11:52:34 (EST)

LA PETITE ANNONCE...

Une riche veuve décide qu'elle a besoin d'un autre homme dans sa vie et fait passer une annonce dans les journaux:

" RICHE VEUVE RECHERCHE UN HOMME POUR PARTAGER SA VIE ET SA FORTUNE ayant les qualités suivantes"

1. Ne me battra pas

2. Ne partira pas en courant

3. Devra être super au lit

Pendant plusieurs mois, son téléphone n'arrêta pas de sonner, ainsi que la sonnette de sa porte, elle reçut des tonnes de courrier, etc.... mais sans résultat. Aucun des hommes ne semblait répondre à ses critères.

Et un jour on sonna à la porte de nouveau.

Elle ouvrit et vit un homme sans bras ni jambes, couché sur le paillasson.

Perplexe, elle demande :

- "Qui êtes-vous et que voulez-vous ? "

- "Bonjour "dit l'homme "Ne cherchez plus, je suis l'homme de vos rêves". "Je n'ai pas de bras, donc je ne peux pas vous battre et puisque je n'ai pas de jambes, je ne peux pas partir en courant".

La vieille femme demande :

" qu'est-ce qui vous fait penser que vous êtes super au lit? "

Il répondit:

"J'ai sonné à la porte, non !? "

smoochees
- Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 09:50:57 (EST)

Smoochees, A la ou nom ou rinmin se Aristide. Si ou pat ginyin ni, ou ta mouri deja. Ou telman adore li, ke ou fe poem pou li alos ke ou pa jam fe poem pou pwop pitit ou.
Se Lavi.
Fito
Fito
Takoma Park, MD - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 19:45:37 (EST)

Mezanmi....fok titid ta gin you group supo ki pou defen li anba atak blag sa yo wi.....LMAO

O TITID
Que ton ame est fétide
Et ton cerveau putride!
Assis sur ta rosette
Tu gères les mitrailletes
Les manchettes
Et les allumettes.

O boucanier de chair humaine
O boucanier des temps de haine
O Ti Crickett à la grande bouche
Mais qui ne peut croquer Ti Bush
Que tu es louche
Et que tu louches
Rouche!

O prince de Tabarre
Grand collecteur de dollars
Dealer de drogue sans avatars
Entouré d'une bande de mouchards
Et de pillards
Comme il est loin
Déjà très loin
Le temps où, a la traka,
Tu fis caca
Sans façon
Dans ton petit cançon.

O triste jour que celui-là
Où, malgré tout, tu t'envolas
Puisque, tel un gros bêta,
L'armée te protégea.
Mais pour fendre dans son séka
Te voilà revenu bien vite
Petit macaque derrière ta vitre
Où Clinton te parqua
Quel bon papa!

Mais fuis donc O Lucifer
Mais fuis donc Fiel de l'Enfer
Car il arrive à grand pas
Le jour où sans façon
Tu feras encore caca
Dans ton petit cançon.

smoochees
- Monday, November 03, 2003 at 13:09:08 (EST)

Alex....min pou ou

AKWOSTID

Jan ou te fè pèp la kwè ke ou te yon sov
Epi si lolo ou tap lolo li pou te fout li yon medsin anmè
Ala bagay ti pèp sa gen poul pase anba pwofite
Nèg sal magouyè jwisè dilè diktatè chimè ak eskanmòtè

Boul tèt ou pòtre ak yon chodyè
Eskanp figiw menm pòtre ak kanson ki pran move kout fè
Resanblans dyòl ou ak de bò dèyè
Twonpe tout moun ki gent ti pwoblèm pou wè
Rès vizaj ou menm se tout yon mistè
Ak yon gren je ki vanse vire lanvè
Nenw menm se yon bagay estraòdinè
Devan tou vonvon nan bwa kay peyizan anikè

Ayisyen yo pantan lè yo wèw te vòlè
Reyaksyonè yo rele anmrey gran manjè
Inyoran yo menm te sezi lè yo te wè apetiw te louvè
Sousou yo menm ap gade nan tout direksyon pou wè kibò yo pral fè
Tout ap mande kote yo ye la si yo atè oubyen si yo anlè
Iletre yo menm te desi lè yo te wèw se yon chimè yon gwo tonton chimè
Depi lè ou te atake la klas mwayèn nou te wè tèt ou pat klè

Enstab san manyè

smoochees
- Monday, November 03, 2003 at 13:04:57 (EST)

Semwen....I am so glad you had a great time. Out of all fridays since we started, Friday night was the best. I've gotten nothing but good feedback about it. Hope to see you again.

Thanks for your support
smoochees
- Monday, November 03, 2003 at 13:02:18 (EST)

Good morning all,
Bernard, DJ Jnmichel, Smoochees, etc..... Friday night was excellent.. Thanks for a place to chill with my crowd.
Good music et al...!
Luv ya.
semwen
Silver Spring, md - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 09:42:54 (EST)

Yopranm....I am here. How are you? Lately I've coming in late so that's why we do not see each other anymore. I will try my best to be on time this week ;)....We need to catch up.
smoochees
- Monday, November 03, 2003 at 09:36:10 (EST)

Refleksyon Nèg Lakay
Tou piti mwen te le ve nan yon jaden foumi
Po mwen fini ak kout dan midi
Lannwit san soupe m al dòmi
Pou mwen ka wè demen vini
Ak lespwa ma manje pitimi.

Mwen gentan leve avan solèy
Paske lannwit la pa t pote myèl
Yon ti dlo sous nan kanari
Mwen pwal chache pou mwen bouyi
de, twa patat pouri

Nèg kapital bliye n
Men m lapli vle boude n
Nou deja fin plante
Kouray, lanmou, fiète n
Nan tè sa ki pa vle donnen

Bondye se bla vre
Se sa ki fè li vle pini
Premye pèp nwa endepandan
Nan djakout mizè nèg lakay
soufrans, vanjans pouse kou djondjon

Lè kòk chante nou konnen li jou
Lè chen jape nou konn se lè dòmi
Petèt demen ma manje pitimi
Wouyyyyy!!! Bouda mwen ron mwen pete kare
Lè ou reve vant plen sa l bay?

Alexanon 12/13/1991
Alexanon
Silver Spring, md - Sunday, November 02, 2003 at 08:41:50 (EST)

Dans une discothèque locale, le Président rencontre trois filles. Une rousse, une blonde et une brune.

S'asseyant à côté de la rousse, il lui pose cette question :

" Je suis G.W Bush, Président de tous les Américains. Combien demandez-vous pour passer la nuit avec vous ? ".

" A vous, Monsieur le Président, seulement Fr. 200.- ".

Puis s'asseyant à côté de la blonde, il lui pose la même question.

Elle répond :

"A vous, Monsieur le Président, seulement Fr. 100.-."

Enfin il va s'assoire près de la brune, et lui pose la même question.

Celle-ci lui répondit : " Monsieur le Président, si vous pouvez relever ma jupe aussi haute que sont les impôts, abaisser mon slip aussi bas que les salaires, sortir votre chose et la rendre aussi dure que le coût de la vie,la maintenir aussi forte que le sont les prix et me la mettre aussi doucement et aussi délicatement que vous le faites en enculant le peuple américain, alors pour vous, Monsieur le Président, ce sera gratuit. "

siromiel <homme7s@hotmail.com>
Washington, DC - Saturday, November 01, 2003 at 23:32:47 (EST)

Echodhaiti has just learned that ex-Tabou Combo and Papash guitar player Ralph Conde is now a member of Top Vice. According to Freddy the lead singer, Ralph is in Miami and has been practicing with the band all week. He is ready for his first gig with the band tonight (Saturday November 1, 2003.) Freddy also said several fans were at their rehearsal this week and are extremely happy about the replacement to Robert Martino. Martino a long time member of Top Vice left the band last week to join Sweet Micky. Echodhaiti expects to be in Miami soon for an interview with Top Vice.
Echodhaiti.com <www.echodhaiti.com>
- Saturday, November 01, 2003 at 18:29:01 (EST)

THE REAL HAITIAN

We are all connected together with Creole.
The real Haitian has no fear to talk about Dessaline
The real Haitian has no fear to speak Creole.
The real Haitian has no fear to say he or she is from Haiti.
The real Haitian has no fear to talk about diri ak pwa.
Are you a real Haitian?
Why you do not stand up for the Haitians?
For all Haitian most know
A Haitian will never pass for a Dominican
A Haitian will never pass for an American
A Haitian will never pass for a Jamaican
A Haitian will never pass for a Cuban
So, Haitian, speak Creole wherever you be
Do not be afraid to say you are from Haiti
Show the world you are from Haiti.
Land of Toussaint Louverture and Dessaline
Land of people of great courage
Be a Haitian, for you cannot be changed

By Enock Laîné
Address manavhaiti@yahoo.fr

motdepasse <manavhaiti@yahoo.fr>
- Saturday, November 01, 2003 at 00:49:27 (EST)

Yopran'm, how are you holding? We miss you beautiful.
Pierre R Torchenot
columbia, md - Friday, October 31, 2003 at 18:50:42 (EST)

Present,
mwen pa wi Yopran'm, Map swiv nou de loin...
Mirna
- Friday, October 31, 2003 at 12:33:27 (EST)

Hello Peeps? Where 's everybody, NCOG, Mobutoo, mapsuiv, PR,mirna, smoochees (mwen pa we'w ces jours-ci) I guess you guys are bz lately huh...
Happy Halloween to you all.
Have a great weekend!
Be safe.
Yopran'm
- Friday, October 31, 2003 at 12:23:12 (EST)

Smooch blag Toussaint, Duvalier, Aristide sa bon.

Alexanon
Silver Spring, MD - Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 23:52:35 (EST)

To millie - 10th DOHE - and the visitors of this guestbook,
According to Minister Leslie Voltaire the government has recently made "Nippes" the 10th departmnent.For that matter (we) the Haitian Diaspora will be known as the 11th departmnent.
Since this information was given to me orally and in a hurry by the Minister,I can only quote him.I don't know if/or when it was publish by "Le Moniteur".If anyone or Echo has more info please share it with us.
So 10th DOEH and other organizations using the 10emme may have to reconsider 10emmme to 11emme.
Milly I'll try my best to be at the meeting this Saturday with a couple of friends,we 'll talk some more this weekend.I hope you are the person I think you are.If not I'll meet you this Saturday.
Hope to see the friends and fans of Wacahapa also this Sunday at LOS ARRIEROS.
Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, Md - Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 20:41:28 (EST)

Thank you very much for answering. But your answer has raised more questions at least for me than you have answered. Pardon me, I have to really find out about any group or organization before I venture in. You said the 10th DOHE is 1 and 1/2 years old. That is a long time for an organization to make itself known. you said "it is not important, at least not for, to know who the messengers are", I totally disagree because in order for the message to pass, the messenger has to be effective. Also, you stated that it is a non-profit organization, therefore can you name the board members and the officers as required in the non-profit charter for IRS purposes?. those are and must be public knowledge. You also stated that it is a national movement: where did it originate? is it here in DC? that is all for the time being.

Semafor
Semafor
Arlington, VA - Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 11:49:58 (EST)

Semafor,

You have a legitimate concern but I can assure you that 10th DOHE is NOT a fly by night organization. 10th DOHE is a non-profit organization that is 1 ½ years old.The reason why you are not familiar with the organization is because they were in their research and development phase. 10th DOHE will have a positive impact not only in the Haitian Community of Washington, DC but in the Haitian Diaspora as well.

As for your question about “What is Haitian Empowerment? It is important to keep in mind that Haitian Empowerment means different things to different people. Some people don’t believe that our people can or will ever embrace the concept of empowerment because they do not see any hope for us. And there are others who understand that a new consciousness is taking root inside many of us - one that is meaninful and sincere. So in order to understand this concept, you must first define what does Haitian Empowerment mean to you? Or better yet, you can also ask, “What DOES or CAN Haitian Empowerment mean for our people today?”

I believe 10th DOHE defines “Haitian Empowerment is the Haitian Diaspora (or 10th Department) working together to become a strong, active and unified base. By doing so, the Diaspora as a whole will effectively address issues that confront Haitian people on a local, national, and international level. Then and only then will the Haitian Diaspora be able to establish a collective vision that will lead to positive social change for our country, people and national identity.”

With that being said, 10th DOHE is not doing this work for recognition, profit or personal gain. Instead, the message is simple and clear. So it is not important, at least not for, to know who the messengers are. What IS important is to think about the message and let it take root. Please keep in mind that the message cannot take root on stony ground – only fertile.

Love For My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 10:36:51 (EST)

LMAO@siromiel,good one siro!
pierre r torchenot
columbia, md - Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 10:27:56 (EST)

Siromiel....that was very funny...thanks for sharing ;). I had a great laugh.
smoochees
- Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 09:28:04 (EST)

Eta Peyi a

Yon ti moun yo rele TOTO mande papa li on jou:
"Papa ki sa ou ye, mwen we se ou ki pase tout lod nan kay la?"
Papa l reponn: "mwen se gouvenman kay la"
Toto mande: "e manman m, ki sa li ye?"
Papa l reponn: "manman ou, se boujwazi a"
Toto: "e bonn la papa, ki sa li ye?"
Papa: "La bonne represente le peuple."
Toto: e mwen papa ki sa mwen reprezante?"
Papa: "ou menm pitit mwen, ou se avni peyi a."

2 jou pase, e yon bon maten Toto kaka sou li, epi lap cheche
ou moun ki pou chanje rad li. Li rantre nan chanm manman li,
manman l ap domi. Li rantre nan chanm bonn la, li we papa l kap opere bonn la.

Toto reflechi epi li di byen fo: "A bon, mwen komprann, boujwazi ap domi, gouvenman ap plimen pep la, epi tou avni
peyi a nan kaka."

Siromiel <homme7s@hotmail.com>
Washington , DC - Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 21:30:49 (EST)

To the fans & friends of Haiti A Suivre I want to let you know that this week you will have the opportunity to see some new videos on the program.I just got here from Haiti with some new and interesting videos.I went to Music en Folie Saturday and Sunday at Le Cercle Bellevue,I had such a wonderful time
Remember that the show now airs
on Fridays at 5:30 pm on ch 19
Mondays at 9pm on ch 19
Tuesdays at 10 pm on ch 76 (PG)
Thursdays at 5 & 10 pm on ch 13
Saturdays at 4 & 10 pm on ch 13
Sundays at 9 am on ch 13

Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, Md - Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 21:25:25 (EST)

Semafor,you may not know what the Haitian Empowerment Students of D.C is,but I hope you know what Wacahapa is.

Ladies and Gents I just want to remind you that the first fund raising party for the Haitian participation at the D.C C C is this Sunday November 2nd 2003 at LOS ARRIEROS 7926 GEORGIA AVE SILVER SPRING MD. Between Eastern Ave & East West Highway.
There are two entrances to the restaurant,you may park on Georgia Ave, or you may park in the rear of the building and enter from the back door.
Remember the minimum donation is $ 10.00
music by DJ NEIL with the SLICK MIX-DJ RALPHY-DJ JEAN MICHEL
Show time 9 pm
presentation of the 2003 trophies and the 2004 T.shirt
For Info (240)463-7196 (301)919-6431
Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
washington, Md - Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 20:24:05 (EST)

From time to time, I notice a bunch of group announcing events in the area. For example, this week we saw a group called: the haitian empowerment student of the DC metro area. What kind of group is this? when was it created? who are the members? what are they trying to accomplish? who are the contacts?

Semafor
Semafor
Arlington, VA - Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 15:22:20 (EST)

Honor and Respect,
In Haitian culture, before entering a home, the visitor would yell, "onè," (honor), and the owner would respond, "respè" (respect). With that in mind, we welcome you with respect to EchodHaiti.com's board. We ask that you honor yourself and your culture with your comments. We graciously accept all comments and criticisms, but we reserve the right to edit or delete those comments that reflect poorly on ourselves and our culture.
Thank you
Webmaster <webmaster@echodhaiti.com>
- Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 13:50:43 (EST)

Maxim - Execellent!

You talk too sweet to smoochees, though. She needs to take it easy once and for all.

Peace.

lanmoudoudou
Glendale , md - Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 13:20:28 (EST)

LAUGH AWAY :)

Le train...

Un train transportant à son bord une centaine d'Haitiens accompagnés de Toussaint Louverture, François Duvalier et J. B. Aristide, traverse Haïti, et soudain il est bloqué par des obstacles se trouvant sur son passage.

Toussaint descend, constate les dégâts, fait descendre tout le monde et
dit: "Retroussons nos manches, et dégageons la voie". Et le train repart.
Un peu plus loin, le train stoppe à nouveau.
Duvalier descend, constate, fait arrêter une dizaine de passagers. Les
prisonniers dégagent la voie, puis Duvalier les fait fusiller. Le train repart.
Lorsque le train s'arrête à nouveau, pour les mêmes raisons, Aristide descend, constate. Il fait fermer tous les rideaux, et demande aux chimères de secouer les wagons sans cesse, pour faire croire aux passagers que le train roule toujours.

smoochees
- Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 13:12:44 (EST)

Smooches, please shut that {EDITED BY WEBMASTER} up about being selective about questions okay. For real girl. You're on this board tik tappin away all day long, so just because you didn't get a question answered doesn't mean you should go on echodhaiti like that. If you feel so discriminate and offended...get off!!! Simple as that. I'm sure that's their last objective. Thank you echodhaiti for answering my question. I just saw it today and I appreciate it. Keep up the WONDERFUL job you are doing on the site.

With Love (and that's to you too Smooches)
Maxim
Maxim
Maxim <max03@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 12:28:19 (EST)

TO All,

Friday night will be Halloween night at the Sahara Oasis Restaurant. Dress to your best costume. Prize will be given to the best costume. BE CREATIVE AND LET'S HAVE SOME FUN.

Sahara Oasis
3010 Hamilton Street
Hyattsville, MD
Old Villa Lakay

Be there!!!

smoochees
- Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 09:33:51 (EST)

HellooooOOOOO tout moun, Smooch hawaya? yopranm e latriye kouman tout moun ye?
BON, Smooch mwen gen lontan se li map li mwen pa pale mwen gen santiman nap pran yon vie direksyon ak ECHO, Stop voye monte yo right now, remember we are better then the others...Smooch, si ou gade ou se yon jen fanm, manman, indepandan, travyè, pleziyè, manm òganizasyon kominotè... So when you think of your resume you are an easy target for a true hater, your job is to avoid moun kap blabla, sosiete nou wan renmen voye "curve ball" just for the hell of it and then anyen yo pap regle...Our subject should be "WHAT'S UP FOR 2004 nan zòn nan...PEACE, Thanks ECHO for a job well done
Ti AUcap
- Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 09:28:53 (EST)

Hi There,

The Haitian Empowerment movement is taking place natiowide and in the DC metropolitan area. Please attend the event below or circulate the information widely. Thanks and God bless.

The Haitian Empowerment Student Movement
of the DC Metropolitan Area

TOWN HALL MEETING

WHEN: Saturday, November 1, 2003
2:00pm - 4:00pm

WHY: To discuss the role of Haitian/ Haitian-American students during Haiti's bicentennial year and beyond

WHO: Sponsored by 10th DOHE (10th Department Organization for Haitian Empowerment)

WHERE: St. Steven's Church
1525 Newton Street, NW (Between 15th and Urban St.)
Near the Columbia Heights Metro Station

Light refreshments will be served

###

Love For My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring , MD - Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 07:29:14 (EST)

Mes amis soyez donc plus polis. Il y a des gens qui vous lisent de partout dans le monde. Voilà plutôt sujet à réflexion. J'ai reçu ce texte d'une vieille amie. Bonne lecture!!!

M E M O
>
>A: TOI
>
>De: DIEU - Le Patron
>
>Date: AUJOURD'HUI
>
>Sujet: TOI-MEME
>
>Re: LA VIE
>
>---------------------------
>
>Salut, toi
>
>C'est moi Dieu, ta Puissance Supérieure.
>
>Aujourd'hui je vais m'occuper de tous tes problèmes pour toi. Je n'ai pas
>besoin de ton aide, alors passe une belle journée.
>
>Et souviens-toi...
>
>Si une situation se présente dans ta vie et que tu ne peux pas la contrôler,
>n'essaie pas de la résoudre toi-même! Dépose-la dans la boîte de C A F P D
>(choses à faire par Dieu). Je m'en occuperai quand le temps sera venu. Tous
>tes problèmes seront solutionnés selon ma volonté et non la tienne.
>
>Lorsque ton problème sera déposé dans la boîte, n'y pense plus. Concentre-toi plutôt à toutes les belles choses qui sont présentes dans ta vie.
>
>Si tu es pris dans un bouchon de circulation, garde le contrôle de tes
>émotions. Il y a des humains dans ce monde qui n'ont jamais entendu
>parler de conduire un véhicule.
>
>Si tu as une mauvaise journée au travail, pense à celui ou celle qui n'a
>pas de travail depuis des années.
>
>Si tu as une peine d'amour, pense à ceux et celles qui n'ont jamais connus
>ce que signifie aimer et être aimé.
>
>Si tu es déçu de ta fin de semaine, pense à la pauvre femme qui doit
>travailler 12 heures par jour, sept jours semaine pour nourrir ses enfants.
>
>Si ton véhicule tombe en panne loin de toute assistance, pense au
>paraplégique qui aimerait marcher cette distance à ta place.
>
>Si tu devais te trouver un cheveu gris en te regardant dans le miroir, pense
>à la cancéreuse en chimio qui aimerait bien avoir ses cheveux pour pouvoir
>les admirer dans le miroir.
>
>Si tu en arrive à te décourager de la vie et à te demander ce que tu fais
>ici sur cette terre, soit plutôt reconnaissant, car il y en a qui n'ont pas
>vécu assez longtemps pour avoir ce privilège.
>
>Si tu deviens la victime d'une autre personne qui a de sérieux problèmes de
>comportements, rappelle-toi que ça pourrait être pire et que tu pourrais
>être cette personne.
>
>Si tu décidais d'envoyer ce mémo à un ami, Je te remercie, tu pourras peut
>être l'aider d'une certaine façon, mais tu ne connaîtras jamais de quelle
>façon.
>
>Maintenant, passe une belle journée,
>
>Dieu qui t'aime

Alexanon
Silver Spring, MD - Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 23:28:53 (EST)

"Map foure {EDITED BY WEBMASTER}" EPI LI SOTI NAN DIOL OU. Pitit mwen gin {EDITED BY WEBMASTER}....PE! M'di PE
HaitianConnection ki gin rezon ave'w.
lanmoudoudou
Glendale, md - Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 23:06:04 (EST)

Mezanmi....gade jen map degrade'm sou board la....O

Guys....please forgive me. Satan te entoure'm. I apologize for my behavior. People like that you just ignore them and move on. I, out of all people, should have known that. Le chyen ap jape....sa'w fe? HMMMMM!!!

Please accept my apology.
smoochees
- Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 19:05:15 (EST)

"Sa'm gin pou di'w la mwen jis {EDITED BY WEBMASTER}..that's ALL."

OOPPPPPSSSS.....mwen toujou blye yon denye bagay. Ala ti fanm radote se mwen.

Lanmoudoudou'm nan sa'w fe pa vin flanke'l. Map tan ou. I am pretty sure you know where and how to find me. {EDITED BY WEBMASTER}. Bring it on. Map foure {EDITED BY WEBMASTER}. OOOPPPPSSSS...did I just say that...BAD GIRL SMOOCH....lol

Gadon lanmou ki vin pou mwen. Map depoze'w tou ba.....muahhhhhhhhhhhhhh againv ;)

smoochees
- Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 19:01:11 (EST)

lanmoudoudou....kom se lanmou ou ye...guess what?...I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU....muah sou tet diol ou...lol

I'll be the big person here and let it slide (again)...hahahahahaha
smoochees
- Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 18:56:43 (EST)

Oouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... oops, wrong board... sorry peeps!
yopran'm
- Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 16:28:16 (EST)

Smooches- - I DON'T NEED any explanations from you. Mwen vle'w kite {EDITED BY WEBMASTER} Echo en repo. {EDITED BY WEBMASTER}.....
Wi....m'se Echodhaiti ou gin yon pwoblem ak sa. Sa'w pa konnin pi gran pase'w. Sa'm gin pou di'w la mwen jis flanke'l nan machoue epi'm mache..that's ALL.
Ouap cheche ran ak ti mesie yo.....OU PAP JOUIN YO..
{EDITED BY WEBMASTER}!

lanmoudoudou
- Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 16:03:28 (EST)

Lanmou.....TWWWIIIIPPPPPP!!!.....ou apiye sou yon move bwa. Desapiye'w pou mwen tanpri. Pale sa'w konnin. Moun ki voye'w lan mal infome'w.
smoochees
- Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 14:53:20 (EST)

Lanmoudoudou...whoever you are, was I talking to you? Are you echodhaiti?.....I DON'T THINK SO. Sa'w gin pou mwen an vale'l tande epi vomi'l bay met ou. I have nothing to explain to you.
smoochees
- Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 14:50:24 (EST)

Smooches - Pa betize'w ak ti mesie Echo yo tande...
since they're not doing their job professionally ..why don't you since ou se ansyen rat sou bod la e'w konnin plis, then you'll do a better job.
Ki jen'w te vle pou yo te reponn kestyon yon anko. Feel offended/discriminated...S...**T...! They try to be fair to the best they can to everyone on the board. WHAT do you mean by you letting this ONE slide? Sak fe ou RET dousman pou moune ka mande'w sa ou gin yin .. .pase'm oue'w tro cho devan ban' lan.
Peace!
Lanmoudoudou
Glendale, MD - Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 13:12:57 (EST)

Edith.....VIBES is coming in November
smoochees
- Monday, October 27, 2003 at 00:26:35 (EST)

Echodhaiti.....I think if you are going to be the MONITOR of this board please do your job in a professional matter meaning ALL QUESTIONS address to you should be answered if is known. No selective questions here. I feel very offended/discriminated as a very well known member/ansyen rat of the board to have her question ignored and someone else's answer. Pa gin afe moun pa la du tou. I will let this one slide and pretend this never happened.

Thank you
smoochees
- Monday, October 27, 2003 at 00:24:31 (EST)

I wanna sent a shut out to Doudou and Tania Dolet Much love From Eddie And Edith.
Edith <lahaitiana@hotmail.com>
Columbia, md - Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 02:40:59 (EST)

Anybody know whos coming to play in November?
Edith <lahaitiana@hotmail.com>
Columbia, MD - Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 02:39:05 (EST)

YES!!! Is the answer to your question regarding the Haiti in Japanese. We took that picture ourselves in Tokyo at the Haitian Embassy.
ECHODHAITI.COM
- Friday, October 24, 2003 at 20:45:18 (EDT)

Hello members,

Mark your calendar (Saturday November 29, 2003). Xpoze Entertainment is inviting everybody to their 3rd Thanksgiving Xtravaganza at Saint Vincent Palotti High School in Laurel.

On the console, DJ Woolado & DJ Sweet
Performing live Spicy Groove.

Admission $12 only ... Giveaway CD or T-Shirt for the first 24 ladies... Gentlemen, Stay tune.

(If you haven't got your the last issue of Xpoze Magazine yet call 1-800-966-5418 or check Chez Yonyon)

See you all

Paul
- Friday, October 24, 2003 at 20:29:36 (EDT)

FLASH!!! FLASH!!! FLASH!!!

A swe a mwen pa bezwen konnin map tan nou tout nan Sahara. Come out and have a great time with us.
Next Saturday will be HALLOWEEN NIGHT. Come dress with your best costume. 3 prizes will be given to the "BEST COSTUME". It's going to be scary night. Guess who I will be?

SAHARA OASIS
3010 Hamilton Street in Hyattsville.
The old Villa Lakay
Featuring: DJ Jean Michel, UNI Sound, and African connection DJ Desmond

It's a classy international affair. Vin pran plezi nou

Thank you!!!
smoochees
- Friday, October 24, 2003 at 15:31:55 (EDT)

Light....anmweyyyyyyyyyy....wap tente'm wi la. Sa pou'm fe? Shytttttttttttttt....lol. When are you plaining on going? I plan to go to PR in May 2004. So let me know.
smoochees
- Friday, October 24, 2003 at 09:49:05 (EDT)

Smooches cherie.... en ale non pitit... vini avem.. se mwen mem ak ti pitit mwen an ki prale. LET'S GO GIRL!!!!
LighTtniN
- Friday, October 24, 2003 at 09:09:21 (EDT)

ATTENTION TO WEBMASTER OF ECHODHAITI WEBSITE:::
Hello, I used your website to type a research paper and found it very helpful and wanted to thank you. I do have one question, on the top of the Culture page is a banner with Haiti and in Japan symbols is displayed directly inderneath it. I wanted to know if that was Haiti in Japenese and if so how do you know. I'm sorry I just thought it was real pretty and want to get a tatoo of it so it's kind of serious. If you can provide further info on the link or source where the translation was obtained I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Maxim <max03@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 17:03:15 (EDT)

Yopranm...yo di'w non ou di fok. Did you say papacitos? Woy, I am in the worng country here....lol

Glad to see you back on the board.
smoochees
- Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 14:08:07 (EDT)

Smoochees, some friends of mine just came back from DR, i heard there's some hot "papacitos", gade sa mwen rate, jam mwen bezwen yon'
yopran'm
- Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 13:41:36 (EDT)

Dear Friend,

It has been a while since you received a communication from ejzdesign.com/Strings Tour, but read further about what I have in store for you.

You all know or have heard a lot about different activities planned to celebrate the Bicentennial of the Independence of Haiti. Of course, it is not possible to attend all of them, but, there is one in particular that you absolutely would not want to pass up.

The Haitian Slave Revolution which led to the Independence of Haiti in 1804, after the last glorious victory at Vertières in November 1803, is a historical event which transcends the borders of Haiti. It was a powerful signal to the ruthless slaveowner nations of the world that in Haiti, the slaves had decided that they had enough and that this situation had to come to an end. The Haitian revolution remains the only successful slave revolution in the world. That is why it is necessary to celebrate this date which will be registered forever in the annals of the history of the world.

It is in that spirit that Ron Daniels, a prominent African-American lawyer; actor Danny Glover and many others, have teamed up with a number of renowned African-Americans, Haitians and Haitian-Americans to organize a cruise. Not just any cruise, in essence, a pilgrimage to Haiti from August 14-21, 2004 to mark the 200th anniversary of this momentous event. It will be educational, with conferences, seminars and informative discussions; entertaining, with great artists performing (groups like Strings, Boukman Eksperyans, Tabou Combo, singer/actor Harry Belafonte and many others who have already expressed great interest in participating); and enjoyable, on a luxurious cruise ship from the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. What more can I say ?

I have been working with Ron Daniels and his team for a while now and I am a liaison and contact person for this noble project. I can assure you that this is one of the most significant, enjoyable and rewarding projects I have been involved in recently. So, I wholeheartedly invite you to come and join us for what promises to be a unique and glorious once-in-a-lifetime event. You can contact me at 240-472-9845 or jean@ejzdesign.com.

To have an even better idea of what we have in store for you, I also strongly encourage you to visit the website www.cruisingintohistory.org. You will be able to view all the details and have a good idea of what we are putting together. So tell all your friends and encourage them to get on board. Make sure to look at the many pictures taken on the occasion of the recent official launching in New York of >, in the presence of many African-American, Haitian and Haitian-American dignitaries.

I hope to be able to count on your participation in this wonderful event. You will also find all the details about the cost of this event on the site. Get in touch with me soon, so that I can make sure your deposit and reservation are processed quickly. Meanwhile, I remain

Sincerely yours,

Jean Zephir <Jean@ejzdesign.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 11:18:24 (EDT)

Ok...well, we will keep in touch. DR? Danm iw ould love to go there.
smoochees
- Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 09:45:53 (EDT)

Ok...well, we will keep in touch. DR? Danm iw ould love to go there.
smoochees
- Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 09:45:46 (EDT)

All the same mama... I guess as long as I get to see you this year, all is good!! My only thing is I MAY be going to the Dominican Rep for Xmas... or maybe even a wedding in Haiti... I dont know what I will be doing yet... Kiss the babies for me & see you sooooon!
LighTtniN
- Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 08:57:17 (EDT)

Anyone aware of any special groups or celebration activity for the bicentennial celebration of Haiti's independence? I am mostly interested in groups going to Haiti.

Gerard M.
Gerard M.
Arlington, Va - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 15:17:16 (EDT)

La communauté haïtienne de Paris travaillent d'arrache-pied en vue d'apporter sa contribution aux préparatifs visant à rehausser l'éclat de la célébration des 200 de l'indépendance d'Haïti.

Le correspondant de Radio Solidarité à Paris, Michel Marchand, a fait savoir lundi que des vols spéciaux seront organisés pour aider les nombreuses personnes qui souhaitent venir célébrer ce grand événement international que sont les 200 ans de l'indépendance nationale.

Les haïtiens de paris ainsi que de nombreux français qui ont fait part de leur intention de rentrer en Haïti ont affirmé vouloir faire du tourisme aux 4 coins du pays, a-t-il fait savoir.

Le directeur général de Radio Soleil d'Haïti de New-York Ricot Dupuy, avait indiqué vendredi que la mobilisation va bon train aux Etats-Unis autour de la célébration des 200 ans de l'indépendance d'Haïti.

Les festivités du bicentenaire seront marquées notamment par l'organisation d'une grande croisière qui partira de Miami le 14 août 2004 pour arriver à Port-au-Prince le 21 août, avec à bord de nombreuses personnalités internationales dont l'acteur Dany Glover.

25 délégations de chefs d'Etats africains et caribéens ont déjà confirmé leur participations aux festivités du bicentenaire.

Nestor Cadet
ATL, Ga - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 14:51:31 (EDT)

I loved you the minute that I saw you
that moment revealed God's existence
her power and her wisdom

as soon as I held you in my arms
I new that I would forever protect you
against man or beast, natural or spiritual

my love for you is forever
for you are now part of me
as much as I'm part of you
without me there would be no you
but from that moment that I saw you
without you there will be no me
kent tel
anywhere, ND - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 11:52:48 (EDT)

Wacahapa is happy to let you know that DJ NEIL WITH THE SLICK MIX will be the STAR DJ at the November 2nd show at Los Arrieros Restaurant 7926 Georgia Ave Silver Spring Md.
DJ Ralphy will also be there and the respected Dj Jean Michel will do what he does best.
Please tell all your friends to come out that Sunday night to support Wacahapa

JCV Productions is looking at the possibility to produce a T.V talk show with a live audience in the near future. The name of the new program will be THE HAITIAN CORNER.

If you are interested and want to be a part of it ,you must send your name and address to JCV Productions PO BOX 2887 SILVER PRING MD 20915 in order to receive an invitation to participate in the taping of the shows.The general public may attend the taping of any show at any time ,but priorities to comment during the taping will be given to the people in the director's list.

If you have an idea for a show please send it in writing to the PO BOX address above NOT TO MY E- MAIL ADDRESS.
If you wish to be on the panel for the taping of that particular show you must request a meeting with the directing staff regarding your participation and to discuss your skill and knowledge of the subject.

The show will focus mainly on issues regarding and /or affecting our country,and/or our community.
So to all my friends here on Echo,this show shall give everyone the opportunity to express themselves,their opinions,their views on matters regarding our little world,our dear country,our growing community,our own corner THE HAITIAN CORNER.
Jean Claude Vivens <jcvivens@mris.com>
Wheaton, Md - Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 20:53:56 (EDT)

Light.....Ke pasa chica? Listen, change of plans. I will not be coming down the end of this month. I have a wedding to go to in December. So map fe yon sel trip la. You'll see me around the 17 of december. Bisou to your daughter for me.
smoochees
- Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 09:09:10 (EDT)

PR...sorry babe....lol. My eyes playing trick on me?...LOL. Se pa fot mwen, mwen te twisted that night....LOL. Seriously, I was so tired that night, you're right, I was really seing things that night.
smoochees
- Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 09:07:07 (EDT)

Semwen.....do me a favor, scroll down and read all the reklam that me, Jean Michel, and Bernard have made about Classy affair at the Sahara on Friday nights. Also, if you go on the concert section of this site you will see the flyer.

Are you coming this Friday night? Map tan ou tande
smoochees
- Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 09:05:16 (EDT)

Une mère avait 3 filles, vierges toutes les trois
Elles se marièrent en même temps. Comme elle était inquiète à cause de leur manque d'expérience sexuelle, elle qu'elle voulait savoir comment celà s'était passé, elle leur fit promettre d'envoyer une carte postale de leur lune de miel avec quelques mots sur leur sentiments
La première envoya une carte de Tahiti 2 jours après le mariage. Il y avait seulement écrit: "Nescafé"!
La mère resta perplexe mais alla à la cuisine et sortit un pot de Nescafé.
Il y avait écrit: "Bon jusqu'à la dernière goutte”.

La mère rougit, mais fut heureuse pour sa fille.

La deuxième envoya une carte de la côte d'azur une semaine après le mariage, la carte disait: "Rothmans"
La mère savait maintenant comment faire, elle courut prendre le paquet de cigarettes, et elle lut sur le paquet: "Extra Long. King Size"
Elle fut à nouveau un peu génée, mais contante pour sa fille

La troisième partit pour sa lune de miel à Conflan Ste Honorine.La mère attendit une semaine, puis deux, puis trois. Enfin, après un mois entier, une carte finalement arriva.
Elle portait juste ces mots, écrits d'une main tremblante: "South African Airways"
La mère attrapa un magazine, tourna fébrilement les pages avec inquiétude, et trouva une pub pour SAA.

et la pub disait:
"Dix fois par jour,
sept jours par semaine,

dans les 2 sens."

et maman s'évanouit.

semwen
- Monday, October 20, 2003 at 22:56:36 (EDT)

Smooch, your eyes are playing tricks on you. You got me confused with another man, mommy? That's bad, lol.
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia , MD - Monday, October 20, 2003 at 20:44:48 (EDT)

Harold,

The bal was awsome....keep up the good work. When is the next bal?

Peace!
Semwen
Glendale, Md - Monday, October 20, 2003 at 16:27:33 (EDT)

Theatre Lacaye (Smoochees) nou pa fe reklam sou bod la
min-n pou ti demare ko chak vendredi soua nan Sahara Oasis la.
Semwen
Glendale, md - Monday, October 20, 2003 at 16:24:32 (EDT)

I told ya that Smoo will NEVER miss a bal!!! :)
LighTtniN
- Monday, October 20, 2003 at 16:10:13 (EDT)

Map swiv...yo tap filme vre wi but don't know if it will be on TV. It was a nice BAL...ou pedi
smoochees
- Monday, October 20, 2003 at 13:51:02 (EDT)

OO....r u sure? I could swear I saw you there talking to NENE. Gin le mwen komanse aveugle. Mezanmi wo!
Don't tell me you never been to Zanzibar? It's just one straight shot down on Georgia ave/7th street. Wait a minute...I've seen you there before. You were with you know who. Gade PR kap vin pranm anba bloff....lol
smoochees
- Monday, October 20, 2003 at 13:49:39 (EDT)

Smooch, I did not make it! I got lost trying reach the Zanzibar. I have my two tickets here

I called Harold regarding this matter, he has not got back to me yet!

May be next time!
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Monday, October 20, 2003 at 11:24:37 (EDT)

I was out of town and I missed Micky..., but someone told me that it will be on TV? is that true???
map swiv
- Monday, October 20, 2003 at 10:45:58 (EDT)

I want to personally thank Harold Charles/Ceepco Records for the best Sweet Micky bal ever held in Washington DC. In my opinion, I think this one was best of all. I've been going to all Micky's bal in DC, never seen one like Saturday's. Micky's rocked the house. I tell you, se li ki PREZIDEN KONPA a tout bon vre. Pa gin tankou Micky. Sak te pi bel nan bal la se jen Micky femin bal la......ak yon chapit bolero. WOW!!!

Harold, way to go.....ANOTHER JOB WELL DONE....BRAVO!!!

Tout sak pat vini yo....don't worry.....smoochees minnin pou nou...lol

PR....mwen te we pwint tet ou nan mitan foul la. Kote ou te kache konsa papa?
smoochees
- Monday, October 20, 2003 at 09:27:00 (EDT)

"For those who enjoy and plan on going to CompaFest held in Miami every year, there will two musical giants participating this year."-----echodhaiti

Question to echodhaiti.....are you referring to the May 18 (fete du drapeau) compas festival or the racine festival?
smoochees
- Monday, October 20, 2003 at 09:15:09 (EDT)

Fanfan,

Although your point is well taken and I’m sure we can all understand your frustration. However, why do you refer to our people as “narrow minded?” Don’t you think that comment is a little harsh? How will we ever move forward as a “people” if we continue to put down our communities and ourselves? Can’t we find a more positive and constructive way to air our differences as individuals rather than take it out on the group? Even though it won’t be easy, we have to start trying.
Love for My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Saturday, October 18, 2003 at 11:21:46 (EDT)

Fans & Friends of Wacahapa I would like to remind you that on Sunday November 2nd at 9 pm Wacahapa is having the first fund raising party for the Haitian participation at the D.C carnival 2004.
Please tell your friends and family to support the event happenning at Los Arrieros Restaurant located at 7926 Georgia Ave Silver Spring Md
Bring your cash or your check book
Minimun donation $ 10.00 For Info:(240)463-7196

Fans & Friends of Haiti A Suivre please note that the Wednesday morning show on ch 19 will now be seen on Fridays at 5:30 pm. For that matter the new editions will now start on Fridays instead of Mondays.
Hope you have a nice weekend -Enjoy....

Jean Claude Vivens
Wheaton, Md - Friday, October 17, 2003 at 21:42:01 (EDT)

Music News!!! For those who enjoy and plan on going to CompaFest held in Miami every year, there will two musical giants participating this year. Kassav and Tabou Combo will be facing off at the Compas Festival this year. Along with many other popular Haitian bands this promises to be another blockbuster event. Echodhaiti.com was present at "Le Zenith" in Paris in 1998 for Tabou's 30th Anniversary and it was a historic event . Sources tell Echodhaiti.com that Kassav' has already sent their multipage contract to the Festival's orgarnizers. The famous Zouk band is resquesting a number of hightech equipments signalling they are taking this event very seriously. No word yet on what Tabou has is planning.
Echodhaiti.com
- Friday, October 17, 2003 at 19:52:41 (EDT)

I really do not get it. A member of this board has lost someone who has been living here in this community and you are putting any info or the name of that person. What is wrong with us haitians? this person could have some friends who may not be aware that the person has died. This proves how narrowminded we are as a people and members of this community. What a shame? If you do not want no one to know about the loss, just do not mention it at all and keep it to yourself.

Fanfan
Fanfan
Wheaton, MD - Friday, October 17, 2003 at 15:10:30 (EDT)

Tirez la morale de l'histoire, mais ne faites pas attention au reste bien que je ne sois pas superstitieux... se mwen.

Il était une fois... un garçon qui naquit malade.
D'une maladie qui n'avait pas de cure. Il avait 17 ans
et pouvait mourir à n'importe quel moment. Il vivait
toujours chez sa mère sous l'attention de cette
dernière. C'était dur et il décida de partir
seulement pour une fois. Il demanda la permission à sa
mère qui la lui donna.

En marchant dans son quartier, il vit beaucoup de
boutiques. En passant devant un magasin de musique et
en regardant la vitrine, il nota la présence d'une
fille très tendre de son âge. Ce fut le
coup de foudre. Il ouvrit la porte et entra en ne
regardant qu'elle. En s'approchant peu à peu, il
arriva au comptoir où elle se
trouvait. Elle le regarda et lui demanda en souriant :
"Je peux t'aider?" Il pensa que c'était le sourire le
plus beau qu'il avait vu de toute sa vie. Il sentit le
désir de l'embrasser en ce
même instant. Il lui dit en bégayant : "Oui,
heeeuuu,... J'aimerais acheter un CD". Sans réfléchir,
il prit le premier
qu'il vit et lui donna l'argent. "Tu veux que je te
l'emballe ?"
demanda la fille en souriant de nouveau. Il répondit
que oui, en bougeant la tête, et elle alla dans
l'arrière-boutique pour revenir
avec le paquet emballé et le lui remettre. Il le prit
et sortit du magasin. Il s'en al la à sa maison, et
depuis ce jour, il alla au magasin tous les jours pour
acheter un CD. Elle les lui emballait toujours, pour
qu'ensuite il les emporte à sa maison
et les range dans son armoire. Il était trop timide
pour l'inviter à sortir, et, même s'il essayait, il
n'y arrivait pas.

Sa mère fut mise au courant de cela et tenta de
l'encourager à s'aventurer, de sorte que le jour
suivant, il s'arma de courage et se dirigea au
magasin. Comme tous les autres jours, il acheta une
fois de plus un CD, et comme toujours, elle s'en alla
derrière pour l'emballer. Elle prit donc le CD et
pendant qu'elle l'emballait, il laissa rapidement son
numéro de téléphone sur le comptoir et s'en alla en
courant du magasin.
Le lendemain, Ringggg!!! Sa mère répondit: "Allô?",
c'était la fille qui demandait pour son fils et la
mère, inconsolable, commença à pleurer pendant
qu'elle disait : "Quoi, tu ne sais pas ?. Il est mort
hier".

Il y eut un silence prolongé, excepté les lamentations
de la mère.
Plus tard, la maman entra dans la chambre de son fils
pour se rappeler de lui. Elle décida de commencer par
regarder ses vêtements de sorte qu'elle ouvrit son
armoire. Elle eut la surprise
de se heurter à des montagnes de CD emballés. Aucun
n'était ouvert.
Le fait de voir autant de CD la rendit curieuse et
elle ne résista pas : elle prit un CD et s'assit sur
le lit pour l'ouvrir ; en faisant cela, un petit bout
de papier tomba de la boîte plastique.
La maman le rattrapa et le lut, il disait : "Salut!!!
T'es super mignon, tu veux sortir avec moi ?".
TQM.... Sofia.

Avec beaucoup d'émotion, la mère ouvrit un autre CD,
encore d'autres et dans plusieurs se trouvaient des
bouts de papier qui disaient la même chose....

Moralité : Ainsi est la vie, n'attends pas trop pour
dire à quelqu'un de spécial ce que tu ressens. Dis-le
aujourd'hui.

Si tu crois que c'est important que ce monde change,
envoie ce message à toutes les personnes que tu aimes,
estimes, à tous tes copains et copines !!!!

Avec de l'amour tout est possible.

se mwen
Glendale, MD - Friday, October 17, 2003 at 13:24:31 (EDT)

I came back to revisit your site lately . It is an interesting place, potentially rich. If we can help in anything,wriggle a finger.

Http://www.haiticentral.com
Jeanryd@haiticentral.com
Jeanryd <Admin@Haiticentral.com>
P-au-P, - Friday, October 17, 2003 at 11:20:53 (EDT)

Yopran'm

On behalf of the Torchenot family, I would like to express our deepest sympathies. The lost of a love one is alwasys an uphill battle, please be assure that we are with you every step in this trying time.

Your friends,

Pierre-Richard Torchenot and family
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia , MD - Friday, October 17, 2003 at 09:59:12 (EDT)

CEEPCO RECORDS and ZANZIBAR

PRESENT

SWEET MICKY

THIS SATURDAY
OCTOBER 18, 2003
10:30PM - 4:00AM

ZANZIBAR ON-THE-WATERFRONT
700 WATER STREET, SW, WASHINGTON, DC

$30 IN ADVANCE

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT WWW.CEEPCORECORDS.COM
OR AT THE FOLLOWING TICKET OUTLETS:

ZANZIBAR: 202-554-9100
YONYON: 301-853-0404
BOBBY EXPRESS: 202-722-4925
ESTHER EXPRESS: 301-588-3664
CLAUDE BARBER: 301-434-0821
W.I. RECORDS: 301-422-1728
SIMBA INT'L RECORDS: 301-445-1670
J&M AUTO: 240-450-0600

BRING YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE TO THIS UNFORGETTABLE EVENT

OFFICIAL SPONSORS:
UNITRANSFER, RHUM BARBANCOURT
CEEPCO RECORDS <ceepco@aol.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Friday, October 17, 2003 at 05:46:52 (EDT)

Yo Pran’m,

I would like to give my condolences to you and your family in your time of need. May God bless you with strength, paitience and wisdom throughout your healing process.
Love for My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Friday, October 17, 2003 at 02:56:28 (EDT)

Members and staff of Echodhaiti.com are deeply saddened by news of a great endured by one of our friends/colleagues/members. We share in the sadness of one of our dear friends and fellow board members. Yo Pran'm we will raise yours and your loved one's spirit in our prayers. We are planning on being there Saturday morning to help you carry this burden. We offer you our courage and strengh at this time of need in your journey. Together we pray! We Love! We cry!
ECHODHAITI.COM
- Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 18:30:10 (EDT)

WOW!!!....this is the best news ever. Micky will be rocking this saturday. Eske Robert ap la samedi? That is so nice...

Thanks for sharing.

ps: moun ki bezwen ticket micky pou samedi soir fe'm konnin.
smoochees
- Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 16:55:51 (EDT)

Yopranm.....I am so sorry. I will not be able to make it because I am leaving out of town tomorrow afternoon and will be back sometimes saturday mid-day. Well you know the rest. I will talk to you when i see you. You and your family will be in my prayers. Again I am deeply "sorry" (sad face)

Take care babe et bon courage...
smoochees
- Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 16:54:15 (EDT)

Wow...Robert Martino, a member of Sweet Micky! I wonder how the T-vice boys feel about this shocking new development; being that Sweet Micky is T-vice's arch rival. I wonder how Robert would feel humming: Robeto ti z0z0, renaldo sa pa gen z0z0 di tou. Business at it's best, this is beautiful! Haitian society is climbing the ladder of the crude environment of business. I will not miss Micky, Martino is one of my favorite guitarist.
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 16:42:48 (EDT)

Flash News!!! Flash News!!! Echodhaiti.com has just learned that famed Haitian guitar player Robert Martino has left Top Vice to play with Sweet Micky. Martino, a founding member of Top Vice created in February 1986, has decided to join Sweet Micky as lead guitarist. Sweet Micky who is scheduled to appear in Washington DC this weekend has been searching for a guitar player since the departure of Alex Tropnas a year ago. Martino currently in this 50's is the father of Roberto and Reynaldo of T-Vice. He has apparently been feuding for over year now with Robert Charlot the keyboard player in the band, since Charlot decided to participate in the Haitian Carnival to promote his Solo Album. Sources tell Echodhaiti.com that Michel Martelly has promised to pay Robert Martino over 100,000 dollars a year for his services. Members of Top Vice have consistently denied rumors of a rift within the group for over a year now. Sources also tell Echodhaiti.com that Ralph Conde, currently in Canada and formerly of Tabou Combo has been contacted to replace Martino in Top Vice.
echodhaiti.com <www.echodhaiti.com>
- Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 16:04:36 (EDT)

Smoochees, after I saw you friday things changed for the worse, if you know what i mean. It's this saturday @10:00 at Saint John the Baptist located on New Hampshire ave. Thanks for checking on me girl.
Take Care.

Yopran'm
- Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 11:21:54 (EDT)

Yopranm.....I haven't seen you lately. Hope everything is OK. If you're reading the board, drop me a note. Let me know how things are going. No need to go into details. Just a few words will tell me what's up. I am worried.

Take Care!!!
smoochees
- Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 09:50:14 (EDT)

Bel an fom...thanks for supporting us. I think I have an idea of who you are. Anyway, next time come up to me so we can chat a bit.

Thank you again...
smoochees
- Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 09:45:59 (EDT)

We should avoid taking taking a simplistic approach to the signficance of such gatherings as bals and partying. Throughout this country many Haitians communities have remained true to their culture and I am sure many of you will agree with me that the music consistenty is the common denominator and an important ingredient that keeps up linked. Although I don't disagree with the importance of seeking greater avenues to communicate, we should continue to support such activities in our communities. The significance of a bal in our community goes beyond that of simply dancing it creates that opportunity for many of us to interact and share our progress with each other in this vast US society. This country is vast and one can easily loose your sense of belonging. I for one, have been to many bals and many of Jean-Michel's parties not simply to enjoy the music but also for a chance to see familiar faces and share community activies and meet new people who share the same culture. I continue to go to bals wherever they are for that specific reason the money I pay at the entrance is not simply to listen to this band or that band but also for an opportunity to see so many of my brothers and sisters that I don't get to see for a long time until the next gathering. Believe me when I tell you althoug many of us may not show it I suspect that sentiment is shared by many in the community. I enjoy seeing Melinda, Smooches, Jean-Michel, Agimal, Ginau, Harold, Pierre-Richard(with dreads),Bernard and others. I accept everything single of them with all their flaws in imperfections and I would not trade this community for any other.
Bel an fom
- Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 00:56:20 (EDT)

I like de point dat dare's more 2 a community dan "bal" and occasional fairs and galas.
Wat about helpin' evry day folks with gettin' an apt., applyin' 4 driver's license, dealin' with INS, etc.

How come Haitians n DC R last 2 no 'bout protests or gatherings in DC concernin' Haitians???
Ncog
Washington, DC - Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at 12:17:53 (EDT)

Well so far so good on the comments. 2 or 3 months ago, JCV mentionned that we were invited to have a float in the Kensington MD labor day weekend festival, I thought it was a good idea to participate in this annual event and it would have been the start of a tradition instead of people of this area going to NY......
In more serious matter, we need to get personally involved in the community. For example, if we know some Haitians who are in the country illegally or who do not speak the language, take a day off to help them. I know of Haitians who have been here less than 10 years via Guatanamo Cuba, now they are legal resident and own their own house. Each one of us can make a difference in some way if we just try. Haitians in need in Stafford/Fredericksburg VA know they can count on some people in Stafford to help them whether it is immigration, application for employment/driver's license, etc. It would be good to know that Haitians can find someone to help them in Langley Park, Silver Spring, Greenbelt or DC etc.
A big challenge awaits us to help Haiti. If possible, let's start one Haitian at a time here in the U.S. or in Haiti.
Mobutoo
- Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at 13:29:14 (EDT)

It has been a great pleasure for me to read many of your comments regarding your idea of a "community". To me a community is more than some people bringing bands or to have parties whose primary goal is to make money. The young fellow from New-York is right when he started talking about other examples from other communities such as New-York even though one might ask: what exactly haitians in New-York have accomplished? what type of legacy did they leave for future generations as opposed to Miami where haitians are building, moving and establishing themselves as a real community such as: we have support groups for every aspect of our lives and needs in Miami: women, children, homeless,entertainment/cultural, refugees, elders, education, other civic and political,etc. They have an identity. Here in the DC area, we do not have that.Some of us tend to think that our fiends and families are the community. That is not true.
On another front, the board is open to everyone to bring their opinion whether you disagree with that individual or not. I notice that some of us think that they own the board and they cannot tolerate other's criticism. It is time that some of us learn that we do not all think or act the same way and that we have to be tolerant to one another and many times it turns out we are not right. What the other person is saying makes more sense than what we think. Stop personalize issues, people, etc.
Gary A.
Potomac, Md - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at 10:58:49 (EDT)

LOL@light
smoochees
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 12:44:20 (EDT)

who would have thought that YOU would miss ANY party girl!! :)
LighTtniN
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 12:16:32 (EDT)

Good Morning All.....Happy Columbus Day!

For those of you who did not make it at the SAHARA Friday night, you can always make it up this Friday. After a hard week of work and stress, there's no other way to spend your Friday evening. Come mingle with us and meet others.

Friday night was a success for the first night. We had quite a crowd. Howard University was all up in the house representing. It was a ball. DJ Jean Michel and UNI Sound was rocking it.

Remember.....the classy international night is every Friday at the SAHARA. See you next Friday.

I'm out!!!
smoochees
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 09:33:06 (EDT)

Love, I dug in my archives last night and I found the speech. The deliverance of the this speech, and even the existence of it's author, are vehimently contested by some white scholars.

One of the most interesting aspect about life is that we can become better than we were before. Knowing that, I would never give up on Haiti and my people regardless how bad they are. I did not want to give you or anybody else the impression that I am a skeptic and I only focus on problems rather than solutions. Infact I don't want to point figers at Willie Lynch or any other white man for our current state, I want us to take 100% of the responsibility for everything that has happened to us.The essence of this point is to assume all the responbility because it will force us to research all "effects" back to their "causes." Understanding " causes" is the science of life transformation. I just want to approach things in a realistic manner rather than an emotional one.

I will post the speech later!
Pierre R Torchenot
columbia , MD - Saturday, October 11, 2003 at 15:03:58 (EDT)

Excuse the typo. What I really meant is "Think about it and please don't hesitate to share your views."

Love For My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Saturday, October 11, 2003 at 01:07:11 (EDT)

Torchenot, I am aware of Lynch’s speech on “slave control” which he delivered on the banks of the James River in the colony of Virginia in 1712. In fact, I reviewed it before I typed this entry and would not mind sending you or anyone else a copy. I have access to online research catalogues and can post the text sometime next week if you or anyone else would like. Or maybe I can just type it in a word document and cut and paste it on the board.

Nevertheless, I agree that Lynch’s speech underlies the psychological and social make up of blacks in general, including our people. However, this is what makes Haitian people so significantly unique. According to the article’s abstract, Lynch was a British slave owner from the West Indies who shared the formula for division against blacks to Southern slave owners. He told them that the secret was to oppress and instill fear among us by committing unjust atrocities against “slaves.” In fact, the term and act of lynching was derived from his last name. Believe it or not, white people have similar divisions amongst themselves in terms of hierarchical pretenses of superiority (ie blond hair with blue eyes vs brunettes with dark eyes). But I don’t want to go into that topic because that’s not my point.

My point is despite this formula for division, our ancestors were able to put their differences aside for the sake of a “common and collective goal.” At that time, the goal was to get rid of the enemy by any means necessary. We rejected and exchanged slavery and oprression for liberty and freedom instead. One of my closest friend reminded me just the other day that “Freedom is not free.” In this sense, that is why we can not afford to focus on the problems. Instead, we should focus on “realistic” and "attainable" goals that will help us find a solution. With that in mind, what do you propose we do? Should we loose hope and just write Haiti off?

Smooches has a point. It is easier for people to criticize and point out the problems. But I believe it is different when you raise an issue because it is only then taht the issue can be addressed. I am not hiding behind this computer and raising these issues just to complain. On the contrary, I am a foot soldier who is not afraid to get my hands dirty. I've done so in the past and hope to do that again in the future. I want to get involved with substantive events that will help us move forward as a community and most importantly, as a people.

As such, Smooches I think we all commend and appreciate the efforts of you and your colleagues. We need people like you and you should never, ever become discouraged or dismayed. Instead, you should keep up the great work and don't give up. Your experience is a common part of the struggle.

That is why discussing these issues is so important. That is why I am having such a hard time keeping quite. I can’t seem to hold these views in any longer. So the question is, what do you propose we do friends? Is there any way for us to make our motto “L’Union Fait La Force” a lived reality for our people? Or is it a lost cause? Should we let Lynch’s message on slave control through division determine our future when our history was written in blood? Should we remain passive, silent and divided and let them win? Should we let them continue to mute the pride and resilance of our voices because they have succedded at doing just that for nearly two hundred years? Think about it and please don't to share your views.

Love For My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring , MD - Saturday, October 11, 2003 at 01:00:45 (EDT)

Love, the 2004 festives will be meaningless because there is no form of apparatus to change the course of choas we are on. The Haitian problems are not any different from any other Black nations or Black groups anywhere on this planet. Take the Million Man March for example, the idea was wonderful and even promising. Over 1 million Black men gathered, atoned, vowed to better their lives and communities. The excitement was breath taking, but end result has lack luster. The main reason why, the education and preparation was not done. The message was inspirational, emotions ran high, but they were clueless as to what they were going to do after that day. Our leaders are interested in making history for personal achievements for self-agrandizing reasons, they may even try to seize the opportunity to capitalize on emotional times by making empty promises to "good-willed" peasants. I do not know to what extend this following information is true, but there was this scientist by the name of Willie Lynch who supposedly made a speech right there of the banks of James River in Virginia. In his speech he outlined several things that would make Black folks hate each other for generations and if the masters applied the these methods correctly, the end results would be self generating for centuries.Some of the thingd he out lined: We must not let them trust each other, they must trust US only.We must outline their differences: young vs old, tall vs short, light skinned vs dark skinned. He also said that envy was stronger than adulation. If there is any truth to event and this dude, just may be our problem is deeply embedded in our subconcious mind. If that case, it would make sense for us to unlearn everything we were taught.

Has anyone heard of this Willie Lynch?
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Friday, October 10, 2003 at 17:16:51 (EDT)

I just read "bel an fom" reply to Lover for. WOW!!!. You said it all. I just need to add a few things...

Lover for....Sitting behind a PC and discuss issues won't help. Criticizing definitely is a NO NO in a situation like this. Believe me or not, we have organizations, as a matter of fact, all of them are working so hard to bring this community together. You have not been here for long. So you don't really know. We're are still struggling. We have promoters like Luc Bernard from Lakay Productions/Theatre Lakay, Harold Charles from CEEPCO records ( did you know we have a haitian record store/website in our community? ), Jean Claude Vivens AKA AGIMAL, Jean Verdieu from WACAHAPA, even Jean Zephir promoter of the band STRING, who are working their asss (excuse my french) off to please this community. And what do we do to them in return? How do we thank them? We criticize, never satisfy, we complain, we backstabb them, WE DO NOT SUPPORT THEM. I mean I could go on till tomorrow. The list is long. Trust me! You would think they will give uo....OO yo la pi red. Who will reward them? Isn't it US the community? Think about it...
I am a member/manager of Lakay Production & Theatre Lakay, I sometimes wants to give up in our community. I don't know how these guys do it. You know what keeps me from getting discourage?....the smile and courage on Luc Bernard's face when he looses money in an event. Ou pense li ta bay vag. Demain matin li paret ak yon pi gwo event. And he's not the only one. Lot yo minm jen an tou.

So you see, they are trying so hard but they need people like you. We are they supporter. I support everyone one of them in everything they do. Depi yo bezwen'm they know to contact me and I'll be there. Mwen rinmin we le moun mwen yo met tet yo ansanm. I like your ideas and your way of thinking. Get up, come out, and come seat with us around the table. You will be amazed.

Map tan ou.
smoochees <www.hckf.org>
- Friday, October 10, 2003 at 14:26:18 (EDT)

Hi there again,

Torchenot, can you please expand on your point when you stated while “Haiti will find herself in the spotlight, unfortunately, it will be brief and almost meaningless.” Do you believe it will be brief and meaningless in that our people are planning to celebrate the day (Jan. 1st) rather than the year (2004) and beyond? If we only plan to celebrate the day without using this historical event as an opportunity to reflect and reconstruct, then I think we should all be concerned. I think it was King Solomon who once said “Where there is no vision, the people will perish.”

Should we, meaning the members of the Haitian Diaspora, stand by and let Haiti perish? Should we continue to watch our brothers and sisters risk their lives and die in rickety boats to pursue a better life? Or better yet, to pursue the American dream, the same dream we are all trying to pursue.

If we continue to take an individualistic or Western perspective, than my friends, there is a possibility that our children and grandchildren may not have a Haiti to call our own one or two hundred years from now. If we continue to take on the “it’s all about me” or “I’ve got mine, now you get yours” approach, then we are in trouble.

Aren’t you tired of the negative stereotypes against our people? Stereotypes and stigmas such as “boat people” who come from the “poorest country in the western hemisphere” and so on and so on. Why should we tolerate this anymore? We know the truth about the contributions Haiti has made to the United States and the world. WE KNOW THE TRUTH. We know who we are but they don’t.

Believe it our not, historians and revisionists are prepared to correct or distort the truth about Haiti’s contributions next year. There will be documentaries, interviews, events to discuss the implications of this historical event. It’s up to us to determine whose story will be told. Ask yourself, whose story do you want to be told.

Again, I apologize for such a lengthy response. I will do my best not to respond in order to get other views.

Love for My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Friday, October 10, 2003 at 14:11:28 (EDT)

O yopranm....ou pa di'm tout bel diskusyon sa kin nan fowum nan. Mwen ta vin bay opinyon'm lon tan. Gade ki le map paret. En tout cas il n'est jamais trop tard pou'm pale.

I could not even finish reading. Ke'm te cho twop. First I want to welcome "Love for my people", "bel en fom", "sara" and others to the board. We need people like you guys. I was getting tired of reading the same old folks like PR, map swiv, mobuto, yopranm....lol. Just kidding!. Nou konnin mwen pap jenm lage vye chodye pou chodye nef. Bon let's move on to the subject

Love for....I understand your point clearly. I am not going to make any comment right now pou'm pa voye fle. I want to take my time. Let me finish reading.

On another note, Can you show your support tonight a SAHARA OASIS tonight with DJ Jean Michel? We're trying to have a classy international friday. Tonight is our first night. It's not going to be in a church etc... I think you should come out and meet some of us.

Ti komunote nou an piti anpil. We are trying so hard to become one big community and provide not just bal and parties but other help also.

Just a head up....Theatre Lakay is working on a big cultural show/event/theatre for December. This is a big project and we are working hard on it. More info to come

When you get a chance, please check www.hckf.org
Let me know if you have any question. We can use someone like you.

Thank you!!!
smoochees <www.hckf.org>
- Friday, October 10, 2003 at 14:02:56 (EDT)

Ladies and Gents, never once did I say Martin Luther King was violent. I said he preached "non violence" but everywhere he preached that message, violence followed!

Map Swiv, I do not prefer individual acheivements over collective acheivements. However, I believe that each Haitian needs to be in the right "mind" Think of the situation of Haiti as a human body in the sense that this one body is made up millions and millions different group cells with differents tasks totalling to billions of cells. Each group has a specific duty but yet they all work collective to keep the body healthy, if one group does something different than it's assign duty because of improper nutrition, than cancer may be the end result. Haiti is the same as a human body, but only on a larger scale. Each person needs to be healthy(mind)in order to contribute collectively! Otherwise we have the current Haitian crisis-cancer!
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Friday, October 10, 2003 at 12:16:37 (EDT)

Hi there friends,

This is wonderful! I am so happy to read the comments that have been posted so far. Your contributions to this discussion will lead us to positve social change for our community. The objective here is to find out what we can do to make a difference. That is the key – “making a difference.” I don’t speak from an elitist point of view and I am not offended by the remark. Instead, I speak from the perspective of a visionary who believes that we have the ability on an individual and collective basis to serve as change agents.

We will only be able to see change if we take a proactive approach rather than a passive one. Torchenot addressed the underlying root of our problems when he said “While 2004 will be exciting time for Haiti and Haitians emotionally, rationally, we do not have a clue what to do, much less a plan to do it.” That is why I believe the DC Metropolitan Haitian/Haitian-American community can play such a vital role in “making a difference” at home and abroad.

I know it’s not going to happen overnight but it can be done slowly and surely. I’m sure we all have ideas, including myself, about what could be done. But I think Mobutto hit it on the nose when he said “I think we should continue to discuss these items and hopefully something positive will come up.”

Love for My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring , MD - Friday, October 10, 2003 at 10:08:27 (EDT)

but he could not preach and demand non-violence from his followers if he was himself violent.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Friday, October 10, 2003 at 08:45:49 (EDT)

PR,
You contradict yourself somewhat. You question how much change can be made, yet you prefer individual achievements. With individual achievements, you're right, no major changes can be made, but with collectiveness we can change things very quickly.

MLK could not have achieve what he did without the hundred of thousands of people behind him. Imagine Dr. King making his famous speech standing alone at the Lincoln Memorial. Finally, the violence that followed him was not a result of his speeches, or philosophy, but rather a result of those who were afraid of what he could accomplish by rallying the people.

for the love... rally the people! stir them up!
map swiv
- Friday, October 10, 2003 at 08:14:09 (EDT)

Ha! Mté bliyé Haiti a suivre(sorry). Keep it up guys. I agree with PRT, the change will start with oneself before it can be moved outward.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Friday, October 10, 2003 at 07:36:26 (EDT)

Such commotion "Love for my people" has caused. You remind me of Martin Luther King and his "non violence" movement, yet everywhere he'd go there would be violence. It's seemed like his message was not conducive with the outcome. He was a genius nonetheless! Having said that, let me say I sincerely believe that you genuinely concern about the welfare of this "community". I don't think you were in anyway practicing elitism. But Bel An Fom is on point with his comments. I want to address a different argument in your post. Like you said, in a few months Haiti will find herself in the spotlight, unfortunately, it will be brief and almost meaningless. I will tell you why. While 2004 will be exciting time for Haiti and Haitians emotionally, rationally, we do not have a clue what to do, much less a plan to do it. The frame mind Haitians are in is not conducive with the dynamics of her salvation. Ask yourself this question: What have we done or can we do between now and sometime in 2004 that would change the course of direction that Haiti is on? The necessary education and preparations are not yet conceive. Look at Haiti institutions, be it education, social,political,religious, they are all moving backwards. One may argue that this decadence is worldwide, but Haiti situation is moving at a faster pace in an unfavorable direction. It is on this notion that I command your spirit, we must start on a personal level, then fortify our community, and after that we can tackle tasks on a national level.
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 20:31:37 (EDT)

Dis discussion iz goin' well w/o me, so I'll just follow. Jump n wen necessary.

But (however), I'm not sure ware de "elitist" label came from. Well spoken don't mean "elitist,"; Bad grammmar (or spelling) don't mean "uneducated" or lower class.
N cog
Washington, DC - Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 19:05:15 (EDT)

First I would like to know if there is a website that someone can point me where I can go to get the Haitian population in DC, VA and MD. Knowing the number will help us better understand whether or not some ideas will be successful or not. I do sometimes would like to go a Haitian restaurant or listen to some Haitian music while stuck on I-95. Some of us can go on the internet and get news on Haiti. Thanks to Yves D'Haiti the majority of the people will have an idea of what is going on in Haiti. But it is only Saturday at 10. Maybe We can ask Yves D'Haiti on how we can increase the number of hours for the show or maybe have other time slots. I think we should continue to discuss these items and hopefully something positive will come up. I personally wold like to see "chez yonyon" succeed and move to a place where I can seat with my family and eat some Haitian food. Indirectémen, I am saying thanks to "chez yonyon" & Yves D'Haiti. They are struggling but it is at least a start. Hopefully with some more support from us new ones will pop up. keep posting your opinions people. Pace from Stafford VA.
Mobutoo
Stafford, VA - Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 15:48:30 (EDT)

People often jump to judgement without taking the time to PROPERLY read what was written. I am having trouble following your path of reasoning that you took to label this view as elitist. Maybe if more Haitians in this area shared such passion and were willing to sacrifice (read as giving without expecting something in return), then the state of our community would be in better shape.
R-uhh
- Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 15:44:29 (EDT)

Very well said Bel Anform. I guess you did your research... huh...
Calling on the others, PR, NCOG, Mobutoo, and sans oublier le man himself "AGIMAL". Smooch, sista ou kache, mwen pa we'w sou board lan min'm. Anyway, I am enjoying the reading, keep the discussion going.

Yopran'm
- Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 15:34:28 (EDT)

Ms. Milly,

I respect the concept of your discussions however the tone seems a bit elitist. Given your intellectual resume, one does not have to remind you that comparing the Haitian Community in New York and the one in Washington does not bring value to your agument. A brief research will show that Haitian immigrants have been travelling to NY, FL, MA for more that half a century now. According to the national censcus bureau (though we know better) there are only between 6-8000 Haitians/Haitian-Americans in the Washington Metropolitan area. With the majority living in Silver Spring. Now you can take that with a grain of salt however that's what the politicians look at when a community is seeking access to public assistance. It is therefore natural that first second and third generation Haitians living in those areas will participate in a system that brings them a lot of attention and assistance. Such is not the case for Washington. The sheer number of people living in those States, cities and region ect. surpasses Washtington by hundreds of thousands. I should also mention for each member who participates in promoting a community atmosphere there are about 20 who don't which brings me to our community here. I should point out as well, the work being done by community members, though not adequate by your standars, is very beneficial and should be commanded. Yes there are plenty of criticism to go around however much we may not like one or the other if they were not there we would hate to think of the alternative. Groups like Watch, Lakaye Productions, Ceepco, Echodhaiti, Wacahapa, Churches and countless others I don't know about are doing some difficult work. You must remember, I dare to say with the exception of a few they don't get much return for their investment. I should be so gracious as to offer you to contact memebers of this community and see in what capacity you can contribute to benefit what has been started. It is very elitist of you to come and critize and I suspect you want to start your own movement to the detriment of the others. Much respect to you my "intellectual sista."
Bel an fom
- Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 12:31:30 (EDT)

Map Swiv,

Thanks for responding. I think you speak for a lot of us. However, I am not selling anything except sharing my concerns. On the contrary, I want to us to critically think and discuss this so we can find out what the problem is and address it. I don’t mean to sound like an idealist, but I believe we can make a difference here.

I have met so many people of Haitian descent here who are lawyers, doctors, scientists, professors, entrepreneurs, engineers, students, and so on. I’m sure many of you fall in these categories and have family and friends who do as well. Let’s face it. We have a lot of things going for us as individuals but not as a collective group.

We are living in the nation’s capital. This is where the seat of governmental power and influence exists. Why should we stand by and let racial discrimination against Haitian refugees continue to be an isolated incident? Why should we continue to let negative stereotypes and stigmas tarnish our national identity? Even more importantly, why should we let our bicentennial year pass us by and do nothing about it?

We can not afford to remain passive, silent, and divided. We have the blood of revolutionary leaders running though our veins. All we have to do is put our political, linguistic, and class differences aside. Even though this was not an easy task for our forefathers, they managed to do so because they knew that “In unity, there is strength.” This is our motto. This is who we are. Why have we not realized this after two years of freedom.

Haiti may not be the “Pearl of the Antilles” any more but she is a “diamond in the rough.” Until we come together with a singleness of mind, we won’t be able to access her beauty at home or abroad. I believe we can use our national identity from a historical and progressive perspective to our advantage. I believe our generation can help the Haitian Diaspora become strong and unified.

I apologize for being so wordy but I can’t keep this inside anymore. This is pressing on my heart and I know I am not alone. I want to hold off on replying and let other visitors voice their thoughts and concerns. So what do you think, map swiv? What should we do friends? Any ideas?

Love for My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 10:44:26 (EDT)

love for...
This area is growing and I think, with the right leaders, one day it may be like the community you come from. I agree that this DC area is not much of a Haitian community. Besides the churches and the bals, there's not much more interactions between the people of Haitian decent.
The one radio show and the one tv "video" show can be improved alot to accomodate the "community." Even Echo d'Haiti could use some improvement in servicing the community.
So. Love for..., what are you "selling"??? What do you have in mind??
map swiv
- Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 09:40:37 (EDT)

Before I respond, I do not wish to offend those of you who take a different view. Instead, I am trying to use this forum to generate some dialogue about the state of our community here in the DC Metropolitan area.

Maybe I’ve been spoiled all my life, and if so, I do not regret the experience. However, I come from a small suburban town outside of NY that has more than a dozen Haitian cable shows; nearly a half a dozen radio programs, an annual parade to celebrate Haitian Flag day with several thousand participants; active HSA’s; community centers that offer services such as immigration, legal counsel, translations, etc.; a variety of Haitian businesses such as restaurants, salons, clothing stores; Haitians and Haitian/Americans who hold government seats; and believe it or not, the list goes on and on. In addition, all of these events mentioned above are covered by the local media and attended by local dignitaries because we have a voice.

I am not saying all of this to be critical of the Haitian community here or hold it accountable for a “personal” standard. I know we all attend the balls, festivals and other entertainment events. My question is how can we balance these activities out with substantive ones aside from church functions? Believe it or not, this is the general consensus out here. So I know I am not alone. As I stated in my previous email, I know not everyone holds this view and it’s okay to have no problem with the status quo. All I am saying is that there are some people who at least wish things could be progressively different for the sake of our community. For whatever it’s worth, I think it’s a good thing for us to discuss this. Let’s use this forum at least for a day or two, if you guys and gals don’t mind, just to read what others have to say. Thanks for providing this wonderful website and forum Genau. Keep up the great work. And thanks for responding and sharing your views Sara. Your right on point.

Love for My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 02:38:53 (EDT)

Could you please clarify what you mean by haitian/haitian American Community? Since you have been living here from New-York for the past 4 years, I would like to know what it is that you consider when you make the claim that there is no haitian/haitian community here in this area?

Sara
Sara
Kensington , MD - Wednesday, October 08, 2003 at 15:23:35 (EDT)

I know there are some of you out there who may be saying "What community? There's no Haitian/Haitian-American community out here." At the same time, I also know that there are some of you out there who wish we could do something about this. I happen to be one of them and I now I am not alone.

My brothers and sisters in the struggle, what are we going to do about this? How can we strengthen our community so that we can have a collective voice and vision for our people right here in the nation's captial?

I am asking this question because I believe our generation does in fact have a rendez vous with destiny. Especially since the pending bicentennial just a few months away. I don't know why I feel so strongly about this but I believe that next year is our moment to shine as a people. I believe our Haitian ancestors are waiting for us to rise to the level of this occasion. We CAN NOT miss this moment. Afterall, they fought and died for our freedom way before the civil rights movement even began.

So what are we going to do friends? I ask you to think seriously about this question and respond in a way that will generate some positive and critical dialogue. I am sure that there are a lot of people out here who would love to read your comments about this issue mentioned above, especially those of you who came from communities where there was an active Haitian/Haitian-American community.

Take care and Kimbe la

###
Love for My People 2 <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Wednesday, October 08, 2003 at 12:56:20 (EDT)

Hi There,

I am a local graduate student who has been living in MD now for almost four years. I am posting this comment on this community guestbook because I am concerned about the Haitian/Haitian-American community here in the DC Metropolitan area.

I know there are some of you out there who may be saying
Love for My People <mzmilly@hotmail.com>
Silver Spring, MD USA - Wednesday, October 08, 2003 at 12:47:39 (EDT)

Don't kill the messenger:
"Bangladesh came in last, at 133, trailed by Nigeria and Haiti as the three most corrupt countries, according to the 2003 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index.

Rated No. 1, or least corrupt, was Finland, followed by Iceland and, in a tie for third, Denmark and New Zealand. The United States was 18 on the list, tied with Ireland.
"
map swiv
- Wednesday, October 08, 2003 at 11:22:16 (EDT)

U.S. U-23 to Face Haiti 07/10/03

U.S. Soccer announced today that the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team will play an international friendly match versus Haiti Under-23 Men’s National Team on Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. (ET) at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

http://www.soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Breaking_News/page_131_59457.shtml

map swiv
- Wednesday, October 08, 2003 at 11:11:44 (EDT)

Une p'tite vite...

Une femme nue est debout et se regarde dans la glace. Elle dit à son époux,
"Je suis horrible à voir, toute grasse et laide. J'ai besoin d'un compliment!"

Le mari répond: "T'as une bonne vue!"

Un fils demande à son père :

"Papa, c'est normal pour nous, les garçons, de classifier les différentes sortes de seins?"

Surpris, le papa répond : "Bien sûr, mon garçon, si non, on ne serait

pas normaux ....il y a trois sortes de poitrines . tout dépend de l'âge de la femme ... Dans les vingt ans, ses seins sont comme des melons, ronds et fermes. Entre la trentaine et la quarantaine, ils sont comme des poires, encore beaux, mais un peu pendants. Après la cinquantaine, ils sont comme des oignons ".

"Des oignons, papa?"

"Oui, tu les regardes et ils te font pleurer..."

Pas pour les relancer, mais sa petite soeur demande à sa mère :

"Maman, combien de sortes de pénis il y a ?"

La mère, ravie d'avoir sa revange, répond : "Bien, ma fille, un homme

passe par trois phases. Dans la vingtaine, son pénis est comme un chêne, grandiose et rigide. Dans la trentaine et la quarantaine, il est comme un bouleau, flexible mais encore fiable. Après la cinquantaine, il est comme un arbre de Noël."

"Un arbre de Noël?"

"Ouais, asséché et les boules ne servent qu'à le décorer..."

Jean-Claude T.
Fairfax, - Tuesday, October 07, 2003 at 22:29:48 (EDT)

se 2 timou'n ki al achte nan yon boutik, yo mande machan'n nan:

-svp van'n nou 2 bonbon, 3 pirouli epi 50 kòb aristid

machan'n nan di :
-timou'n, nan kisa nou bezwen mete granmou'n nou la, al cheche
manman nou mennen ban mwen

lè manman an vini machan'n nan dil
madanm pale timou'n ou yo tande, yo vi'n mande achte 50 kòb
aristid

manman an di :
-ton-nè, se sam rayi ak timoun sa yo depi yo gen kòb se pou yo
mache achte kk.
Jean-Claude T.
Fairfax, VA - Tuesday, October 07, 2003 at 22:07:53 (EDT)

FLASH - FLASH - FLASH
Dear Echodhaiti Melomane! please be informed that, Lakay
Productions featuring a classy international affair every
Friday night @ The Sahara Oasis Restaurant-3010 Hamilton St.
Hyattsville, MD 20782, with the Haitian DJ Icon: Jean Michel
$6 cover only, 10 PM until... for info:240-463-2606.
Luc Bernard/Lakay Productions <lucbernard@msn.com>
Silver Spring, MD - Saturday, October 04, 2003 at 13:35:03 (EDT)

Edwidge Danticat--one of the Haitian authors featured on your site--will participate in the National Book Festival tomorrow (October 4) on the national mall. Her schedule is as follows:

Fiction & Imagination Pavilion 12:15 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Book Signing Session 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/programs/authors/bios/danticat.html
EchodHaiti.com <webmaster@echodhaiti.com>
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 21:15:46 (EDT)

Hehehe...Smooch, what's up ? Are you ready for Micky? I don't have MSN. I am just watching the events unfolding. I doubt that he's going anywhere but a hungry people is a dangerous people!
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, - Friday, October 03, 2003 at 19:06:13 (EDT)

ou gin le kon yon bagay PR.....mwen sispek ou....

Do you have msn?
smoochees
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 15:34:00 (EDT)

Will Aristide see the much anticipated date-January 1 2004? Stay tuned boys and girls!

Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Friday, October 03, 2003 at 14:42:08 (EDT)

mesdames......sa nap pale la? Sa nap di de gonaives? Se la'm soti wi...
smoochees
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 14:37:39 (EDT)

By the way Yopran'm, I am from "Ti Trou" not Gonaives...
Mirna
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 13:28:53 (EDT)

Oh pa ban mwen... you're silly.
Yopran'm
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 13:27:59 (EDT)

Yopran'm, Metayer was my first love...You didn't know? kote'w te ye? mwen paka pote chay la poukont mwen map cheche sipo...lol

Mirna
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 13:26:22 (EDT)

Mirna, se moune gonaive ou ye? ou bien m'sieu Meteyer te parent avek ou? Just asking. Please don't chew me, nounou loves u 2.
Yopran'm
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 13:19:39 (EDT)

Police Raid Leaves Five Dead in Haiti
Fri Oct 3, 4:11 AM ET

By MICHAEL NORTON, Associated Press Writer

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Police trying to raid a shantytown touched off a gunfight that killed five men in the Haitian city of Gonaives, radio stations reported.
The city has been paralyzed by protesters angry over the slaying of a gang leader once loyal to President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Officers went on the offensive on Thursday, a day after protesters torched the police station.
With a helicopter hovering overhead, police tried without success to penetrate the Raboteau shantytown, exchanging gunfire with protesters for two hours, independent Radio Etincelles reported.
Five people were shot and killed in nearby slums, including two motorbike taxi drivers trying to flee the firefight, two radio stations reported. At least 10 people were wounded, raising the toll to six killed and 28 wounded since Amiot Metayer's bullet-riddled body was found Sept. 22.
National Police spokeswoman Daphne Orlando said she had no information about the raid. She spoke in Port-au-Prince, 70 miles southeast of Gonaives.
Members and supporters of Metayer's "Cannibal Army" gang claim the government ordered his assassination to stop him from spreading damaging information about Aristide.
The government denies involvement in Metayer's slaying, saying only its political opponents gain from protests it links to "the armed wing of the opposition."
Opposition groups distanced themselves from the violence and denied involvement in the Gonaives uprising, but they did not rule out future cooperation.
"As soon as Metayer's followers stop calling themselves a 'cannibal army,' we'll declare our support," said Jean-Robert Lalane, coordinator of the Northern District Front opposition alliance.
On Wednesday, attackers stormed four government buildings, torching three and burning internal revenue archives in the street.
On Monday, gunmen burned down the home of Gonaives police chief Harold Adeclat, accused of complicity in Metayer's killing. Last week, protesters ransacked the home of grass-roots leader Odonel Paul, reportedly the last person to see Metayer alive.
Militants and outlaws like Metayer have been the key to Aristide's control of Gonaives. Their about-face parallels that of many who voted for Aristide but have grown disenchanted as poverty deepens in the Caribbean country.
Aristide has brushed aside protesters' demands that he resign, saying they come from "a small group."
Metayer was arrested on arson charges May 21, 2002, months after the Organization of American States called for him to be tried on charges of attacking Aristide opponents.
Supporters freed Metayer three months later by driving a tractor through the prison wall.

Mirna
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 13:07:27 (EDT)

Ernesto was taken into custody and was moved to a guarded motel room in West Miami-Dade County where families with children are often detained by immigration authorities. US representative Kendrick Meek asked IRS to grant him the reprieve based on an article in today's Miami Herald.

Gary
Gary
Wheaton, MD - Friday, October 03, 2003 at 11:22:56 (EDT)

Oops, I am bored, hungry, and tired....
Yopan'm
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 11:21:19 (EDT)

Gary......where's Ernesto now?
smoochees
- Friday, October 03, 2003 at 11:05:45 (EDT)

Gary, this administration has adopted and practiced policies that would make Hitler blush with envy. I hope we realize that this country has not progressed as much as they like for you to believe. God Bless Ernesto!
Pierre R Torchenot
Columbia, MD - Friday, October 03, 2003 at 10:00:11 (EDT)

There is a young haitian who needs all the help he can get. His name is Ernesto Joseph. He was living in the streets back home. He was orphaned and homeless. He managed to make it here on a boat at the age of 16. INS has been trying hard to deport this young brother. At the outcry of the haitian community in Miami, he was released and was living with his uncle after being put in jail with Men in jail. Now IRS has sent him a letter yesterday and told him to show up at 9AM to be deported. He went, was arrested and again at the outcry of the community and some influential political leaders, the stopped the deportation for 30 days. Haitians and haitian Americans, we have to support this young brother and rally on his behalf and to denounce the racist, barbaric immigration policy of this country. Start calling Capitol Hill, The White House, The State Department about this case.

a concerned haitian

Gary
Gary
Wheaton, MD - Friday, October 03, 2003 at 08:48:07 (EDT)

Protesters Attack Haitian Gov't Buildings
Wed Oct 1, 4:52 PM ET

By MICHAEL NORTON, Associated Press Writer

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - A group of attackers stormed four government buildings Wednesday, torching three of them in revenge for the slaying of a gang leader.
Supporters of Amiot Metayer, leader of the "Cannibal Army" street gang, set fire to a customs house, police station and a state-run insurance company in the northwest town of Gonaives, independent Radio Metropole reported.
The customs house was partially damaged and the police station was gutted, the radio station reported. The group smashed the first-floor windows of the National Insurance Office and burned documents, partially damaging the building.
They later stormed the internal revenue bureau, carted out documents and burned them in the street.
Hundreds of protesters then took to the streets and formed flaming tire barricades on the seventh day of protests since Metayer's bullet-riddled body was found near the town of St. Marc on Sept. 22.
No injuries or arrests were reported in Wednesday's demonstrations.
Protesters have been demanding President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's resignation, saying the government was involved in Metayer's killing because he had damaging information on Aristide. The government denies the claim.
The about-face in the attitudes of Metayer's supporters signals a growing rift between the Caribbean country's president and poor street activists who have been a key source of Aristide's support.
In demonstrations since Sept. 23, one man has been killed and at least 17 injured by gunshot wounds in the west-coast town some 70 miles northwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Some residents viewed Metayer as a hoodlum, whose gang terrorized government opponents and rivals. But others viewed him as a Robin Hood who lavished them with gifts.

Mirna
- Thursday, October 02, 2003 at 06:50:38 (EDT)