Raising funds for Haiti
HaiT&T Foundation will host a fund-raising event—Christmas in de Cruz—on Saturday, December 2, at Green Meadows, Santa Cruz from 6 pm – 11 pm to continue with its fund-raising efforts toward reconstructing the La Madeline Orphanage in Port au Prince, Haiti. There will be music from two parang bands, Ataklan, Kees Dieffenthaller, who usually supports such worthy causes, and Kes the Band might surprise patrons with a guest performance. This goes with good food, drinks and great company. Tickets cost $600 each and coolers with drinks are welcome.Dr Paula Henry, director and founder of HAIT&T Foundation said: “The organisation was founded in 2010 shortly after the devastating earthquake in Port au Prince, Haiti. We formed this foundation because we felt we had the ability to help the Haitian people, specifically the St Joseph Convent nuns to re-establish the broken down orphanage, which had been in existence for 100 years and was now in a demolished condition.“We felt however when we were rebuilding, we wanted to give the ability for a larger space so there will be innovation in the structure to give the children a greater ability to perform and for the project to expand and add new things and not just for the orphans to live in.”Henry said right after the earthquake she went as a medical doctor to Haiti to render assistance and rebuild a heath centre that had fallen down and made a commitment to rebuild the orphanage.She said that this was the sole purpose of the foundation, rebuilding the La Madeleine orphanage and assisting some of the most vulnerable children from ages six to 16.She said through partnership with the St Joseph Convent Cluny Sisters and other reputable international organisations, HaiT&T Foundation has already successfully completed construction of the school for 600 children and its adjoining structures of a library, IT room, dining room and laundry.Henry added that the organisation had further extended this rebuilding project to include drilling for water and collection of rain water and electricity will be provided through solar panels.She added a chicken farm, fish farm and an agricultural area have also now been included with the aims of providing sustainability and building capacity.Henry said although this project was more expensive than the organisation had initially anticipated, the good news was that it is in the final stages of the building.Henry said that in 2018 Phase II is the projection for sustainable development and that the children be also given school books and two meals every day. She said the December 2 fundraising effort would assist in the building of a care home to house 20 children.She added that T&T’s support would greatly aid in the education of the children who would be the future of an enlightened Haiti working under their educators, the St Joseph Convent Cluny Sisters, whose mission is “Education for Service.”By: Charles Kong Soo/Trinidad & Tobago Guardian - December 1, 2017
The First Annual Creole Image Honors
“Honneur… Respect...”
The Red Carpet was a buzz as Honorees and known personalities within the Haitian community came together to recognize and celebrate the noteworthy achievement of ten distinguished members of our community.
On Sunday October 8, 2017, Creole Image held its First Annual Honors ceremony. The event took place in Passaic, NJ and celebrated the achievements of Haitians/Haitian-Americans in Film, Art, Music, the Sciences and Public Service. The event was founded by, Nafeeza Holder and Fred Raphael, was presented by First Republic Works to honor pathfinding Haitians dedicated to uplifting the Haitian culture and shedding a positive light on the country and its people.
Inspirational speaker and social service advocate, Stanley Neron hosted the ceremony with Haitian-American singer/songwriter Sybelle. Highlights from the evening included a moving and inspirational speech by Betty Jean. Ms. Jean, a breast cancer survivor, spoke of her journey and how it led to the work she currently focuses on to empower women and children. Honorees, Judge Sibyl M. Elias and Kangol Kid, referenced the trials of growing up Haitian in America during the 1980s, moving past the stereotypes and achieving their dreams. Each speech echoed the strength of the Haitian people and the sense of responsibility each felt to pay homage to the legacy of our forefathers.
The Honorees:* Kervin Andre (@akomicsart) a gifted visual artist is recognized for his brand, AkomicsArt. He is known for showcasing Haiti’s rich history and culture through his work.* Doctor Ruth Celestin is a certified and nationally recognized plastic surgeon located in the Cobb County, GA area. She was born in New York and earned her medical degree at New Jersey Medical School.* Joseph M. Champagne is a Haitian attorney and former Mayor of Toms River, NJ. Mr. Champagne (@chamoagnehjoseph) focuses on immigration and family law.* Chef Stephan Durand (@haitianchef) is an award winning and highly acclaimed Chef and Culinary Ambassador. He is dedicated to bringing attention to the riches of Haiti’s gastronomy.* Honorable Judge Sibyl M. Elias is a Haitian Judge, presently serving as a judge on the East Orange Municipal Court. She became the first ever Haitian-American Jurist to sit on the Municipal Court in NJ.* Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and composer Melky Jean (@therealmelkyjean). Ms. Jean is the founder of Carma Foundation, an organization focused on helping women and children in Haiti.* Hip-Hop artist Kangol Kid (@yokangol). Kangol and his group U.T.F.O are best known for their Top 10 hit “Roxanne, Roxanne.”* Bergson Leneus (@haitianking80) is a Haitian-American property manager and community leader in the City of East Orange, NJ.* Carel Pedre (@carelperde) is a Haitian radio and tv personality. He is well known for his work as host of Radio One’s @chokarella.* Haitian comedian Wil Sylvince (@wilsylvince) is known around the world from his appearances on SHOWTIME, HBO’s DEF COMEDY JAM and COMEDY CENTRAL.Honorable Mentions:* Betty Jean is a NJ Licensed Counselor focused on helping women and children move from broken to healed.* The Federation Haitienne de Basketball (FHB)/Haitian Basketball Federation founded in 1951 is a non-governmental, non-profit organization with a goal to developing the game of Basketball in Haiti.
Honorees enjoyed a big evening as they were entertained by singer (and host) Sybelle, singer Mickaelle Cartright and violinist Bri Blvck. Accompanied by IETBand, singer Anie Alerte had the guests on their feet as she opened the Creole Image after party.
The event was planned and beautifully curated by Mimi Planned Events, Weddings by Natasha and Points of Creation Events. Public Relations was handled by SK Public Relations and the media sponsor for the First Annual Creole Image Honors was YAC Radio, Inc.It was an amazing evening filled with beautiful speeches and wonderful accolades. It’s genius that Creole Image was established to honor distinction in a sometimes unrecognized but overly deserving community. The talents of Haitians, in a host of industries, can now be applauded in an annual celebration. Without a doubt, we look forward to next year’s ceremony and a new class of Honorees.********Event Sponsors: Aella Gold Kremas, Dnalsi, Vodkila, McKayla Studios, Lori Diamond, Who's Styling Who, Music Speaks Power, and Gil Rios Productions.
Black Apron Event Tours - An Evening Celebrating Haiti’s Rich Cuisine
What do you get when you combine six amazing Haitian Chefs, six delicious Haitian inspired dishes, a beautiful hostess and a captivating singer- an evening of perfection! We recently had the pleasure of attending the third installment of the Black Apron Event Tours - New York Edition. It was an evening of culinary delights and wonderful entertainment.
On September 30th, 2017 nestled in a trendy SoHo loft, our taste buds were treated to samples of six memorable dishes. We dined on Haitian Cuisine that ranged from a delicious Butternut Squash Soup with Garlic Confit and Coconut Milk to Creole Shrimp with Mashed Sweet Plantain and Shredded Coconut. Our culinary journey ended with an amazing Coconut Shredded Blanc Manje for dessert.
The Chefs:Chef Marc-Elie Lissade, Chef Jude,Chef Olivier Leon Paultre, Chef Vladimir Ferrus, Chef Allain Lemaire,Chef Jean Philippe Desruisseaux
The Entertainment:Host - Christie DesirSinger - RivaDisc Jockey - JJ Mike
The Black Apron Event Tour is the brainchild of Chef Marc-Elie Lissade, who grew up on the Haitian cuisine he’s now showcasing to the world. The tour hits all major cities of North America and promises to be a Five Star gourmet experience. Young talented and innovative Haitian Chefs are brought together to satiate the pallet with gourmet French-Creole cuisine. The six course meal is sumptuous in flavor and definitely brings back warm memories and thoughts of Home. Each Chef is eager to showcase their culinary talents, promote Haiti’s magnificent culture and support the island’s gastronomy. The Chefs we met on Saturday evening exceptionally exemplify the event’s mission.
For those of you searching for a uniquely avant-garde culinary experience like no other, look no further than the Black Apron Event Tour. It’s a veritable treat with a modern and contemporary take on Haitian Cuisine.A portion of proceeds from the event go to help Sick Kids Foundation. A cause dear to Chef Lissade’s heart.
Kagie 22 presents ‘Haiti Royalty’
Three sections will display “Haiti Royalty” in Kagie 22’s production this Labor Day Carnival.
Band leader Haitian American Karine Gilles told Caribbean Life that the all-female band will comprise 75 masqueraders altogether in the three sections: Haiti Queen, Princesses Azia and Haiti Princess Amor Toussaint.
She said besides Haitians, masqueraders are Trini-Haitian Americans and Martiniquans.
Gilles, who has been participating in the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade since 2003, said masqueraders can expect “more colorful designs and good music” this year.
She added that Kagie 22 will play “outstandingly” as well.
The production is assisted by Moise Desir, Guetary Roche, Rosena Destin, Pedine Nazaire, Yvener Leon, Michelle Bastien Archer, Kettelie Innocent, Kagie 22 TV staff, Radio Independence, Elegance, Planet Musical, Bebe Fritay, Yoyo Family, Tambour Universel.
Gilles said she founded Kagie 22 in 2002 as a TV show “to touch base with the community and [to] create linkage with organizations that can fulfill communities’ needs.
“Many times, our people need to know how to participate in mas camps,” she added, stating that some members are unaware of the expectations of WIADCA and the rules to be “an active camp” in the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade.
Gilles said playing in the parade is a “very productive, competitive and rewarding concept for children and adults.”
She said masqueraders will sway to the beat of Sweet Micky and DJazz New York.
Gilles can be reached at (917) 348-6488 or at Kagie22@aol.com.
By Nelson A. King | August 29, 2017
Mission Impossible? A Tech Summit Rises From The Rubble In Haiti
Culturally we’re obsessed with youth, but in business, it’s considered a liability until you prove yourself. Especially if you’re trying to execute an idea that’s never been done before. Faced with these circumstances there are those who retreat and those who push forward.Twenty-eight-year-old Christine Souffrant Ntim, cofounder of Global Startup Ecosystem and a Forbes 30 Under 30, is among those who persist, and as a result she and her team launched the first-ever tech summit in Haiti.
I was among the group of 100 speakers to descend upon Haiti along with over 450 attendees, including more than 20 tech companies. (Google, Facebook and AirBnb were in attendance.)Ntim is transparent about the fact that no one thought they could pull it off. Each person on the organizing team of eight is under 30, a symbol of the possibility and potential that lives within the population of Haiti; The average age of a Haitian citizen is 22.It’s been seven years since the earthquake, and about 55,000 people still remain in displacement camps, according to the Huffington Post. Currently, Haiti is home to close to 10.5 million people, and the unemployment rate is slightly above 40%. In addition, 60% of the population lives on $2 a day. And while Ntim, who is Haitian-American, and her team are well aware of the current state of Haiti, where others see problems they see possibility.
“First and foremost we know Haiti can transform itself and be a new global case study for what happens when you get the right influences in the room to transform a nation."This is a 13-year initiative, she added. "This is not happening once. We’re going to be doing this until 2030. 2030 is going to be a revolutionary time for us to evaluate different countries and their standards for UN development goals. Haiti is going to be the case study that everyone is going to try and figure out. How can we replicate what happened in Haiti? You are part of that right now.”In our interview, Ntim shared how she managed to create a summit to serve as a catalyst for disruption and innovation in Haiti, and offers advice to other young people looking to achieve what others deem impossible:Rhonesha Byng: What challenges did you and your team face planning and executing the first-ever Haiti Tech Summit?Christine Souffrant Ntim: There were so many challenges. First, no one believed we could actually source 100 speakers and host an international event in Haiti. As a team of eight people all under the age of 30, potential sponsors and partners could not believe that we had the media connections to source 100 speakers in Haiti. Since major corporations have been unable to do so in the past, our odds were slim. Despite sponsor/partner doubts, my international reputation and networks were strong enough to help me pull in global speakers-many of which - came to Haiti for the first time. Speakers included the President of Haiti- Jovenel Moise, Ben Horowitz and celebrities such as Vicky Jeudy from the Netflix series Orange is the New Black.Second, no one wanted to buy tickets in advance. There’s so much skepticism around event fraud that people wanted to arrive and see if the event truly was happening. During the 2nd to last week of May we had about 200 RSVP’s- half of which were family, friends, volunteers and speakers. I did a series of media interviews on a Monday on radio, TV and in print. It finally clicked with locals that we were coming and the Whatsapp messages and word of mouth spread like wildfire. In two weeks we surpassed 450 in ticket sales and had to shut down the site. At a certain point people who didn’t take us seriously were trying to meet us directly to get tickets. We turned away hundreds on the day of the event because we were filled to capacity.Byng: You mentioned in one interview that “Haiti is not open for business. Haiti is open for disruption." What did you mean by that?Ntim: What I meant by this now infamous statement is that when we look at emerging markets today we evaluate them based on the wrong things. We look at their capacity for formal industry development- like banking, communications, and commerce- despite the fact that formal industries are being overtaken by small startups almost every year. From Airbnb transforming travel hospitality, to Twitter transforming media communication, we should not evaluate countries on standards that are already being challenged.I want the world to think differently with their approach in countries like Haiti. Don’t focus on what we don’t have today- focus on what we can create tomorrow. If we have issues with communication networks - how can your startup change that? If we have a poor transportation infrastructure - how can you think beyond Uber and create an entire new way of travel? And since Haiti has a proud history of resilient, entrepreneurial people, we are the best place to pilot and launch the startups of tomorrow. So come here to disrupt and scale in an entirely new way. The whole ecosystem is excited for it.Byng: What was the main goal of the summit and was that achieved?Ntim: In many ways, yes. Our three goals were simple: change the narrative around Haiti as a brand, spark local startup ecosystem collaboration, and engage international media, investors, tech companies and stakeholders.Byng: Did your team’s age factor into the reception of the summit in any way?Ntim: Yes, what started off as huge skepticism regarding our age turned into huge inspiration. At the end of the event I called the team to the main stage. The crowd cheered - not only because of what we done, but also because many of them jumped at the opportunity to network and connect with older people at the conference discussing the potential of the youth in the room - not realizing that the whole endeavor was the result of engaged youth. I even said “how many young people in your community do you overlook because they don’t have the age and titles that you thought were worthy of a conversation? Well, if you haven’t noticed, our generation is not waiting for tomorrow to make a statement. We are making waves today.”Rhonesha Byng; Women@Forbes - AUG 7, 2017
VIII Games of La Francophonie : Between medals hope and disappointment
As part of the cultural component of the 8th Games of La Francophonie, held in Abidjan (the capital of Ivory Coast) until July 30, 2017, our 10 Haitian artists in competition (5 Hip Hop dancers, 2 Puppeteers, 1 Photographer , 1 Painter and 1 sculptor) try to get medals against high-level opponents...After the first few days, Haiti swings between hope for medals and disappointment...Update on our artists :Hip-Hop Dance :After two days of intensive repetitions, the Hip-Hop dancers of the UNISTEP group entered the final round at Canal aux Bois on Tuesday to face 17 other competitors. Despite a good performance more or less appreciated by some spectators, they did not manage to qualify among the 8 countries retained for the final phase (Battle) of the contest. Rendez-vous in 2021 for our Haitian dancers...Photography :Tara E. Levros, the Haitian photographer, is awaiting deliberation of the Jury of the Museum of Civilizations. Tara has been subjected since the beginning of the Games to practical exercises which have led her to various sites in the Ivory Coast. She will be judged on the basis of the works she had already sent to the organizers and the photos she has just produced during the competition.Sculpture:Yvens Orélien is one of our great medal hopes for the moment as his work exhibited at the Museum of Civilizations has aroused admiration. Yvens has already realized a Sculpture on the spot on the subject of immigration and awaits the verdict of the Jury.Giant Puppets:Wednesday, July 26, the band of Ernst Saint-Rome, jumped into the competition with 9 other nations. Unfortunately the performance of the puppets of Mackendy and Steeve Marcéus did not convince the members of the Jury to grant them the right to move to the last phase of the five qualified countries.Painting :Jaboin Darthon, always focused on his work, is determined to return in Haiti with a medal. As part of his practical work, he has already painted in two days, two paintings on the theme of Love. And awaits the decision of the Jury.HL/ HaitiLibre 27/07/2017
Comedy Show Rings In Haitian Heritage Month
A comedy show is pitting viral and stand-up Haitian comedians to kick off the celebration of Haitian Heritage Month at Loft172 on May 12. “Haitian Bad Boys of Comedy: North versus South” will have the popular jokers battle out to decide which region has the funniest comics. With Haitian flag day around the corner, what better way to celebrate that than with some interactive team challenges with some well-known faces online, said the organizer.“This is a flag day celebration through comedy, but this time we’re doing something different than regular stand-up,” said Moses Merisier, organizer of the event. “A lot people are into social media and stand-up and we wanted to combine that and do a North versus South battle with the comedians.”The show is set to be about two hours and is introducing popular games that will be done with a Haitian style of comedy, according to Merisier. A family feud-like game and a segment similarly modeled after the popular MTV show, “Wild’ N Out,” are a few of the games the jokesters will partake in and this element of the show is relatively new to most Haitians, he added.“We’re going to have a lot of different challenges, a lot of improvisation and impersonations, and a lot of these have never been done in the Haitian community before,” he said.Two teams of five comedians are going to be divvied up to represent their regions, and towards the end of the show the audience decides which team was the funniest. Comedians include Haitian Jonas and Chelo Chelo, who will act as team captains for both regions respectively. Besides the final judging, guests can participate in the challenges because it will be very interactive, said Merisier.He said the show is more than a party and highlights the adamant champions of Haitian culture, which is important to him because throughout the year these comedians are uplifting the culture and keeping it alive with humor, said Merisier.“I try to choose comedians who are really funny and also dedicated to Haitian culture, because I find it very important to do this around Haitian flag day,” he said. “During this time of the year I like to give back and this is a way for us to show who is doing that.”Most of the show will be done in English with little references in Haitian Creole, according to Merisier. But non-Haitians and kids under 18 who come with adults, are invited to the show.“If you’re Haitian and have Haitian pride this is one of the best events to come to and one of the few moments where we celebrate our culture with laughter,” said Merisier. “We have a family-oriented show and besides the regular comedy, we’re doing something everyone can laugh at and all generations are invited.”“Haitian Bad Boys of Comedy — North versus South” at Loft172, 172 Classon Ave. between Myrtle and Park avenues in Bedford-Stuyvesant. May 12 at 7 pm. $30 ($75 VIP). By Alexandra Simon, May 4, 2017
First international medical training center in Haiti!
Chargé d'Affaires Brian Shukan joined St. Luke's Foundation, the Haitian Ministry of Health, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to inaugurate the first international medical training center in Haiti.The training center consists of two training and simulation rooms, a conference room, and an administrative meeting room. "This state-of-the-art medical training center will ensure that St. Luke staff and the greater Haitian medical community have a base to build and hone the most current skills they need to continue their vital work," said Shukan.The construction was supported by a $500,000 grant from USAID's Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA), and the facility will host its first international conference, "The Haitian Acute Care and Emergency Care Conference" on April 28 and 29."Continuing Medical Education (CME) is a guarantee of quality in healthcare," said St. Luke Mission medical director, Dr. Marc Edson Augustin. "The conference will be the first of many such experiences at St. Luke's new training center, furthering our primary goal of bringing quality and dignified care to the most vulnerable."USAID/ASHA grants support the construction and purchase of equipment for medical institutions in Haiti. Additional recipients of ASHA grants include St. Boniface Haiti Foundation; Catholic Relief Services for equipment at Hospital St. Francois de Sales; Albert Schweitzer Hospital; and the International Child Care's training center and inpatient child care unit. Since 1979, ASHA grants have provided over $21 million in support to projects in Haiti.HL/ HaitiLibre HaitiVille