contact@haitiwonderland.com+509 36184317

Discover

Shopping Cart

False Rumor of Animal Consumption by Haitians in OhioHaiti
False Rumor of Animal Consumption by Haitians in Ohio
Haiti
  • September 11, 2024
  • | 0

False Rumor of Animal Consumption by Haitians in Ohio

Since the beginning of the week, an unfounded rumor has been circulating in the United States, particularly in the state of Ohio, accusing Haitians in the diaspora of killing and consuming pets, as well as ducks in public ponds. These allegations, widely relayed by certain public and political figures, have been formally denied by local authorities and the police in Springfield, the city where these alleged events allegedly took place. Despite these denials, the rumor continues to thrive, fueling stigmatization against Haitian migrants.

Local Authorities Clarify

According to the mayor of Springfield, the story of a cat being killed and eaten that fueled this rumor does not actually originate from his city. He clarified that it actually involved a mentally ill African-American woman who was arrested last month for animal cruelty. The mayor also confirmed that no incidents involving immigrants in illegal activities have been verified in Springfield. These clarifications make the misinformation surrounding this case even more blatant and underscore the fallacious nature of the accusations targeting the Haitian community.

The Haitian government’s response

The Haitian government’s response

The Haitian government, through the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), reacted vigorously to this disinformation campaign. In a statement published on September 10, 2024, the MHAVE expressed its indignation and concern over these remarks described as “discriminatory” and “dehumanizing.” The ministry, headed by Ms. Dominique Dupuy, was keen to emphasize the risks that such accusations could pose to the safety and dignity of Haitians living in the United States, particularly in Springfield, Ohio, where the Haitian community is targeted.

In this statement, available on their X account (formerly Twitter), the MHAVE recalled that this stigmatization was not a new phenomenon, Haitians being regularly victims of smear campaigns for political reasons. This time again, the Haitian community is being attacked to serve electoral interests, a few months before the American presidential elections.

Solidarity of the Haitian Government

Minister Dominique Dupuy brought together on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, more than fifty community and religious leaders, as well as representatives of organizations working in the United States, to discuss the situation. Also among the participants was Dr. Nikita Séjour, Advisor to the Haitian Prime Minister. The objective of this virtual meeting was twofold: to demonstrate the solidarity of the Haitian government with its nationals and to define appropriate responses to these attacks.

We want not only to express our solidarity, but also to send a clear signal of refusal. We firmly reject these remarks that undermine the dignity of our compatriots and that could endanger their lives

, declared Dominique Dupuy.

The ministry is currently working in collaboration with diaspora organizations to explore strategies to allow victims of intimidation or discrimination to obtain adequate protection. MHAVE also encourages legal initiatives taken by associations defending the rights of Haitian migrants.

A false rumor amplified by influential figures

Although the Springfield police, local authorities, and even the city’s mayor have all denied the existence of such acts, the rumor has taken on national proportions. The Republican presidential candidate even mentioned these accusations during a televised debate against his Democratic rival Kamala Harris on Tuesday evening, in front of millions of viewers.

Before him, the owner of the social network X, Elon Musk, had also played an important role in spreading this false information. Musk, followed by millions of users, gave a sounding board to these unfounded theories, which have spread like wildfire in a country where more than two-thirds of households own a pet.

The Haitian government, through its diplomatic and consular missions, has promised to strengthen its support for the diaspora by deploying a support and protection system. The priority is to combat this disinformation campaign that not only tarnishes the image of Haitians in the United States, but could also have dramatic consequences for their security.

Baseless Accusations

These baseless accusations targeting the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, reveal once again the extent of misinformation and xenophobia that can manifest in tense electoral contexts. MHAVE, in collaboration with diaspora organizations, remains committed to protecting the dignity and safety of Haitians living abroad, while firmly rejecting the discriminatory and defamatory remarks propagated against them.

Share
About the Author
Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

See other articles from Appolon Guy Alain
Leave a comment

Recently Posted

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of all our activities and news on Haiti.

Haïti Wonderland: How to Rewrite the Narrative of Haïti on the Web?

For the last three decades the internet has transformed the way people live, access information and promote worthy causes. Institutions that embrace this technology lead the way in their respective industries and last, while countries that embrace this technology and wisely implement it enable themselves to thrive and build sustainable economies. After decades of existence, the internet has been shared with mainly two groups of people; those who use it as a tool to build, and those who use it as a tool of destruction. Those who see the internet as a bridge to make a positive impact in the world and those who see it as the comfy bed to never leave, hence, the difference between the consumer and producer. Unfortunately our beloved home, Haiti, has been of the former mindset. Is it a lack of vision, lack of skills and competences or is it lack of hard working individuals? Regardless what it is or had been for decades, now is the time to change the paradigm on all fronts necessary and reshape the future. If the past decades have been ruled by non-production and negative press, now is the time to change the paradigm by producing and using the limitless of the web to sell the beauty, the culture and the greatness of Haïti to the rest of the world. If the past has been ruled with a selective truth and an effort to showcase the worst and by extension create the worst narrative, now, my fellow Haitian, regardless of where you are on this planet, is the time for us to undertake this mission, to take responsibility and recreate the narrative of our mother land. A narrative based on truth and transparency, a narrative that tells the story of who we are and certainly who we are not, a narrative to invite the world to explore and see for themselves. It is our duty. If not now, when? If not you and I, then, who? Our main mission at Haïti Wonderland is to rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Then use the internet to bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map once again. Those are what motivate us, the oxygen that we breath, they are the reason we wake up in the morning and fight. We didn’t choose this path because we know it will be easy but we choose it because: 1. It is a noble cause 2. It is necessary and 3. It must be done. But must importantly we take this path because we know you and every Haitian in this world, who knows the truth about Haïti are tired with what you see when typing Haïti on the web, and at the same time understand that something must change, and it must be done as soon as possible. We know you are ready for this, and together we will change the narrative of Haïti on the web and we will bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map. This is a call of duty to you, regardless of your field of endeavor or where you’re located in this world. This is a call to join (http://haitiwonderland.com) to first see for yourself the movement you’re joining, then create your own account and start creating and sharing. Together we will rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Thank you for joining this worthy cause. Let’s invite the world to discover the true face of Haiti.

Recently Posted

History

History

First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.