contact@haitiwonderland.com+509 36184317

Discover

Shopping Cart

CAONABO, the first to defend Haiti
CAONABO, the first to defend Haiti
CAONABO, the first to defend Haiti

CAONABO, the first to defend Haiti

We are all familiar with the words of this song: "Caonabo fut mis en prison à Isabella et quelques mois plus tard embarqué pour l’Espagne, il disparut en mer avec le bateau qui le portait...". But do you know the story of CAONABO, the first to defend the island?

Summary

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

On December 5, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed at Môle Saint-Nicolas after a long and perilous journey in search of new lands and in search of riches. Aboard three ships, La Santa Maria, La Pinta and La Niña, accompanied by a crew of 120 men, Columbus believed he had reached the Indies by sailing towards the West, basing this belief on the theory of the round earth. He claimed this new land in the name of Spain, erecting a cross on the shore and calling the inhabitants of the country "Indians".

During a brief exploration, Columbus collected numerous samples testifying to the surprising wealth of the island, even noticing similarities with Spain. This is how he decided to name the island under the name of Hispaniola (Little Spain).

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

The inhabitants of the island welcomed the Spaniards with joy and respect. Columbus came into contact with the chief of Marien, Guacanagaric, who was the first to speak to him. When La Santa Maria sank a few days later, Columbus informed Guacanagaric of the tragedy. The latter invited him to stay with him and Columbus became so close to Guacanagaric that he granted him land in his territory.

Columbus built the Nativity Fort with the remains of La Santa Maria, placing a garrison of 39 men there under the command of Diego de Arena, Pedro Gutierrez and Rodrigue Escoredo. He forbids them from mistreating the Indians or stealing their gold, ordering them not to leave the Marien.

After establishing this post, Columbus returned to Spain. He left La Nativité on January 4, 1493 and arrived on March 3. In the middle of a curious and enthusiastic crowd, impressed by magnificent samples of gold, rare plants and birds, he told the story of his astonishing discovery to Their Majesties Ferdinand and Isabella. As a reward, Christopher Columbus received on May 28, 1493 from the hands of Their Majesties letters patent naming him Admiral of the Ocean, Viceroy and Governor of all lands discovered and yet to be discovered.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Despite Columbus’s recommendations, the Spanish stationed at La Nativity began to brutalize Guacanagaric’s peaceful subjects and rob them of their gold. They even organized expeditions to the Maguana region, where gold abounded, particularly in the Cibao region.

Haiti, dream space.
Haiti, dream space.

Haiti, dream space.

Between dream and Haitian reality: A call for unity and action Many men have dreamed big for Haiti. Toussaint Louverture and Jean Jacques Dessalines are examples. Although torn apart by invisible hands, the social fabric of the country had always been considered the greatest project to be set in motion by men of letters. Until then, the history of Haïti remains and remains for Haitians the most appropriate space to dream and propose full and complete freedom. Indeed, Toussaint Louverture had the dream of improving the lot of slaves. Dessalines, for his part, sacrificed himself for the independence of our island (Haiti-Saint-Domingue). After our liberation from the French, men of letters had to take other paths to safeguard the dignity of the country. This situation showed another form of revolution like poets of the patriotism school with supporters such as: Louis Joseph Janvier, Anténor Firmin, Demesvar Délorme and the Generation of the Round with Fernand Hibbert, Georges Sylvain also the indigenous school with Jean Price Mars, Jacques Stephen Alexis, Roussan Camille etc... who express their discontent by pouring ink. By describing or painting the situation of the country. Several years which were first conceived and then born the idea of ​​giving the country its sovereignty, its own bicolor, its army, etc. it was not easy and did not continue like this. Haïti needs for the moment men of dreams, men who love their countries, but not the wealth of this country, men who love the happiness of their country, but not its misfortunes, men who have viable projects , but are not specialists in carnage who are only interested in their pockets, rather for the happiness of our two-tone, men who must fight against corruption, against waste, against the invisible hands of foreigners, against this form of public administration which targets only a small group of people in the country to the detriment of the population, this form of insecurity planned by the state, the so-called bourgeoisies, economic powers from abroad such as: France, USA, Canada, Brazil. q~Haïti in 1979 with full power. Maître Fevry is said to have declared: The dream of Haïti cannot support, nor accept improvised solutions ~q. The Haitian’s dream must always be a team effort. A team of men of skill, vision, good will, reflection and meditation. q~ Men who can place their personal and private interests over public interests. Men who want to make a new start to achieve the dream of Jean Jacques Dessalines and that of Henri Christophe who aimed that Haitians will not envy any other country in the world so that all Haitians can be happy in their own country, chanted Professor Lesly Saint Roc Manigat.~q Our dear Haiti, which was once the pearl of the Antilles, is no longer present today. For this we ask all Haitians: children, young people, adults and old people, let us unite our arms, our strength, our voices and all that we could do to liberate our dear homeland Haïti Chérie. Let’s change our reality together! Long live Haiti, long live freedom for the whole world.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

CAONABO, learning of the ignoble conduct of the foreigners, swore to take revenge in an exemplary manner. He made an alliance with Guarionex at the head of a large army and attacked La Nativity one evening. The garrison, surprised, was massacred and the fortress completely destroyed. Guacanagaric, despite the mistreatment inflicted by the Spaniards on his subjects, came to their aid. Caonabo quickly defeated him, wounding him in the head and burning his village.

When Columbus returned to the coast of the island, he found only ruins at the site of The Nativity and Guacanagaric wounded in the head. On December 7, Columbus set out in search of a location to build a city to shelter the many adventurers who had followed him. He founded the city of Isabelle, the first in the New World, in the north of the island, in 1494.

Columbus forced the Indians to pay him tribute in kind, including food, cotton and gold dust. Faced with this oppression, Caonabo managed to organize a league of caciques against the Spaniards on both sides of the island and prepared to exterminate the foreigners. Caonabo besieged Fort St. Thomas, keeping it under siege for thirty days. La Magdalena was also attacked by a group of Indians, but they were repulsed, causing many casualties.

Haïti et son Rôle Pionnier dans l’Abolition de l’Esclavage Mondial
Haïti et son Rôle Pionnier dans l’Abolition de l’Esclavage Mondial

Haïti et son Rôle Pionnier dans l’Abolition de l’Esclavage Mondial

For centuries, the institution of slavery has darkened human history, leaving behind a legacy of pain, oppression and the struggle for freedom. However, in this dark tale, one nation stands out for its courage and determination to break the chains of oppression: Haiti. Located in the Caribbean, Haïti played a pioneering role in the abolition of slavery, laying the foundation for the fight for freedom and equality around the world. The history of slavery in Haïti dates back to the arrival of Europeans on the island, which was then called Santo Domingo, in the 15th century. French colonists quickly established an economy based on sugar and coffee production, cruelly exploiting millions of African slaves deported to work on plantations. However, this brutal system engendered fierce resistance from slaves, whose fight for freedom ultimately led to one of the most significant revolutions in history. In 1791, under the leadership of iconic figures such as Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henri Christophe, Haitian slaves rose up against their oppressors in an unprecedented rebellion. This revolt resulted in a war of independence that lasted more than a decade, but ultimately resulted in the proclamation of Haiti’s independence in 1804, making that country the first post-colonial nation ruled by people from slavery. The impact of the Haitian Revolution on the abolition of slavery worldwide cannot be overstated. By breaking the chains of oppression and proclaiming their independence, Haitians have sent a powerful message to all oppressed peoples around the world: freedom is possible, and it is worth the struggle. The example of Haïti inspired other movements for the abolition of slavery in the Americas and beyond, thus helping to shake the very foundations of the institution of slavery. Haiti’s participation in the fight against slavery was not limited to its territory; it also extended to external actions where Haitian men were sent or actively participated in movements for the abolition of slavery in other regions of the world. For example, Haitian President Alexandre Pétion supported Simón Bolívar, the leader of the South American revolution, by providing him with weapons, money and even men, which contributed to the liberation of several countries in America Latin of colonial domination. Haïti also provided support for independence movements in Central America. Haitian fighters, led by General Jean-Pierre Boyer, helped Venezuelan patriots fight against Spanish rule, contributing to the liberation of that region. The Haitian government financially and diplomatically supported movements for the abolition of slavery in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico, contributing to the gradual eradication of this institution throughout the region. Although Haïti did not directly participate in the American Civil War, many Haitians and descendants of Haitians played crucial roles in the abolitionist movement in the United States. Figures who were of Haitian origin or of Haitian ancestry, were important voices in the fight against slavery and for equal rights in the United States. The legacy of the Haitian Revolution remains a symbol of resistance and courage for future generations. Today, as the world continues to struggle against injustice and oppression in various forms, Haiti’s history reminds us that the fight for freedom is a universal fight, one that transcends borders and times. Haiti’s participation in the abolition of slavery throughout the world remains a crucial chapter in the history of humanity. Through their courage and determination, Haitians have paved the way for a future where freedom and equality are inalienable rights for all.

Caonabo
Caonabo
Caonabo

Columbus set a trap for the cacique of Maguana, into which he fell without difficulty. He requested an audience with Caonabo, who agreed to meet him. Using trickery, Ojeda kidnapped him from among his subjects and brought him to Isabella. In March 1494, the prisoner sailed for Spain but perished in a shipwreck.

The story of Caonabo and his fight for the freedom of his people remains a little-known chapter in the history of Haiti. Although defeated, his courage and determination to defend his land remains an example of resistance in the face of colonial oppression. It embodies the fierce desire of indigenous peoples to preserve their culture and identity in the face of foreign invaders. Thus, remembering its history is paying tribute to all those who fought for the freedom and dignity of their nation.

Share
About the Author
Appolon Guy Alain
Appolon Guy Alain
Appolon Guy Alain

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

See other articles from Appolon Guy Alain
Anderson GEORGES

m renmen travay ou a anpil, kenbe la.

November 07, 2024 - 07:12:19 PM
Accilien

Se bel travay men ,en espanyol non
W dwe kontinye men ale nan orijin chak bagay yo ,avek yon kamara ki ka presante tout bagay nan orijin yo ok ok ok

Mwen felicite w, mwen swete w rejwen n ak paj sa ( lead motive Haitien sou youtube ok )

December 25, 2024 - 06:50:11 AM
Leave a comment

Recently Posted

Newsletter

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

Conference / Festival Quatre Chemins / 21st edition

The impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people in Port-au-Prince While writers, actors, dancers, poets, among others, have gratified us with their performances, the master’s degree student in psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences (FASCH), Lourdya Blaise, spoke with the audience about trauma. Structured around the theme "Youth and Trauma, analysis of the impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people living in Port-au-Prince between 2010-2024", this conference gave rise to enriching discussions. During this meeting, moderated by Michaël Formilus, Ms. Blaise showed how the events that have taken place in the country have caused cases of trauma among Haitians. According to the student, citing the American Psychological Association, we speak of trauma as a consequence of trauma. The latter is explained by the fact that we feel threatened, whether it is the person in question or their loved ones. However, she specifies that a collective trauma remains depending on the impact that the event has on the individual. To illustrate her remarks, she mentioned the earthquake of January 12, 2010, considered a collective trauma, insofar as it still occupies our minds. This tragedy reminds us of the disappearance of our loved ones and enormous losses. This is the case of a trauma that becomes a collective trauma. For the student, it should be emphasized that when an event occurs, some people are traumatized and others are not. According to him, the violence of armed gangs is not perceived in the same way, says Ms. Blaise. There are people who have fled their homes but are not traumatized. In fact, some people see traumatic situations as a passing event, she says. The speaker also spoke about collective trauma, which, according to him, preoccupies the mind, even if we no longer experience it. It manifests itself in several forms: lack of sleep, fear psychosis, intrusive thoughts, intense heartbeat, etc. Generally, symptoms related to trauma are hard to die. When it persists, it becomes acute stress. To deal with it, we must talk to other people. If the situation persists, acute stress turns into a phase of post-traumatic stress; in this case, we must confide in a trusted person or go see a mental health specialist, she advises. In her presentation, Lourdya Bazile also drew attention to the psychological state of children in these times. According to the presenter, children are also facing this crisis situation, even if they do not talk about it to their parents. As much as adults, children also plan their future. Faced with flouted school years, they become pensive and worried, she stressed. They withdraw. The child who used to be brilliant can become violent and perform less well at school. Parents are called upon to listen to them and understand them. A good moment of exchange, rich in practical advice. The audience participated fully. In turn, the presenter invites them to breathe better and meditate. "We live in a country where worries mix, we must take time for ourselves, do sports, eat well, make sure that the sleeping space is clean and take time for ourselves. There is more than one way to find calm," recalls the psychologist. Gertrude Jean-Louis

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.

  • +
    • Post