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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.

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.

Haiti: The History of the World’s First Free Black Nation
Haiti: The History of the World’s First Free Black Nation

Haiti: The History of the World’s First Free Black Nation

Haiti, the pearl of the Antilles, is a Caribbean island with a rich and complex history. However, its special status as the world’s first free black nation gives it a unique place in the annals of history. This small island was the scene of an extraordinary revolution which resulted in independence, thus marking the beginning of a new era for the black community and the abolition of slavery. Let’s delve into the captivating story of the birth of the first black republic, Haiti. b~The colonial era and slavery~b Haiti’s history dates back to the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century, when Christopher Columbus discovered the island. European settlers, mainly Spanish and French, introduced slavery to exploit the island’s resources, including sugar, coffee and cotton. The indigenous Native American population was decimated, paving the way for the massive importation of African slaves. b~The Haitian Revolution~b On August 14, 1791, Haitian slaves rose up against their oppressors, sparking the Haitian Revolution. Under the leadership of iconic figures such as Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henri Christophe, the insurgent slaves inflicted defeats on European armies, demonstrating fierce resistance and a desperate quest for freedom. b~The Declaration of Independence and the creation of the Republic of Haiti~b On January 1, 1804, Haïti proclaimed its independence, becoming the world’s first free black nation. This historic declaration symbolized the end of slavery and the triumph of the will of a people determined to live free. The Republic of Haïti was born in struggle and blood, asserting its autonomy in the face of the colonial powers. b~Post-independence challenges~b However, independence did not mean the end of challenges for Haiti. The country had to face external pressure, reparations imposed by France in exchange for recognition of its independence, as well as internal unrest. Despite these obstacles, Haïti strove to build a free and sovereign nation. The story of Haïti is that of a nation that overcame countless challenges to emerge as a pioneer of freedom for the black population. The Haitian Revolution remains a unique example of resistance, courage and determination, and Haïti continues to carry the torch of independence in the contemporary world. The legacy of this small Caribbean island still resonates today, reminding the world that freedom is a universal right that can be won even in the most difficult circumstances.

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.

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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.

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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
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Haitian traditions

Haiti, the pearl of the Antilles, is a country rich in history and traditions. Its vibrant and diverse culture is reflected through its national holidays, cultural festivities, traditional foods, religious beliefs, folk tales, and traditional games. Let’s immerse ourselves in the social fabric of Haïti to discover the beauty of its traditions. b~National Holidays:~b National holidays in Haïti are moments of pride and national unity as January 1, Independence Day, commemorates the victory of Haitian slaves over French colonial forces in 1804, making Haïti the first independent country in Haiti. Latin America and the Caribbean or the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières on November 18. The Battle of Vertières was one of the last great battles of the revolution. It took place in Vertières, near the town of Cap-Haitien. b~Cultural Festivities:~b Haïti is also famous for its cultural festivities, particularly Carnival, which is an explosion of color, dance, and music. Artistic and craft events, such as the Rara festival, are an opportunity for artists to showcase their talent. The Rara, a musical parade, combines folklore and spirituality, creating a unique experience. b~Traditional Foods:~b Haitian cuisine is a delight for the taste buds. Dishes like griot (fried pork), diri djon djon (rice with black mushrooms), and the legendary joumou (joumou soup) are an integral part of Haitian culinary tradition. Bold flavors, spices and cooking methods inherited from African and French tradition make Haitian cuisine unforgettable. b~Vodou:~b Vodou, often misunderstood, is a synchretic religion that incorporates elements of Catholicism, African animism, and indigenous beliefs. It plays a significant role in the daily lives of Haitians, influencing music, dance, and religious rites. Vodou is a profound expression of Haitian spirituality. The Tales (Krik Krak, Tim Tim, Bwa Sèch): Haitian folk tales, passed down from generation to generation, are rich in morality and wisdom. b~Konbit :~b The concept of Konbit represents community solidarity. Haitians come together to perform community tasks, whether in agricultural fields or for construction projects. It is a living example of the collective spirit that permeates Haitian society. The most recent major project to date concerns the construction of the canal from the Massacre River to Ouanaminthe, which took place between September and December 2023. Thousands of inhabitants of the north of the country mobilized all their forces to erect a canal allowing to collect water intended for irrigation of their plantations, with the aim of obtaining better harvests. Despite their modest means, they were motivated by the slogan "KPK" (Kanal la pap kanpe), a direct response to Dominican President Luis Abinader who warned them and did everything in his power to stop the construction of the canal. This channel represents the deep solidarity of Haitians and reaffirms national pride. Despite economic challenges, the people of northern Haïti have demonstrated exceptional determination to work together for a common goal. The slogan “Kanal la pap kanpe” embodies their resilience in the face of external pressures and demonstrates their unwavering will to continue the construction of the canal. b~Traditional Games:~b Traditional games are an essential part of daily life in Haiti. Games like lido, sote kòd, Yoyo, Ralba, Marèl, TiTaTo, Kay, lago kache, Monte kap, teke mab, woule sèk, twa fwa se manbo, and domino bring people together, promoting camaraderie and fun. Haitian traditions are a harmonious blend of spirituality, community, and cultural diversity. Every aspect, from national holidays to traditional games, helps weave the rich cultural tapestry that makes Haïti proud. These traditions are the beating heart of the nation, a precious heritage that continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

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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

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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.

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

Heritage

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

Culture

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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.

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