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A successful eighth outing for the Wednesday of the Monferrier Dorval chairHaiti
A successful eighth outing for the Wednesday of the Monferrier Dorval chair
Haiti
  • November 09, 2024
  • | 0

A successful eighth outing for the Wednesday of the Monferrier Dorval chair

On Wednesday, October 24, 2024, in the premises of the Office of Citizen Protection, on the road to Bourdon, the 8th Wednesday outing of the Monferrier Dorval chair took place. As a reminder, the Wednesdays of the chair are one of the initiatives taken within the framework of the Monferrier Dorval chair of constitutional law, established on March 12 by the Council of the State University of Haïti (UEH). The rector, Mr. Fritz Deshommes, is the technical director. Professor Henri Marge Dorléans, former Minister of Justice, is the scientific director, and the dean of the Faculty of Law and Economics, Me Eugène Pierre Louis, holds the position of both technical and scientific vice-president. It should also be noted that the two main objectives of the chair are, on the one hand, to promote the memory of Professor Dorval, then President of the Bar Association, who was cowardly assassinated in front of his house, near that of the presidential couple at the time, on August 20, 2020. On the other hand, it is about promoting the work he had undertaken in the country, as a professor of constitutional law, around the need to make a constitutional change to facilitate effective governance and better institutional management of Haiti.

A successful eighth outing

A successful eighth outing

This eighth edition was held around the themes of "Health, Environment and Territorial Planning", with three excellent guests, who mastered the field of their respective interventions as best as possible. They are Dr. Jean Patrick Alfred, Director of the MSPP Study and Programming Unit; Eng. Claude Germain, former Minister of the Environment of the Republic of Haiti, currently Vice-Rector of Lumière University; and finally Mrs. Christine Stéphenson, former Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Haiti, currently Executive Secretary of the National Committee for Territorial Planning. They respectively spoke on the themes of the day.

The doctor’s intervention focused mainly on the need to impose a regulation on what is commonly called traditional medicine. A minimum of science is needed in this sector, which will be able to provide more documentation on this medicinal practice. According to him. He even argued for an alliance between conventional medicine and the latter. He also stressed the need to better manage our waste, worrying about its extreme danger to our health (because it is a source of disease). He cited as examples corpses (which constitute the most dangerous waste for humans), hospital waste, and all other waste from our daily uses. Otherwise, the rest of his speech was devoted to the need to include, in a potential new constitution, and then enforce, access to health for all, to quality medicines and in sufficient quantities.

For his part, Engineer Claude Germain spoke on the theme of the environment. During his speech, he argued in favor of establishing a Haitian environmental code, rather than including articles in a new constitution concerning this sector. Because legislating without being able to enforce seems useless and ridiculous to him. Good environmental management is a serious matter. He recalled the systemic drama that Haïti is exposed to because of the changes due to climate disruption, caused by the harmful energy consumption of human beings on the planet. Haiti, alongside Burma and Honduras, remains one of the three countries most exposed to this danger, according to the final declaration made in Paris in 2015, during the COP 21 on climate. In short, Haïti will need an environmental code that can regulate the Haitian environment in its entirety. The engineer also had to denounce certain harmful practices, such as market gardening in our hills, burning our land before planting, which kill a lot of micro-organisms in our soils, making it increasingly difficult to fertilize our arable plots.

For her part, Ms. Christine spoke on the theme of land use planning, as a necessity for the development of Haiti. Because a country that knows itself is better able to move towards the well-being of its children. During her speech, she also conducted an analysis of Haiti’s territorial potential, which she described as rich and which deserves better consideration in the overall perspective of a land use plan for the development of Haiti. Because Haïti has assets that few countries in the region have, and whose better management should be able to change the country’s trajectory in order to bring it to the well-being of sustainable development.

A space for free exchange

A space for free exchange

The chair of constitutional law aims to be a space for exchange where primacy is given to scientific exchange. It is in this sense that this chair has established itself as a place where experts, in an exercise of scientific discussion, propose solutions (solutions concerning their professional fields) to be included in the perspective of a potential constitutional change. All this is accompanied by accessible debates, where the general Haitian public is invited to intervene to make their voice heard, in all its globality and diversity. The goal is to make the debate around the question of constitutional change relevant while being accessible to everyone, in particular, by emphasizing the promotion of the scientific and intelligent speaking of various Haitian experts.

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Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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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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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

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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

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.