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
  • 11 Septanm 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

Haiti: The Rara season in Petit-Goâve: A celebration of life, unity and resilience

As the new season of Rara looms on the horizon, certain groups such as Saint Jacques Majeur, Ratyèfè, Florida Band, Lambi Grand, and Grap Kenèp are already preparing to light up the streets of Petit-Goâve with their flamboyant costumes and their captivating melodies. For these groups, the future looks bright, promising a season full of passion and success. However, other rara bands are still hesitant about which direction to take. Despite these uncertainties, optimism reigns regarding the success of this new season for all rara groups in the commune of Petit-Goâve. Rara, anchored in the Vodou tradition, is much more than a simple artistic manifestation. It embodies the very essence of Haitian culture, highlighting questions of memory, tradition and identity. This increasingly popular form of artistic expression attracts a large audience and arouses unprecedented enthusiasm. Groups like Ratyèfè, Grap Kenèp, Florida Band and Chenn Tamaren, recognized for their ability to delight their fans, play a crucial role in the continued growth of rara in the town. The rara season traditionally begins on Dead Thursday and ends on the night of Easter Sunday or quasimodo Monday. To mark the beginning of this sacred period, groups organize opening ceremonies, honoring the spirits of the deceased in rituals steeped in spirituality. These ceremonies, often held in cemeteries or in the "Bitasyons" of groups, symbolize the deep link between the rara and Vodou traditions.

The literary and philosophical club of Galette-Chambon reveals its second edition: a journey to the heart of books

In an atmosphere of madness, at the Auditorium Saint Jean Marie Vianney de Galette-Chambon, where the laughs broke out, the music resounded, and the talents were dismented, started the second edition of the reading competition, around the theme "Ann Li pou n chanje peyi n ». This initiative, organized by the literary and philosophical club of Galette Chambon (CLPGACH) on Friday 06 October 2024, was marked by an overflowing passion within the public. The spectators came for several reasons: to support the applicants and live their presentations. The works, as "thus spoke of the uncle", "the vocation of the elite" of Jean Price Mars, "the ten black men" of Etzer vilary and "the courage to live in Haïti in the 21st century" of Hérold Toussaint, present innovative arguments linked to the societal context. They intertwine with folklore, Haitian culture, sociology and anthropology. These books are given to the applicants for a period of 15 days. Back, they come with their summaries and, after each presentation, in turn, reveal new perspectives on burning questions and delicate themes from works, while taking into account the concepts learned in public speaking. In this arena where the verve and the verb clash as well as logic, conviction, precision and clarity, it is a question of "saying all in a few words". The judgments are based on three criteria: the methodology concerning the substance and the form of the work; The eloquence which concerns verbal and non -verbal discourse (micro management, good pronunciation, etc.); And finally, an essential criterion: understanding. This is to assess whether the applicant has controlled the work. Questions can be asked without ignoring the context in which he lives. In addition, assistants have the opportunity to vote for the applicant who charmed them the most. This vote is precious at a higher level. Note that this vote can be made not only face -to -face but also online on our Facebook page CLPGACH. In addition, the public has always changed well through this trip to the universe of regional authors. The latter weave the frame and make vital the very repertoire of the competition vital, made up of impactful works such as "the price of irresponsibility" of Montuma Murat, "the return to citizen responsibility" written by Jean Jacquesson Thelucier and "Courage to live in Haïti in the 21st century "Professor Hérold Toussaint, to name a few. Although they died, some writers still live at the heart of our situation through their inheritance. Among them, it is necessary to quote: "the vocation of the elite" of Doctor Jean Price Mars, "the ten black men" of Etzer Villaire and "the Governor of the dew" by Jacques Roumain, as well as so many others . For this literary event to be moving and meets expectations for this second edition, many sacrifices are necessary on the part of the staff as well as the public which never leaves us alone. In this sense, we would like to thank them and call all those wishing to support this event. Indeed, if this competition is a solution found to advance together towards a common goal, its success depends on everyone’s commitment. About two years ago, the security climate in the area was not conducive to the completion of the competition. Although it is not yet ideal today, it is time to triumph over obscurantism and fight the dictatorship of ambient ignorance.

Newsletter

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

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.