#29 - PHOTOS: The Feast of the Dead 2023
#29 - PHOTOS: The Feast of the Dead 2023
All the news from Haiti this week: top photographers share their images of the 2023 "Gede" festivities, news from Mariani and the Ouanaminthe canal.
Haiti resounded to the rhythm of the ancestors last week, plunging into a vibrant celebration of the Feast of the Dead. Discover our special PHOTOS edition of the 2023 Feast of the Dead, with shots captured in Port-au-Prince, Ouanaminthe, Cap-Haïtien, Miragoâne, Jérémie and Cité-Soleil.
This and more in HAITI WEEKLY #29 by DÈYÈ MÒN ENFO, a collective of journalists and media professionals based in Haiti. This is the weekly paid version with press review ($60 CAD/year), also offered to all subscribers free of charge for a limited time.
Word from the editors: A word from the editor: We would like to deeply thank all those who contributed to the purchase of tin and wood to repair the house of Donley Jean Simon, a photojournalism trainee at DÈYÈ MÒN ENFO in Cité-Soleil. His house was burned down on July 8, 2022, during a violent attack in a conflict between armed groups. After more than a year of staying with various friends, relative peace returned to the area this summer, allowing him and his mother to return to their home.
New donations from HAÏTI MAGAZINE “founding members” by DÈYÈ MÒN ENFO will be used this week to purchase additional sheet metal to cover the second room of their house.
Etienne Côté-Paluck
Summary #29
PHOTOS : Opening of the Gede Month
The ancestors honored the island again this year with their visit on the occasion of the Feast of the Dead, or Fèt Gede, despite a gloomy atmosphere due to a stagnant economy and recurrent attacks by armed groups. The lwa Gede were celebrated in large numbers in cemeteries and places of worship across the country. Even some devout Catholics paid tribute to their dead.
At Port-au-Prince Big Cemetery, the gathering place for visitors and vodouists on the Feast of the Dead, the crowds was in the hundreds, though smaller than usual. Intermittent rain also slowed some afternoon activities.
Vodou practitioners, some possessed under the influence of a Gede lwa, made offerings and lit candles.
According to Haitian tradition, the two days surrounding All Saints’ Day are an opportunity to remember the battles fought by our deceased loved ones and to call upon them to guide our lives with their wisdom. Numerous vodou ceremonies are also held in the evenings in most of the country's temples. Brass bands also fill the streets.
Gede spirits represent the cycle of life and death in Vodou tradition. During the month of November, the living and the dead (Gede) become one and communicate with each other. At the beginning of the month, ceremonies are held to greet the ancestors and to ask for luck, money, health and children. It's also a celebration of life: the Gede are loud, rude, sexual and love to laugh!
These two days of remembrance and meditation, November 1 and 2, are also public holidays in Haiti.
For this special edition dedicated to the photography of Haiti's Day of the Dead, we present images by Josué Azor, Pierre Michel Jean, Ketlain Difficile, Siffroy Clarens, Corentin Fohlen, Guy Edouard Milien, Ralph Simon, Jean Elie Fortiné et Donley Jean-Simon, who have generously agreed to share their work with us.
Government Contribution: Still No Agreement in Ouanaminthe
The people's committee responsible for organizing the construction of the Ouanaminthe canal has still not reached a collaboration agreement with the government's technical representatives.
Distrust of the government is palpable in the region. Some fear that the government will stop the project or regain control and take credit for it. Every action is viewed with suspicion. As a result, the committee is reluctant to rush into discussions with government officials. It demands fewer meetings and more work in the field.
At the border, an agreement was reached between the authorities of the region and those of Dajabòn to devote two more days to the recovery of goods stranded in the Dominican Republic. On Saturday, owners of Haitian-registered cars were finally able to retrieve their vehicles that had been stranded on the other side of the border. Merchants will be able to do the same next Wednesday.
The authorities also made it clear that, given the proximity of the border and the risk of illegal crossings, the short-term reopening of the bi-national market on the Haitian side, which the mayor's office had tried to revive, was no longer a priority.
Construction of the canal, dubbed the Dignity Canal by some, continues despite heavy rains this week that slowed work a bit. Gabionage of the banks has begun at the junction with the Massacre River. During heavy rains, the river is extremely violent, so the banks need to be reinforced to protect the structure.
In the commune of Fort-Liberté, construction has also begun on a second irrigation canal on another river to serve the agricultural plains. We will have more details and pictures of the latest developments in the North-East region in our next issue.
Music video of the Week
Nou pa merite sa - B-Jay Boy feat. Bgarmel
B-Jay Boy has moved his audience with his latest hit Nou pa merite sa [We don't deserve this], whose video clip, released five days ago, has already been viewed more than 400,000 times on YouTube (spread over two profiles). This poignant anthem tells the story of a family forced to leave Martissant (southern suburb) in 2021 because of armed violence, who took refuge in Plaine (northern suburb) before being driven out again by another armed group and left homeless. It's an all-too-common story in the capital region, and one that leaves many citizens feeling powerless.
“A big thank you, with the state of the country, it's you who make it impossible to live here anymore”, intones B-Jay Boy in the chorus, before repeating “we don't deserve this”.
In the middle of the song, the very young and already famous singer Bgarmel adds his childlike voice: “There's no security, no education. If I can't eat, I can't move on”, sings the artist whose first and biggest hit in 2021 depicted the difficulties of a street kid.
Attack in Mariani
Since Wednesday morning, armed groups have been trying to take control of Mariani, located just beyond Carrefour in the southern suburbs of Port-au-Prince. These groups, which originated in Martissant, are said to be trying to diversify their sources of income from extortion into new key economic sectors, including a market, a slaughterhouse, a wharf, and the new bus station for departures to the south of the country.
On Saturday, armored police trucks were transported by barge from the port of Port-au-Prince to the coast guard base nicknamed La Marine, successfully bypassing the Martissant neighborhood, already under the control of armed criminal groups since June 1, 2021. Once there, they were deployed to counter the armed groups' attack on Mariani.
“It will also be necessary to bring to justice all those who, in positions of power, through complicity and/or - incompetence, have allowed the gangs to transform our capital into a veritable hell for citizens.”
Excerpt from “Coping with the worst!”
The National's Editorial by Gary Victor (November 4, 2023)
On Saturday, bus and truck traffic slowly resumed southbound on Route Nationale #2. However, to cross Martissant and its neighboring districts, drivers are still forced to pay a right of way to armed men at various points.
At A Glance - A Short Film Trailer for En lisant
The En lisant Theater Festival weaves a tribute to the city of Port-au-Prince through its latest short film, a poetic work that serves as a trailer for the upcoming edition, which will take place from December 11 to 17. The eighth edition of this artistic event, which celebrates contemporary and original theater, focuses on the theme of Dire Port-au-Prince [Saying Port-au-Prince]. Renowned playwright Gaëlle Bien-Aimé is the guest of honor, promising a celebration of Haiti's theatrical scene under the banner of resistance and creativity.
DÈYÈ MÒN ENFO’s team
Photojournalists: Francillon Laguerre, Sonson Thelusma, Andoo Lafond, Milot Andris, Patrick Payin
Editorial board: Etienne Côté-Paluck, Jean Elie Fortiné, Jean-Paul Saint-Fleur
Interns: Wilky Andris, Donley Jean Simon
Special collaboration: Mateo Fortin Lubin, Ketlain Difficile, Josué Azor, Pierre Michel Jean, Corentin Fohlen, Jéthro-Claudel Pierre Jeanty, Siffroy Clarens, Guy Edouard Milien, Françoise Ponticq, Stéphanie Tourillon-Gingras
Media partners: Centre à la Une, J-COM
Institutional partners: Kay Fanm, Mouka.ht
How Does Your Contribution Help?
Your monthly support helps finance production and pay DÈYÈ MÒN ENFO's collaborators in the communes of Cité-Soleil, Port-au-Prince and Cayes-Jacmel. In addition, donations are regularly distributed for medical expenses, school fees and other emergencies in these communities.
Press Reviews of the Week
Revue de presse - Feast of the Dead
Wa Vodou Augustin Saint Cloud: 'Gede ap Fete Kòrekteman' - VOA
Des photographes de Valérie Baeriswyl sur la fête des guédés en Haïti - Le National
La crise sécuritaire affecte la célébration de la fête des Morts en Haïti - Enquetaction
Timide célébration de la fête des Guédés au cimetière de Port-au-Prince . Le Nouvelliste
Célébration de la fête des Morts à Port-au-Prince avec Nanm . Le Nouvelliste
Press Review - Culture and Heritage
Xavier Dalencour : ou l’art d’explorer et d’exposer les arbres imaginaires dans ses tableaux
Akademi Kreyòl Ayisyen klotire anpenpan mwa selebrasyon lang ak kilti kreyòl 2023 . Le Nouvelliste
Haïti au 28e Salon du Chocolat à Paris ! - Le Naional
À la découverte du Centre culturel Caraïbes, nouvel espace dédié au divertissement et à la réflexion . Le Nouvelliste
Lancement de l’Anthologie de la revue Oyapock . Le Nouvelliste
Hinche célèbre les 45 ans de Boukman Eksperyans . Le Nouvelliste
Erol Josué envoûte le Centre culturel Caraïbes | Loop Haiti
Fondée en Haïti, la SHHGG, plus vieille institution de Mémoire de la Caraïbe, a 100 ans - Ayibopost
Projecteurs sur Haïti - Le National
Press Review - Ouanaminthe Canal
Le canal, principale préoccupation des habitants de Ouanaminthe - METROPOLE
Komite kap Jere Konstriksyon Kanal Wanament la Dozado ak Delegasyon Gouvènman an Voye a - VOA
Dyaspora Ayisyen Paris a Fòme Oganizasyon pou Ede Konstriksyon Kanal Wanament la - VOA
Le comité de gestion exige la transparence dans l'aide de l'État - METROPOLE
Diaspora Ayisyen yo Fè Kado $40,000 Pou Konstwi Kanal Wanament la - VOA
Les travaux de construction du canal sur la Rivière Massacre se poursuivent - Le National
Press Review - Haitian-Dominican Border
Nord-Est: Les autorités pourchassent les contrebandiers . Le Nouvelliste
Crise haitiano-dominicaine : la frontière haïtienne sera ouverte pendant 2 jours . Le Nouvelliste
Les autorités enquêtent sur une contrebande de sang contaminé - METROPOLE
Press Review - International Intervention Mission
Déploiement de la MMAS: « la mission sera nécessaire mais pas suffisante», selon l'expert indépendant sur Haïti William O’Neill . Le Nouvelliste
Press Review - Insecurity
Insécurité: Irruption de bandits armés à Mariani . Le Nouvelliste
AlterPresse | Haïti-Violences des gangs : Mariani et ses environs sous fortes tensions depuis le 1er novembre 2023
Haïti : l'insécurité reste constante - Le National
“We need to work to deploy and impose a new idea of the exercise of power in our country, one that makes the public good, private and public security, and the economic well-being of the nation, the sole objective of governance. Society will then have to understand that it is in its own interest that competence should be valued, and that mediocrity should not be allowed to sit in places where it has no business being there, or to rant and rave on the airwaves of overly lax media.”
Excerpt from Prevent
Le National’s editorial by Gary Victor (November 1, 2023)
Press Review - Public Safety
AlterPresse | Haïti-Criminalité : 32 policiers nationaux tués de janvier à octobre 2023, selon le Synapoha
« La PNH est maintenant prête pour le démantèlement des gangs», déclare Frantz Elbé . Le Nouvelliste
L’OPC dénonce et condamne les actes de brutalités sur la personne de Robert Noncent alias Dizay par des agents de la PNH - L'exclusivité
Press Review - Justice
Badio Konparèt Ankò Devan Jij Walter Wesser Voltaire nan Kad Dosye Asasina Moise la - VOA
Prison Civile de Jacmel: le calvaire des prisonniers continue - Métronome FM
Nesesite pou lang kreyòl la okipe plis plas nan lajistis . Le Nouvelliste
Tentative d'assassinat contre le Magistrat Ricard Aristilde : l’ANAMAH condamne et exige une enquête - L'exclusivité
Le MJSP et le CSPJ lancent des sièges criminels et correctionnels | Loop Haiti
Press Review - Gender and Women's Rights
presented by KAY FANM
Me Dilia Lemaire, une avocate au service des autres . Le Nouvelliste
Press Review - Governance
La crise politique persiste malgré les tentatives de médiation de la CARICOM - Le National
Les émissaires de la Caricom retardent leur arrivée en Haïti . Le Nouvelliste
L’accord de Montana propose un mécanisme pour la mise en place d’un exécutif consensuel à deux têtes . Le Nouvelliste
AlterPresse | Crise : L’Évêque catholique romain des Nippes préconise un réveil citoyen pour prendre en main le destin d’Haïti
Les violons ne s’accordent pas entre la présidente du HCT, Mirlande Manigat et le Gouvernement - Le National
"It would be so much simpler if the Haitian authorities clearly communicated their decision and their intention."
Excerpt from In soccer and politics, you have to communicate
Le Nouvelliste’s editorial by Frantz Duval (October 30, 2023)
Press Review - Economy
Une sécheresse extrême réduit la croissance d'un pays de 0,85 point de pourcentage - Le National
Le service de compensation des chèques électroniques de nouveau opérationnel . Le Nouvelliste
Blocage du débarquement d'un navire contenant du ciment à Saint-Louis du Sud - Le National
Les entrepreneurs du sud veulent sortir de l'enclavement - METROPOLE
Moteurs de l’agriculture haïtienne, très peu de paysannes possèdent des terres - Ayibopost
Press Review - Environment
Press Review - Strikes/Demonstrations
Haïti-Protestation: La Mairie de Cayes-Jacmel badigeonnée de matières fécales - Métronome FM
Popilasyon Kafou Fèy Pran Lari pou Mande Leta Ede yo Tounen Lakay yo - VOA
Les habitants d'Acul du Nord ont bloqué la route nationale no 1 - Le National
Press Review - Society
iciHaïti - Crise : 44% de la population souffre de carences alimentaires
En visite dans le pays, l’Expert indépendant William O'Neill se dit une fois de plus alarmé par la situation des droits humains en Haïti - L'exclusivité
Disparition et mutilation mystérieuses de cadavres dans des morgues en Haïti - Ayibopost
Haïti - FLASH : Impunité des assassins de journalistes, Haïti 3e au monde - HaitiLibre.com
Press Review - Sport
Haïti impose une correction plus sévère à Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis ! - Le National
Football : Metusalah, Adé et Charles Herold Jr champions avec leurs clubs respectifs . Le Nouvelliste
Press Review - Sanctions
Youri Latortue quitte la coordination de l’AAA qui nomme un nouveau CN | Loop Haiti
AlterPresse | Crise : Le poids des sanctions contre les membres de l’élite politique et économique en Haïti
Press Review - Education
iciHaïti - UEH : Le Rectorat de l’UEH ajuste à la baisse les salaires d’un certain nombre de ses enseignants
Plus d’un mois après la rentrée scolaire, des lycées de la capitale toujours occupés par des déplacés . Le Nouvelliste
Press Review - International
Des personnalités d'origine haïtienne honorées par le SOIT à Québec . Le Nouvelliste
Haïti - Politique : Biden et Abinader en harmonie sur la crise haïtenne - HaitiLibre.com
Les USA déconseillent aux Haïtiens de se rendre au Nicaragua dans le but d’entrer aux États-Unis . Le Nouvelliste
New York: le suspect du double meurtre des Haïtiens abattu | Loop Haiti
Press Review - Dominican Republic
La RD signe un "Pacte national pour la crise en Haïti" | Loop Haiti
La RD reprend les vols passagers et cargo avec Haïti | Loop Haiti
Haïti - Rep. Dominicaine : Hausse des déportations d’enfants haïtiens mineurs non accompagnés - HaitiLibre.com
Trois Haïtiens condamnés pour viol et torture de deux femmes en RD | Loop Haiti
Press Review - International Migration
Plus d'un demi million d'haitiens veulent émigrer aux États Unis - METROPOLE
Suspension de vols vers Nicaragua: des passagers entre inquiétude et désespoir . Le Nouvelliste
Les vols d’Haïti vers le Nicaragua reprendront bientôt, affirme le directeur général de l’OFNAC . Le Nouvelliste
Press Review - Internal Migration
AlterPresse | Haïti-Violences des gangs : 200 mille personnes déplacées dont 40 mille à Port-au-Prince depuis la mi-août 2023, selon le Pam
iciHaïti - Humanitaire : Le PAM a distribué 550,000 repas chauds aux personnes déplacées
Carrefour-Feuilles : les résidents rêvent de retourner chez eux - Le National