Haiti:the Magic Land

HAITI: THE MAGIC LANDcensorship exists in national media.
By Alejandro Guevara Onofre2004: This year Haiti is celebrating the 200th
INTRODUCTIONAnniversary of their National Independence. President
In 1492 Christopher Columbus wrote about Haiti: "TheJean-Bertrand Aristide of Haiti flees to Central African
most beautiful in the world". Certainly, Haiti is aRepublic following anti-government demonstrations.
wonderful country in the Caribbean. I think that has aHaiti has one of the most violent conflict areas in the
special beauty, with a geography and traditional cultureAmericas. After, UN troops sent to Haiti during civil
that is totally different from all the other countries insub-war.
Latin America.2006: Rene Preval is sworn in as President of Haiti.
Now, this essay is a historical information about Haiti,Since the peaceful transfer of power in February, Haiti
the first black republic in the modern history and one ofis the newest democracy in the Third World.
the poorest nations on Earth. Each chapter providesECONOMY
details on history, economy, biographies, sport, awards,Like Bangladesh, Uganda or Tanzania, Haiti is one of
foreign relations, culture and other important aspects ofthe poorest countries on Earth. In 1997, the Haiti's
Haiti. The people that don't know Haiti very much thinkeconomic growth rate (real GDP) per capita was U$
that Haiti is only one of the world's poorest countries,1,300. GDP per capita for Namibia, Botswana and
but the Island is known for its traditional culture,Equatorial Guinea are higher than for Haiti. In the
hospitality, superstitions, history. Furthermore, Haiti is thecountry 4 million people living on less than U$2 a day.
home to National Park History, one of the ancientMore than 6 million of the Haiti's population still does not
wonders of the world, and renowned women such ashave access to potable water and electricity. For
Edwidge Danticat and Michaëlle Jean were bornyears of dictatorships had left the country's economy
there.in ruins. The country dependent on international aid.
Since then, the dictatorships have destroyed HaitianSeveral hundred thousand farm workers migrate each
society, economy, ecology and sport. Since 1950, twoyear to Dominican Republic.
million Haitian people emigrated to the United StatesIn 1997, total exports for the year were U$110 million,
and other countries. Haitian-American arrived from Haitiwhile total imports were US$ 486 million. Since 1804,
with nothing more than their clothes. If we compare thethe US market has been the most important export
Haiti of today to Haiti of thirty years ago, we see adestination for Haiti. Nearly 80 percent of Haiti's total
change: a new multiparty democracy. Today, a vastexports are destined for the United States. Haiti's
part of the Third World and more than a billion peopleexports include sisal, mangoes, coffee, cotton, bauxite,
are under dictatorships.and sugar. The Island's imports from the United States
Eventually, I would like to finish my introduction with ainclude cement, oil, food, machinery and transport
message by Albert Mangones: "Haiti is unique in history,equipment. France has been the second largest
going directly from slavery to nationhood".exports destination for Haitian products.
CHRONOLOGY:In the past, the tourism industry occupied an eminent
1492: Columbus discovered Haiti in the 15th Century.place in the Haitian economy, but several political
1520-1697: Haiti is a Spanish territory. In the late 1500problems have blocked tourism. Haiti was the first
and early 1600, African slaves flocked to Island.country in the Caribbean to promote tourism in an
1697-1790: Haiti is a French colony. After 16th Century,accelerated form. Haiti is a small country with vast
Haiti became the most important French colony in themountains, tropical beaches and beautiful historic
Americas. Island´s export to Europe includedbuildings.
sugar, coffee and corn. The beauty of Haiti isCULTURE
recognized by the French in the mid-1700 Century,Like Katherine Dunham, Lillian Hellman, W.B. Seabrook,
when they called it "Pearl the Caribbean".Erik Leonard Ekman, Alejo Carpentier, Selden Rodman,
1790-1803: During the French colonization slavesNoel Coward and Angeline Jolie, many people say that
suffers from maltreatment. By the late 1790,Haiti is the most beautiful country in the Caribbean.
pro-independence demonstrations. An Anti-slaveryKnown as the "Magic Land", Haiti is famous for its
movement under Toussaint L´Ouverture began.culture. Certainly, Haiti its culture, its superstitions and its
L´Ouverture is one of the most important blackmusic. The superstitions or voodoo plays a profound
leaders in the history.During this period of time, Haitianrole in the lives of many Haitians. The voodoo was
slaves attack villages. Anti-French protests riots brutallyintroduced into Haiti in the late 16th Century. Haiti is also
suppressed. By the late 1803, under leadership of Jeanfamous for its painting, and finally for its
Jacques Dessalines, Haiti army defeated the Frenchruins…for example the Sans Souci Palace, the
forces at the Battle of Vertieres.most famous ruins in the Caribbean. Exactly, this
1804-1806:A French colony for more than hundredenigmatic palace is considered a Cultural Heritage for
years, Haiti becomes independent, one of the mostHumanity by UNESCO. Originally constructed by black
important events in the history. Jean Jacquesslaves, now Sans Souci is one of Haiti's main tourist
Dessalines became the first president of new republicattractions.
of Haiti, the first black republic in the modern history.Since the late 1940s, Haitian painting, best known as
Dessalines is the "Father of Modern Haiti". Haiti"naïve art" or "intuitive art", is famous all around
occupies the Western third of Hispaniola, thethe World. The most important figure was Hector
second-largest Island in the Caribbean.Hyppolite. His work made its biggest splash in the
1804-1820: Unfortunately; Haiti is divided into two zones.United States in the 20th Century. Other artists known
Northern Haiti is occupied by Henri Christopher, who isinternationally include Rigaud Benoit, Castera Bazile,
named Emperor, while the north is occupied byJoseph Jean-Giles and Jean-Baptista Bottlex.Haiti is
Alexander Petion. Petion is probably the greatestfamous for its traditional sculpture. The best Haitian
Haitian politician who ever lived.sculptor is Albert Mangoes.
1880: Haiti has one of the richest ecosystems in theFAMOUS HAITIAN
Caribbean.Nelust Wyclef Jean (singer/Haitian-American): Original
1900: Haiti´s modern political has been tumultuous,member of 1990s hip hop group The Fugees. Wyclef
marked by dictatorshipsJean is probably the most popular Haitian singer of all
1915-1934: Haiti has not had an effective nationaltime. Jean was born in Croix des Bouquets (Haiti) on
government Invasion by United States forces. USOctober 17, 1972. When he was just ten years old, he
troops sent to Haiti during civil sub-war.moved to the United States. Under leadership of
1918: The Presidential Palace, one of the best nationalWyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, The Fugees had several
palaces in the world, is originally designed by the Haitianhits in the 1990s, including The Score (The Score album
Georges Bassan. Bassan is inspired to White Housesold 6 million copies). Since 1997, Wyclef Jean, as
Washington.soloist, became well-known on the international music
1926: Emily Greene Balch, a human rights activist, wentscene. Like songwriter and producer, Jean collaborated
to Haiti.with superstars as Santana, Withney Houston, Mick
1928: Cator is the only Haitian ever to win olympicJagger,Bono,Tevin Cambpell, Bounty Killer, Eric Benet,
silver medal. After, Haitian athlete Sylvio Cator breaksSarah Connor, Claudette Ortiz, Tarkan, Michael
the men's long jump record in Paris. Cator was given aJackson, Youssou N´Dor, Shakira, Olga
hero's welcome when he returned to his country.Tañon, Carlos Ponce and Julio Voltio. During the
1937: In the Dominican Republic, Rafael Leonidas Trujillolast seven years, he has sold more than 10 millions
ordered national troops to massacre of 20000 Haitianalbums worldwide. In 2002, his single Masquerade was
emigrants.a great success.
1940-1950: Haiti is one of the most popular travelSince then, Wyclef Jean is a man that always works
destinations in the Caribbean.with love for Haiti, one of the World's poorest
1944: Dewitt Peters, an American school-teacher,countries. Recently, he makes perhaps his best work:
founded the Centre d'Art in Port -au-Prince Since 1944,"Yele Haiti", a foundation which works for the human
Centre d'Art became the centre of the Haitian painting.development in the Island. Like Miriam Makeba in South
It is now one of Haiti´s biggest tourist attractions,Africa or Bianca Jagger in Nicaragua, Jean loves his
and every year thousands of people came to see theroots. In an interview for Magazine, Wyclef Jean
paintings and other work of Haitian art.discussed about Haitian roots: "I am 100% Haitian. I am
1945: Haiti becomes the 26th member of the Unitedproud to be Haitian. I still have my Haitian passport. I
Nations in October.represent Haiti in everything that I do. Every head in the
1956: Haiti establishes diplomatic relations with theindustry knows that I am Haitian…they know
Republic of China (Taiwan).what I'm about. I was Haitian forst. Haitian till die!", said
1956: Daniel Fignolé is President of the ProvisionalJean.
Council and Head of State of HaitiDiscography: Wyclef Jean Present the Carnival
1957-1971:After working for a time as a traditionalFeaturing the refugee All-Stars (1997) / The Ecleftic:2
doctor, Francois Duvalier became one of Haiti's mostSides II a Book/ Masquerade (2002) / The Preacher's
famous doctors. In 1957, Duvalier is elected President(2003)/ Sak Pasé Presents: Creole 101( 2004)
of the Republic of Haiti. President Duvalier announced:Hips Don't Lie (with Shakira, 2006).
"My government will guarantee the exercise of libertySPECIAL AWARDS
to all Haitians". Francois Duvalier, also known for hisGerthie David "The Black Goddess"
nickname "Papa Doc", emerged as Head of State andIn 1975, many Haitian people were shocked to open
quickly gained nearly absolute power. In 1961 "Papatheir newspapers and see photographs of Gerthie
Doc" rewrote the National Constitution. After, heDavid Miss Haiti in El Salvador. On the night of July 19th
became the first "President for Eternity of Haiti". In the1975, in San Salvador, Gerthie David, Miss Haiti, was
1960s and 1970s "Papa Doc" popularizes superstitionsthe second black woman to first runner-up in the
ideas to Haiti through a series of important voodoohistory of Miss Universe Pageant. After winning the
rites. The Duvalier dictatorship instituted rig pressMiss Haiti title, Gerthie went to San Salvador, the
censorship. International agencies accuse governmentcapital city of El Salvador, to enter the Miss Universe
of grave human rights abuses. His regime of terrorContest. The competence was exhausting, very hard,
resulted in the deaths of least 30000 Haitian. The Islandfor example Miss Bolivia, Jackeline Gammarra, great
is one of the most dangerous countries in the Thirdfavorite, was eliminated. This day, Miss Haiti looks like a
World.black goddess. Her exotic beauty and charming
1957-1981: Haitian First Lady Simone Ovide becamepersonality are amazing! At 1,72m in height, she was
one of the most dominant women in the history ofthe best in the evening gown competition, but her
Haiti. Simone, wife of the most famous dictator of Haiti,speech about the Haitian superstitions swayed
gained in influence and power through corruption andthousands of applauses in the 25th Edition of the
crime.Contest. Certainly, Miss Haiti captive to the judges
1957-1989: For many decades, Haiti does not haveSarah Vaughan (American black singer), Maribel
diplomatic relations with the USSR, People's RepublicArrieta (Miss El Salvador 1955 and First runner-up at
of China, Cuba, Hungary, South Africa and EastMiss Universe 1955), Jean Claude Killy (French
Germany.sportsmen) and Leon Uris(American writer ).
1960: The Tonton Macoutes, the brutal secret police,When Bob Barker, the host this pageant, announces
initiated a "Haitian genocide" in which political prisonersthe final placements, Gerthie was cheered by the
were tortured and executed.entire auditorium. Suddenly, her pulse rate beats at
1964: Joseph Eduard Gaetjens, the idol of millions ofthousand per minute… "First runner-up is Miss
Haitians, is arrested and killed by the Tonton Macoutes,Haiti!", said Barker. She was one of the most exotic
the sinister Haitian secret police. Like John Barnesdelegates in all history of Miss Universe. In the 1970s,
(Jamaica) and Everald "Gally" Cummings (TrinidadGerthie David was a model from Port-au Prince and
Tobago), he was a great footballer in the Caribbean.she became a symbol to the Haitian youth. Next
After, Gaetjens become a world symbol of themonths, in London, Joelle Apollon, Miss Haiti-World,
struggle against dictatorship in the Third World. He hadcame in sixth place at Miss World 1975.After sixteen
dual Haitian and American nationality and played atyears, Marjorie Vincent, formerly Miss Illinois 1991,won
1950 World Cup for the United States. Son of Haitianthe title of Miss America Pageant. The first Miss
mother and Belgium father, he played for many clubs inAmerica to originate from the Caribbean. In other
the United States. The year 1950 was a verywords, Marjorie Vincent has Haitian roots. Furthermore,
important year for Gaetjens: the United States beatshe was the second black woman to win the pageant.
England 1-0, the birthplace of the modern football.SPORTS
1964: Francois Duvalier changed the national flag. BlackLike in Brazil or Italy, the football is the most popular
and red are the colors chosen by Duvalier. Black,sport in Haiti. Certainly, the national pastime is the
which is similar to the Angolan flag, represents thefootball. A different of the Dominican Republic or
descendants of the patriot Francois ToussaintPuerto Rico, the Haitian people don't like the baseball. In
L'Ouverture and is also the traditional color of thethe 20th Century, football became the most popular
Haitian people. While, red symbolizes the country`ssport in the Island, thanks to such heroes as Sylvio
independence. But the original flag, used since 1803,Cator, Joseph Gaetjens and Emmanuel Sanon. In 1974
was removed in 1986 by order of the newHaiti qualified for the World Cup in Germany.
government.Emmanuel Sanon was one of the Haiti's most popular
1966: Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia, arrives inplayers and played at the 1974 World Cup. Sanon
Port-au-Prince. Under the leadership of Dictatormade a great contribution to Haitian football because
Francois Duvalier, many African countries maintainhe played in more World Cup qualifiers any other
official diplomatic relations with Haiti.Haitian. He is still very popular with local fans. Other
1967: The Comedians, a film by British director Peterphenomenal talent was Joseph Eduard Gaetjens. He
Glenville, inspired in the cruel Haitian dictatorship by therepresented both Haiti and the United States. He made
Duvalier family.FIFA World Cup History: When scored United States
1971: After Duvalier's death, power passed to his sonopening goal in the 1950 World Cup against England.
Jean Claude Duvalier, the man who became knownJoseph came to the United States in the 1940s to play
throughout the world as "Baby Doc". Baby Doc is asin the American Soccer League. His beautiful play in
dictatorial as his father. Haiti is ruled by iron hand.the Brookhattan Club made in a national star. In 1953,
Duvalier, best known for his anticommunist political, ishe played for Haiti for the first time.
omnipresent. Many opposition leaders were arrested.It's practically impossible to talk about Haitian athletes
He is accused of human rights abuses. Thousand ofwithout mentioning Sylvio Cator. He is a legend in this
Haitian people fled the country. Corruption is prevalentsport. Cator won the silver medal in the long jump at
at all levels of government. The health system is one1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Cator returned home to a
of the worst in the Americas.hero's welcome. From 1928 to 1930, he was record
1974: The sporting system is one of the worst in theman in the long jump. Cator was a marvelous jumper
Third World, but Haiti qualified for the 1974 FIFA Worldand footballer. He also played an important role in
Cup. Haiti beat Trinidad-Tobago in the World Cuppopularizing football in the Island (it was the captain of
qualifiers. Is one of the greatest sporting moment, in theHaitian National Team).
chronology, comparing it to something like Sylvio Cator,Since then, he is an example for young people in Haiti.
who won a silver medal in long jump in the 1928He died in November 1938, but today the people of
Olympics Games in Holland.Haiti still think of him with respect. Many years after
1975: In El Salvador, Miss Haiti, Gerthie David, is namedCator's death, the National Stadium in Por-au-Prince
first runner up at Miss Universe Pageant…was renamed in his honor. Cator was the first of the
transmitting live to millions by CBS. After, Gerthie Davidgreat Caribbean sportsmen that would come to
is acclaimed in Port-au-Prince as a national heroine.dominate world track and field.
Miss Haiti competed with 71 other women from aroundFAMOUS ATHLETES
the world for the title of Miss Universe, including MissBruny Surin (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Edrick Floreal
USA, Summer Barthollomew.(Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Samuel Dalembert (
1980: Like Canada, West Germany South Korea andUSA-Haiti/basketball) / Ronald Agenor (USA-Haiti
Kenya, Haiti boycott the Moscow Olympic Games intennis)/ Sylvio Cator (track and field)/ Yves Jeudy
protest for Soviet invasion of Afghanistan(Box)/ Dieudonne Lamothe (marathon)/ Ludovic
1980-1986: Jean-Claude Duvalier, Haiti's longtimeAugustin (shooting)/ Ludovic Volborge (shooting)/
dictator, married Michelle Bennett, an aristocratic lady.Joseph Eduard Gaetjens (Haiti-USA/football)/ Dudley
A little more than three months later, Bennett-DuvalierDorival (track field)/ Fitz Plantin Andre (football)/
becomes First Lady of Haiti. Like Eva PeronEmmanuel Sanon (football)/ Josmer Altidore
(Argentina) or Jiang Qing (People's Republic of China),(Haitian-American/football).
she was a woman with great power. Michelle BennettDudley Dorival (track and field): Dudley Dorival was
promoted her mulatto countrymen to positions ofborn on 1 September 1975 in Elizabeth (New Jersey,
leadership in the dictatorship at his expense of theUSA). Dorival is the son of Haitian parents and got
African-Haitians.Haitian nationality just in time for the XXVII Summer
1982: The National History Park (La Citadelle Laferriere,Olympics Games. Since the 2000 Olympics, Dudley
Sans Souci Palace and Ramiers) is designated as aDorival has competed in international competitions
World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Like Machuunder the banner of Haiti. In Sydney (Australia) Dorival
Picchu (Peru) and Angkor What (Cambodia), thefinished 7th in the 110m hurdles. He became the first
National History Park is considered among theHaitian to Olympic finalist since Yves Jeudy (boxer) in
wonders of the world.1976. He won the silver medal at the 1994 World Junior
1982: Ronald Agenor wins a gold medal in men's tennisChampionship, the bronze at the 2001 World
singles at the Central American and Caribbean SportsChanpionship and the gold medal at the 2002 Central
Games La Havana. He captures the hearts of theAmerican and Caribbean Games El Salvador. Dorival
Island.is one of the best sportsman in the history of Haiti.
1983: Pope John Paul arrives in Haiti for a visit. "ThingsFAMOUS WOMEN
most change here", said John Paul II.Michaëlla Jean (Governor-General of Canada)/
1986: As Jean-Claude consolidated his power, heYvonne Neptune (former Prime Minister)/Claudette
consistently refused to consider constitutional reform.Werleigh (Prime Minister 1995-1996)/Lina Blanchet
The insurrection against the dictator Jean Claude(singer)/ Edwidge Danticat (writer)/ Michelle Bennett
Duvalier began…Antigovernment protesters inDuvalier(First Lady of Haiti 1981-1986)/ Luce Turnier
the capital. Many deaths, injuries and arrests. Seeming(painter)/ Ertha Pascal-Trouillot (Head of State
end to long Haitian dictatorship with fall of Duvalier1990-1991)/ Marie Casimir (journalist) / Sonia Sekula
regime.(Painter) / Marie Chauvet (writer)/ Suzanne
1987: Haiti has one of the America's rates of HIVComhaire-Sylvain (writer)/ Carmen Brouard (singer)
infectionDayana Bennett (journalist and actress) / Elie Price
1987: The New Constitution restored many of the(singer)/ Blanche Bosselman (singer)/ Lina Mathon
liberties abolished by the Duvalier family. The National(singer)/ Georgette Moliere (singer)/ Simone Ovide
Constitution recognizes both French and Creole asDuvalier (First Lady of Haiti 1957-1981)/ Marleine Bastien
official languages. A new opposition emerged under(human rights leader)/ Garcelle Beauvais (actress and
Jean-Bertrand Aristide.model)/ Deborah Saint-Phard (track and field)/
1988: Writer Rene Depestre wins the Prix Ranandot.Antoinette Gauthier (track and field), Louise Pierre
Depestre, a Haitian dissident now living in France, was(track and field)/ Rose Gauthier (track and field)
cited his novel Hadriana dans tous mes reves. By theEdwidge Danticat (writer): One of the Caribbean's
mid-1980s Rene Depestre had become well known inmost famous writers in the 21st Century. She has
literacy circles outside Haiti.written several novels and collections of shore stories,
1990: Ertha Pascall-Trouillot becomes the first blackincluding Kri? Kra!, nominated for a National Book
woman elected of head of state in the world.Award. Danticat attracted international attention in 1997
1990: First multi-party elections. Jean-Bertrand Aristide,when she wrote perhaps her most famous novel
a charismatic black leader, was elected president ofFarming of the Bones, a story about genocide Haitians
Haiti. Aristide is the first democratic president sinceunder the repressive dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas
1804.He was elected with the most popular support ofTrujillo.
any Haitian presidential candidate in the history.Garcelle Beauvais (actress): She is the first Haitian
1991: Military coup in the country. Raoul Cedras, leaderactress to star on television. Although she has lived in
of the coup, emerged as head of the newthe United States for many years, the actress and
government. This year marked the end of eightformer fashion model Garcelle Beauvais was born in
months of democracy. Under new government, allSaint Marc, a city in Haiti, in 1966. She is perhaps best
political parties were dissolved.known for her role as Francesca Monroe on TV's the
1991-1995: Like Equatorial Guinea, Cuba and NorthJamie Foxx Show. Like Gerthie David, Joelle Apollon,
Korea, Haiti has one of the most serious human rightsEvelyn Miot, and Marjorie Vincent, she has the classic
problems in the Third World.beauty of the Haitian black woman
1993: United Nations imposed economic sanctions onREFERENCES:
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