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Haiti:the Magic Land

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