PORT-AU-PRINCE

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, is adding her voice to the list of U.S. lawmakers concerned about growing gang-related violence in Haiti.

In recent months, gangs have been terrorizing the population, accused of massacring and raping poor Haitians and turning parts of the country into no-go zones. This weekend a police station in the rural Artibonite was attacked after a gang affiliated with a wanted warlord, Arnel Joseph, overpowered police.

Following a massacre in the La Saline neighborhood of Port-au-Prince in November, a bipartisan group of 104 House members called on U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month to launch an independent investigation into the extrajudicial killings, as well as allegations of human-rights violation by the Haitian National Police during February’s violent protests that shut the country down for 10 days. Haiti’s ambassador in Washington has denied the accusations.

As late as last week, Haiti’s press reported that gangs have continued their attack on La Saline by setting fires to homes. The growing violence comes just months before a United Nations peacekeeping mission is scheduled to permanently end its presence in Haiti after 15 years, to be replaced with a special political mission.

“When we learned about houses being burned down, and the killings that took place, we were appalled and shock,” Waters said during a press conference at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport prior to leaving Haiti on Wednesday evening. “We listened directly to some of the relatives of victims and victims tell us about that.”

Waters, who was not among the signatories on the Pompeo letter, said the more attention brought to La Saline and the violence, the more it will help “to not only get some engagement with this administration here in Haiti to find out how this is happening, why this is happening, what are their plans, but using whatever leverage and power we have to help make it cease because this is not conscionable and not tolerable.”

She noted that the U.S. government “contributes substantially to Haiti,” aid that is very important for the Haitian government.

“We think that when we talk about how we care about Haiti, and why we’re able to contribute the way that we do, and we do not want to see that abused or misused or disregarded, I think that may give us a little leverage,” Waters said, vowing to get other members of Congress engaged.

Waters said her visit to Haiti was the result of an invitation by former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to attend the graduation of medical students at his University of the Aristide Foundation in Tabarre on the outskirts of the capital. She was joined by actor Danny Glover, human rights lawyer and activist Brian Concannon of the Boston-based Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti and radio journalist Margaret Prescod. Prescod’s Los Angeles-based public affairs show, “Sojourner Truth,” recently featured a story on the LaSaline massacre.

While Waters met with U.S. embassy staff and praised their efforts, she did not meet with Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. She did have a great time with Aristide and his family, she noted.

Glover, who accompanied Aristide back to Haiti following seven years in exile in South Africa, said this marked his first visit to Haiti since Aristide’s 2011 return.

Concannon, speaking in Creole, said, “It’s important to have justice so that people are not once again victims.”

The man known as Haiti Travel Guy ranks as one of the biggest Haiti Tourism enthusiasts on social media and elsewhere. Also known as Terry Curtis, the travel adventurer and tourism consultant is the founder of Haiti tourism firm Haiti Travel Adventures. Many a blan who write about Haiti have to walk on eggshells, and watch their tongue lest they should get their #TeamHaiti card snatched, and get dragged by their edges by #TeamHaiti. Not Haiti Travel Guy. He tweets about the beauty of Haiti, and its tourism treasures, but he doesn’t present tropical glitter without delivering some hard truths. Hard truths that come in the form of comments about bad roads, occasional bad customer service, and the like.

Through his tweets and his website, many an adventurous traveler are finding Haiti, or rediscovering it. He promotes Haiti like he’s part of a secret department in Haiti’s Department of Tourism.

Kreyolicious: You write positively of Haiti, and with sweet humor, but you definitely don’t sugarcoat matters with cherry on top. Matter a fact, you’re pretty blunt at times. Sometimes #TeamHaiti and Haitian Twitter don’t like to hear or read ugly truths about Haiti to be highlighted by a blan. Why do you think you’ve never had your lari card, your Team Haiti pass card revoked?
Every week I go to the Haitian Post Office but my card never showed up in the mail. [Smiles] You know, I love to promote Haiti as I travel. But sometimes, you have to laugh at the differences in cultures to make a point. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves in this world. We just need to be respectful. As much as I will promote Haiti, it comes with a great responsibility to not paint a picture that will only disappoint or get someone in trouble. Haiti is not the Virgin Islands. Being in denial is not change. Being honest about the challenges and differences is to let others know this place is just not for everyone. Yet. This is probably why I’ve never been approached by Haiti tourism officials. [Smiles]

Kreyolicious: We went from hearing about Port-au-Prince a lot. A whole lot…to hearing about other cities too. What do you feel is Haiti’s most underrated city?
Au Cayes is a nice quiet little town by the beach. It’s the distance I think that keeps most from making it a destination. But with a few more hotels, there’s no reason it couldn’t be like a Jacmel.

Above: Haiti Travel Guy visits a fishing coast in Gonaives.

Kreyolicious: I remember reading your review of this hotel in Haiti called Le Perroquet, written a while back, and then seeing tweets about a fire there a few months ago. What’s your reaction when something like that happens…when things seem to be upward bound, and then, and then tragedy.
This was an unfortunate fire. A lot of history there. I remember when it was the Cubana and then the Le Perroquet. It was one of the only decent little hotels right in Petionville for about $60 a night. It was also one of Haiti’s first and oldest English Pubs. There was a fabulous antique wooden bar in there. Sad to see all this destroyed.

Above: A beach in the northern part of Haiti. Photo Credit: Haiti Travel Guy

Kreyolicious: Have you ever thought of doing a travel guide? Something alongside The Haiti Travel Guy’s Guide To Haiti and Things To Do There or 1001 Fun Things to Do While in Haiti.
Great idea. But I’d need a writer. [Smiles] Honestly, I left that up to professionals like Paul Clammer. His latest guide is a very nice tool for those visiting.

Kreyolicious: What’s next for HTG?
As Haiti elects a new president and the next chapter of government takes shape, I am hoping the progress that started will continue. Government stability, security and infrastructure are the keys to building a successful tourism industry. If and when this happens, I am just blessed to be along for the ride.

This concludes Part II of the interview with Haiti Travel Guy. Did you miss PART I? Click here! Be sure to follow Haiti Travel Guy on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM. And don’t forget to visit his website to get more information about booking him for your next visit:—HAITI TRAVEL ADVENTURES!

Sandra Pierre, the entrepreneur behind the venture Haitian Businesses LLC, has had a great run as a business woman, and she wants to spread the love. This Sunday April 23rd, in Atlanta, the Haitian-American entrepreneur will gather along with other female entrepreneurs for her organization’s Women in Leadership Business Brunch Empowering Networking Workshop.

Sandra Pierre, the founder of Haitian Businesses LLC, has held several business workshops and events. The Women’s Leadership Brunch will be her first this year in Atlanta.

Not only will attendees have the opportunity to learn from established entrepreneurs, but will they also be able to support vendors showcased at the event. Fatima Altieri, a singer arriving directly from Haiti, will lend some musical fun to the business-focused event. Eavesdrop on the conversation I had with Sandra!

Kreyolicious: Haitian Businesses LLC has been devoted to promoting entrepreneurs since its foundation. What sort of feedback have you gotten in the past year?
Let’s just say I have had a wonderful past year with Haitian Businesses, LLC. I recently had to add more people on my team and so far it has been a super move. Higher demands have certainly been a factor we had to accommodate and prepare for this past year as well. With each day more and more entrepreneurs are finding out about the opportunities I offer and I am grateful to have earned the trust of the Haitian community at home and abroad.

Nadine Duplessy Kearns, the founder of Haitian Ladies Brunch in D.C., is scheduled to appear as one of the key speakers at the event.

Kreyolicious: What made you choose Atlanta?
The mission of Haitian Businesses, LLC is to be the platform for Haitian owned businesses globally. I strongly believe in reaching out to the community and by hosting an event to Atlanta, we are creating more opportunities to bridge the gap between our community and the businesses. The Haitian community in Atlanta has grown extensively in the last few years and it was a due diligence to connect, network and highlight the outstanding accomplishments of the Haitian Community in Atlanta.

Mimi Mora, the entrepreneur behind Mimi’s Boutiq will be in attendance.

Kreyolicious: More and more entrepreneurs are looking to congregate. Why do you think that is?
We as a community has come to a point where we realize that collaboration is an exceptional and unique opportunity for growth. I always share this thought at my events, and it’s the simple fact that, someone else may have walked the same path that you’re on now and can guide you while collaborating. Another might have just the contact person you need to make the next big move for your business. In order for these amazing things to happen in your life, you have to be willing to expose yourself and open up by preparing yourself for the perfect opportunity.

Arriving directly from Haiti for the event, singer Fatima Altieri shall provide the musical component of the business affair. Photo Credit: Edouard Monereau

Kreyolicious: What resources were most helpful to you when you were starting out?
After realizing the necessity to start with Haitian Businesses, LLC, I then noticed that most businesses has an online presence more specifically a social media platform. I quickly embarked on a mission to educate my self on the process of effectively communicating with your social media audience by e-courses besides having studied in Business Administration.

Consultant and motivational speaker Joanne Marc among the speakers on the Haitian Businesses LLC Women’s Leadership Brunch.

Kreyolicious: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned this year?
Making good connections and having had the opportunity to collaborate with several others have been a pivotal to the expansion of Haitian Businesses. I’m eager to push forward with many great ventures which are the results of the collaboration made in the past year.

Entrepreneur Kara Vaval Ferrier and author of the motivational book 28 Day…Make it Count is among the guest speakers for the event!

Kreyolicious: What if the whole world became entrepreneurial?
Oh, that would be heaven! I truly feel each of us have something we can bring to the table. Reaching one’s full potential would definitely involve entrepreneurship. If you think of it, every single one of us have had a business idea crossed our minds. I’m a firm believer of if you can think and dream of it, it’s because it’s already done. Now it is up to the individual to lay down the work it takes to get there.

State of Georgia official Erica Thomas will be in attendance as an honorary guest.

Kreyolicious: What city will be next?
Should I or should I not? Oh well. You’re first to know that our next event will be bigger and better, and of course, we will keep it in the City of Miami. It is an idea that has been brewing for two years, and I am excited to bring it to life on September 9. Now as far as to find out what it is, you’ll have to keep a close eye on our website, social media platforms and of course right here on kreyolicious.com.

DJ Final will provide all the turntable action for the day.

Keep up with Haitian Businesses LLC and its founder here! | CLICK HERE to get your tickets to the event.