Storming Papa Doc
Documentary
directed by Mario L. Delatour
On July 28 1958, ex-army officers to Haiti from Florida landed in Delugé. They take possession of Dessalines Barracks behind the Palais National, in order to remove President François Duvalier. The night of July 28 to 29will be a long confrontation between Duvalier and his attacker. Former Captain Alix Pasquet, Lt. Henry Perpign, Dominique Philippe along with 5 American mercenaries.
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#duvalier #haiti #tuskegee #haitian #army #mercenaries #president #florida #documentary #film #dessalines #papadoc #history #istwa

This past Saturday, May 18th, 2019, I attended the 21st Annual Haitian Compas Festival, at Mana Wynwood Convention Center, Miami, Florida, the same venue the event was held last year. As I’m always excited to be around art, being at the Wynwood Art District for the HCF, I thought would be worthwhile and it was. I knew I would get the opportunity to walk around and admire some beautiful graffiti and murals before the Fest starts, so I made sure I went early enough to get a good parking area and do my tour. My art appreciation was at an all-time high by the time I decided to go in the Fest; it was 5:11 PM — beautiful rainless South Florida vibe.

Driving to the HCF, I was streaming Father Of Asahd — DJ Khaled’s new album. I was inspired, motivated and ready for some Compas music and watch some good performances. I have had to opportunity to attend the festival at least 8 times throughout the years, starting in 2004, the year I performed. Because of my experience with the event and who I am naturally, I usually take my critical eyes and ears with me every time I attend the festival. Hence, I always end up walking away feeling disappointed with the same question: Is That The Best We Can Do? This year, I kept my expectations very low because I didn’t want to feel disappointed once again. I made peace with myself that I would be less judgmental, give everyone a chance, and enjoy the show.

To me, the HCF is still the biggest and the most popular event we have in the Haitian Music Industry (HMI). The event may have had its share of lows over the years; however, it has had more highs according to people close to the organization. Doing something of this magnitude for 21 consecutive years is tremendous no matter how you put it. Some things just can’t be quantified. We should all appreciate the fact that we have an event as such in the city of Miami that promotes our Haitian culture.

I must give props to the organization for being consistent in many ways for so many years. Yes, there were some things I thought could have been better. The question of whether or not some of the people who are in key positions are good enough at what they’re hired to do for the organization still traveled my mind. However, I think the organization as a whole is still doing a good job. I do think though it needs to spend a significant amount of time brainstorming how to re-brand the event moving forward and making a tremendous effort to appeal to the young generation of Haitian Americans.

Still, It’s not clear whether or not the festival is a Haitian Flag Day celebration event or simply an event to present the “Best Compas Playlist” every year around that time. I could not put my finger on what exactly the theme of the day was other than different acts got on stage and do what they normally do. Time really begs for some fresh ideas.

Rodly “Oz’mosis” Madeus

HMI Buzz: The Number One Source For The Haitian American Experience.

Before her scheduled sentencing in federal court for distributing a controlled substance, North Miami Beach doctor Jeanne Germeil declared in an email to the Miami Herald, “I will not obey an unjust and racist system!”

And, Friday, Germeil backed up that declaration — she didn’t show up for her sentencing.

That triggered an order from Judge Ursula Ungaro that read, “The defendant is hereby transferred to the Clerk’s suspended/fugitive file until such time as the fugitive(s) are apprehended.”

One of Germeil’s federal public defenders, Daniel Ecarius, would only say via email Tuesday that she had not appeared since Ungaro declared her a fugitive.

Germeil, 55, has been out of jail since posting $250,000 bond six days after her Sept. 21, 2018, indictment on 16 counts of distributing a controlled substance. She had to give up her passport and could travel without special permission only to the U.S. District Court’s Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.

Jurors found Germeil guilty on 11 counts in February after prosecutors presented evidence she, among other actions, prescribed opioid pain medications at a rate of 687.95 prescriptions a month, a rate too high for actual diagnosis.

Her April 10 email to the Miami Herald declared her prosecution and conviction a product of misogyny, racism and a jury trial rigged against her defense team.

It ended with: “I am through playing it fair while the opposing party had been cheating left and right without consequences. I know they will label me and harass my daughter as they are already doing. However that justice system is rigged against people like me. Colored, Haitian, successful female physician. Enough is enough! They will get my corpse. I will not obey an unjust and racist system!”

According to the Florida Department of Health, Germeil had been in practice since 1995 and licensed in Florida since 2007. The Department of Health dropped an emergency suspension order on her license last week because of the federal court conviction.

In 2017, she paid a total of $12,895 and had to complete a medical records course after a case that was a microcosm of her federal case, prescribing opioids with inadequate examination.

Germeil’s address with the Florida Department of Health, which dropped an emergency suspension order on her license last week, is in Aventura. Germeil Medical, the clinic where she prescribed the opioids, was in North Miami Beach.

In court documents, Germeil claimed a Naples home as her main residence. The terms of her home confinement required only she be at her Naples home from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Kiana Rouchon, the reigning Miss Black Florida US Ambassador is always on the move. Literally. When she’s not visiting elementary schools to inspire little ones, she’s present at youth empowering events, eager to lend her voice and use her platform to inspire and encourage.

Even before she earned the tiara that sits firmly on her head at every event she attends, she was a busy woman. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Florida International University, with the goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor, Kiana is what a professional psychologist would call a staunch survivor. If you’ll read on, you’ll see what I mean.

As you get to know Kiana through her interview responses, you find out that she’s an avid reader, and a searching soul who knows very well that she does not live on bread alone, or in her case—on quinoa alone. She’s proof that dark days don’t have to be followed by even darker days. You only need to believe, and work hard—work very hard, and then enjoy the fruits of your perseverance.

Kreyolicious: Tell us about yourself. 

I am a 20 year-old, young Haitian female who wants to impact the world! I’m a youth advocate, writer, vegetarian, go-getter and in love with Jesus. The quickest way to my heart is a burrito bowl from Chipotle—just kidding—maybe. My only goal is to make Christ known and glorify him in all that I do.

Kreyolicious: How did you learn about the pageant?

I learned about the Miss Black US Ambassador Scholarship Pageant in 2013 while I was mentoring under an organization named Strong Women, Strong Girls. My co-mentor messaged me on Facebook with the website link included. At first I was a bit hesitant because I never competed in a pageant and was not into pageantry at all! But once I read the mission statement, I was sold. This system was built to be more than a pageant. They were giving young Black women an opportunity to change their communities and at that point, I knew I couldn’t pass on it.

Kreyolicious: Did you have some jitters about entering?

Not at all. I applied in one day and left the rest up to God. If He wanted me to be crowned, it would happen… and it did! It’s been an interesting and amazing journey ever since.

Kreyolicious: What went through your mind as you were being crowned?

“Thank you, Lord!” is what I said on August 21, 2013 and still continue to say. It is only the beginning of His great plan for my life!

Miss Black US Ambassador Kiana Rouchon being presented a certificate for her participation at an elementary school’s Career Day festivities. Photo: Creative Image Photo

Kreyolicious: What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you since your crowning?

I would say actually competing in the pageant competition was one of the most exciting weeks in my life. I met so many positive, like-minded women and created the sisterhood of a lifetime. I also conquered a major fear in that one week: stage fright. Years ago, I would tremble while holding a mic or even walking on stage! At the pageant, I had confidence like never before. It was my first time modeling and performing a poem in front of a large crowd and I did it with a huge smile on my face.

Kreyolicious: You know before interviewing you, I decided to look up the meaning of your name. One source states that its origin is Hawaiian for “moon goddess”. Another source says that it means “living with grace.” Did you know this?

I actually did! I was so happy to find that out. Grace is a beautiful attribute.

Kreyolicious: Do you feel pressure to live up to those meanings over the course of your life/from now on?

I don’t know if I would consider myself a “moon goddess”. [Laughter] But, I strive to be graceful daily—in speech and deed. To me, living with grace is an extension of the grace that God gives us every day. A graceful life is honorable!

The reigning Miss Black Florida US Ambassador at an event in Miami. Photo Credit: Creative Fame Photo

Kreyolicious: Lot of us look back to our high school years, and think back to something our parents said that, I don’t know, seemed to make no sense at the time, but now makes plenty of sense. What was it for you?

“Mind your own business.” [Laughter] I say that because I was a big eavesdropper as a kid. Now that I am older and wiser, it easier for me to read between the lines and decode things, which can be a blessing and a curse. The difference is that now I don’t have to eavesdrop to know too much!

Kreyolicious: Speaking of your parents, how do they feel about your being a beauty queen?

My parents are so supportive. They both grew up without much support from their families in their career/academic endeavors and as a result had to change paths. My parents want the best for my brother and I so any opportunity that will help my us to thrive professionally and academically, my mother and father are there to help navigate us. They are my biggest cheerleaders.

Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?

Living in South Florida makes that very easy for me. I am connected to many Haitian professionals in my community so I am constantly updated on what is taking place within entertainment and politics. On a deeper level, I just listen to my elders’ stories! Their tales of trial and triumph as well as their yummy home-cooked meals makes me feel proud to be Haitian.

Kreyolicious: Everyone who’s successful has had to overcome an obstacle—if not obstacles. Was that the case with you? .

I know I have a purpose in life because I was a delayed pregnancy. I was born a month late. [I got] robbed at gunpoint and went through depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm as a pre-teen. I shouldn’t be alive, but I am still here—thanks to God! I was depressed as a result of rejection and feelings of inadequacy as a child. In middle school, some boys would make fun of me because of my dark skin and it bothered me. In 2008, I almost lost my little brother to a strange illness and nearly flunked my freshman year of high school because I was distraught from that experience. That planted seeds of bitterness, anger, strife and rebellion in my heart. I was quite the agnostic growing up, but all I remember is telling God at 15 years old: “If you exist, if you are really out there… please save me from this hole that I am in.” Fast forward a couple of years, I was president of the first graduating class at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High. Go Sharks! I’m a mentor to 100 little girls, a Miami Dade College Honors grad, Miss Black Florida US Ambassador 2014 and still be a big sister to a 16 year old brother who is alive and well! If I could sum it all up in a quote: “before a breakthrough, some things must be broken!” I had to be broken to be made new.

There she is…Miss Black Florida US Ambassador…

Kreyolicious: This is something I ask of practically every beauty queen that I interview…What is your personal definition of beauty?

True, genuine beauty shines from the inside out. Our physical features only enhance our beauty and can be used to express it respectfully. A beautiful woman is gentle, quiet, fearless, selfless, cheerful regardless of circumstances, encouraging and virtuous. Make-up, nice clothes and great hair is okay, but it cannot cover up the ugliest personality. Think about it: if we took pictures of our souls, minds, attitudes…would we still be beautiful?

Kreyolicious: Now…that’s a great question for all of us to think about…Natural hair and processed hair…what’s your take?

I don’t have a preference, to be honest! I believe that decision depends on the woman. Natural hair is not “better” than extensions or relaxed hair and vice versa. I think people tend to look down on people and judge them based on their hair—or appearance, period—which isn’t fair. I am very happy that black women are embracing their natural roots, though! It is a wonderful thing to walk into a room full of naturalistas.

Kreyolicious: Let’s play a little game, okay? We’re going to imagine that you have your own advice column and I’m going to play your secretary. I love my job because I get to read all the emails coming in and sorting through them. We’re going to pretend that this is one of the emails coming in for the “Ask Kiana” column, okay?

Let’s do it!

Kreyolicious: Okay, awesome. Here goes. Ahem. “Dear Kiana: I am in my senior year in high school. I’m not sure what to do. I love to write, but I’m not sure this will get me anywhere. On the other hand, I know nursing is one of the happening fields out there right now. Should I apply, and then once I make enough money in that field to support myself, I can try to go for a writing career. I don’t want to struggle. ‘What do you think, Kiana?’ Sincerely Yours, The Nursing Scribe.” ‘What’s your advice to this loyal reader?

Dear Nursing Scribe…Writing is a beautiful gift and not many people have it. Take advantage of your craft and start now! Pursuing higher education and a career in Nursing is a great aspiration and I encourage you to achieve your academic goals. In the meantime, find opportunities for your to exercise your love for writing; does your college of choice have a newspaper or writing club? Are there any spoken word events or poetry contests being held in your city? Do you journal often? Is there a topic that you are passionate about that could be written about in a book, magazine or blog? In this day and age, the opportunities are endless. You never know where your writing can take you! You might even find that you didn’t need extra money to get there; all you need is motivation, consistency, patience and passion. Yours Truly, Kiana. [Smiles]

Kreyolicious: Wow, Kiana, as your humble secretary, I have to say that this is some seriously fab advice…What measures do you take to stay fit and looking your best?

My vegetarian diet certainly helps a lot! I stopped eating meat right after my 19th birthday weekend and never went back. Being Haitian, it seems impossible to live on a plant-based diet, but I beat the odds! Eating in portions and drinking in between bites keeps me from overeating—not that I do…but sometimes the food is just too good! [Laughter]. Cardio exercise—spinning, running, etc—helped shed a lot of pounds before the pageant competition and drinking green tea also burns a lot of fat, not to mention it keeps my skin clear.

Kreyolicious: Girl, do you visit Haiti often?

You know, I have not been to Haiti once in my life! Isn’t that unfortunate? I have large families on Mom and Dad’s side who live in Haiti and would love to visit them in the near future.

Kreyolicious: Do you chill to some Haitian music sometimes?

Only when my mom listens to it! I love Nickenson Prudhomme and K’Dans though…music that gets you up and dancing the night away!

Kreyolicious: Have you ever read a book that changed your life…just made you think differently?

Two years ago, I read a book called Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman. It changed the way I walked and talked! I had just gotten serious about my faith and Kyle breaks down the difference between religion and a real relationship with Jesus Christ. That matters because we live in a world that brands Christians as overly pious, intolerant hypocrites. Jesus says that the world will know his people by their love and prioritizing “religious ways” over-renewed minds can prevent us from that. Christians aren’t responsible for what people think, but we have a bigger responsibility—to walk in love and truth as bold, faithful representatives of Christ here on earth.

Giving some inspiration and encouragement to some youngins. Photo Credit: Creative Fame Photography.

Kreyolicious: What songs do you listen to…when you’re looking for a track to motivate you…you know that song that you feel personifies who you are as a person. 

I am a huge fan of Lecrae. An old song of his, “Background,” is my life story right now. Because I am naturally ambitious, there are times when I try to control and organize every part of my life. I am learning to let go and let God take center stage in my life while I stand in the background, trusting Him to work out everything for my good.

Kreyolicious: What’s next for you, missy?

I have a heart for this generation and youth in general. I do hope to counsel children and teens at my own mental health practice one day, but I am not going to sit around waiting for that day to come! I do the best I can to inspire young people as a blogger for Her Path to Success, Inc., an ambassador of change and a woman of God. I believe that every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact, whether it’s in one person’s life or a thousand lives. Whatever is next for me, I’ll use it to do that and more!

Pageant Photo Credit: Creative Fame Photography; others provided by subject.

Connect With KIANA ON TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | CLICK HERE TO VISIT HER BLOG TO READ HER INSPIRATIONAL POSTS AND WRITINGS | VISIT THE BLACK MISS FLORIDA US AMBASSADOR WEBSITE

Dominique was 69 years old when he was shot four times in the chest and neck as he arrived for work at Radio Haïti. A station employee named Jean-Claude Louissaint was also killed in the attack.
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In the years following Dominique’s assassination, civil society and grassroots groups in Haiti held large public protests and sit-ins calling for justice. International human rights organizations, launched years-long campaigns demanding justice.
There have been several obstructions and irregularities in the investigation into the murders, originating in the police, parliament, and the executive branch.
In 2000, supporters of chief suspect Dany Toussaint, some of them armed, threatened to set fire to the courthouse, and in 2001, Toussaint (then a sitting senator for the Fanmi Lavalas party).
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In December 2004, more than 75% of documents relating to the investigation disappeared from the Cour de Cassation (Haiti’s Supreme Court), several suspects and witnesses died mysteriously. In March 2015 Aristide’s former chief of security Oriel Jean was gunned down by unknown assailants, after which journalist Guy Delva released an interview in which Jean suggested that Aristide had ordered Dominique’s assassination. To date, nobody have never been brought to justice. –
On Christmas Day 2002, there was an attempt on Michèle Montas’s life, his widow, her bodyguard, Maxime Seïde, was murdered. Amid increasing threats to the safety of Radio Haïti’s journalists, the station closed for good in February 2003.
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(Source:Wikipedia) –
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Ms. Pierre will lead a 14- member Board of Directors including newly appointed member Mr. Alix Charlier, Mr. Jean G. Belizaire; and newly elected Ms. Natacha Alexandre and Mr. Prinston Jean-Claude.

Ms. Pierre currently serves as the Assistant Personnel Director of the City of North Miami, Florida. In this capacity she serves as a human services and relationship specialist as well as coordinates, develops, organizes and implements personnel programs. Prior to the City of North Miami, she was the owner of Pierre Consulting, Inc., a firm that provided consulting and administrative services to several local organizations.

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