Tuesday, April 8, 2025
I took an Uber at 5 a.m. to the Albany airport for a JetBlue flight to Fort Lauderdale. My brother Georges picked me up and drove about an hour to drop me off at the Hilton Embassy Suites near Miami International Airport. My travel companion and friend, Carole, and I would spend the night there.
While having some food at the bar, I met a woman from Australia named Kiki. She was returning from a cruise, while her friends had already gone home. We exchanged stories about our lives and faith. Kiki kindly paid for the rice and beans we shared, and I gave her my complimentary drink ticket. We kept each other company for a few hours before I returned to my room.
Carole arrived late due to weather delays and an official’s travel at the Houston airport. I was already in bed by the time she arrived. She stayed up late preparing for our early morning departure.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
We woke up very early to catch the hotel shuttle to the airport. The ride was short, though the van was packed. It was easy to check in at the Sunrise counter before heading to TSA. I insisted on keeping my water, as I hadn’t had coffee and was feeling a bit dizzy. Maneuvering with my carry-on was difficult, but I eventually found a cart selling patties and coffee. I felt much better after eating.
The flight boarded and departed smoothly from Miami to Cap-Haïtien. When I introduced myself to the girl sitting next to me, she said she knew my nieces and immediately contacted them. I was surprised she was so quick—no one knew I was coming to Haiti!
Upon landing, we met the other Ayiti Community Trust (ACT) team members attending the Haitian Women’s Congress. I also met the airline’s owner and mentioned how inconvenient it was to fill out immigration forms while standing in line rather than on the plane before landing.
We, the congress participants, took a shuttle to Villa Cana in Vaudreuil. This facility is owned by a priest who wanted to provide training and jobs for the people in the area. This is social entrepreneurship in action. After checking into our rooms, we had a group lunch—an opportunity to meet one another. I met someone interested in genealogy. Back in the room, I took a nap while my roommate attended a meeting. I handed a package to Raymond, Carole’s relative, to deliver to the Plateau Central education team.
Carole and I took a walk around the hotel grounds before dinner and retired early, exhausted.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
As usual, I woke up early but was mindful of my roommate. After praying, I went for a walk beyond the hotel grounds to the main street. Along the way, I greeted a woman sitting on a wall base with “Bonjou.” She responded, “Blan, ou ka fè m kado kichòy?” Then a man a few steps away added, “Blan, ou ka ede m?” I was upset and told them, “Mwen se Ayisyen parèy nou. Mwen fèt sou tè sa a menm jan ak nou.”
As I walked away and then returned through the same intersection, I saw them talking. I realized that anyone not contributing to their welfare is seen as an outsider—hence the label “blan.” I apologized and explained that it hurts when fellow Haitians call me “blan,” ignoring our varied skin tones. I encouraged them to learn about Dessalines’ constitution.
Back at the hotel, Gabrielle wanted to meet me before the Congress, as I had registered her and her coworkers. I went for coffee at the Villa’s cafeteria and met Ricot from the organization HOPE, who was headed to Les Cayes.
After breakfast, we prepared to go to the Limonade University auditorium for the Congress opening ceremony.
A hired security escort cleared the way for our van, pushing aside vendors, cars, and garbage. I was uncomfortable with this treatment—it felt as though we were being elevated above the everyday struggles of the people. During the ride, I shared my experience under the Duvalier regime.
I told them that on April 26, 1963, while I was in school at Collège Bird, there was an attempt to kidnap Jean-Claude and Simone Duvalier. Their chauffeur and bodyguards were killed. The school went into lockdown, and we students were ordered to lie on the floor while they searched for them. The Tonton Macoutes, armed with machine guns, threatened to kill us if they Duvalier children were not found.
When they were located, hidden by Swiss teachers living at the school, some students were allowed to evacuate. I had no one to pick me up, but a family friend, Mr. Larreur, who lived on Ruelle Cameau about two blocks from my house, agreed to take me. He first picked up his wife at her business, and along the way, we passed near a burning house that I later learned belonged to Lieutenant François Benoit, falsely accused—his whole family was killed.
We also passed Maître Sévère’s house on Avenue Christophe, surrounded by Tonton Macoutes with guns drawn. By the time I reached home, I was shaking as I tried to tell my aunt what had happened. I suddenly heard, “Hands up!” and saw officers running into our driveway. I put my hands up but realized they were arresting our neighbor’s son, Frank Simon. He was never seen after that day. That same afternoon, Mr. Larreur was taken from his home and disappeared. All night, we heard gunshots and explosions. As I was recounting this traumatic memory in the van, someone interrupted, saying: “Why don’t we talk about more positive things?”
At the university, the packed auditorium was filled with students and community groups. Dr. Guerda Nicolas gave opening remarks, and Bayyinah Bello delivered a motivational address. Singer Jeanjean Roosevelt energized the crowd. Afterward, we returned to Villa Cana for dinner and rest.
Friday, April 11, 2025
I had breakfast with Roman and Dr. Vivens, and we had an enriching conversation before departing for another full day at the Limonade University campus—about an hour’s drive away.
I was impressed by the dynamic youth team from Sakapfèt Okap who managed security, setup, and logistics. The day was filled with keynotes, panels, roundtable discussions, and cultural performances. Multiple women’s groups were present to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the women’s movement.
During the lunch break, I visited the school and center of Sonje Ayiti, whose mission includes economic development, education, and health promotion.
Many participants expressed how honored they felt to be part of this historic gathering. That evening, we had dinner at the Caracol facility, where other Congress participants were staying.
Saturday, April 12, 2025
It was raining, so I couldn’t take my usual morning walk. After breakfast, we left promptly and arrived at the university without needing a security escort.
I interviewed three local entrepreneurs:
- Ronald Edmond, an artist
- Entrepreneur: Monplaisir Wengel of Gil Nails Institute & A representative from Tasty Cake and Events, Cap-Haïtien
Various groups shared powerful testimonies about their efforts to create change in their communities. I also introduced one of the younger participants to Francoise Deristel-Leger to learn about her Flow Studio Experience.
During lunch, a small group of Congress participants had the opportunity to meet the university rector and a few others visited the experimental farm and agricultural fields. ACT to show its appreciation to the organizing team, speakers, entertainers, and guests were invited to a farewell dinner at Lakay Bar Restaurant on the boulevard. There I met one of the genealogists, Ms. Schutt, involved in the FB Haitian Genealogy site.
We returned to Villa Cana for a restful evening.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Most guests departed early. Carole and I had a later breakfast and enjoyed the traditional soup joumou. We took time to thank all those who had been with us the past few days.
Traffic was chaotic—cars, carts, piles of trash, street vendors, and pedestrians all navigating the same spaces. Our flight, scheduled for 2 p.m., was canceled due to inclement weather.
My friend Yole, who was also at the airport en route to Les Cayes, helped us arrange a taxi to Pluxhotel downtown. We had dinner at the hotel restaurant and shared a spacious room with three beds—clean and fully equipped. It was comforting to have each other in this moment of disruption. Unfortunately, the hotel’s disco played loudly right beneath our room.
Monday, April 14, 2025
The loud music finally stopped around 1 a.m., and we got some rest. By 5 a.m., we were up and waiting for the taxi. The driver arrived at 6:15 a.m.
Even that early, we had to maneuver around trash piles and vendors lining the streets. I reflected with sadness: We have neglected our collective dignity. People in the cities live, work, and walk in the midst of garbage as though unaware of its corrosive impact. It is dehumanizing. We are morally brutalizing our youth into helplessness.
At the airport, the line was already forming. The flight eventually departed for Les Cayes, but our luggage didn’t arrive. Sr. Charitable, who had spent the night in Les Cayes to receive us, had to wait until noon for a second flight to bring the bags.
There was no coffee stand at the airport, but a kind airport attendant woman, hearing my request, invited me into the staff room for some. I was deeply grateful.
Thankfully, the Salesian Sisters had prepared box lunches for us before we headed to Anse-à-Veau. We arrived at Hotel Francoville around 4:40 p.m. Though the room we had reserved was unavailable, they offered us alternative accommodations—with a balcony and an ocean view.
We had internet access and were able to reassure our families that we had arrived safely. After dinner, we went to bed early—exhausted from a long day of delays and travel.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
I woke up at 5:15 a.m. and prayed on the balcony, gazing at the ocean and sunrise—God’s majesty revealed through nature. I felt deep gratitude.
Our neighbor in the suite greeted me, as did his translator and media director of a housing project building 100 homes in vulnerable areas. The staff delivered coffee as requested at 6 a.m., and breakfast was served at 8.
I walked to the Salesian school with the financial literacy books (Matthew / Lajeunesse) donated by EduAction. I also visited the toilet facility financed by Coalition Pour Le Relèvement de l’Anse-à-Veau (CORA) and the Ronkonkoma Rotary Club, along with the newly repaired and painted school buildings.
Later, I walked to the library with Yole. We went to take care of ID and banking matters. At one public office, the chief staff member barely acknowledged us. It was disheartening.
Back at the library, I inventoried boxes of books—sorting materials for individuals and ensuring that my collections of Haitian-themed books were noted by the librarian. By 5 p.m., I was tired from walking and lifting boxes. After dinner, I relaxed on the balcony and watched the sunset over the ocean—what a privilege. A divine moment.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The morning began as usual with prayer and gratitude. Yole joined Carole and me at Haitian Sport Foundation (HSF), where a two-day training on emergency preparedness was taking place. I was thrilled that HSF executives were leading this important initiative. I donated CERT kits I had originally intended for CORA.
I delivered the financial literacy books to Blondel, HSF manager. Yole then drove me to the Petit Frères de St. Thérèse where I met with Br. Elie to evaluate the work being done in the school garden. We also visited Mrs. Kettia’s school “Institut Mixte Jardin des Etoiles” to view the garden and hear the project evaluation.
Back at the library, I continued organizing boxes. I chose several to send to Gommiers. Later, Yole and I met with the CORA committee to plan the library’s upcoming inauguration on June 1.
That evening at Francoville, we spoke with Oriol, who supports the Love the Child Foundation, and met its directors, Sheri and Bill. We shared lively conversation with fellow guests while we had supper on the balcony.
Thursday, April 17, 2025
After breakfast, our driver, Manigat, picked us up and helped load the boxes destined for Gommiers from the library. We set off for Les Cayes, where Carole visited the Freire Trade School and spoke with the director. The school had an impressive, well-constructed facility.
At the Salesian school in Les Cayes, we met with Sr. Marie Mercie from Gommiers. Her driver took us to lunch at Gladys Restaurant, owned by a former Salesian student. We then began our journey on Route #7 toward Jérémie.
We arrived just in time for Holy Thursday Mass. Carole had gone ahead to TiColibri, where we had made reservations. After Mass, I joined her—but she hadn’t been able to work: there was no internet, the shutters were closed (so no air circulation), and the room had no AC. Though we had reserved and paid for two rooms, the spaces weren’t user-friendly. I personally felt isolated downstairs. We ended up sharing the upstairs room.
Thankfully, we did. Around midnight, the electricity went out. The room became uncomfortably hot, and bugs flew around. What a night.
Friday, April 18, 2025
Our driver arrived early, but the woman who was supposed to bring breakfast and coffee didn’t show up at the appointed time. We decided to leave. After visiting three different hotels, we chose Hotel Le Bontemps in Jérémie—clean, spacious, and with a welcoming restaurant.
After breakfast, I left while Carole stayed to work. Fr. Bertrance brought me to visit the rectory/dispensary construction site. A group of teenagers was on retreat at the school. I spoke briefly with them and had them stretch and move after a long lecture.
Later, I visited Sr. Marie Mercie of Marie Auxiliatrice school to show her the items I had brought for the trade school, school garden, and youth group. I attended the Way of the Cross at church and gifted Fr. Bertrance a framed image of the Black Madonna, which had been won in a raffle by Patricia H. at a Magnificat breakfast in Albany. Patricia donated it to me to bring it to Haiti.
After church, Patrice drove me to Hotel Le Bontemps while Carole searched for another accommodation. I ate supper and walked through the hotel garden near the pool. I met a young woman unwinding after training and saw a group of young professionals deep in discussion.
Although we seemed to be the only overnight guests, the hotel seems to stay afloat by hosting local events. When Carole returned, she confirmed she would move to the other recommended hotel by her friend—here she couldn’t work from her room or focus in the reception area. Still, we slept well that night in comfortable beds and a clean, quiet space.
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Today was my mother Lunie’s birthday. I was sure Fr. Bertrance would offer a Mass intention for her. To support the parish for the past two years, I have given him a list of my loves ones to mention. I spent the early morning in a quiet hallway nook before heading to the kitchen at 7 a.m. for coffee.
Our driver picked us up and brought us to our new hotel, Makay, in Côte d’Azur. We were given a room with a stunning view of the ocean and coastal caves. Only breakfast was included—lunch and dinner had to be ordered. From the balcony, we could watch locals making their way to the beach below.
I didn’t attend church today. I had a persistent headache and decided to rest. I stayed at the hotel and told the driver I wouldn’t go out for the evening ceremonies—we couldn’t even agree on which church to attend. It was a quiet, necessary pause.
Sunday, April 20, 2025
I began the day praying on the balcony as the sun rose over the sea. We had breakfast, and then Patrice picked us up—along with Fr. Bertrance, whose car had broken down the night before.
We stopped first at St. Rose de Lima in Lundi, where another priest was already processing in with the choir. The congregation, gathered outdoors, rose in song. Though the church has prospective land for building, they lack the funds to purchase and construct a permanent structure.
We then headed to Notre Dame de la Délivrance, where the Salesian Sisters and congregation were waiting for Fr. Bertrance. After Mass, the Sisters hosted us for lunch. It was a beautiful time of sharing and learning about the mission in Gommiers.
Back at the hotel, I walked the rocky path below to the beach. A young man appeared and escorted me safely down the cliff trail. Walking along the sand and waves was such a gift. The return climb was steep, but I made it. Carole and I had supper, then sat on the balcony to watch the sunset—grateful for this natural beauty that calls the soul to praise.
Monday, April 21, 2025
I had difficulty sleeping. At 5 a.m., I saw a message announcing the death of Pope Francis at 7:21 a.m. Rome time. I completed my prayers and got ready for breakfast before Patrice arrived.
We stopped at St. Antoine de Padua, Fr. Callas’s parish, which is supported by St. Therese in the U.S. I delivered a package from their twin parish.
At the Salesians’ place, the youth group had gathered. I welcomed them, took attendance, and we recalled past virtual meetings. I led a breathing exercise, inspired by Myriam’s workshop with the Renesansavo group in 2017: Inhale 1-2-3… hold 1-2-3… exhale 1-2-3.
They enjoyed the practice and repeated it with each new arrival, sometimes laughing when someone missed a step. We also shared riddles: “Tim Tim, bwa chèch!” They competed to outwit each other, and we elected a secretary to record all the new riddles I didn’t know.
The youth then invited me to visit Vilaj, where several of them live. We walked nearly a mile, with them repeatedly saying preske (“almost there”). It was a unique area—with small houses, a water pump, and a playground.
Returning quickly, I found the adult group already waiting. I apologized for being late and had the two groups greet each other and exchange riddles. Then the youth used my camera to take pictures and film.
When Sr. Marie Mercie called us, we all gathered for a lunch prepared in our honor. After the meal, I thanked everyone for their presence. The youth left first happy to have met me in person and ready to continue our monthly lessons. Then the adults joined me for a visit to the boardwalk “Antwan nan Gomye”. They showed me the nets, dugout boat (bwa fouye), rudimentary fishing tools and the unfinished storage room with non-functioning equipment. I stayed a little longer with Sister to check the functionality of the gifted laptop from CORA. I called Leon, a tech friend, but my phone battery died. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to go over all the other projects I sponsor. I decided to return to the hotel.
While at the restaurant overlooking the cove, I called Dr. Leveque. His wife answered. She told me he had passed away last Thursday. What a loss. He was the last person who truly understood my mission in Gommiers.
First, we lost Fr. Guy Sansaricq, a native of Jérémie, and then Danielle Hyacinthe, a dedicated partner in Anse-à-Veau and supporter of early childhood education in Gommiers. Both had “walked the talk” to bring positive change to the area.
That evening, Carole met with two community members involved in local development. It had been a deeply fulfilling day, filled with meaningful connections and the sorrow of loss.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
We woke up early. Patrice arrived on time to drive us to the Les Cayes airport. Sister MM had kindly prepared snacks for us.
We boarded without issues, and the flight was smooth. However, when I retrieved my suitcase, I discovered a wheel was missing. There was no staff available to file a claim, so I took a picture as evidence.
At the airport, Cormier’s driver was waiting for us with a sign. Once at the hotel, we had dinner and took a quiet walk along the beach before heading to our room. I was completely spent—by 9:30 p.m., I was in bed, ready for sleep.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
I began the day with prayer on the balcony, overlooking the peaceful beach. We had breakfast at 7:30 a.m., and I prepared to go to Plateau Central.
Unfortunately, I waited for Fr. Guiteau for several hours—his car had broken down. I debated whether I should still go, but he finally arrived at 3 p.m. and assured me we’d make it to Paredon quickly.
The traffic in downtown Cap-Haïtien was horrendous, but once we passed the police checkpoint, the road cleared. We arrived at St. Altagrace parish around 8:45 p.m. We had something to eat, and I went straight to my room.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
I woke up early and prayed in my room before heading out. I went into the yard to see if I could find the church, as I heard Mass being celebrated. I couldn’t immediately find the entrance, so I walked alongside the wall and prayed outside. Eventually, a man opened the gate and let me in during the consecration.
After Mass, a parishioner named Sergo sang his thanksgiving song for me. It was a touching moment. I returned to the rectory with the presiding priest and had breakfast with Fr. Guiteau.
I visited the parochial preschool and elementary school, greeting some of the little ones and singing “Tèt zepòl jenou zòtèy” (Head and Shoulders) with two classes. I observed that children of this age need more physical activity rather sitting there repeating a lesson.
We then drove to Lahoye Farm for a meeting. Along the way, we picked up Colette. I took pictures of the house and the land. All the VFHI staff were present, and Mr. Fils-Aimé and his agronomist joined to discuss the renewal of Tilapia production.
After the meeting, Berson took me by motorcycle up into the mountains to show me a specific challenge: livestock were being tied to the young acacia trees, stunting their growth.
We returned to the parish for lunch. Later, Fr. Guiteau drove me back to Cormier. As we neared Cap-Haïtien, we encountered another police checkpoint. He kindly picked up three university students who had been stuck trying to catch a kamyonèt. They refused to take a motorbike due to safety concerns, and I couldn’t blame them.
As we drove, I asked them about their fields of study and mentioned the trash they had to step over to reach the vehicle. They expressed helplessness—believing that the community and government would not listen to them even if they tried to raise concerns. This defeatism in the face of civic decay deeply saddened me.
We reached the hotel at 6:15 p.m. Carole and I had supper, then spent time sitting by the beach before heading to our room to begin packing.
Friday, April 25, 2025
I woke up early, prayed, and got ready before heading to breakfast. Six of us from the hotel were on the same van heading to the airport.
At the Sunrise counter, the staff were not especially welcoming. They refused to let me carry my water bottle through security. I picked up a few gifts from the airport shops for Georges and Carole.
The flight was uneventful. When I landed in Miami, I had to walk quite a distance to reach the baggage carousel. I never saw Carole again before leaving the airport.
Georges, my brother, was waiting for me. He, his wife, their grandchild, and I had lunch at a Haitian restaurant in Miami before he drove me to Fort Lauderdale Airport for my flight to Albany.
I made the connection just in time. Once in Albany, I took an Uber and finally arrived home around 11 p.m.
I am thankful that I made it home safely. I was able to visit the groups and communities I work with. I reconnected with old friends and partners, and although I received sad news along the way, I also found deep joy and inspiration throughout the journey.
The Haiti Diaries 