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BOOKS & STORIES
Current Best Sellers
Read to Me by Judi Moreilon
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“ Well written and great illustrations.” Patrick S Eells “My son loves it & so do I!” Jancy
Taste of Haiti by Mirta Yurnet-Thomas
“As expected” Geanel Sandy
Bel Peyi Mwen
by Kristopher attles “Terrific coloring book!” A. Miller “Love it.” Shelltong C.
Dear Haiti, Alaine Maika
by Maika Moulite “a beautiful epistolary novel with a smart, lively protagonist” Catie “Learning About Haitian Culture was Easy with this Book” Ashlee
Eight Days: A Story of Haiti by Edwidge Danticat
“I love this author.” Louisa Fledderman “Just as described” Becky
Haiti My Country by Roge
“Educational for all ages.” Patricia Cherasard “Great book, great illustrations.” Linda F.
Princess Maniya / Prensès Maniya
by by Saonha Lyrvole Jean Baptiste “Enjoying it.” DE “Great bilingual book.” Jules J.
Haiti: The First Black Republic
by Jr. Frantz Derenoncourt “ I wish I had this book when I was teaching elementary school!!!” KLC “Great kids book.” Rod joseph
20 TOP STORIES
OF THE DECADE 2010-2019
By Shirley Dorsainvil
1 Raquel Pelissier - Miss Universe, 1st Runner-up, 2017
Representing Port-AuPrince, Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier changed the way the world viewed Haiti by taking the title of 1st runner-up in the 65th Edition of Miss Universe 2017, the prestigious international competition. In an interview, she mentioned that she competed to “represent my country. . . giv[e] back. . . [and] expose its colors and cultures abroad.” True to her mission, she has shed a positive light on the beautiful people of Haiti and made us proud of her performance. Today, Pelissier continues to spread goodwill about Haiti and is now a published author and a source of inspiration for young women.
Raquel Pelissier
2 Royal Decameron
- opened in Haiti 2015
The Royal Decameron is one of the most-visited resorts in Haiti. The establishment transformed tourism and development in Haitibybecomingthefirstall-inclusiveresorttobebuilt in decades. In its opening year, the resort received over 7,000 reservations, which left a mark in the economic development of the country. A jewel nestled in Côte des Arcadins, the Royal Decameron remains a dream vacation resort for romantic getaways, honeymoons, family trips, weekend getaways, business trips, destination weddings, and bridal getaways alike. It offers excursions for any explorer and tours that enable guests to explore the rich history of Haiti.
Royal Decameron
3 Marriott - opened in Haiti in 2015
In 2015, Marriot opened as a hotel determined to make a difference. Marriot vowed to promote tourism, and develop and bring exposure to local talent aiming to “lift Marriott - Port-au-Prince - Haiti this country, over time, back to being one of the top travel destinations in the Caribbean,” said its CEO, Arne Sorenson. By providing nearly 200 jobs since its opening, the Marriot became a pillar for community sourcing by investing in local small businesses, social enterprises, farms and Haitian artisans. From their partnership with TOMS to supply hotel employees with custom shoes to its continuous support of local Haiti Natives, the opening of the Marriot was a landmark of the decade in Haiti.
4 Haiti Tech Summit - launched in 2017
The first annual Haiti Tech Summit made waves among Haiti’s entrepreneurs. Specifically, it helped to develop a chain reaction that stimulated innovation and disruption. What was once deemed impossible, turned into an annual gathering of local and international industry leaders, investors, digital marketers, entrepreneurs, and creatives all bent on addressing challenges in the technological and entrepreneurial spaces. The digital accelerator forum stimulated conversation with Fortune 500 companies and CEOs like Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, as well as more than 200 local and international attendees, about technology and its impact in the public and private sectors in Haiti. The Haiti Tech Summit continues to reshape the narrative of Haiti.
Haiti Tech Summit - Ben-Horowitz
5 Banjht - first co-working space in Haiti
Banj Haiti
On April, 2018, Google Launchpad created the first entrepreneurial hub in Haiti, Banjht, a co-working space designed to contribute to the development of emerging businesses and business ideas. Banjht became Haiti’s premier space for entrepreneurs to access resources ranging from high-speed internet to major marketing partners. Since the opening of Banjht, startups have received networking opportunities, training, access to key investors, mentors, legal assistance, and much more. Recent Banjht alumni take to social media to call it the Silicon Valley of Haiti and thank them for their hard work and continuing support of entrepreneurial start-ups in Port-au-Prince.
6 Carimi - broke up
In 2015, after 15 years of commitment to the Haitian music industry, veteran konpa band Carimi broke the hearts of their fans. Haiti’s favorite boy band left us with the message that “as with every great story, that must come to an Carimi end.” Years later, members of the group weighed in on why they broke up. Richard Cave said they needed a “new sound.” Mickael Guirand said it was about “choosing self.” The parting of ways was the end of an era for fans, but “some personal issues” had to be mended, according to Carlo Vieux.
7 Naomi Osaka - Ascends to #1 Female Tennis Player in the World
The first JapaneseHaitian tennis player hit the court at the 2018 U.S. Open Women’sfinaltoplay alongside her idol, the tennis legend Serena Williams. After a flawless game, Osaka, 20, served Williams with her first career win of a Grand Slam singles title. Her number 1’s did not stop there. She won the Australian Open and moved up the ranking to become the world’s number 1 in women’s singles tennis, making her the first-ever Japanese-Haitian tennis player to achieve top tennis rankings. Her win has had an amazing impact on the people of Haiti, and we remain proud and encouraged because of amazing talents like Osaka.
Noami Osaka - Time Magazine
8 Little Haiti becomes An Official Miami
Neighborhood
Little Haiti - Roshan Bransden
LittleHaitifinallygottherecognitionitdeserved.Itwas officially created and labeled a Miami neighborhood. The home to Haiti immigrants was once Lemon City, and for decades was a leading tourist attraction featuring Haitian food and culture. The Haitian-Caribbean market was replete with Haitian art, and festivals were held yearly in an effort to preserve the Haitian heritage there.
9 Haiti Football Team Advances to 2019 Gold Cup Semifinals with 3-2 Win vs.
Canada
TV screens in Haitian households lit up with news that shocked the nation: “Haiti Advances to the Gold Cup Semi-Finals”. At Haiti Football Team - Michael Wyke - AP half-time, Andrew Jean-Baptiste signaled the team’s ambitions when he said, “All it takes is one goal, and we can create history.” Haitian families raved at the success of the national team pulling off its stunning comefrom-behind win, and 2019 became the first time Haiti had advanced into the Gold Cup semi-finals.” Donald Guerrier’sfinalplayledHaititothehistoricwin.Itwasa sight to revel in, a shifting of the gears that gave Haitian soccer fans around the world a renewed sense of hope.
10 Citadelle Laferrière Awarded
TripAdvisor’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence
Citadelle Laferrière
One of the largest fortresses in the world, perched on a mountain peak, received TripAdvisor’s 2015 Certificate Excellence. Citadelle Laferriere leaves explorers breathless from the panoramic view from its ramparts. Visitors can ride donkeys to experience the rich history of the Haitian revolution and take in breathtaking view of Sans-Souci Palace, the neighboring landmark. Travelers call the Citadelle “a great place for history enthusiasts”, “the greatest architectural feat in the country”, and a “sensational sight to see”. It’s no wonder that TripAdvisor recognized the landmark as Haiti’s best attraction.
11 Nu Look - Gazman Couleur left Nu Look to start DISIP; Pipo left Nu Look to join KLASS
In 2012, after years of dedication, Gazman Couleur left Nu Look to create a band free of dictatorship and looking to progress. After forming his own band, DISIP, Gazman promised fans an original sound all his own. Following his departure, fans bid another member of the group farewell. After much controversy, Nu Look’s band members continued to dwindle. Lead singer and fan favorite, Pipo, left Nu Look to join Klass. After Pipo’s official statement, the band member received negative publicity after battles over contracts. Due to the overwhelming publicity and failed attempts at fair negotiation, Pipo resigned. Despite the bad press, the talented vocalist continued his music career with Klass.
Nu Look
12 NAAHP’s first event in 2011
In 2011, industry experts, youth leaders, academics, and public- and private-sector professionals both international and local came together with philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and communitybuilding in mind at the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals Conference (NAAHP). The comprehensive conference focused on vital areas that foster growth, including “natural assets, NAAHP - Ambassador exportation growth, Michele Sison foreign direct investment, increased employment, improved education, upgrading technology, and strengthening infrastructure.” Industry leaders and professionals heard speakers present on timely topics geared to connecting like-minded people in the United States, Haiti’s international diaspora, and Haiti residents.
13 Nelson “Piman Bouk” Voltaire owns his own radio station after 30 years
Piman Bouk
Haitian broadcaster and activist Nelson “Piman Bouk” Voltaire transitioned to owning his own radio station after 30 years of on-air dedication. This all-time Haitian broadcast legend continues to build his legacy on radio and serves one of many Haitian-Creole radio stations in the Miami and Fort-Lauderdale area, home to one of the largest Haitian populations in the United States.
14 Jason Derulo - 2018 “Colors” World Cup video shot in Haiti for Coca Cola 15 Uprising Nike - shoes promoting Haiti roots sell out
Imagine walking down the street in shoes colored red, blue, black, gold, and accents of green and screaming, “The revolution is coming!” Nike gave creatives nationwide the opportunity to design their own kicks. In the end, Haitian-American social entrepreneur Ruth Jean-Marie and her sneaker design, “Uprising”, was hand-selected from a competitive pool. Within four days, the lightweight sneaker – supported with colors inspired by the uniforms worn by the leaders of the revolution, as well as the Haitianflag–SOLDOUT!CapturingtheHaitianidentity through an homage to Haitian independence heroes, the shoes’ creator will donate half of the profits to the August Project, in support of her aim to alleviate poverty in Leogane.
Nike Uprising
16 The Earthquake
Jason Derulo
Coca Cola selected Jason Derulo to create the anthem for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Gaining over 19 million view on YouTube, the song “Colors” reached listeners beyond the World Cup and made it onto the playlists of pop fans everywhere. Shot in Haiti, Jason featured La Citadelle Laferrière in Cap Haitien and artist and past presidential candidate Wycelf Jean strumming his guitar. In a press statement, Derulo said he wrote the song to break down cultural differences around the world and celebrate diversity.
Earthquake 2010 National Palace of Haiti
As we look back at the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that ravaged Haiti ten years ago, we are reminded of our dreams of progress. In 2010, the lives of many Haitian citizens and tourists were taken by the natural disaster. Today, we continue to aim for improved basic infrastructure and growth within the country. Today, social media memes of “nou pap janm bliye” summon memories many sought to forget. Despite these reminders, we glimpse into the future as the current government releases plans to rebuild the national palace, setting the stage for progress in Haiti in the new decade.
17 Haiti wins DC Chef challenge two years in a row with Chef Thia and Chef Jouvens 19 Brooklyn gains a “Little Haiti” Neighborhood (2018)
Chef Thia, Ambassador Paul Altidor, Chef Jouvens Jean
For two years in a row, the Embassy of Haiti won the Judges Choice Award at the Embassy Chef Challenge. Competing with over 30 countries, master chef Jouvens brought home the award with an impressive presentation of the richness of Haitian food using lively and creative pairings. In a night promoting culture through cuisine, Chef Jouvens and Chef Thia won the People’s Choice Champion award at the prestigious global culinary event. Their cooking demonstration exhibited a traditional Haitian dish with a unique twist. The free event highlights gastronomy in Haiti while shifting the image of Haiti through its rich history.
18 Natcom - launched in Haiti
Natcom - Haiti Headqaurter For years, Haiti was falling behind in the communication industry. Well into the last decade, the use of mobile devices was limited. In 2011, after the country’s tragic and devastating 7.0. earthquake, efforts to increase communication in Haiti grew via access to faster, mobile interest access. Natcom provided wide access to mobile communications and full range of entertainment services to improve the means and livelihood of Haitians. The award-winning company holds the title as the leading internet company delivering quality technological solutions in Haiti.
Brooklyn gains a “Little Haiti” Neighborhood
People rallied in protests in New York City to stand up for Haiti and the creation of Flatbush, Brooklyn’s “Ti Ayiti”. Representing the third-largest home of Haitian Americans in the United States, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte is leading efforts to develop the “Little Haiti Business and Cultural District” to celebrate the impact of the Haitian community and Haitian culture in the United States. This will mark a major shift in the community by increasing the resources available to the Haitian-American population. In the next decade, we hope to see monuments commemorating Haitian leaders and more empowerment of the Haitian community.
Miami made history for local Haitian-American women when Cherise Gause became the first Haitian-American assistant chief in the history of Miami’s Police Department. In a statement released by Gause, she said her achievement was an achievement for the entire Haitian community. This marked the end of the MPD’s special treatment of police officers who are not black. Gause’s accomplishment serves as a source of inspiration for all women and men of Haitian descent. Gause reminded the city of her close ties to her Haitian background: “Yes, I am Haitian-American, so it is also a big achievement for the Haitian American community to celebrate this moment with me.”
Cherise Gause Asst Chief
