Skip to Main Content

Haiti 2023

Haiti

Haiti

The mountainside community of Jalousie sits above Pétionville, a wealthy suburb of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. The colorful, tightly packed houses perched precariously on the hillside appear artistic when viewed from a distance, but lack of water and electricity and an inadequate waste management system are among the challenges facing its inhabitants, many of whom moved here after the devastating 2010 earthquake. Even years after the earthquake, obstacles to rebuilding remain—despite efforts by Jalousie’s residents themselves to improve conditions.

Jim Schumaker © 2018
PCV Sierra Leone 1970—1972
Education

 

Republic of Haiti
République d’Haïti

Caribbean

Area 11K mi2; 28K km2

Arable 39%

Population 11.3M (1030/mi²; 404/km²)

Gov’t Semi-presidential republic

Capital Port-au-Prince (2.8M)

GCP/Capita $2,800

Unemployment 41%

In Poverty 59%

Infant Mortality 40/1K live births (32nd)

Life expectancy 66 yrs

Median Age 24 yrs

Literacy 62%

Languages French (official), Creole (official)

Religions Catholic 55%, Protestant 29%, Vodou 2%, other 4%, none 10%

Health 5% of GDP

Education 2% of GDP (183rd)

Military NA

Labor Force Agriculture 38%, industry 12%, services 50%

PCVs 1982–1987, 1990–1991, 1996–2005 CURRENT: 0 TTD: 503

Adult Books

The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L’Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution
By C.L.R. James

Genre: Nonfiction; history
Publisher: Random House/Vintage (1989: 2nd Edition Revised; 1st edition: 1938)
ISBN-10: 0679724672
ISBN-13: 978-0679724674

Summary:
A groundbreaking account of the Haitian Revolution of 1794-1803, this classic study tells how Toussaint L’Ouverture led the enslaved people of the French colony of Saint-Domingue (San Domingo} in a successful struggle against successive invasions by overwhelming French, Spanish, and English forces and in the process helped form the first independent nation in the Caribbean.

“Contains some of the finest and most deeply felt polemical writing against slavery and racism ever to be published.” (Time Out)

Kids' Books

I Want to Ride the Tap Tap
By Danielle Joseph, illustrated by Olivier Ganthier

Format: Hardcover, 40 pp, color illus.
ISBN-10: 0374312141
ISBN-13: 978-0-374-31214-5
Age Range: 2-8 years
Publisher: New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2020

Description:
A picture book about a Black family who ride the taxi-bus service―called a tap tap―in Haiti, and the fascinating people they meet along the way. It is illustrated by a Haitian artist known for his vibrant street art.

Summary:
From Monday to Saturday Claude and Manman can only walk Papa to the tap tap stop before they need to return home for school and chores. But on Sunday, Claude gets a surprise ride on the tap tap and meets all kinds of interesting people. With Haitian Creole words sprinkled throughout and a glossary at the end, I Want to Ride the Tap Tap is a warm and lively portrayal of everyday life in Haiti.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR:
Danielle Joseph is the author of the young adult novels SShrinking Violet, Indigo Blues> and Pure Red. When she's not writing, you can find Danielle relaxing with her family, traveling, or chasing after her dog, Ringo. Danielle was born in Cape Town, South Africa and currently lives in Maryland with her husband, who is from Haiti, and their three kids.

Olivier Ganthier was born in Pétion-ville, Haiti. He got his degree in fine arts from the National School of Arts (ENARTS) and is inspired by tropical urban life, Afro and Haitian culture. Olivier is art director at Les Ateliers Ganthier and the illustrator of Danille Joseph's I Want to Ride the Tap Tap>. He lives in Petionville, Haiti.

REVIEW
This bright book about a Haitian child’s special outing will have everyone wanting to ride the tap tap ... Every young reader will resonate with Claude’s happy day. Bon bagay! ―Kirkus Reviews

READER COMMENTS
“... The vibrant illustrations are enough to knock this book out of the park but the exciting, satisfying storyline will make this an instant hit with many preschool listeners.”

“... Very fun and colorful, with some messages about patience and also a focus on days of the week (in Haitian Creole).”

“... Love seeing the days of the week in Haitian Creole -- so clearly related to French, but not quite.”

“... Beautifully illustrated. Wonderful story!”

Films

Film: Love Me Haiti
Genre: Short
Director: Hugues Gentillon
Country: Haiti
Release Date: 2014
Filming Locations: Haiti
Language: Haitian, French, English, Latin
Run Time: 14 minutes

Storyline:
In Haiti, Dr Jeudi Forstner is kidnapped and trapped in a prison cell under the charge of voluntary manslaughter. His wife, Marie Forstner, believes that he did not commit the crime. She begins a journey to free him. What she encounters would become one of the greatest true stories ever told.

In so few minutes, Love Me Haiti mirrors 21st century geo-political corruption at its best. The film does it suspensefully by presenting the life of a couple: two doctors who naively think humanitarian medicine is about treating those in needs, having divine faith and hoping for a cure but soon find themselves fighting something beyond belief—a criminal injustice system in a decaying world. In simple words, the film twistfully illustrates how life is a bitch.

VIEWER COMMENTS:
yes 10/10
webpun 29 September 2014
Much credit should go to doctor and filmmaker Hugues Gentillon, who has synthesized a virtual story out of Haiti's reality.

Love Me Haiti is a popular story, suspense filled, beautifully crafted and genuinely brilliant! I like the way in which tension builds up throughout the story.

No doubt, Love Me Haiti will fuel discussion about geopolitical corruption, which is the basis of the film, and will also send more people to read about the filmmaker, which is also the basis of the film. I wonder how much of the story is about Dr.Hugues Gentillon himself? The story also has an experimental feel. The beginning is the end... The end is the beginning...

It left me wondering: "How close to the truth did the antagonist actually come?"

amazing 10/10
lindnw129 September 2014
Love Me Haiti tells so much in so few minutes. It reminds me of The Constant Gardener where everyone trusts no one. The antagonist gets himself into more trouble as he discovers the explosive secret involving his wife's murder.

The etiquette of bribery stigmatizes the poor while big business and corporate corruption is on the edge of the rich people that are trying to get richer themselves - holding back the country's development...

The actors' performance is convincing. The jail cell scene is really well acted and cinematography, especially the lighting on the face is amazing! The local language boosts up realism to a point that I felt I was watching a faux cinéma vérité manifesto!

Drama in Haiti 8/10
eccsa11 June 2014
Love me haiti is a love story/drama set in Haiti the film starts with a transcript I believe to be taken from the local radio station of a man describing the turbulent times and suffering of the people. I am unclear of the meaning but by following the video as the broadcast is made I understand the problem is war inflicted over the past 50 years, we are then presented with the information that the speaker has now been assassinated and the start of the film commences now knowing the plot.

A very dominant feature is the background music throughout the film it builds tension and increases seriousness from start to finish and helps make the film have a lot of depth.

I don't want to give away to much about the story line, however the main characters. Marie Forstner played by Aurelia Khazan provides a realistic performance demonstrating a good acting ability. I also enjoyed the directors overall vision for the film this is often difficult with low budget productions but I feel overall it came together well and I can see larger productions in drama or possible crime thrillers in his future.

Become a Member

Join RPCVs of Wisconsin - Madison to stay connected and support Peace Corps community initiatives! 

 

SIGN UP

       
 

  Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison is a public charity registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. Its EIN is 39-1669348. It is also an affiliate group of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).


NPCA champions lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals by connecting, engaging and promoting its members and affiliate groups as they continue to make a difference in communities in the U.S. and abroad. NPCA is also dedicated to advocating for, contributing to, and supporting the betterment of the Peace Corps. Visit NPCA to learn more