Remarks by Mr. Harry Frantz Léo


Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti

Washington, D.C., November 18, 2003

Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and Chiefs of Mission,

Your Excellency, Assistant Secretary General of the Organiation of American States,

Your Excellency, the Special Envoy of the OAS to Haiti,

Honorable Representatives of the United States Congress,

Distinguished Guests and Friends of Haiti,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Brothers and Sisters – Sè m ak Frè m yo

Good evening.

It is with great pleasure and pride that I welcome you here tonight, in my name and that of the Haitian Government, to the Embassy of Haiti as we commemorate today, November 18th, the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, which brought an end to colonialist slavery and set the stage for the establishment of the Republic of Haiti -- the first free Black republic in the world. We salute those leaders whose courage created the heroism that marks this historic moment.

The theme of tonight’s celebration is « Vertières : The Will of a Nation - A Universal Beacon of Hope »

Twelve years earlier, in 1791, it was the will of a small group of men which created the spark that ignited a vast rebellion against 300 years of enslavement. That indomitable Will shocked an incredulous world, and provided Hope for the countless millions still yearning for freedom from the chains of bondage.

Today, two hundred years later, it is tempting to view slavery as a relic of the past, but we can still find millions yearning for true freedom, for dignity, and for the right to choose their own path toward social development. Thus, while slavery itself may have ended, we still struggle with its cruel legacy and deleterious social effects.

The exhibit you see around you this evening « Horizon 2004 – Haïti…Un Autre Regard » paints a portrait of the path embarked on by our Ancestors; incomplete, however, since it is one that is still being charted today, by their sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters in Haiti and those who live elsewhere throughout the world. This path is one of justice, one of openness and one of political participation. We are proud to be able to share with you this impressive exhibition, which debuted last year in France under the auspices of Haiti’s Permanent Mission to UNESCO.

I would like to express my appreciation for the stirring presentation of our National Anthem « La Dessaliniènne » performed by the renowned tenor, Jean-Claude Eugène.

You will also hear tonight the prose of Koralen - the « nom de plume » of Jean-Claude Martineau, one of Haiti’s finest contemporary poets, as he shares with us his powerful interpretative reading of the event we celebrate now, the Bicentennial of the Battle of Vertières.

Finally, you will be treated to the masterful rhythms of the celebrated « Troupe Mackandal » from New York, under the direction of their award-winning percussionist, Friztner Augustin.

Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for coming and I hope that you will enjoy yourselves tonight as we commemorate not only the pivotal battle that launched our freedom 200 years ago, but also the Hope that it represented to others. The spirit of Vertières remains an integral part of our unique, Haitian history. It is that same spirit today which compels us to continue with the struggle for the betterment of Haiti and her people.

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