All FAQs

Native Haitians were pre-Columbian Ameridian named Taino/Arawak both meaning the good people.

-The Taino/Arawak named their land Ayiti, meaning Land of High Mountains. In less than 40 years, Spanish invaders were responsible for the genocide of the 3 millions Haitian natives due to introduced diseases and slavery.

-Haiti is the most mountainous country in the Caribbean.

-Haiti has the second longest coastline in the Caribbean after Cuba; 1.100 miles. Over 70% of its beaches are still virgin.

-For 4 centuries, 15th -19th century, the world's top 3 major super powers were in war with each other to have control of Haiti for its geographical position. Spain, France and England.

-Haiti was the second country in the world to issue a Declaration of Independence, only 33 years after the United States of America.

-The first and only country in the history of mankind whose independence is the result of a successful slave rebellion.

-Haiti is the first Black Republic in the World.

-The first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolished slavery; it would take the United States of America another 65 years to follow suit.

-The first and only Black Nation to have successfully defeated a major world power in a war; under the command of Jean Jacques Dessalines, Haiti defeated the world mightiest army at the time, France's; on November 18th 1803 after 14 years of battle.

-Haiti is unique in history, going directly from slavery to nationhood.

-The Independence of Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela was a result of direct monetary and military help from Haiti to Simon Bolivar, the greatest Hispanic military leader of all time.

-Simon Bolivar asked then Haiti's President, Alexandre Petion, to be named the founding father of Venezuela and South America for the help he provided him to fight against slavery in the South American continent; President Petion declined the honor and asked Simon Bolivar in return, only the total eradication of slavery " Wherever your arms have triumphed".

-The National flag of Venezuela was created at the sea port of  Jacmel, a city in  south east Haiti. Simon Bolivar included the blue and red from the Haitian Flag, as part of the new colors of Venezuela's national symbol in honor of Haiti being the first country in the world to fully eradicate slavery on its soil.

-By winning the Vertieres Battle on November 18th 1803, Haiti forced France to sell to the US, it's Louisiana territory, doubling the size of the United States of America. The Louisiana territory makes up today 15 US states and part of Canada. Namely, the US states of Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska; part of Minnesota, North Dakota and most of South Dakota, northeastern New Mexico, northern Texas, portions of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, all Louisiana and, land that will eventually become part of the current Canadian Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

-Upon Independence, Haiti became the first country in the American Continent to constitutionally grant all Its citizen full rights regardless of gender or race.

-Haiti occupied the Dominican Republic for 22 years. From 1822 to 1844, holding the entire Island of Hispaniola under Its jurisdiction. Today's Dominican Republic was called Spanish Haiti at the time.

-Haiti is one of the only two countries in the American Continent having French as an official language. The other is Canada.

-Haiti is the only country in the world with Vodou as an official religion.

-Cattle/cow were first introduced in the Americas, in Ile-a-Vache (cow island), a small Island off Haiti's southern coast by the Spanish.

-For over a century, the livelihood of as many as 25 million inhabitants of France, directly depended on the colonial trade centered in Haiti.

-Haiti supplied France for over half the wealth it derived from all its other colonies combined in the 18th century.

-For 105 years (1697-1802) Haiti was responsible for 40% of the sugar consumed in the entire world; 123 millions pounds in 1788 alone.

-For much of the 17th and the 18th century, Haiti was responsible for 60% of the world's  coffee exports.

-On December 5th 1803, the exact day of the 311 years anniversary of when the first European sat foot on Haiti's soil, Jean Jacques Dessalines, the country father of Independence chased off the last remaining European off of Haiti.

Agritrans SA is a $27 million ambitious agricultural project whose goal is to cultivate organic plantains exclusively for exportation. On October 10th, 2014, in association with the 300 farmers benefiting employment through the project, 228.000 banana seedlings were planted over 1.000 hectares in Trou du Nord, a commune in northern Haiti, close to the city of Cap Haitian.

The Haitian government has injected $6 million into this project and plan to invest an additional $15 million in the coming year, to increase the plantation to 2 million banana trees. Agritrans SA has modern agricultural equipment such as irrigation pumps, an artificial lake with 700.000 gallon capacity, tractors etc... to assure the success of this important first step towards industrialized farming in Haiti.

Hugo Chavez International Airport Cap Haitian

October 2nd, 2014 was the Inauguration day of the Hugo Chavez International Airport in Cap Haitian, and American Airlines launching of its inaugural flight on the same day. American Airlines launched new daily service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Cap-Haitien, Haiti (CAP), adding a new international destination to the airline's growing global network.

"We have proudly served Haiti for more than 40 years and believe this new service is important not only for our customers, but also as an important catalyst to develop the north coast and open up this historically significant destination," said Art Torno, senior vice president – Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America. Present during the Inaugurations where President Michel Martelly his Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Tourism Stéphanie Villedrouin, all emphasized that Haiti is Open for Business and that this new International Airport will open up the historic northern coast to the rest of the world.

Hilton Gardenn Inn

In mid 2014, the Hilton Worldwide signed a Management Agreement with CAB, S.A to operate the new build 12 story Hilton Gardenn Inn Port-au-Prince Louverture Airport. Scheduled to open in 2016, this new Hilton Gardenn Inn hotel in Haiti will introduce the Hilton Garden Inn brand to the Caribbean and debut the company's first hotel in Haiti.

"We are excited the Hilton Garden Inn brand continues to grow around the world and we are looking forward to opening in Port-au-Prince," said Adrian Kurre, global brand head, Hilton Garden Inn."Value-conscious guests will enjoy their stay with an award-winning upscale and affordable hotel experience with superior amenities at an affordable price." Danny Hughes, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide said, "As tourism continues to contribute significantly to Haiti's economic development, we are thrilled to work with Dominique Carvonis, President of CAB, S.A. and her team, and play a part in this growth.

With the brand's value proposition and the hotel's strategic location, we are confident the Hilton Garden Inn Port-au-Prince Louverture Airport will be a successful partner in the nation's capital and commercial hub." Dominique Carvonis, President of CAB, S.A. said, "Our joint efforts with Hilton Worldwide will help boost the environment of this industrial zone, creating nearly 100 direct jobs and 300 indirect employment roles. With Hilton Worldwide's comprehensive hotel training programs, we will develop skilled human resources thus contributing to increase the standards and quality of service to our guests, and ultimately enhance the prestige of our beloved Haiti."

Carnival Cruise

Carnival Cruise will build a U$70 million cruise ship port in Ile de la Tortue (Tortuga Island), off of Port-de-Paix, Haiti's northwestern coast, making it the 7th Carnival Cruise port in the Caribbean. The Island of Tortuga, so named by Christopher Columbus for its turtle shape, became famous in the 17th century as a lawless territory populated by Dutch, Maltese, French, English and Spanish pirates. This $70 million project will be the largest cruise investment ever made in Haiti, surpassing Royal Caribbean in Labadee. “The development will create an exciting opportunity for our guests to enjoy a new, secluded and stunning destination on the island of Tortuga that the company expects will become a highly popular place for guests to enjoy for years to come,” David Candib, a Carnival Corp. vice president, said in a statement. The completion of the Cruise port is expected to be in 2015.

Haytrac Power and Gas

Haytrac Power & Gas has begun the construction of its U$123 million, 15.000 m3 terminal for storage and supply of liquefied natural gas on August 20th 2013, near Cité Soleil and Morne à Cabrit . Also part of the project is the construction of a pipeline to directly supply fuel to the power plants of the industrial area of Port-au-Prince. The significance of this project is enormous, it will eliminate the cost of fuel transportation of these companies operating in the industrial parks, rendering them more profitable which will in turn allow them to increase their productivities. Nearly 200 permanent local employments and an estimated 6.000 indirect jobs will be created in the process. The construction of the facility will take 36 months.

Tourist Destination Ile-a-Vache

Île à Vache is a small island of Haiti lying on the southwest peninsula near the town of Les Cayes, it is about 8 miles (13 Km) long, 2 miles (3.2Km) wide with an area of 20 squares miles (52 km). On August 20th, 2013 major development projects for the tiny island have officially begun. The Haitian government has allocated U$230 million for the construction of an international airport with a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) runway, modern roads throughout the island, electrification, a community radio, an emergency center, and a community center which will house a library, an internet cafe and a playground for children and an 18 holes golf course. Separate fund have also been set up for the rehabilitation of 2 major mangroves reserve on the island. In the meantime 4 major investment groups in the tourism industry have expressed their desire to built hotel facilities on the Island, namely Azur Resort and Spa, Blue Marlin Development S.A, Charles Fequiert S.A, Holmes International Development LLC and Royal Oasis; and on October of 2013, the government of venezuela annouced its partnership with the government of Haiti on a Village and Hotel on the Island of Ile-à-Vache. The completion of these projects are expected to be in 2015. I should also mention that there are already two resorts on the island,Abaka Bay and Port Morgan; earlier this year, the beach of Abaka Bay was ranked #57 onCNN World's 100 best beaches.

Handxom

The Ministry of Commerce and industries signed accords with the representative of the anonymous Chinese enterprise Handxom, specializing in the manufacture of tablets and cell phones, for the construction of a free industrial zone of assembly for U$ 13 millions, in the commune of Ferrier. The company is expected to increase its investment in the assembly factory by U$3 million annually.

Some 13.000 direct employments will be created by this project. The representative of the Chinese enterprise also emphasize that the company will invest in the construction of additional modern industrial space within the free zone to attract other investors. The construction is expected to begin in early 2015.

Heineken

Heineken will be investing more than $40 million in the coming years, starting in 2014, to upgrade and expand the Brasserie Nationale d'Haiti (BRANA), the brewer located in Port-au-Prince. Heineken raised its stake in the company from 22.5 percent to 95 percent. As of 2013 Heineken employs 1200 people. By 2018, more than 18.000 farmers will be able to produce 20 % sorghum, known in Haiti as (Pitimi) of the brewed products and 40% of the packaging materials for the company. Keep in mind that Heineken already buys 5.000 tons of sorgho annually from the farmers. “Our continued investment in local sourcing and capability building will positively impact the lives and opportunities of thousands of Haitians.”

Haitian Art

Haiti is world famous for its distinctive art which continues to receive critical acclaim from around the world. Haitian art consists of mostly visual arts, such as paintings, sculpture and metal arts. Which is an art form endemic to the country. Haitian art reflect a complex tradition of African, French, Catholic and tribal Voodoo. It is mostly influenced by Voodoo.

A great number of Paintings and sculptures depict some sort of Voodoo scenery, ceremony, and deities. One other key component in most of Haitian art, specially paintings, is the joy depicted. Despite the misery and poverty that plagued the country, Haitians artist seem to always find a way to include the joyfulness of the people in their artistic expression. Another main aspect of Haitian Art is historicism. Important historic moments.

Sceneries from the long rebellion against colonization and slavery and culminating with independence in 1804, which was achieved with great resiliency and incredible suffering are usually portrayed.

The landscape of the country, and the everyday life of its people are also important components of the Haitian paintings. Haitian Art came to existence well before the emergence of Haitian people; way before the introduction of slavery, and definitely before Christopher Columbus and his men discovered the Island of Hispaniola.

The Taino Indians created paintings on the walls of their caves, huts, and even on their bodies. The Native's Art, just like it's people did not survive the brutalization of the Spanish conquerors. The Taino will eventually be engulfed with their culture, accustoms, language and art by the Spaniards inhumane treatments. Thus diminishing the Taino influence on Haitian modern Art. Specially its paintings.

Henry Christophe had a high regard for Culture and a profound passion to make the citizens of the newly born republic one of the most civilized, and creative people on earth. He encouraged the development of Art, by inviting several English artist to teach at the Royal Academy of Art in Milot.

After the death of Christophe, President Alexandre Petion who succeeded him, helped French artist establish an art school in Port-au-Prince. French Artist were invited to promote and train Haitian Artists. 1943 marked the beginning of a true revolution of Haitian arts, with the arrival of an American watercolorist , Dewitt Peters.

He opened the Centre d'Art in Port-au-Prince with the purpose of teaching art. Dewitt gave himself the mission to modernize Haitian art and introduce it to the rest of the word. Many talented, but unknown artist such as Hector Hypolite a well known Voodoo priest, who is mostly remembered as the father of the Southern School of Haitian Art, Philome Obin, Rigaud Benoit and Castra Bezile, stepped forward to work with Dewitt.

The Boundless creativity of Haitian has never ceased to amaze art critics and collectors around the world. The vitality of Haitian art is an astonishing reality and the its future is more than ever reassured.

Haitians artists are the Ambassadors of the culture of Haiti to the world. On your next visit, make sure you get a unique piece of art from the many galleries throughout Port-au-Prince or the endless street vendors. You will not only help them spread the word of beauty in talent of the people of Haiti, but you will be more than proud to add one more exceptionable masterpiece to your collection.

Haitian Proverbs

-Piti piti, zwazo fè nich.

Little by little birds build their nests.

 

-Nan pwem lapriyè ki pa gen amen.

There is no prayer without its amen.

 

-Sa'k rive kodenn nan, ka rive kòk la.

What happened to the turkey, can happen to the rooster.

 

-Sak vid pa kanpe.

An empty sack doesn't stand.

 

-Manman chen pa mode pitit li jouk nan zo.

 Female dog never bites its' puppies to the bones.

 

-Sonje lapli ki leve mayi ou la.

Remember the rain that grew you your corn.

 

-Anpil men chay pa lou.

Many hands make a load lighter.

 

-Avan ou ri moun bwete, gad jan ou mache.

Before laughing at those who limp, check the way you walk.

 

-Bab pi long, men sousi pi vye.

Beard is longer, but eyebrows are older.

 

-Chemen bezwen pa janm long.

The road to need is never  too long.

 

-Depi ou nan labatwa, fok san vole sou ou.

If you are in the slaughter house, blood will get on you.

 

-Dèyè mòn gen mòn.

Behind the mountains, there are mountains.

 

-Evite miyò pase mande padon.

To avoid is better than to ask for forgiveness.

 

-Jan ou vini, se jan yo resevwa ou.

The way you come, is the way they will receive you.

 

Lè ou wè yon vye zo sou chimen ou, sonje li t gen chè sou li.

When you see an old bone on your path, remember that it had skin on it once.

 

lagè avèti pa touye kokobe.

A warning of war doesn't kill the handicaps.

 

Pitit tig se tig.

The offspring of the tiger, are tigers.

 

Lè chat pa la, rat pran kay.

When the cat is not there, the rat take over the house.

 

Zanmi lwen se lajan sere, zanmi pre se kouto de bò.

Friends who are far away are money saved; friends who are close by are double edged knives.

 

Timoun fronte fè bab nan simityè.

Rude kids grow beards in the cemetery.

 

Twou manti pa fon.

The hole of lie, is not too deep.

 

Malere pa bwòdè.

The poor is not picky.

Avan chen manje zo, li mezire machwè'l.

Before the dog eats bones, he measures his jaw.

 

File kouto, veye dwèt ou.

Sharpen the knife, watch out for your fingers.

 

Padon pa geri maleng.

Sorry doesn't heal the scars.

 

Pa konnen pa al lajistis.

The "I don't know" don't go to court.

 

Makak Sou pa dòmi douvan pòt chen.

A drunk monkey doesn't sleep in front of a dog house.

 

Bay piti pa chich.

To give little is not being cheap.

 

Avèk pasyans w'ap wè tete foumi.

With patience, you will see an ant's breast.

 

Bouch granmoun santi, pawòl nan bouch li pa santi.

The mouth of an old person might stink, but the words of that mouth don't stink.

 

Wont pi lou pase sak sèl.

Shame is heavier than a bag of salt.

 

Toujou gen retay kay tayè.

There's always leftovers at the tailor's house.

 

Sòt pa touye, men li fè ou swe.

Stupidities doesn't kill, but makes you sweat.

 

Nan pwen metye ki pa nouri mèt li.

There's no craft that will not feed the craftsman.

 

Maladi pa konn vanyan.

Illness doesn't know the brave.

 

Lang pa lanmè, men li ka neye ou.

The tongue is not the sea, but it can drown you.

 

Kouto pa janm grate manch li.

Knife can never scratch its handle.

 

Chen gen kat pye, li pa kouri nan kat chimen.

Dogs has four legs, but can't run in four paths at the same time.

 

Fanm pou yon tan, manman pou toutan.

Wife for a time, mother for all time.

 

Grangou se mizè, vant plen se traka.

Hunger is misery, a full stomach is trouble.

 

Kay koule twonpe solèy, men li pa ka twonpe lapli.

A leaking house (roof) fool the sun, but cannot fool the rain.

 

-Kote yo plimen kodenn, poul pa ri.

Where they pluck turkeys, chicken do not laugh.

 

-Lè pye bwa jwe ak van, li pèdi fèy li.

When the tree play with the wind, it loses its leaves.

 

-Madichon ou bay bèlmè ou, se li'k rive manman ou.

The curse that you give to your step mom, will happen to your mother.

 

-Malè pa gen klaksonn.

Misfortune has no horn.

 

-Menm nan lanfè gen moun pa.

Even in hell there are people from your clan.

 

-Moun ki bezwen deyò, chache chemen pòt.

He who must go out, search for the door.

 

-Pa pèdi founo pou yon grenn pen.

Don't loose the oven for a bread.

 

-Pòt tè pa goumen ak pòt fè.

A clay pot must not wrestle with the iron pot.

 

-Sa ou plante se li ou rekolte.

What you sow is what you will harvest.

 

-Se soulye ki konn si chosèt gen twou.

It is the shoe that knows if the sock has a hole.

 

-Sim te konnen toujou dèyè.

"If I had known" is always behind.

 

-Wòch nan dlo pa konn doulè wòch nan solèy.

Stones in water don't know the pain of stones  in the sun.

 

-Zafè kabrit pa zafè mouton.

The goat's business is not the sheep's business.

 

Bwa pi wo di li wè, grenn pwomenen di li we pase'l.

The high tree says he sees far, the traveling seed says he see further.

 

Zèb ou pa vle leve nan jaden ou, leve devan pot ou.

Weeds you don't want to grow in your garden, grow in your front door.

 

 

Se pa lè moun ap neye pou montre'l naje.

Don't wait for someone to drown before showing them how to swim.

 

Merite pa mande.

The "deserved" don't have to ask.

 

Promès se dèt.

Promises are debts.

 

Lè bab kamarad ou pran dife, mete pa ou a la tranp.

When your friend's beard is caught on fire, put yours in water.

 

Chita pa bay.

Sitting doesn't give.

 

Kreyon bondye pa gen gòm

God's pencil doesn't have an eraser.

 

Sa'k nan vant ou se li ki pa ou.

What is in your stomach, is what's yours.

 

Mache sou pinga'w  pou pa pile si ou te konnen.

Walk on caution so you don't step on "if I had known."

Kòfrefò pa swiv kòbya.

Treasure coffer doesn't follow casket. 

 

Bèl fanm se traka.

Beautiful women are troubles.

 

Se nan Chimen jennen yo kenbe chwal malen.

It is in narrow path, they catch a maligned horse.

 

Byen pre pa lakay.

very close is not home yet.

 

Bèf san ke, Bondye pouse mouch pou li.

The ox with no tail, God clears out the flies for it.

 

Bouch manje tout manje, li pa pale tout pawòl.

Mouth eats all kind of food, but doesn't speak every word.

 

Gwo vant pa gwòs, gwo tèt pa lespri.

A big belly doesn't mean pregnancy, a big head doesn't mean intelligence.

 

Tete pa janm twò lou pou met li.

Breasts are never too heavy for their owners.

 

Renmen tout fè ou pèdi tout.

Loving everything makes you loose everything.

 

Move zèb leve tou patou.

Bad weeds grow everywhere.

 

Mwen pa manje pwa, mwen pap kaka pwa.

I did not eat beans, I cannot poop beans.

 

Bourik fè pitit pou do'l ka poze.

The donkey makes offsprings, so its' back may rest.

 

Chak chen leve pye'l pise jan'l konnen.

Every dog lifts its legs and pees its own way.

 

Djòl fè dèt, bouda peye.

The mouth makes debt, the behind pays back.

 

Fanm se kajou, plis li vye, plis li bon.

Woman is like mahogany: The older she is, the better she is.

 

Jan chat mache se pa konsa li kenbe rat.

The way the cat walks is not the way it chases rats.

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