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Wednesday July 01, 2009 10:09 PM
EXTRA, EXTRA, Read All About it...
$1.2 billion of Haiti's debt was cancelled yesterday by three international organizations.
Haiti is now debt free!
Well... Not quite...
Nearly two-thirds of Haiti's huge debt has been cancelled [Sa Vle di nou pa dwe].
As of April, Haiti owned more than $1.9 billion.
Go ahead... Jump for joy!!!
That's good news for Haiti Cherie!
Millions of dollars, each year, has been freed for the Haitian Government to use to improve Haiti.
Can you imagine what the interest is on $1.2 Billion?
I don't want to know and I am sure President Preval doesn't want to know neither.
We don't have to pay it anymore!!!
Alleluia!
Like the ZIN song says:
Le a rive...
Pou sa change...
Closh la sonnen...
nou pa sa rete gade...
Like the Christian song says:
Mwen pa gen lajan pou-m peye...
Mwen pa gen lajan pou-m peye...
Mwen pa gen lajan pou-m peye...
Det mwen yo peye deja...
Kiyes ki peye-l?
Jezi peye-l...
If you are a concerned Haitian citizen like me I am sure you are happy to hear this great news.
Out of the $1.9 Billion of Haiti's debt, 1.2 Billion has been has been canceled
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund said their boards decided this week to forgive Haiti's obligations to the two organizations
What do you have to say about that?
Post your comments.
Monday June 15, 2009 11:18 PM
If you've been following me on Facebook then you probably know that I will be in Trinidad and Tobago this week.
What? You didn't know?
I am going to Trinidad and Tobago!!!
Mercredi Matin... Gaz Kole
No... I am not going to the Summit Of The Americas and no... Obama, Preval, and Chavez will not be there this time.
Ki sa Woody pral regle Trinidad?
I will be joining motivational keynote speaker Rene Godefroy on a special business trip.
We are going to the International Caribbean Business Fair, the largest consumer business fair ever to hit the Caribbean and guess what...
Haitian motivational keynote speaker Rene Godefroy will be there live to deliver 2 keynote speeches and I will be there 'en chair et en os' to tell you all about it.
 
The International Caribbean Business Fair is a three-day event, set for June 18-20, the ICBF will be held at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Over 200 International business exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services
- Well over 30,000 consumers are expected to visit and shop at our INTERNATIONAL MARKET PLACE, open FREE to the public!
- there will be Interactive seminars and workshops covering topics on
- economics,
- investing your money wisely,
- key marketing and management tips for businesses,
- job hunting tips
- and much more...
- There will also be lots of exclusive consumer shopping deals only offered at the fair
- I don't know what "door crasher GIVEAWAYS" are but I will tell you when I get back!!!
Of course that's not the only reason I will be there...
Of course will be enjoying the beautiful Caribbean ocean (come to think of of it... I never snorkeled before... Hmmmm!!!)
I will be listening to some Calypso by the beach and...
I will be doing the Limbo... Limbo... Limbo...
I will be staying at the Villas at StoneHaven in Tobago, an 18th century French Colonial style Caribbean resort.
Yo di-m se la tout gwo zouzoun yo desann le yo ale Trinidad!
Alors, cette semaine, ju suis un "gwo zouzoun"
C'est vrai! c'est bon!
Did you know that Trinidad and Tobago is the wealthiest independent country in the Caribbean?
I also heard that Carnival season is a must see event in Trinidad and Tobago. Who knows... I might just show up one day!!!
One more thing...
I added a very proffessional photo up there next to that of Haitian motivational speaker Rene Godefroy because, after all...
He is the keynote speaker and I wanted to fit the profile...
However...
This is the picture I really wanted to use...
Hey, It's the Caribbean man...
Are you going to the International Caribbean Business Fair?
See you there!
If not, I will tell you all about it when I come back.
Sunday June 14, 2009 03:32 PM
I just got a surprise chat from a friend of mine live in AFRICA. I thought I was the only one enjoying life but apparently he is some where in Africa hanging out with MUFASA!!!
I cannot tell you who he is or exactly what is doing in AFRICA because "li pat banm komisyon pou-m bay" but I can tell you what his last facebook profile reads:
"Hey America. I just got back from visiting the source of the Nile. that's where the Nile and lake Victoria split. I cant explain it you just have to see it. that's the river Moses floated on when he was a baby."
"Why people in the USA are so negative about Africa when this country is so peaceful and beautiful. wish you all could be here."
"Wake up Black people. The mother land is full of opportunities for us. All I see here is: Indians Chinese and other middle east people. Lets not forget the king (white men) getting rich here. America is the greatest country in the world. but for now, our mother land is coming up fast. All you need is a business mind and a few dollars."
I don't know about you but I am tempted to pay a visit to the mother land.
I am not telling you about comments I read in a post card. these are the words of a close friend, a Haitian brother, and a businessman.
If you are on facebook then you probably know who I am talking about, men janm di-w la, patne a pat banm komisyon pou-m bay so... poze...
Have you ever been to AFRICA?
Tell me about your trip.
Saturday June 13, 2009 10:01 AM
I just found out about Edner Paul, an MIT-bound math whiz kid from Haiti. You should read the article written about him on the Boston Globe recently.
Boston Globe Headline: "New to the US, he blazed a path, MIT-bound math whiz is latest triumph for O'Bryant"
Edner Paul is a 16-year-old whiz kid from Haiti who mastered the English language within a few months and, according to James Vaznis, staff writer for the Boston Globe, soon after mastering the English language, Edner Paul passed a rigorous admission exam to the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. (Read the article)
Here is what I read about The John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science from their official website:
"The John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science is a diverse, supportive community of learners that engages in a rigorous and comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program integrated with Humanities. Our college-preparatory exam school enables our students to reach their full potential and become leaders who will shape the direction of society"
Yesterday, Friday June 13, Edner Paul graduated as valedictorian with a full scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"He [Edner Paul] arrived in Boston barely able to speak or write in English, but Edner Paul did not allow that to stand in his way."
There are lots of untold stories like these in Haiti and in the Haitian Diaspora around the world my mission is to find them and share them with you.
Edner, you represent your country well and we are proud of you.
On behalf of all the Haitian Internet readers, I would like to congratulate you and thank you for raising the bar for all future Haitian immigrants coming to this country.
I am Woodring Saint Preux and I said it.
Thank you cwpolo for the info
Thursday May 28, 2009 12:19 PM
Father Gerard Jean-Juste died in Miami Yesterday, May 27, 2009, after suffering from a stroke.
Gerard Jean-Juste was 62.
Fr. Gerard Jean-Juste (1947-2009) was the Roman Catholic rector of Saint Claire's church for the poor in Port-au-Prince, Haïti. He was also a liberation theologian and a supporter of the Fanmi Lavalas political party, the largest in Haïti.
In 1978, Father Gerard Jean-Juste founded the Haïtian Refugee Center in Miami, Florida. He has been characterized as a beloved figure among South Florida's Haïtian community
Father Gerard Jean-Juste gained recent renown throughout Haïti and the Haïtian diaspora as a determined opponent of the interim government of Prime Minister Gerard Latortue after the overthrow of the government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide by anti-government rebels.
On July 21, 2005, Father Gerard Jean-Juste was arrested by police following his return from a trip to Miami, Florida in connection with the abduction and subsequent murder of journalist Jacques Roche.
In late December, 2005, US medical doctor confirmed a colleague’s initial diagnosis that Father Gerard Jean-Juste had cancer. After examining Jean-Juste and analysing a blood sample he drew from him, prominent Harvard University physician and Aristide supporter Paul Farmer said Father Gerard Jean-Juste has chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He said the disease is not immediately fatal but can develop into a more virulent strain of cancer. Farmer told the Miami Herald: "Father Gerry's in serious trouble if he isn't released from jail for proper work-up in the States."[
Yesterday, May 27, 2009, the spiritual and political leader of the Haitian community in South Florida, Father Gerard Jean-Juste, died after suffering from a stroke. He was 62.
The latest photos we have of Father Gerard Jean-Juste are posted on http://www.NotTheHaitians.com where he publicly spoke out in support for TPS for Haitians.
If you knew Father Gerard Jean-Juste personally or if you are a fan, please post your comments on our blog and tell us what he represented in your life.
Monday May 18, 2009 09:50 AM
Today is May 18 and Haiti is NO LONGER the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
 Not Anymore...
I've been waiting for Haitian flag day to get this message out to you and I hope you share it with everyone you know.
It's Important for everyone, especially Haitians to know that Haiti is NO LONGER the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
Who is the poorest country?
NICARAGUA!
Nicaragua is now the poorest country in the western Hemisphere!
It's the truth!
This news was posted in an article, "Latin America's Richest & Poorest," posted on the Latin American Chronicle on Monday, April 27, 2009.
Since that day in April, I have been watching the blogs online and no one is talking about it.
Let spread the message, tell everyone that Haiti is NO LONGER the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
For a long time there has been a BIG FAT STICKER in our county's forehead... the sticker that says 'Haiti, The Poorest Country in the Western Hemisphere'
I wonder what they will say now... Haiti is a developing country in the Caribbean?... I like the way this sounds
Just like the bee in the jar...
- We live our lives in that little corner of the world where we were so unfortunate to be born in.
- We accept the stereotypes that have been put upon us.
- We accept the fact that "Haiti will never change"
- We accept the fact that "Haitians can't get along"
- We accept the fact that "Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere"
- We let the rattlesnakes discourage us every time we decide to leap forward
My Haitian friend, your condition is not permanent. You can be whatever you want to be... and Haiti can be whatever we - Haitians - want it to be.
I think it's time we made a difference in our lives. If each and every one of us strives to be the best, then Haiti will have no choice but to be the best.
Happy Haitian Flag Day!
My name is Woodring Saint Preux and I said it.
p.s. Haiti Chanje Wi... L-ap Tann Ou!
Friday April 24, 2009 07:13 PM
Imagine this scenario, it's rush hour in Boston, a man is on his way North on I93 from Providence RI to Logan airport, along the way he has to meet with two other important men for a brief meeting.
One of these men has just left a meeting in Somerville MA, the other is trying to cut through Dorchester from another meeting so they can all meet mid point, off exit 12 on Interstate 93.
Question: How many phone calls do they have to make so that they can all meet without the two men missing their next appointment in Dedham MA, and for the other man NOT to be late for his flight since his next appointment is in Orlando Florida?
You think this is a movie script?
It's not.
This is how I finally met with Haitian filmmaker Hans Patrick Dormecant and missed meeting with Marcus Darbouse by one Exit, earlier today on my way to Logan International Airport.
Before I continue with my story, I think this is a great time to announce to you that SAN PAPYE is coming to DVD this weekend. This is the main reason I wanted to meet with these to men.
You see... Hans Patrick Dormecant is the director of SAN PAPYE and Marcus Darbouze is the "San Papye" in SAN PAPYE if you know what I mean.
Go to www.Belfim.com if you want to know more about SAN PAPYE.
We had such a crazy schedule that I almost decided to cancel the meeting while we were just 10 blocks from each other on Dorchester Ave.
I would have met Marcus as well except I didn't know how important it was for me the get off the exit 12 as he suggested. I figured If I went up a few exits, I would be closer to the airport. little did I know, I found myself stuck in traffic in Dorchester Ave and way off course.
"Woodring, maybe you should head to the airport" Hans Patrick said.
"But you say you are right behind the police car" I replied, "I can see it. We can't be this close and not meet. This is impossible"
I have been talking with them on the phone for the longest time but we have never met.
We finally met, Me and Hans Patrick that is... Marcus got stuck in traffic, somewhere on I93, the meeting was for less than five minutes but it was nice to finally meet a young man who is taking a lot of risks in order to entertain the Haitian community.
Bon... Mwen pap di Hans patrick kisa men t-ap regle Randolph ki fe nou pat ka rankontre pi bone!
Sa-a se bizmis pam! OK!
Anyway, Mr. Hans Patrick, it was nice meeting you finally. I hope Marcus is not still stuck in Traffic in South Boston because I am now in Philadelphia having a beer at the airport.
I am not going to tell you how many rules I broke to make it to the airport on time because I have a feeling that The Boson Police Department visit Belfim often. but I made it.
Did I tell you that I forgot to put gas in the rental car?
That's another story... I am late for my next flight!
See you in Florida!
Saturday April 11, 2009 12:50 PM
This weekend is Easter weekend. While everybody is planning to chase the Easter bunny looking for Easter eggs, for the Haitian community in New York Easter has a different meaning this year because Easter weekend 2009 is Haitian Awards weekend in New York.
There are 3 special events happening this weekend that I am aware of and there there are.
1 - In about 2 hours, today, Saturday morning Haitian movie star Jimmy Jean Louis and the Hollywood soccer club will hold a special in Manhattan.
This celebrity soccer team event will be at the Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, today April 11th, at 2:30pm. go to www.hufh.org for more info. It's a free event.
2 - Saturday night is "Bellywood" Movie night in Long Island New York. This is where all the Haitian movies stars will gather to meet the fans and receive a well deserved recognition award.
You, of course, are invited.
3 - Easter Sunday night is "Compas On Broadway" this Haitian music night live on Broadway. All the Haitian music stars will be wearing their best attires to celebrate a most wonderful evening.
Yes, my friend, Easter weekend 2009, for all the Haitians living in the tri-state area, will an unforgettable weekend.
This is, of course, assuming the you actually stop procrastinating, get out, and have some fun.
Honestly, how often do you go out and enjoy the company of all the top Haitian celebrities that you only see on TV or listen to in your radio.
You now I will email you back next week and 'FE Ke-w Grenn' because you missed it all; that is if you live in NY and you decided not to go out.
I know. I know. the economy is bad. but....
Don't you fill up your gas tank every time it's empty?
Don't you pay your phone bill even if you never talk in it?
Why don't you fill up your pleasure tank with a some much needed excitement.
believe it the cheapest cure for stress.
See you there!
Woodring
Wednesday April 08, 2009 12:49 PM
Growing up you probably heard of "L'Ile D'Haiti" but the whole world is calling it the Island of Hispaniola.
How did this name change come about?
Nope... It's not Columbus
Here is what I found out:
In 1930, to avoid confusion between the name of the "Republic of Haiti" and that of the entire island, the U.S.G.B., The United States Geographic Board decided, unilaterally, to name the island "Hispaniola" in homage to the Spanish colonizer, thereby erasing all traces of the Amerindians who occupied the island before the arrival of Christopher Columbus.
Unfortunately, Haitian and Dominican authorities of the time did not protest this decision with enough force or perseverance, nor did they mobilize any interested parties against this assassination of the island's Amerindian past.
This is from an article by Odette Roy Fombrun. a link to the full article can be found on the Island of Hispaniola page in the Caribbean Glossary
Question:
If the United States of America changed the name of the Island of Haiti to the Island of Hispaniola to avoid confusion, why is this continent still known as...
AMERICA?
Things that make you go HMMMMM.....
Sunday April 05, 2009 08:20 AM
There is an article in today's New York Times (April 5) discussing the only possible way to end poverty in Haiti. Have you read it?
One or our commentators think this New York Times column and video about Haiti "is going to create quite a stir."
Written by The New York Times Columnist Nicholas D. Kristof, the article is about a poor Haitian woman living in Cite Soleil Haiti, who is already the mother of nine, and she is pregnant with her tenth child.
Here is my favorite paragraph fro the the article:
"The best way to elevate women, by far, is to educate girls and to give them opportunities to earn income through micro-loans, factory jobs or vocational training. It is sometimes said that the best contraceptive isn’t the pill or the IUD, but education for girls."
Read the full article, Saving Lives With Family Planning, and post your comments below
Thank you B.J. Murphy-Bridge for bringing this article to my attention
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