Official Holidays - (Same date every Year)
January 1 Jour de l'Indépendance; Jour De l'An - Independence Day; New Year's Day
January 2 Jour Des Aieux - National Day of the forefathers
May 1 Fête de l'Agriculture et du travail - Agriculture and Labor Day
May 18 Jour du Drapeau - Flag Day
October 17 Mort de Dessalines - Anniversary of Dessalines's death
November 1 La Toussaint - All Saints' Day
November 2 Jour des Morts - Day of the Dead
November 18 Bataille de Vertières; Jour Des Forces Armées - Battle of Vertières' Day* also used to be Armed Forces Day
December 25 Jour de Noel - Christmas
Other Legal, Religious and Traditional Holidays for 2003
March 2-4 Carnaval - Annually from the Sunday through the Tuesday (Mardi Gras) preceding Ash Wednesday
March 5 Mercredi Des Cendres - Ash Wednesday
April 18 Vendredi Saint - Good Friday
April 20 Dimanche de Pâques - Easter Sunday
May 25 Fêtes des Mères - Haitian Mother's Day the last Sunday in May
June 19 Fête Dieu - Corpus Christi. The Thursday following Trinity Sunday
August 15 Assumption - Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
*Vertières is the site of the last battle for Haitian Independence versus the French
Haiti: Main Events in History
Events
December 5, 1492 Columbus arrives at the Taino island of Hayti
August 14, 1791 Ceremony of Bois Caiman led by Bouckman
August 21, 1791 1st General revolt of slaves in the colony
April 7, 1803 Toussaint dies in the Fort de Joux in the Jura mountains in France
May 18, 1803 Dessalines and Petion meet at Arcahaie, in the west to create the first flag
November 18, 1803 Bataille of Vertières; last great battle against the French
January 1, 1804 Haiti's Independence was proclaimed. The island was renamed under its Taino name of Haiti
October 17, 1806 Dessalines was assassinated at Pont Rouge
July 27, 1915 US marines land in Port-au-prince starting the American occupation that would last until 1934
September 22, 1957 François Duvalier is elected president. In 1961, he made himself President-for-life
April 22, 1971 Jean-Claude Duvalier becomes president-for-life after his father's death
February 7, 1986 The Duvalier Dynasty ends
February 7, 1991 Aristide becomes the first president elected by a popular vote
(source: http://www.discoverhaiti.com/history_holidays.htm)
Showing posts with label Facts about Haiti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Facts about Haiti. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
One more thing Haiti needs...
It's been a while since I posted anything on the blog and I do apologize about it, I have been really busy. Nevertheless I never stopped reading your comments and reacting to them. Thanks for your interest and thanks for letting others know about this wonderful blog.Everyday I have people coming to me asking me suggestion on how they can help Haiti or what is it that Haiti needs. Of course it is a long list of stuff and I have debated on many of them on my previous blogs just browse around and you will see for yourself. But, there is one area that I have not emphasized on enough and please give me a minute of your time to let you know about it. Now, as a disclaimer before I start, I am not a psychologist or a professional of any sort, I am just a regular Sam putting down on a blog what he thinks and I welcome your comments whether you agree with me or not as long as we respect each other and my other readers.
What is need that we need that I have not mentioned on my blog till now? (drum roll.........) It is entertainment! Yes entertainment! Growing up, we used t play soccer every night till we could not see, as a matter of fact the darker it gets the more fun it becomes since every time we get to kick the ball we yield gooooooooooooaaaaaaallllllllll(we were cheating, since any of us could barely see the ball! Oops!) Anyway, here in the US or any develop countries, there are hundreds of recreational parks! We are lacking that. If you go in the street of Haiti anywhere you will see some rocks in the street 'cause some young guys have been playing soccer and you will also see many makeshift basket ball goal sometimes using electrical polls (dangerous!!!). They do it because they need to entertain themselves. They even have tournaments in the streets and believe me this attracts a huge crowds and of course drivers are not happy since they still have to use the street and spectators are frustrated because of the interruption (recipe for a little not so pleasant moment).
This means, we need gymnasiums, soccer fields, basket ball fields and any other facilities that we can use to accommodate different disciplines. Let's be honest, you know Haiti is always on the news because there is always something going on there if it's not a natural disaster, it is a some political turmoil or diseases or hunger and what have you.
I believe in the power of entertainment. We have to entertain ourselves otherwise we will go crazy and this goes for every one. Have you ever been to Haiti when there is a championship in Europe, America, the Caribbean or better yet the soccer world cup? Believe me crime goes way down ( I do not know if anyone has done a research on that) but I can tell you it goes down because people are busy sitting on their TV sets or their neighbor's watching TV and when there is a team scoring you can hear noises for miles. One of the biggest rivalry that I know of is when Argentina and Brazil are playing against each other. Not traffic jam, as a matter of fact there is barely anyone in the streets.
Haitian people need to be entertained that will calm down on their frustrations. How many times here in the US we have people snapping 'cause of stress? It goes the same way for Haitian people, they have been through so much and they are still going through some! What do you expect? If you sit at home everyday or under a tent and doing nothing but thinking what do you expect? If you do not have a way to relieve your tress, you will find a way and this is how it can get ugly since it just a vicious cycle!
Let's be clear on that I am not condoning any bad behavior but I am saying this is how regular people react to situation but unfortunately some go further than the others.
More movie theaters are needed for young lovers or people dating or talking to each other or just for someone to go and relax. We have beautiful beaches but are neglected this needs to be taken care of as well.
There are many others areas I can bring up but I am stopping right here and I am eager to read your comments. God bless and have fun!
Your servant!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Video of president Martelly's speech and excerpts from it in English
Haiti - Inauguration : Important moments of the speech of Michel Martelly
15/05/2011 10:24:00
"My dear compatriots, by assigning me by your vote on 20 March, the destiny of the Republic of Haiti, you made me the first servant [...] The march towards this victory has been long and painful, it has mobilized all our determination and the courage of the Haitian people, I want to tell you that without the appreciated support of the International Community, once too often, the popular vote would have been confiscated, that the Haitian people be proud and that the friends of Haiti to be thanked.
[...] I told you to have confidence in me and you can have confidence in me [...] hand in hand, shoulder against shoulder, we will change Haiti, rebuild the country, give it a new image.
[...] We can no longer continue to humiliate us while begging, with this policy of begging. We are workers, we work well when opportunities are given to us [...] The Haitian people is a people who has courage, like the courage of Capois La-Mort, Dessalines, Michaëlle Jean, Wyclef Jean, Dumarsais Siméus and many others...
[...] Haitians, this country is ours, let us gather to remake our country. But, for there is work in Haiti, there must have security in the country, security for people, for our goods, for the production, money for investment, for investors, so that farmers can produce... That I'm not going to negotiate, if a person comes to clutter, create instability so that the country can not function, I am sorry, the justice will act against these people, justice will act as it should.
[...] it is necessary to have respect, so that investors gain confidence, come to invest, build, so that we can find the development that I seek, I seek development for you, so that you get out of poverty, so you can live another way.
[...] to the judicial and police authorities I renew my confidence, I tell you that there was enough of kidnapping, violence against women, killings of natives and police officers, that there had been enough injustice on the population, we will restore the authority of the state, the rule of law. The order and discipline will prevail throughout the entire national territory...
[...] Under my presidency, the obligation of the State, will be to serve the Haitian people, the same way, under my presidency, the obligation of the citizen, will be to fulfill its civic duty, its duty as a citizen, paying its taxes so that it can find the services that the state owes it.
[...] For a long time we use the poverty of the country to settle our business, too many people use the misery of our country... this must stop. It is time to start selling our cultural riches, Haiti is a rich country, we have the most beautiful beaches in the world, the most beautiful sun of the Caribbean and the deepest culture, diverse and authentic, a glorious past, the Citadelle Henry and the ruins of the Palais of Milot testify it. Yes, Haitian people, this's not just poverty we have in our country [...] let us take this opportunity to ask the whole world to put the misery of Haiti in a drawer, to bury the misery of Haiti...
[...] how many celebrities, we would have had if we had supervised our youth, by putting them in sport, by removing them from the street ? Haitian, Haitian, Haiti asleep but now will wake up and stand up. A society without morals, a society without values is the same as a car without a driver.
[...] Today I say I will put every child in school for free, they say I'm crazy because I said "free school", I have news for you, not only I will ask the school for free, but I will fight for the school becomes mandatory. [...] that's how I'm going to remove children from the street, that's how a leader is responsible, that's how Haiti will come out of its misery.
For those who think that Haiti is only Port-au-Prince, the centralization will come, this is not only in Port-au-Prince which must be rebuilt, it's all the country that needs to be built, rebuilt, which needs to be reforested, to be developed...
[...] a Haiti where land will be tilled, where seeds are available, where crops will not be wasted, where crops are profitable, the land will not be ungrateful, because men will take care of it, this is called "Repon Peyizan"
[...] A Haiti where the middle class will grow, because the middle class is the economic engine of a country, a Haiti, where a change in our mindset will allow us to enter in the modern world [...] A Haiti where the slum aren't the cities, where the Haitian people will find water, electricity, services so that this country can be called a country. A Haiti where we will give people the means of birth control, where health is not a luxury...
[...] My people, my Haitian people, street people, unemployed, trust me, things will really change, traders, merchants, workers, people under the tents, the country's women, the disabled I have not forgotten you, you know I'm made for you, climb, get up, Haiti awaits you. Your President Tet Kalé is ready to walk hand in hand with you to bring a better life.
I ask the international community, to have confidence in me, you'll find another leadership, a good partnership, within the respect of each other, with good governance, transparency and honesty. This is a new Haiti, a new Haiti open for business now.
With the will of all, with the grace of the Grand Master, we will put Haiti in front, Haiti first, always Haiti, Haiti my country, Haiti Cheri Tet Kalé."
Source for the text: http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2957-haiti-inauguration-important-moments-of-the-speech-of-michel-martelly.html
Joseph Michel Martelly sworn in as the 56th president of Haiti
I would like to congratulate our newest president Mr. Michel Martelly and his family as well as his party for winning the election and thus becoming the 56th president of Haiti. I am not going to wish him luck, not at all but Mr. president, I wish you success! A lot of work is awaiting you and the expectation is very high, the road is not going to be easy but, if you put God first and you are willing to work for the good of the country, he will get you through. Lean not unto your own understanding but rely on God for guidance and wisdom.
To all my fellow readers and Haitians in particular, let us pray for our president. Whether we voted for him or not, he has been elected president and let us do our duty to pray for him so that he can lead the country according to God's will! God's logic is not ours, all we have to do is to put our trust in him!
Mwen rete kwè, si nou mete Bondye devan epi nou bliye enterè pa nou, nap rive lwen! An nou kolabore ansanm menm si nou pa nan menm pati politik, menm si nou pa gen menm nivo entelktyèl, menm si nou pa gen menm relijyon oubyen nou pa manm menm legliz, yon sèl nou fèb men ansanm nou fò. An nou ini nou pou peyi a ka avanse! Nou bezwen diferan lide men an nou brase yo ansanm pou nou pran sila yo kap bon pou pèp la, pou peyi-a.
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Haiti's new president, Michel Martelly, stands with his wife, Sophia, and their children as the Haitian national anthem is played in Port-au-Prince. (Brennan Linsley, Associated Press / May 14, 2011) |
Once again Mr. President Success and put God first, he will help you make the right choice! It is a very big transition from being a popular Kompa singer to be elected to the supreme magistracy, from a performer to a head of State, What a big jump! You can't and will not make it on your own but only God can and will see you through if you put him first!
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| LLM / radio Métropole Haïti |
As a reminder, this blog is not a political venue but just a way to showcase Haiti and its culture through my eyes and a way for me to say "thanks for loving Haiti" to anyone who holds this poor and yet beautiful, hospitable heart warming people and country deep into their heart.
Men anpil chay pa lou!
Unity brings power!
L'union Fait la force!
Unity brings power!
L'union Fait la force!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
List of the 34 candidates who have filed for the presidency
Before I include the list of the candidates, let me just explain what I understand about the process. Now that the potential candidates have file with the electoral board, the judicial department will review their paperwork. I think among many rules they have to prove they never were citizen of an other country, therefore they have never denied their Haitian citizenship, they are law abiding citizens, they have property in the country and have lives in Haiti for the past 5 consecutive years etc...
There are more rules about it I hope to post it another time when I get my hands on them. Now to go back to what we where saying,I think around August 17 unless the electoral decides otherwise, there will be a list of the real approved candidates and I will be publishing it in my blog so stay in tune.
Here are the list of the 34 potential candidates who have file with the electoral board by alphabetical order and what party their represent (text in French)
ABELLARD Axan Delson
Parti « Konbit Nasyonal pour Devlopman » (KNDA)
ALEXIS Jacques-Edouard
Mobilisation pour le Progrès d'Haïti (MPH)
ANACACIS Jean-Hector
Mouvement Démocratique de la Jeunesse Haitienne (MODEJHA)
ARTHUR Fleurival Paul
Parti « Vwazinaj »
BAKER Charles Henry Jean-Marie
« Respè » (Regwoupman sitwayen pou espwa).
BERTIN Jean
Parti Socialiste Haïti (PSH)
BIJOU (Dr.) Josette
Indépendant
BLOT (Dr.) Gérard
« Platfòm 16 Désanm »
CÉANT (Me.) Jean Henry
Parti « Renmen Ayiti »
CÉLESTIN Jude Directeur général du Centre national des équipements (CNE)
Parti« INITE»
CHARLES Eric Directeur de la douane de Port-au-Prince
Parti à confirmer
CLUNY Duroseau Vilaire
Indépendant
CHRISTALLIN Yves (Ministre des affaires sociales et du travail)
Parti « Oganizasyon Lavni » (LAVNI)
DALMACY (Dr.) Kesler
Indépendant
GAUDIN Lavarice
Parti « Veye Yo »
GILLES Wilkens C.
Parti National pour le Développement (PND)
JEAN Wyclef (chanteur)
« Viv ansanm » (Vivre ensemble).
JEUDY Wilson (maire de Delmas)
Regroupement de partis, « Fòs 2010 » (Force 2010)
JEUNE Jean Chavannes (pasteur)
Parti « Alliance chrétienne citoyenne pour la reconstruction d'Haïti »
JEUNE Léon (ancien directeur général de la Police Nationale d'Haïti - PNH)
Parti Konbit Liberation Ekonomik (KLE)
JOSEPH Génard
Parti Solidarité
JOSEPH Raymond Ambassadeur d'Haïti à Washington (oncle de Wyclef Jean)
Parti Démocrate Institutionnaliste (PDI)
LAGUERRE Garaudy
« Mouvman Wozo »
MANIGAT Mirlande Hyppolite Secrétaire générale du RDNP
Parti « Rassemblement des Démocrates Nationaux Progressistes» (RDNP)
MARTELLY Michel (chanteur)
Parti « Repons peyizan » (Réponse des paysans).
Le chanteur a déposé son dossier une heure avant Wyclef
NEPTUNE Yvon
Parti « Ayisyen pou Ayiti »
PARENT Claire-Lydie (Mairesse de Pétionville)
Konbit Pou refè Ayiti (KPH)
PHILIPPE Eugène Jacques
Parti Social Rénové (PSR)
PIERICHE Olicier
« Reconstruire Haïti » (RH)
RODRIGUEZ Mario Eddy Gabriel
Indépendant
ROMAIN (Dr.) Charles Poisset
« FRONCIPH »
St-FORT René
Parti « Parti Réformiste National » (PRN)
VILSAINT (Me.) Menelas Secrétaire Général du Parti Le National
Parti « Le National »
VOLTAIRE Leslie (Envoyé spécial du Gouvernement d’Haïti auprès du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, et représentant de Bill Clinton)
Plateforme Ansanm Nou Fo
Source: http://www.haitilibre.com/article-875-haiti-elections-liste-des-34-candidatures-aux-presidentielles-2010.html
There are more rules about it I hope to post it another time when I get my hands on them. Now to go back to what we where saying,I think around August 17 unless the electoral decides otherwise, there will be a list of the real approved candidates and I will be publishing it in my blog so stay in tune.
Here are the list of the 34 potential candidates who have file with the electoral board by alphabetical order and what party their represent (text in French)
ABELLARD Axan Delson
Parti « Konbit Nasyonal pour Devlopman » (KNDA)
ALEXIS Jacques-Edouard
Mobilisation pour le Progrès d'Haïti (MPH)
ANACACIS Jean-Hector
Mouvement Démocratique de la Jeunesse Haitienne (MODEJHA)
ARTHUR Fleurival Paul
Parti « Vwazinaj »
BAKER Charles Henry Jean-Marie
« Respè » (Regwoupman sitwayen pou espwa).
BERTIN Jean
Parti Socialiste Haïti (PSH)
BIJOU (Dr.) Josette
Indépendant
BLOT (Dr.) Gérard
« Platfòm 16 Désanm »
CÉANT (Me.) Jean Henry
Parti « Renmen Ayiti »
CÉLESTIN Jude Directeur général du Centre national des équipements (CNE)
Parti« INITE»
CHARLES Eric Directeur de la douane de Port-au-Prince
Parti à confirmer
CLUNY Duroseau Vilaire
Indépendant
CHRISTALLIN Yves (Ministre des affaires sociales et du travail)
Parti « Oganizasyon Lavni » (LAVNI)
DALMACY (Dr.) Kesler
Indépendant
GAUDIN Lavarice
Parti « Veye Yo »
GILLES Wilkens C.
Parti National pour le Développement (PND)
JEAN Wyclef (chanteur)
« Viv ansanm » (Vivre ensemble).
JEUDY Wilson (maire de Delmas)
Regroupement de partis, « Fòs 2010 » (Force 2010)
JEUNE Jean Chavannes (pasteur)
Parti « Alliance chrétienne citoyenne pour la reconstruction d'Haïti »
JEUNE Léon (ancien directeur général de la Police Nationale d'Haïti - PNH)
Parti Konbit Liberation Ekonomik (KLE)
JOSEPH Génard
Parti Solidarité
JOSEPH Raymond Ambassadeur d'Haïti à Washington (oncle de Wyclef Jean)
Parti Démocrate Institutionnaliste (PDI)
LAGUERRE Garaudy
« Mouvman Wozo »
MANIGAT Mirlande Hyppolite Secrétaire générale du RDNP
Parti « Rassemblement des Démocrates Nationaux Progressistes» (RDNP)
MARTELLY Michel (chanteur)
Parti « Repons peyizan » (Réponse des paysans).
Le chanteur a déposé son dossier une heure avant Wyclef
NEPTUNE Yvon
Parti « Ayisyen pou Ayiti »
PARENT Claire-Lydie (Mairesse de Pétionville)
Konbit Pou refè Ayiti (KPH)
PHILIPPE Eugène Jacques
Parti Social Rénové (PSR)
PIERICHE Olicier
« Reconstruire Haïti » (RH)
RODRIGUEZ Mario Eddy Gabriel
Indépendant
ROMAIN (Dr.) Charles Poisset
« FRONCIPH »
St-FORT René
Parti « Parti Réformiste National » (PRN)
VILSAINT (Me.) Menelas Secrétaire Général du Parti Le National
Parti « Le National »
VOLTAIRE Leslie (Envoyé spécial du Gouvernement d’Haïti auprès du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, et représentant de Bill Clinton)
Plateforme Ansanm Nou Fo
Source: http://www.haitilibre.com/article-875-haiti-elections-liste-des-34-candidatures-aux-presidentielles-2010.html
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Do you think Wyclef can be a good president?
This past week the media has been buzzing about wyclef you just have to type in his name in a search engine and you will see what is about!
Wyclef for president?
I do not know wyclef personally but I have read a lot about him. He left Haiti at the age of nine years old with his family to leave in the US but nevertheless he has never forgotten his homeland. He went to become a very famous artist selling millions albums with fugees and went solo and sold some more.
Wyclef has always represented Haiti positively whether in other countries at the Emmy’s, Grammy’s , before the congress and all around the world. He is the pride of our country to say the least. A lot of people are afraid to let others know that they are from Haiti but he made his mission to let people know about Haiti. He has his charity Yele Haiti which his tackling several social projects in Haiti and has raised the interests of many “big shot people” about the cause of Haiti. He has poured a lot of momey toward Haiti.
He is very popular! I remember one time he was in Haiti and people began shouting Wyclef for President and there was even an alleged plot to assassin him.
Want it or not the man is well known internationally and nationally. He is a multi-millionaire!
There are many many more good things about him but I wanted to focus on this point for today! Keep in mind so far he is popular and he has a lot of money himself, he has helped the country a lot being recognized around the world wherever he goes.
Now, is that enough? I have heard people saying this is like having a rapper here who becomes president! The fact that he is popular and has enough money would that qualify him to be the president of Haiti? How about the experience in politics? Wouldn’t it be better to have someone who knows politics to manage our country?
Then again, we have had so many intellectual presiding this country in the past centuries what have they done? Of course they could speak french better that a French and would come up with the most persuasive speech but that how far it goes.
I mention about him being rich why? Well, the richer you are I think the least likely you are to be corrupted and the more focus you will be on the need of the people. Of course I know for many the richer you are the richer you wanna be. This is a tough call that needs debating!
I guess we are at a point where we need change and shouldn’t we try someone coming from a very different perspective whether it is wyclef or anyone else from the Diaspora? Yes we spent two centuries trying the same kind of people and history will prove that just a few succeeded with the country!
We are talking about change everywhere isn’t time that we talk about it and see it really in Haiti? Whatever the point of view is when he makes his announcement and when it is time to go to vote the people will decide who incarnates change! I wish Wyclef success and may God bless whoever becomes president of Haiti because there is a bog challenge awaiting and the people of Haiti and all around the world will be watching and judging! Let the best candidate win!
I hope you can share your points with me with respects to others opinion!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wyclef Jean: Grammy Award-Winning President?
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| Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images Musician Wyclef Jean promotes Haiti earthquake relief efforts at the National Action Network on Jan. 27 in New York |
Wyclef Jean is considering a run to become Haiti's next president.
The hip-hop singer, philanthropist and former Fugees band member recently told CNN that he has filed the necessary paperwork to become an official candidate. But according to a statement from the Jean camp, he has yet to declare:
At this time, Wyclef Jean has not announced his intent to run for Haitian president. If and when a decision is made, media will be alerted immediately. Please let us know if we can help with anything else.
Is he eligible to run?
Whether Jean is qualified to lead the country is another conversation, but he might be eligible. According to the Haitian constitution (Article 135, to be exact), in order to be elected president one must:
a. Be a native-born Haitian and never have renounced Haitian nationality;
(Jean was born in Haiti. He has maintained his Haitian citizenship.)
b. Have attained 35 years of age by the election day;
(He will be 38 in October, in time for the nation's election on Nov. 28.)
c. Enjoy civil and political rights and never have been sentenced to death, personal restraint or penal servitude or the loss of civil rights for a crime of ordinary law;
(Well, there was that arrest for disorderly conduct in 2002. Would that qualify as "personal restraint"?)
d. Be the owner in Haiti of at least one real property and have his habitual residence in the country;
(This could be tricky. Wyclef Jean has lived primarily in the New York-New Jersey area since he was a kid. Although he owns the Haitian television network Telemax and that could count for "real property," his "habitual residence" in the country could be up for debate.)
e. Have resided in the country for five consecutive years before the date of the elections;
(The key word here is "consecutive" years. Again, this could be tricky.)
f. Have been relieved of his responsibilities if he has been handling public funds.
(Jean runs the Yele Haiti charity, which is a nonprofit group, but he is not a public official with any budget oversight responsibilities.)
The Weight Of Star Power
And although it's not a qualification in order to be elected, Jean does have lots of star power.
He has three Grammy Awards — two with the Fugees (the '90s group in which he performed with fellow singer and former lover Lauryn Hill) and one for his role as a producer on the album Supernatural by Carlos Santana.
His charity Yele Haiti has come under scrutiny since the January earthquake, for mismanagement of funds (an allegation he challenged in a conversation with host Michel Martin), but boasts of having made major social advancements, including helping create more than 3,000 jobs in the impoverished nation.
Additionally, Jean is a goodwill ambassador for Haiti and has been since 2007, when he was tapped for the post by current Haitian President Rene Preval to help promote positive images of Haiti abroad.
But there's one factor, should Jean decide to officially run for the high office, that could be awkward for voters (or at least at family dinners) — the singer's uncle, Raymond Joseph, is Haiti's ambassador to the United States, and he says he's running for president.
Interestingly, Jean released this song, "If I Was President," in 2008:
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Haiti answers help Florida boy win National Geographic Bee
WASHINGTON — Knowing a thing or two about Haiti helped Aadith Moorthy, 13, of Palm Harbor, Fla., win the 22nd annual National Geographic Bee Wednesday morning.
By correctly answering that Cap-Haïtien is the largest city in northern Haiti that was renamed following Haiti's independence from France, Moorthy received a $25,000 college scholarship, free trip to the Gálapagos Islands and lifetime membership to the National Geographic Society.
Ten competitors ages 10 to 14 answered dozens of difficult geography questions in the final round of the bee, held in Washington, D.C.
Oliver Lucier, 13, of Rhode Island, took second place and won a $15,000 college scholarship, while Karthik Mouli, 12, of Idaho came in third and won a $10,000 scholarship.
Moorthy beat nearly 5 million students who competed at their school and state levels for a chance to participate in the national competition sponsored by Google and moderated by Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek.
Of the 54 students who made it to the preliminary round, 10 boys advanced to the finals. Many spent months poring over maps and atlases.
Moorthy's father, Subramaniam Satyamoorthy, says the trips he took his son on to U.S. national parks, Europe and Australia helped him prepare for the bee. Now, he and his wife look forward to traveling with Aadith to the Gálapagos Islands.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he says.
Moorthy's history teacher, Michelle Anderson, also was present at the bee. In the week leading up to the bee, Anderson helped Moorthy prepare by sending geography questions to his other teachers at Palm Harbor Middle School. His teachers would then quiz him throughout the school day to help him retain information. For four months, Moorthy also studied 20 facts each day.
Moorthy said he was grateful that his parents took him around the world and bought him geography books. Winning the bee "feels really great," he says, "and all my hard work paid off."
"It was easier than I thought it would be," he added.
The National Geographic Society started the bee in 1989 to promote students' geography knowledge and encourage learning about the world.
The bee airs tonight at 6 p.m. ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-05-26-natgeobee_N.htm
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Haiti's Declaration of Independence Found in British Archives
07 April 2010 Jennifer Glasse | London
The only known copy of Haiti's Declaration of Independence has been discovered by a Canadian graduate student in Britain's National Archives. In the 1950s historians tried and failed to find the declaration for Haiti's 150th anniversary.
On January 1, 1804, former slaves proclaimed the independence of their country Saint-Domingue from France, declaring the new nation be named Haïti. Though it was known that documents declaring the country's emancipation were printed, none had ever been found.
That's until a Canadian graduate student tracked it down recently, tucked away in Britain's National Archives.
Duke University graduate student Julia Gaffield was doing research in France and in Haiti, and found reference to a printed declaration in a Jamaican library. Jamaica was then a British Colony, so she came here to London, to search the British archives.
"I didn't quite expect to find it because, you know, obviously there have been no copies anywhere else, but I knew there was a chance and I guess I was just hoping," she said.
When she turned the pages in the bound letter book that held documents from 1804 she found a cover letter from the governor of Jamaica and Haiti's Declaration of Independence.
"I was slightly surprised by what it looked like because it was in pamphlet form rather than a large proclamation that would be posted up in a public space, so you know it's this very grandiose and spectacular document, but the presentation of it was kind of underwhelming I guess," she said.
Historian Alex von Tunzelmann says the discovery is important because it gives a look into the only country in the Western Hemisphere where slaves successfully revolted to gain national independence.
"This was a slave colony that had risen up and defeated the white colonial rule and then become independent, the first real successful really slave revolt in history," he explained.
Gaffield says it set a precedent. "It is the second declaration of independence ever issued and in a way set the standard for what would come," she said. "The American declaration was the first, but since Haiti followed suit it then became the typical thing you do when you become independent, you issue an official declaration of independence."
The seven-page document is in French and starts with the words Liberty or Death, echoing the battle cry of the American Revolution, "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death." It concludes by asking the people of Haiti to take an oath to "live free or die, to uphold the independence of Haiti until their last breaths."
While historians had already known the contents of the document, Gaffield says it was still moving.
"It's an emotional document, it's a poetic document," she stated. "I often think of it as a call to arms and an expression of the fact that the fight for independence was not over yet."
Gaffield says one measure of success of that fight is that Haiti exists today. In the wake of the country's devastating earthquake In January, she says finding this document is even more special.
"So much has been lost in Haiti right now and it's a wonderful feeling to be able give something back," she said. "And to remind Haitians and the world that Haiti has a pretty great history that was very powerful and world changing."
Gaffield is a couple of years from finishing her doctoral dissertation that led her to find Haiti's Declaration of Independence. She says there could still be a lot of documents about the country's history yet to be found.
(Source: http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/americas/Haitis-Declaration-of-Independence-Found-in-British-Archives-90092852.html)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Today in Haiti's history/ Bataille De Vertiere
Today is a holiday in Haiti! Since this day played a crucial point in our independence. It used to be called the Day of the Army as well since the army was dissolved it is just Battle of Vertière. Vertière is just a place The battle of Vertière, the last large battle of the Haitian Revolution (Haitian war of independence) was fought between Haitian rebels and French expeditionary forces on November 18, 1803 at Vertières.
Haitians led by Jean-Jacques Dessalines attacked a strong French-held fort of Vertierre, near Cape Français (to the north of Haiti) and won a decisive victory over French colonial army under General Comte de Rochambeau and forced him to capitulate the same night. Haitian Ninth Brigade under François Capois played a crucial role in the victory.
As a result, independent Republic of Haiti was proclaimed on December 1, 1804.
November 18 has been widely celebrated since then as a Day of Army and Victory in Haiti.
Now... Let's go deeper in the history for those of you who are more inquisitive:
The Battle of Vertieres (Kreyòl: Batay Vètyè; French: Bataille de Vertières), a defining campaign in the Haitian revolution, took place on November 18, 1803. In this clash, south of Le Cap Haitians led by Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Alexandre Pétion ultimately defeated the French troops under General Rochambeau.
The last and defining Battle of the Haitian Revolution
This last large battle of the Haitian Revolution, the Haitian War of Independence, was fought between Haitian rebels and French expeditionary forces. This decisive blow was a major loss for France and it's colonial empire. Haitians led by Jean-Jacques Dessalines and François Capois attacked a strong French-held fort of Vertières, near Cap François (in the north of Haiti) and won a decisive victory over French colonial army under General Comte de Rochambeau and forced him to capitulate the same night.
The Haitian Ninth Brigade under François Capois played a crucial role in the victory and caused Napoléon's troops to abandon their stronghold. This battle occurred less than two months before Dessalines declaration of independence (On January 1, 1804) and delivered the final blow to the French attempt to re-institute slavery, as had been the case in the other Caribbean possesions, and to stop the Haitian Revolution.
Another leader of the fight at Vértieres was Louis Michel Pierrot, the husband of the mambo Cécile Fatiman who had led the vodou ceremonies at Bois Caïman on August 14, 1791 together with Boukman.
The first major defeat of Napoléon's army
Napoléon Bonaparte, who had come to power three years prior to the Battle of Vertières (Through a coup d'etat on November 11, 1799), was given his first major defeat when he lost this crucial battle against the Haitian revolutionary forces. The French lost many experienced troops in the last year of fighting (1803) in Saint-Domingue and after the Battle of Vertières, their military and political strength in the Western Hemisphere was significantly weakened.Even though Napoléon had mobilized about 30.000 troops that, in 1802, sailed in huge fleets from France to re-establish slavery in it's most profitable colony [Saint-Domingue], and had given up control over much of the territory he controlled in the Americas (see: The Haitian Revolution and the Louisiana Purchase), the Haitian troops commanded by Toussaint Louverture and later Jean-Jacques Dessalines won the war, culminating in the Battle of Vertiéres. This defeat, the French troops fled for France soon after loosing the final battle, was a major blow to the French empire, having been cut of from it's biggest source of income: the profits of plantation slave labor in Saint-Domingue.
For the Haitians, who would soon declare independence, the outcome of the battle of Vertiéres signaled the final defeat of the cruel treatment they had to suffer from the hands of the French colonizers. Rochambeau's defeat is still seen as a milestone in the fight against slavery and paved the way for the abolition of slavery in other countries, although Haiti was the first black republic in the hemisphere and the first nation to rid themselves from the terrors inflicted by the European colonialists.
The Battle of Vertières is a monument to Haiti's achievements as well as that of it's outstanding military leader at the time: Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Toussaint Louverture, who had died in April of 1803 in French captivity at Fort de Joux, had laid the groundwork for the defeat of France. It was Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who carried on as the leader of the Haitian troops and united the revolutionary forces, that made the win over the cruel General Rochambeau a possibility.
"[Rochambeau's] ferocious and sanguinary spirit was too much for the kind heart of Toussaint, or the gentlemanly bearing of Christophe. His only match was Dessalines." (Wells Brown p. 111)
Battle of Vertières' Day
November 18 has been celebrated since then as the Bataille de Vertières day (Battle of Vertières' Day) this day also used to be Armed Forces Day (French: Jour Des Forces Armées) in Haiti. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide abolished the Haitian army in the early 1990's.(source haitianmedia.com, thelovertureproject.org)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
New Haiti PM promises to focus on investment
By JONATHAN M. KATZ (AP)PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Haiti's new prime minister was inaugurated Wednesday and promised to attract more investment and create jobs, while forging good relations with lawmakers who have ousted two heads of government in as many years.
Jean-Max Bellerive, the sixth person to hold the post since 2004 in this politically unstable Caribbean nation, said he will work closely with lawmakers in Haiti's Parliament, who recently fired his predecessor in part for sticking too closely to international development plans.
"We will take care of putting (members of Parliament) more in accordance with what we are doing," Bellerive told The Associated Press as the just-fired former prime minister, Michele Pierre-Louis, drove away from the hilltop mansion that is now Bellerive's headquarters.
"It's the same program, basically. We have the same priorities" as the previous government, he said.
Bellerive, 51, officially took power as Haiti's No. 2 in Wednesday ceremonies. He has served in a wide variety of Haitian administrations, including those of former populist President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and the military junta that once ousted Aristide.
Bellerive was sworn in by President Rene Preval, who praised an orderly transition that took little more than 12 days from the ouster of one prime minister to the swearing-in of her replacement.
That is a sharp contrast from last year, when Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis was fired after a week of violent food riots that left at least seven dead. Months of political deadlock followed before Pierre-Louis took power in the midst of hurricanes whose destruction laid out the most immediate challenges for her administration.
International focus on Haiti shifted early this year to increasing foreign investment, an effort spearheaded by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who was named U.N. Special Envoy to the country where 80 percent of people live on less than $2 a day.
During the Oct. 30 debate that ended with the firing of Pierre-Louis, lawmakers accused her of unimaginatively following international development plans, which focus largely on improving infrastructure and building up a garment assembly sector to produce goods for the U.S. market under a preferential trade deal.
But Bellerive said Wednesday he intends to see those plans through — and, in fact, speed some investment deals along by continuing in his previous role as minister of planning and external cooperation.
"I hope that we can continue to work with President Clinton in the same manner, in the same commitment that he has with the former government and with President Preval," he told reporters. "The only way that we are going to change Haiti is through private investment, through creating jobs in Haiti."
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
World challenge/ vote for Haiti
Votez pour Haïti !
Haïti fait partie des 12 finalistes mondiaux pour son projet de recyclage de papiers et de cartons pour la fabrication de briquettes, qui se réalise depuis peu dans le centre de collecte et de tri de déchets de Carrefour Feuilles (CASCAF).
Votez pour le projet pour que plusieurs petits centres de tri soient financés dans d'autres villes du pays.
Donnons une autre alternative à la coupe de bois et aussi favorisons la propreté de nos rues et la création d'emploi.
Votez pour Haïti sur ce site: http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/
et faites passer ce message à tous vos connaissances!
Merci!
Haïti fait partie des 12 finalistes mondiaux pour son projet de recyclage de papiers et de cartons pour la fabrication de briquettes, qui se réalise depuis peu dans le centre de collecte et de tri de déchets de Carrefour Feuilles (CASCAF).
Votez pour le projet pour que plusieurs petits centres de tri soient financés dans d'autres villes du pays.
Donnons une autre alternative à la coupe de bois et aussi favorisons la propreté de nos rues et la création d'emploi.
Votez pour Haïti sur ce site: http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/
et faites passer ce message à tous vos connaissances!
Merci!
VOTE FOR HAITI! BBC WORLD CHALLENGE 2009! http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/ Haiti's project is called Love 'N Haiti which focuses on Decheteries De Carrefour Feuilles, a factory that produces recycled paper charcoal (briquettes). During former President Bill Clinton's speech during the Haitian Unity Diaspora Congress last month, he talked about this factory and how these briquettes can help make a big difference in Haiti. If Haiti wins the most votes, they will win a grant that will go towards this project. Here are just some of the top reasons as to why you should support and vote for Love 'N HAiti: *Save trees by decreasing deforestation *Create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment *Reduce incidence of floods (by unclogging canals) *Alleviate poverty *Create jobs *Reduce violence |
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Your feelings toward Haiti
Do you love Haiti? Why or Why not?
Please elaborate your answer. Remember you can just stay anonymous if you choose to do so.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Bonne fête des mères! Happy mother's day!
Today is Mother's day in Haiti. This holiday is celebrated in Haiti every last Sunday of May. It is a big day in Haiti as opposed to father's day who always passed unnoticed most of the time comparing to mother's day. Well, one reason is due to most of the kids are raised and live with their moms and their father is missing in action for the most part of the children's life or if not even for all their life.
A mother in Haiti works very hard. Though a lot of them uneducated or have a low level of education, they make sure their kids get the best education. They work very hard, doing all kind of manual labors. They walked miles to go sell candies, water, cloth etc...
I have the utmost respect for mothers in general and particularly those in Haiti. They are my heroes!.
I personally did not have the opportunity to enjoy a mother as this is the case for many many kids in Haiti I know that my mom would have filled me with lots of love! Though I never remember even seeing her face or feeling her tender hands I know she would have been the person to go to when I need advice!
To all mothers in Haiti and in the world who are celebrating today happy mother's day! I just would like to write a message in creole for all Haitian mother who might come along this blog: Kenbe fèm pa lage! Mwen konnen nou travay anpil e nou pa janm vreman gen tan pou nou repoze! Mwen konnen se nou ki leve pi bonè e ki al nan kabann pi ta! Mèsi pou sakrifis nou! Mwen renmen nou tout anpil anpil! Map priye Bondye pou li ban mwen opotinite pou mwen ka ede nou!
A special Happy mother's day to my wife , my step mother, my mother-in-law and aunties and all the women who have helped me a way or the other.
You are welcome to leave a message for your mom even when you have celebrated Mother's day already! Mother's day should be everyday! We welcome as well your story about a special mom! Note: You do not need to register to post a message!
Sammuel!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Swine flu in Haiti?
As I am writing this blog, there has not been not even a case of swine flu reported in Haiti. Health officials are monitoring the situation pretty closely in our border with the Dominican Republic the same thing is being done.
Since I am not a medical personal I am just being on alert for any news about swine flu in Haiti but once again as of now apparently there is no need to worry about swine flu if you are traveling to Haiti (don't take my advise as final please follow the updated instructions of your embassy or consulate or any officials of your country). Be rather worried not to spread it there!
People should know not to panic but rather use precautions.
Below is some important facts about the Swine Flu according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Swine Influenza and You
Swine Flu website last updated April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Since I am not a medical personal I am just being on alert for any news about swine flu in Haiti but once again as of now apparently there is no need to worry about swine flu if you are traveling to Haiti (don't take my advise as final please follow the updated instructions of your embassy or consulate or any officials of your country). Be rather worried not to spread it there!
People should know not to panic but rather use precautions.
Below is some important facts about the Swine Flu according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Swine Influenza and You
Swine Flu website last updated April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Haiti: Main Holidays for the month of May
I just wanted to write this post to keep any of you who are interested in holidays in Haiti for the month of May. In Haiti, we celebrate a lot of holidays similar to the US but the dates are different. Let's see what we get for the month of May!
May 1 Fête de l'agriculture et du travail - Agriculture and labor day
Unfortunately the unemployment rate is crazily high in Haiti and due to different natural events, economical situation, the land is not producing as much as it used to and 80% of our forests are gone.
May 18 Jour du Drapeau - Flag Day
This is a very big day in Haiti! Schools and government offices as well as all private offices are closed. A lot of school kids go to the beach and thousands of people go to Champs De Mars (port-Au-Prince) for the traditional parade and most officials go to Gonaives commonly known as "the City of Independence" to Salute those who fought for the flag and to celebrate the place where our first flag was conceived. Please refer to for a close-up to the current flag and if you are into more details, please refer to the post about the history of the Haitian flag.
May 31 Fêtes des Mères - Haitian Mother's Day the last Sunday in May
If your love ones leave in Haiti and did not do anything for you or wish happy mother's day, don't pick up the phone and start asking them why. Though it is celebrated the second Sunday of May in the US, Mother's day in Haiti is celebrated on the last Sunday!
Now you know!
May 1 Fête de l'agriculture et du travail - Agriculture and labor day
Unfortunately the unemployment rate is crazily high in Haiti and due to different natural events, economical situation, the land is not producing as much as it used to and 80% of our forests are gone.
May 18 Jour du Drapeau - Flag Day
This is a very big day in Haiti! Schools and government offices as well as all private offices are closed. A lot of school kids go to the beach and thousands of people go to Champs De Mars (port-Au-Prince) for the traditional parade and most officials go to Gonaives commonly known as "the City of Independence" to Salute those who fought for the flag and to celebrate the place where our first flag was conceived. Please refer to for a close-up to the current flag and if you are into more details, please refer to the post about the history of the Haitian flag.
May 31 Fêtes des Mères - Haitian Mother's Day the last Sunday in May
If your love ones leave in Haiti and did not do anything for you or wish happy mother's day, don't pick up the phone and start asking them why. Though it is celebrated the second Sunday of May in the US, Mother's day in Haiti is celebrated on the last Sunday!
Now you know!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy birthday Haiti! Jan 1, 1804- 2009
What a great way to start the first blog for the new year! I am so honored to do so. Today is Haiti's birthday! Our nation was born on this day in 1804 when our ancestors chased the mighty army of Napoleon out of the country. It was a bloody battle nevertheless we ended up being the first black independent country in the whole hemisphere and an inspiration for many other countries.
Let it be known that Haiti fought for many countries before and after it's independence. I will however focus on special one that is unfortunately not well know it is called the "siege of Savannah" as a matter of fact a monument was erected in Savannah in remembrance of these courageous Haitian soldiers including a Haitian teenage boy drummer: Henri Christophe who later became president and built the famous Citadelle in the Cap Haitian. Haiti is 204 years old! We have a long way to go, nevertheless we should never give up! Enjoy your squash soup (if you do not know what I am talking about please read squash soup history and go to our famous squash soup recipe
Since I focused more on the USA let me as well let you know more about: H.RES.909
Title: Commemorating the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence in the "Siege of Savannah" and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery.
Sponsor: Rep Meek, Kendrick B. [FL-17] (introduced 12/19/2007) Cosponsors (32)
Latest Major Action: 2/12/2008 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 361 - 0 (Roll No. 44). (Link/source: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.res.00909)
H. RES. 909
Commemorating the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence in the "Siege of Savannah" and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 19, 2007
Mr. Meek's (for himself) submitted the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
Commemorating the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence at the "Siege of Savannah," during the American Revolutionary War.
Whereas in the fall of 1779, Haitian soldiers of the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint Domingue
volunteered to join in the fight for American independence;
Whereas the unit was comprised of over 500 men of color from the island of Haiti;
Whereas on October 9, 1779, the soldiers of Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint Domingue
served as the largest unit of soldiers of African descent to fight in the
"Siege of Savannah;"
Whereas records show that over 500 men sailed treacherous waters to join the effort against
the British;
Whereas over 300 of them lost their lives attempting to drive the British from Savannah;
Whereas the Savannah Monument, a project of the Haitian American Historical Society
represents the Haitian soldiers that fought in the "Siege of Savannah;"
Whereas the Savannah Monument was erected in Savannah, Georgia on Monday,
October 8, 2007 to recognize the Haitian involvement in the fight
for American independence; and
Whereas the Savannah Monument includes a statute of a 12-year-old drummer boy,
depicting Mr. Henri Christophe, whom became a leader in Haiti's Revolution
to gain independence and renounce slavery: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives commemorate the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence in the "Siege of Savannah" and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery.
U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves on the House Committee on Armed Services and is the lone Floridian sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.
(Source/link: http://kendrickmeek.house.gov/press/2008.02.12b.shtml)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Meet the president of Haiti
René Préval - son of agronomist Claude Préval and Céline Talleyrand - was born in Port-au-Prince on January 17, 1943. He is father to two daughters, Dominique and Patricia.
He studies agronomy in Belgium at Gembloux and Louvain and geothermal sciences at the University of Pisa in Italy.
Upon his return in Haiti in 1975, he works at the Minister of Mine and Energy.
In 1988, he opens a private practice and a bakery.
Starting in 1976 René Préval joins the fight against Jean Claude Duvalier’s dictatorial regime in favor of the establishment of democracy in Haiti. He then becomes a member of resistance groups against the Duvalier regime, a founding member of the association called “Honor and Respect” fighting for the strict observance of the 1987 Constitution and presides over the “Comité Pa Bliye” (Let’s not forget committee) dedicated to missing persons’ cases that occurred during the Duvalier regime .
On the 13th of February 1991, René Préval becomes the Prime Minister (and, also at the same time Minister of Interior and Defense) of President Jean Bertrand Aristide, winner in 1990 of the first free election in Haiti since independence in 1804. However, René Préval goes into exile in September 1991 when Haiti’s first truly democratic experience is interrupted by a coup d’état undertaken by the military. He first seeks refuge in various embassies in Port-au-Prince before leaving for Washington where he resides until October 1994.
Upon the return of the constitutional Government in 1994, René Préval becomes Director of the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES).
In December 1995, René Préval is elected President of Haiti for a five year-term. He takes the oath of office on February 7, 1996.
In February 2001, upon completing his term, René Préval retires to Marmelade, his father’s hometown, and there he dedicates himself to local development activities.
As a candidate for the 2006 presidential elections, René Préval scores a first-round win on February 7, 2006. He is sworn into office on the 14th of May 2006 as the 55th President of Haiti.
source: http://www.haiti.org/president_of_haiti.htm
Official Holidays in Haiti
January 1: Independence Day
January 2: Ancestors' Day
May 1: Agriculture and Labor Day
May 18: Flag and University Day
October 17: Anniversary of the Death of Jean-Jacques Dessalines
October 24: United Nations Day
November 1: All Saints Day
November 2: All Souls Day
November 18: Battle of Vertières' Day
December 25: Christmas Day
Legal / Religious / Traditional Holidays (some dates vary according to the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church)
Carnival (Monday through Ash Wednesday)
Good Friday
Pan-American Day: April 14
Ascension Thursday
Feast of the Assumption
Corpus Christi
January 2: Ancestors' Day
May 1: Agriculture and Labor Day
May 18: Flag and University Day
October 17: Anniversary of the Death of Jean-Jacques Dessalines
October 24: United Nations Day
November 1: All Saints Day
November 2: All Souls Day
November 18: Battle of Vertières' Day
December 25: Christmas Day
Legal / Religious / Traditional Holidays (some dates vary according to the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church)
Carnival (Monday through Ash Wednesday)
Good Friday
Pan-American Day: April 14
Ascension Thursday
Feast of the Assumption
Corpus Christi
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Presentation of the athletes representing Haiti in the 2008 Beijing Summmer Olympic Game
Dudley DORIVALTrack & Field
Born: October 02, 1976
Ht: / Wt: 5'12'' / 183 lbs
The following biographical information was provided by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).
Historical Results
Note: A complete explanation of data type and depth can be found in the Additional Information section of the biography
Rank Event Year Venue Result
Olympic Games
7 110m Hurdles 2000 Sydney, AUS 13.49
Semifinal 110m Hurdles 2004 Athens, GRE 13.39
World Championships
3 110m Hurdles 2001 Edmonton, CAN 13.25
Semifinal 110m Hurdles 2007 Osaka, JPN 13.82
General Interests
Occupation: Sales
Additional information: When and where did you begin this sport?
He started running while at high school in New Jersey, USA. (IAAF Magazine Vol 18, 2003)
Why this sport?
He wanted something to do as his mother wouldn't let him play football. One of his teachers suggested he try athletics. (IAAF Magazine Vol 18, 2003)
Awards and honours
At the 2001 World Championships he won Haiti's first global medal [bronze] since long jumper Silvio Cator finished second in the 1928 Olympic Games. (IAAF Magazine Vol 18, 2003)
General
FROM USA TO HAITI
He formerly competed for the USA but switched to Haiti, the birthplace of his parents in 1999, after missing the US trials for the World Championships in Seville. Haitian officials had been asking him to run for them since 1996 but it was the chance to run at the World Championships that sealed his fate. (IAAF Magazine Vol 18, 2003)
-----------------------------------------
The following results are included in the Competition Highlights field. There can be small discrepancies due to the lack of sources for certain results. Note that the results are sorted on rank within a competition.
Results in Last Olympic Cycle:
- All Placings at 2004 Olympic Games and 2007 World Championships
- Top 8 at 2005 World Championships
- Top 8 at Continental Championships, World Indoor Championships, World Athletics Final, Golden League competitions and Super Grand Prix competitions
- Top 3 at Grand Prix competitions and World Junior Championships
- Top 10 at World Cross Country Championships, World Road Running/Half Marathon Championships, World Combined Events Challenge competitions and World Race Walking Challenge competitions
Historical Results (before OG 2004):
- Top 8 at 2000 Olympic Games
- Top 3 at other Olympic Games
- Top 3 at World Championships
Education: Sociology - University of Connecticut: Storrs, CT, Connecticut, United States
Language spoken: English
Injuries: In May 1999 he was involved in a car accident in Houston, Texas. He sustained a back injury and endured migraine headaches and hamstring problems for some time afterwards. The accident caused him to miss the trials for the USA team to compete at the 1999 World Championships. (IAAF Magazine Vol 18, 2003)
BoxingAzea AUGUSTAMA
Born: September 03, 1984
Ht: / Wt: 5'11'' / 179 lbs
The following biographical information was provided by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).
Historical Results
Note: A complete explanation of data type and depth can be found in the Additional Information section of the biography
Rank Event Year Venue
World Championships
33 Heavyweight 2007 Chicago, IL, USA
General Interests
Coach: Tony Betancourt (rio2007.org.br 27/10/07)
Additional information: The following results are included in the Competition Highlights field. There can be small discrepancies due to the lack of sources for certain results. Note that the results are sorted on rank within a competition.
Results in Last Olympic Cycle:
- All Placings at 2004 Olympic Games and 2007 World Championships
- Top 8 at 2005 World Championships
- Top 8 at Continental Championships
- Top 3 at other major tournaments
Historical Results (before OG 2004):
- Top 8 at 2000 Olympic Games
- Top 3 at other Olympic Games
- Top 3 at World Championships
Joel BRUTUS Judo
Born: September 13, 1975
Ht: / Wt: 6'0'' / 291 lbs
The following biographical information was provided by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).
Historical Results
Note: A complete explanation of data type and depth can be found in the Additional Information section of the biography
Rank Event Year Venue
Olympic Games
13 +100kg 2004 Athens, GRE
World Championships
13 Open 2007 Rio de Janeiro, BRA
22 +100kg 2007 Rio de Janeiro, BRA
General Interests
Additional information: The following results are included in the Competition Highlights field. There can be small discrepancies due to the lack of sources for certain results. Note that the results are sorted on rank within a competition.
Results in Last Olympic Cycle:
- All Placings at 2004 Olympic Games and 2007 World Championships
- Top 8 at 2005 World Championships
- Top 8 at Asian Championships and European Championships
- Top 3 at World Junior Championships
- Top 3 at World Cup and Super World Cup competitions
Historical Results (before OG 2004):
- Top 8 at 2000 Olympic Games
- Top 3 at other Olympic Games
- Top 3 at World Championships
Language spoken: French
Injuries: Sustained a torn muscle at the 2002 Central American Games. (IOC 10/11/03)
Track & FieldNadine FAUSTIN
Born: May 15, 1977
Ht: / Wt: 5'4'' / 130 lbs
The following biographical information was provided by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).
Historical Results
Note: A complete explanation of data type and depth can be found in the Additional Information section of the biography
Rank Event Year Venue Result
Olympic Games
Semifinal 100m Hurdles 2004 Athens, GRE 12.74
World Championships
Heats 100m Hurdles 2007 Osaka, JPN 13.16
NACAC Championships
4 100m Hurdles 2007 San Salvador, ESA 13.42
Super Grand Prix
4 100m Hurdles 2006 Doha, QAT 12.98
Grand Prix
2 100m Hurdles 2005 Belém, BRA 12.85
3 100m Hurdles 2005 Helsinki, FIN 13.08
General Interests
Coach: Trevor Graham (news-observer.com 27/12/03)
Additional information: The following results are included in the Competition Highlights field. There can be small discrepancies due to the lack of sources for certain results. Note that the results are sorted on rank within a competition.
Results in Last Olympic Cycle:
- All Placings at 2004 Olympic Games and 2007 World Championships
- Top 8 at 2005 World Championships
- Top 8 at Continental Championships, World Indoor Championships, World Athletics Final, Golden League competitions and Super Grand Prix competitions
- Top 3 at Grand Prix competitions and World Junior Championships
- Top 10 at World Cross Country Championships, World Road Running/Half Marathon Championships, World Combined Events Challenge competitions and World Race Walking Challenge competitions
Historical Results (before OG 2004):
- Top 8 at 2000 Olympic Games
- Top 3 at other Olympic Games
- Top 3 at World Championships
Education: Physical Education - University of North Carolina: Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina, United States
Language spoken: English
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