Latest news with #HaitianCreole
Malaysian Reserve
5 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Pocketalk Builds First Comprehensive Haitian Creole Language Library for Translation Devices
Driven by nationwide customer demand, creating an accurate Haitian Creole language model has been Pocketalk's top priority and is only available on Pocketalk devices PALO ALTO, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pocketalk, the global leader in translation solutions, announced the company's first-ever proprietary language model by adding Haitian Creole to Pocketalk's translation solutions suite. The advancement marks a significant milestone, as Haitian Creole is widely considered a 'living language,' which can present unique challenges for translation services. With this language model, Pocketalk addresses a growing demand for instant and accurate conversation to support Haitian immigrants in the United States. To date, no existing Haitian Creole language library met Pocketalk's translation and security standards nor had the ability to perform voice-to-text and text-to-voice translations. Pocketalk is uniquely positioned to build this language model thanks to its industry-leading engineers and the guidance of Haitian Creole language expert, Kerby Magophy. Pocketalk and Magophy partnered to build the model, taking into consideration the complexities and nuances of the language. 'Reality has painted a critical need for a Haitian Creole translation solution that meets the caliber of expertise for which Pocketalk has gained global recognition. Mounting requests of customers in government agencies and Fortune 500 companies made our decision to build this database easy,' said Joe Miller, General Manager – US, UK, and Europe, Pocketalk. 'We dedicated significant time and care to ensure this project was done right because providing accurate, culturally sensitive translation is crucial to welcoming everyone to the conversation. It was a privilege to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative that sets a new standard for translation solutions worldwide.' The United States has seen nearly 1 million Haitian immigrants arrive in states including Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio and New York. An accountable language translation system is now critical to support the economy, agencies, and communities that rely on immediate and secure communication solutions. Pocketalk's decision to build this language database in-house reflects its long-term commitment to innovate translation technology that allows users to access vital resources, navigate their environments more effectively, and build safer, more inclusive communities. 'It was a pleasure to help Pocketalk create this language model. With this new tool, the Haitian community will have further support in America,' said Kerby Magophy, who was instrumental in the development of this model. 'This will give our people more resources to participate fully in daily life. These devices will also help bridge the communication gap that has long separated Haitian Creole speakers from vital services. Haitian Creole is a nuanced, deeply contextual language, and it's often misunderstood or oversimplified in translation. That's why it means so much to see it handled with care. This model is more than technology—it's a step toward inclusion for our people.' The first Haitian Creole language model with an audio output provides conversational translations backed by above-industry-standard safety and security measures that meet the specific needs of Haitian Creole speakers. This pioneering effort demonstrates Pocketalk's commitment to growing the diverse range of languages with reliable, secure, and instant translations through cutting-edge technology that makes a real impact in local communities. Here's what key Pocketalk partners have to say about this achievement: 'The Hillsborough County Tax Collector's Office serves over one million residents annually, with approximately 30% speaking a language other than English at home—including Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Farsi, and Ukrainian speakers. Pocketalk's real-time translation has been transformative, eliminating language barriers and the need for repeat visits to the office that previously created bottlenecks. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from our growing Haitian Creole-speaking community, who are excited to finally access services that were previously difficult due to communication gaps.' – Nancy C. Millan, Hillsborough County's Tax Collector. 'Equipping our public safety personnel with real-time translation technology isn't just a tool—it's a lifeline. When seconds count, the ability for first responders to communicate instantly with individuals who speak other languages can save lives, build trust, and ensure no voice goes unheard.' – Cherise Giordani Gause, Chief of Police for the North Miami Police Department 'In my time as Police Chief serving the South Florida community, I saw firsthand the need to communicate with the Haitian Creole speaking community. I would like to applaud the work at Pocketalk with the recent launch of a full Haitian Creole language on their innovative product which provides immediate, accurate and secure translations. This new service will be an important tool with our law enforcement community to improve communication with all languages present in the community.' – Donald W. De Lucca, Former Chief of Police Miami Beach, Golden Beach, City of Doral and Former President of IACP. 'As a former superintendent and lifelong educator, I've seen firsthand the challenges that arise when authentic communication isn't possible. With Pocketalk removing language barriers, I've watched educators connect, collaborate, and communicate more effectively than ever before. Two-way communication is essential in every classroom, and now the Haitian Creole community—long underrepresented and underserved—can truly be part of the conversation. I believe this will leave an indelible mark on the lives of every student and every family.' – Tom Burton, Former Superintendent Princeton City Schools, Ohio Pocketalk welcomes individuals and organizations to join the language revolution and contribute to a world where everyone is welcome to the conversation. To find more information or purchase Pocketalk, visit ABOUT POCKETALKPocketalk is the leading provider of innovative, secure, and cost-effective translation solutions designed to solve language-related challenges across a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, law enforcement and public safety. Pocketalk's handheld devices enable real-time, accurate translations in over 92+ languages. Ventana is the centralized administrative panel that provides translation insights and device management capabilities. With Pocketalk, organizations can rely on secure, integrated solutions in compliance with the highest security standards, including third-party certifications for HIPAA and GDPR. Pocketalk is committed to improving communication and fostering inclusivity by providing solutions that are secure, efficient, and scalable—helping organizations make critical decisions, enhance operational efficiency, and better serve diverse populations. Pocketalk is trusted by organizations across the globe such as the Nevada Highway Patrol, The Red Cross and NYC Public Schools. For more information, visit MEDIA CONTACTAnna TorrezPocketalk@
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pocketalk Builds First Comprehensive Haitian Creole Language Library for Translation Devices
Driven by nationwide customer demand, creating an accurate Haitian Creole language model has been Pocketalk's top priority and is only available on Pocketalk devices PALO ALTO, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pocketalk, the global leader in translation solutions, announced the company's first-ever proprietary language model by adding Haitian Creole to Pocketalk's translation solutions suite. The advancement marks a significant milestone, as Haitian Creole is widely considered a "living language," which can present unique challenges for translation services. With this language model, Pocketalk addresses a growing demand for instant and accurate conversation to support Haitian immigrants in the United States. To date, no existing Haitian Creole language library met Pocketalk's translation and security standards nor had the ability to perform voice-to-text and text-to-voice translations. Pocketalk is uniquely positioned to build this language model thanks to its industry-leading engineers and the guidance of Haitian Creole language expert, Kerby Magophy. Pocketalk and Magophy partnered to build the model, taking into consideration the complexities and nuances of the language. "Reality has painted a critical need for a Haitian Creole translation solution that meets the caliber of expertise for which Pocketalk has gained global recognition. Mounting requests of customers in government agencies and Fortune 500 companies made our decision to build this database easy," said Joe Miller, General Manager - US, UK, and Europe, Pocketalk. "We dedicated significant time and care to ensure this project was done right because providing accurate, culturally sensitive translation is crucial to welcoming everyone to the conversation. It was a privilege to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative that sets a new standard for translation solutions worldwide." The United States has seen nearly 1 million Haitian immigrants arrive in states including Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio and New York. An accountable language translation system is now critical to support the economy, agencies, and communities that rely on immediate and secure communication solutions. Pocketalk's decision to build this language database in-house reflects its long-term commitment to innovate translation technology that allows users to access vital resources, navigate their environments more effectively, and build safer, more inclusive communities. "It was a pleasure to help Pocketalk create this language model. With this new tool, the Haitian community will have further support in America," said Kerby Magophy, who was instrumental in the development of this model. "This will give our people more resources to participate fully in daily life. These devices will also help bridge the communication gap that has long separated Haitian Creole speakers from vital services. Haitian Creole is a nuanced, deeply contextual language, and it's often misunderstood or oversimplified in translation. That's why it means so much to see it handled with care. This model is more than technology—it's a step toward inclusion for our people." The first Haitian Creole language model with an audio output provides conversational translations backed by above-industry-standard safety and security measures that meet the specific needs of Haitian Creole speakers. This pioneering effort demonstrates Pocketalk's commitment to growing the diverse range of languages with reliable, secure, and instant translations through cutting-edge technology that makes a real impact in local communities. Here's what key Pocketalk partners have to say about this achievement: "The Hillsborough County Tax Collector's Office serves over one million residents annually, with approximately 30% speaking a language other than English at home—including Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Farsi, and Ukrainian speakers. Pocketalk's real-time translation has been transformative, eliminating language barriers and the need for repeat visits to the office that previously created bottlenecks. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from our growing Haitian Creole-speaking community, who are excited to finally access services that were previously difficult due to communication gaps." - Nancy C. Millan, Hillsborough County's Tax Collector. "Equipping our public safety personnel with real-time translation technology isn't just a tool—it's a lifeline. When seconds count, the ability for first responders to communicate instantly with individuals who speak other languages can save lives, build trust, and ensure no voice goes unheard." - Cherise Giordani Gause, Chief of Police for the North Miami Police Department "In my time as Police Chief serving the South Florida community, I saw firsthand the need to communicate with the Haitian Creole speaking community. I would like to applaud the work at Pocketalk with the recent launch of a full Haitian Creole language on their innovative product which provides immediate, accurate and secure translations. This new service will be an important tool with our law enforcement community to improve communication with all languages present in the community." - Donald W. De Lucca, Former Chief of Police Miami Beach, Golden Beach, City of Doral and Former President of IACP. "As a former superintendent and lifelong educator, I've seen firsthand the challenges that arise when authentic communication isn't possible. With Pocketalk removing language barriers, I've watched educators connect, collaborate, and communicate more effectively than ever before. Two-way communication is essential in every classroom, and now the Haitian Creole community—long underrepresented and underserved—can truly be part of the conversation. I believe this will leave an indelible mark on the lives of every student and every family." - Tom Burton, Former Superintendent Princeton City Schools, Ohio Pocketalk welcomes individuals and organizations to join the language revolution and contribute to a world where everyone is welcome to the conversation. To find more information or purchase Pocketalk, visit ABOUT POCKETALKPocketalk is the leading provider of innovative, secure, and cost-effective translation solutions designed to solve language-related challenges across a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, law enforcement and public safety. Pocketalk's handheld devices enable real-time, accurate translations in over 92+ languages. Ventana is the centralized administrative panel that provides translation insights and device management capabilities. With Pocketalk, organizations can rely on secure, integrated solutions in compliance with the highest security standards, including third-party certifications for HIPAA and GDPR. Pocketalk is committed to improving communication and fostering inclusivity by providing solutions that are secure, efficient, and scalable—helping organizations make critical decisions, enhance operational efficiency, and better serve diverse populations. Pocketalk is trusted by organizations across the globe such as the Nevada Highway Patrol, The Red Cross and NYC Public Schools. For more information, visit MEDIA CONTACTAnna TorrezPocketalk@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pocketalk Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
American Military News
18-05-2025
- American Military News
Case of Haitian gang leader accused of kidnapping US missionaries goes to jury
For 62 nights they were held in captivity, hidden in an unknown location at the eastern edge of Haiti's capital. At almost every turn, they were guarded, held at gunpoint and kept in such deplorable conditions that one of them developed countless sores, another could not walk and a third had serious health conditions that went untreated. In a rare unguarded and desperate moment, they managed to get outside. While some waved in the scorching Haitian sun, others held up 'SOS' and 'Help Us' signs, hoping to get the attention from passing airplanes. In the end, the majority of the 16 U.S. missionaries and one Canadian national who were kidnapped in October 2021 and held for ransom for two months by Haiti's notorious 400 Mawozo gang were freed only after a $350,000 ransom was paid. The gang itself was such a well-oiled criminal machine that there were designated personnel to handle logistics like soap, toothbrushes and medicines for hostages, and gang members worked in shifts to guard them. On Thursday, prosecutors with the U.S. Justice Department argued that the entire ordeal and brazen for-ransom-kidnapping scheme, which thrust 400 Mawozo and Haiti's kidnapping epidemic onto the global stage, was all set up for one man: Germine 'Yonyon' Joly, now on trial in a federal court in Washington, D.C. Joly, who was in a Haitian prison at the time of the kidnappings, 'intentionally, voluntarily joined this crime with the intent to achieve it,' Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Seifert told a 12-member federal jury after the government rested its case. Prosecutors had called two FBI agents onto the stand to rebut Joly's claims the day before that he was not a member of 400 Mawozo and that he had not identified other gang members to the FBI while onboard a flight as he was being extradited from Haiti to the U.S. Questioning the agents, the defense stressed how the FBI had not 'further explained' to Joly how his words could be used against him beyond just reading him his Miranda rights during the flight. FBI agents answered that Joly was read his rights in Haitian Creole and was told that he could stop the interview at any time but he chose not to. Already facing 35 years in prison after pleading guilty last year to a 48-count gunrunning conspiracy involving 400 Mawozo, Joly is accused of 16 counts of kidnappings involving the 16 U.S. citizens with Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries, which is affiliated with the Mennonite community. After a week of triial, which included testimony from several of the missionaries, some of the FBI agents who searched for them and evidence of Joly's own purported text messages showing his role, the gang leader's fate now rests in the hands of a jury that will begin deliberating on Friday. During her closing arguments in U.S. District Judge John D. Bates' courtroom on Thursday, Seifert said Joly was not only the leader of 400 Mawozo but he was referred to by its members as 'king' and 'boss.' Seifert said the missionaries were being held as a bargaining chip. There was a gang member in prison, she said as she recounted the testimony of hostage Rachel Miller. That gang member was Joly himself, the prosecutor said. Although 400 Mawozo initially asked for a $17 million ransom for the group's release, prosecutors said it was all to build pressure on the government of the Haitian prime minister at the time, Ariel Henry, to release Joly. Joly's crime that put him in a Haitian prison remains a mystery. Going into the trial U.S. officials could not say with certainty if he had been convicted of manslaughter in Haiti, and during his time on the stand, he refuted prosecutors' claim that he had told the FBI he was in prison for murder. 'Absolutely not,' Joly said as he told the court that some of the things he told law enforcement officers as they flew him to the U.S. from Haiti were partly false. 'I did not kill anyone. This is absolutely false.' He was in prison in Haiti, he said, because people were conspiring against him. Joly's defense attorney, Allen H Orenberg, told the jury during closing that prosecutors had supplied a lot of 'red herrings' in their arguments, but had not proved Joly was involved in the hostage taking — only in smuggling guns. Orenberg blamed the kidnappings on Lanmò Sanjou, the current leader of 400 Mawozo whom Joly told the court was his cousin. 400 Mawazo, Orenberg argued, was not Joly's creation; he was 'merely a spectator. None of the missionaries who testified heard any mention of Joly from their captors, Orenberg said. While there are logs of calls from Joly's phone in prison, no one knows what was discussed in the calls. Among the other witnesses who testified for the government was Jean 'Zo' Pelice. A 400 Mawozo gang member, Pelice was transferred to U.S. custody in May of 2022 after he was charged with hostage-taking for his role in the armed kidnappings. He and another witness, Jonas Isidor, testified that Joly wanted a big ransom for the hostages' release because the gang leader knew that no one could pay the amount and his ultimate goal was to use the missionaries as his ticket out of prison. Orenberg, the defense lawyer, said both men's testimonies could not be given credence because Pelice had his own criminal case, seemed confused and was 'easy to manipulate.' Isidor, he said, had 'incentives' like being able to stay in the U.S. and future immigration benefits to testify in the government's favor. The 17 Christian missionaries were kidnapped on Oct. 16, 2021 on the eastern outskirts of Port-au-Prince. Their group included married couples, a Canadian national and five children. Two of the hostages were released on Nov. 20, and three more were released on or about Dec. 5, 2021. The remaining 12 didn't make it out until Dec. 15, 2021. Seifert highlighted some key moments in the saga. Joly, she said, had agreed to kidnap the missionaries the morning of Oct. 16 in partnership with Vitel'homme Innocent, the head of the Kraze Barye gang, who is wanted by the FBI and has a $2 million bounty for his capture. The plan was carried out by 400 Mawozo gang members named Koleg and Gaspiyay. Armed with guns and their faces covered, gang members forced the missionaries' van off the road on National Road No. 8, which connects the capital to the Dominican Republican and runs through the gangs' operations in Croix-des-Bouquets. One of the missionaries immediately texted their social media group informing everyone what was happening and asked for prayers. Two hours later, the missionaries were searched and their valuables were taken. They were then taken to 'Location 1,' an unidentified area where they were lined up against a wall and one of the captors told one of the hostages that it was the 'last time you will see (the others) alive.' The location, somewhere near the town of Ganthier, was a house with no windows and secured doors. There were blood splatters and bullet holes on the walls and the missionaries saw two bound people taken outside and subsequently heard gunshots. Call logs show multiple calls between Joly, Lanmò Sanjou and Vitel'homme around this time, Seifert said. That same day, part of the plot was unfolding 900 miles away in Florida, prosecutors said: Pompano Beach resident Eliande Tunis, who fashioned herself as Joly's 'queen' and a leader of 400 Mawozo's South Florida's offshoot, was supposed to secure the delivery of some guns. She was in touch with Joly and later said that he was 'having a meeting about where to hold the missionaries.' By evening, a demand for ransom had been made: $17 million. Over the next days and weeks, FBI agents engaged in a desperate search to locate the hostages. On Nov. 20 after several failed negotiations, hostages Matthew and Rachel Miller were released after Matthew fell sick and Rachel begged for their freedom. Isidor testified that Joly told him to let the sick missionaries go. On Dec. 5, another ransom agreement was made, Seifert said, acknowledging for the first time publicly that a $350,000 payment was made to secure the rest of the hostages' freedom. Lanmò Sanjou, however, only wanted to release hostages Cheryl Noecker and Katie Yoder. However, Noecker wanted to take her 6-year-old son Sheldon with her. After begging, she was allowed to, but as the two got in the car gang members attempted to pull the boy away. Sheldon grabbed onto the headrest of a seat, trying to hold on, Seifert said, as Noecker grabbed her son and got out. The rest of the missionaries surround the two and insisted that Sheldon be released as well. As tensions ran high, the other children started to cry. After a 30-minute standoff, 400 Mawozo gang members finally relented. Seifert said the final decision came after Lanmò Sanjou made a phone call. That call, she said, was to Joly, who made the decision. The 12 hostages were not released immediately after the ransom was paid. In fact, the gang went silent and negotiations broke down. Days later, the missionaries emerged from a wooden field. They later said they had escaped at 2:30 a.m. by walking down to a nearby stream, crossing it and hiking through the bushes. One of them then used $5, the only money they had on them, to pay for a call to the group's director to come pick them up. Sources in Haiti, familiar with the events, said the missionaries' release was made to resemble an escape by Lanmò Sanjou, who had gotten into a disagreement with Joly. Despite the ransom payment, Joly did not want to give up his bargaining chip for his freedom, several sources previously told the Miami Herald. Joly directed each step of 400 Mawozo in the kidnappings, prosecutors said. His business, they stressed, was ransom from kidnappings, which were used to buy guns in the U.S. that were then smuggled into Haiti and used to carry out more kidnappings. ___ © 2025 Miami Herald. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Miami Herald
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Sunday's Haitian Flag Day. But the mood leading up to May 18 is anything but celebratory
Two days before one of Haiti's biggest national holidays, the streets in the heart of Miami's Haitian community are unusually quiet. Few cars move up and down Northeast Second Avenue flying giant-size blue and red flags as has been customary and few patronize the sidewalk vendors selling Flag Day T-shirts, caps and bandannas. 'Last year, there were more people who came. This year, things are slow,' Farilia Antoine, an artist and vendor said as she was arranging her wares on a table along Northeast Second Avenue and 59th Street. The mood, according to vendors and the few seen out venturing in Little Haiti on Friday, could best be summed up by a mural not far from where Antoine stood, located at the southern end of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. 'Anmweyyy,' the all too common cry of unbearable pain, screams in bold letters in Haitian Creole as a hand with a broken chain grabs the country's bi-color flag. Underneath, the phrase, 'Haiti Is Suffocating,' is written in Creole. May 18 has long been a celebration of Haitian identity and heritage, and the country as a nation. The date commemorates the creation of the first Haitian flag in 1803 in the town of Arcahaie, where the white was reportedly ripped from a French flag and the blue and red stripes were sewn together by heroine Catherine Flon to represent the union of Blacks and mulattoes, the two main groups in Haiti's fight for independence from France. It's a day that usually overflows with pride and celebration that marks Haiti's path from enslaved nation to free Black republic and symbolizes Haitians collective identity. But as the Caribbean nation suffocates under the lawlessness of gang rule, and Haitians in the United States face the threat of being returned under President Donald Trump's mass deportation promise, many are approaching the moment with mixed feelings, and a mood that is more somber than celebratory. 'I don't feel at ease; with the way things are in Haiti I can't be at ease, at all,' said Linda Louis, strolling in front of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. Originally from Croix-des-Bouquets, Louis, 42, said 'it brings tears to my eyes' when she thinks of Haiti, and her once bustling community on the eastern outskirts of Port-au-Prince. Like the town of Arcahaie, which has been made off-limits by the widespread violence, Croix-des-Bouquets is now controlled by violent gangs that are burning businesses, shuttering schools and attacking cities. 'I can't even go to my country,' she said. Things are not necessarily better here. Louis, who has two teenagers, a preteen and her mother living in Haiti, arrived in South Florida two years ago from Brazil after making the dangerous 7,000 mile trek on foot with her two young sons, now ages 5 and 4. Both kids donned the flag's colors on their T-shirts and heads, the younger in a bandanna and the older in a construction paper crown of blue and red. 'They are proud to be Haitian,' Louis said. 'They wanted another T-shirt to put on for Sunday, but I don't have any money.' Like many of the more than half million Haitians in the U.S. currently living under the threat of deportation back to Haiti, Louis says she is feeling the financial and emotional weight of the Trump administration's decision to roll back immigration protections for the community despite their homeland's turmoil. 'I don't see clearly yet,' she said, adding that while her kids are basking in their pride over being Haitians, she doesn't feel the celebratory spirit. Conflicting emotions over Haiti Flag Day Evelyne Bital, who moved to the U.S. over 30 years ago and is involved in promoting Haitian culture, has mixed emotions when it comes to May 18. She is approaching the day with both 'pride' and 'a heavy heart.' She's proud of how Haiti achieved nationhood, by defeating the world's most powerful army at the time, but her heart is heavy 'because of what our country has become now.' 'I feel that we should be in a better place. The country should be flourishing and doing way better than where we are now,' said Bital, who recently opened a store, Lobey Art and Travel, in Little Haiti to showcase the culture. 'So I have a heavy heart just commemorating that day, but I want to keep our pride alive, so that's why I opened the store because I want people to continue seeing what we can do.' Still, for many Haitians, May 18 is somber reminder of what has been lost and how their once vibrant nation is now facing collapse. 'How is it that we go from a very thriving nation, where, at one point, Haiti was one of the main tourism countries in the world, everybody was going to Haiti just to enjoy a piece of the Caribbean, to now, where, for the most part, the people who are destroying that particular country are the people themselves?' said Nelda Augustin, owner of N'Tea Shop inside the Caribbean Marketplace in Little Haiti. 'So how could one not feel disappointed? It's disappointing.' She hopes Haitians use the commemoration to do some self-reflecting. 'Don't look into the next person and ask why they're not helping us, or what did they do to us, or what is wrong with the rest of the world,' Augustin said. 'The message needs to be self-reflection. You need to look within first and try to find a reason as to why. We need to reflect on ourselves and find a way to solve our own problems.' During an evening celebration at Sounds of Little Haiti on Friday night, the new head of the Little Haiti Cultural Center, Dasha Saintremy, asked the crowd for a moment of silence for Haiti. READ MORE: France forced Haiti to pay for independence. 200 years later, should there be restitution? The evening had featured a live performance by Haiti's legendary Tropicana Orchestra, whose longevity after 62 years has made it one of the country's most popular musical groups. Its distinct big band sound and rhythms attracted both young and old on Friday night including Haitian konpa fans pushing walkers. 'There used to be beautiful Haitian Flag Day celebrations in Haiti when I was young,' Milva Celeger, 89, said as she looked at the young people in the crowd dancing to music by the street band Rara Lakay. But in spite of the music, the mood was still somewhat solemn, with some Haitians saying they are not yet ready to dance. 'All of the flags being waved in the U.S. is not enough,' Djenane St. Fleur, the vice president of the Haitian American Chamber in Broward, said. 'We need to do more, we need to be more focused and be more impactful doing the same thing, the dancing, the food, but we need to be impactful.' Staying home this year Haitians have tried to bring out the joy this month, from art galleries to children's readings to galas. But community leaders and event organizers acknowledge that a lot of people are not going out. For some its economic, while for others it's fears of immigration raids, whether real or rumored in the world of social media postings. The month's biggest event, the Haitian Compas Festival, for example, downsized to a smaller venue this year from Bayfront Park to The NoMi Village in North Miami. Ticket pre-sales failed to take off and regular attendees began canceling over fears of traveling to Florida, some say. Still, some made the trip anyway for the celebration of Haitian music and culture on Saturday. Delphine Moss, 30, who lives in Paris, has been vacationing in Orlando since the end of April. She made the trip down to Miami for Compas Fest, she said, in order to soak in the culture. 'I love Haitian Flag Day and I love the culture,' said Moss, who was born in France of Haitian descent. 'Haitian Flag Day is a powerful reminder of who we are as a people — resilient, proud and rooted in the fight for freedom,' North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme said, noting that his city has sponsored a multitude of events to celebrate this month. As both mayor and a Haitian American, Desulme said he hears his residents' concerns about the immigration crackdown and feels their frustrations over what's unfolding back home in Haiti. His own family hails from Arcahaie, where once again the Haitian government will not be able to travel to celebrate Flag Day because of gangs' control of roads. 'The political instability, the violence, and the lack of basic resources are devastating and what's more painful is the lack of coordinated support from the international community, especially from the United States,' Desulme said about Haiti. But even with the challenges facing Haiti, Desulme said he shares the hope that Haitians will come together 'not just in celebration of our flag, but in a renewed commitment to advocate for our people both here and back in Haiti.'
Boston Globe
17-05-2025
- Boston Globe
At funeral, 5-year-old boy killed in Boston school bus crash remembered as ‘definition of life' for family
Advertisement In an at-times heartrending service, family, loved ones, and friends bid goodbye to Lens inside the church's packed worship space. His uncle, Ricardo Joseph, speaking in Haitian Creole, called Lens the 'definition of life' for his family. Lens, Ricardo Joseph said, 'was a grown man who lived in the body of a 5-year-old boy.' 'We are thankful to have had the chance to live with Lens for 5 years, which has been more valuable than 50 years,' said Ricardo Joseph, a transcript of whose remarks were also provided in English. 'It always takes a long time for nature to produce a person like Lens.' The funeral Saturday came as Boston police and the Suffolk District Attorney's office continued investigating the Related : Advertisement Law enforcement authorities have not released any updates from the investigation since the tragedy occurred. This past week, officials with the city and Boston Public Schools said the driver, Jean Charles, resigned just before a scheduled termination hearing, and said he was driving with an expired credential required to work as a bus driver. The revelations came after the Globe reported Charles was in another accident in Mattapan and Boston police were told he struck two cars just minutes before the deadly crash City and school officials, who have said Charles struck one car in Mattapan, said Charles didn't report the Mattapan crash as he was supposed to and continued on his bus route. Charles had been employed for two years by Transdev Transportation, a French company that employs and oversees Boston's school bus drivers. Transdev told Charles to renew his school bus certificate, but he did not. City and school officials learned that Charles's credential had expired after the Hyde Park crash, they said. Transdev has not commented on the crash or about Charles. Before the city and schools released information about Charles, some community members raised concerns Inside the church Saturday, speakers during the nearly two-hour service addressed well-wishers in a mix of both Haitian Creole and English, reading passages from the Bible and singing songs. Advertisement Lens was born in 2019 in Arcahaie, Haiti, and moved to the US in 2023 with several family members, including his father, uncle, and grandmother, and settled in Hyde Park, according to his obituary. Lens, who would have turned 6 on Aug. 8, was his parent's only son and left behind many family members, including his mother and two sisters, aunts and uncles, and cousins. People wept openly at the funeral. A woman cried out in grief, and was comforted by several people, including a member of the city's community support team. Some people held their heads in their hands as neighbors patted their shoulders or rubbed the backs of their necks. Among those paying their respects were city leaders, including Mayor Michelle Wu, City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, and City Councilor Enrique J. Pepén, who represents the district including Hyde Park. Television screens inside the worship space displayed family photos of Lens as people spoke. They were of Lens grinning wide for the camera, cheek-to-cheek with loved ones for candid photos; him proudly holding up a drawing of a house done in school; kissing a loved one; holding up a sign that read 'policeman' -- the job he dreamed of doing when he grew into a man. When his teachers greeted him every morning at school, he'd jokingly reply, 'My name is policeman!' People were visibly moved when Lens's teachers gave his school certificate to his family. His father stood and gave the educators a hug. His teachers said what made Lens special was his heart -- he made friends easily and 'lifted people up just by being himself.' Pastor Joel Piton, in remarks that smoothly switched between Haitian Creole and English, spoke in his sermon of the deep grief that arises from a child's death. But it also reflects the fact that people are all mortal, he argued. Advertisement 'A life that is brief is a reminder that all of us can be recalled at any time,' Piton said. 'Since we have no guarantee of how long God chooses to give us life, therefore, we must maximize the opportunity God gave us.' He admonished the crowd: 'We cannot forget him.' The most common photo of Lens displayed at the funeral was perhaps him at his most dapper: in a grey pinstripe vest, pink tie and handkerchief, and a striped button-down shirt. In the image, Lens is posed, turned to the camera, his hands folded on his leg, his face serious, with one eyebrow raised as if studying someone. But Lens was still a little boy. Spider-Man's image, in a heroic pose — arms out, legs bent, as if jumping into action that graced Lens's casket, which was also painted in the hero's signature red and blue colors. At the end of the service, loved ones dressed in white and black gathered around the casket to escort it from the church. But even in that moment of grief, the superhero's colors could still be seen, glimpsed in bright flashes, through the crowd. Follow him on Bluesky at He can also be reached on Signal at john_hilliard.70 or email him at
