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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
How Haitian women-led nonprofit organizations are turning sisterhood into strategy
'Haitian heritage is a living force.' These Haitian women-led nonprofit organizations reclaim power, healing, and hope for Haiti. When folks talk about Haiti's revolution, names like Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines get all the shine. But what about Sanité Bélair, who faced the firing squad with her head high? Or Cécile Fatiman, whose spiritual power helped ignite the revolution? Or Marie-Jeanne Lamartinière, who picked up a musket and defended Haiti's freedom like her life depended on it—because it did? These women weren't in the background. They were the backbone. Their spirit didn't disappear with the end of the revolution; it just shifted. Today, their legacy lives on—not just in textbooks, but in the actions of Haitian women who continue to organize, resist, and rebuild in the face of adversity. At the heart of this modern movement is a simple but revolutionary belief that 'Haitian women deserve space to thrive, not just survive.' That belief is the foundation of the Haitian Ladies Network (HLN), a growing global sisterhood birthed from shared values and an unshakeable commitment to heritage, healing, and collective progress. 'We want the world to see beyond crisis-driven headlines,' HLN told theGrio, 'and recognize Haiti for its depth, resilience, and brilliance.' They are not alone in that vision. Across borders and time zones, Haitian women are rising to challenge not just the narrative about Haiti, but the systems that have long excluded their voices and leadership from shaping its future. Organizations like HLN, the Haitian Women's Collective (HWC), and grassroots coalitions like Nègès Mawon and Marijan Ayiti prove that when Haitian women lead, communities heal, and nations transform. For Carine Jocely, the founder and director of HWC, it all started when she gathered a group of Haitian and Haitian-American women who were doing powerful work—building clinics, running grassroots organizations, supporting survivors, and holding down communities back home in Haiti. What started as an informal space to exchange ideas quickly revealed a deeper need: connection, visibility, and recognition for Haitian women who have always done the work, but rarely get the mic. 'I quickly realized the power and impact of their work and the need to formalize the network,' explained Jocely. '[HWC] is grounded in an unshakeable faith in the resilience of Haitian women and girls. We are committed to changing the narrative for Black women-led organizations in Haiti from one of fragility to one of strength and capacity.' This shift in narrative is something Haitian women across the globe have been fighting for—and building toward—for years. While mainstream media often tells one story about Haiti—one of chaos, instability, and crisis—Haitian women have been crafting another story—one rooted in legacy, resistance, community care, and vision. They're not just responding to Haiti's crises. They're reimagining what's possible for Haiti. Like HWC, HLN began as a gathering of like-minded women and has grown into one of the largest platforms for Haitian women worldwide. With a bold and beautifully simple goal to connect Haitian women across generations and geographies to celebrate heritage, share resources, and ignite a sense of collective power, the organization leans on five pillars: Wellness and Healing, Financial Well-Being, Voice and Influence, Bridging Haiti and its Diaspora, and Culture and Heritage. But most importantly, they offer belonging. Whether mentoring young professionals, supporting women entrepreneurs, or cultivating cultural pride, HLN is in the business of restoration—of dignity, identity, and the right to dream beyond disaster. 'Our mission is to shift the narrative from one of struggle to one of strength, beauty, and infinite possibility with Haitian women leading the way in telling that story,' HLN representatives added. Still, it's an uphill battle. Only 3% of global funding for Haiti goes directly to Haitian organizations. And with USAID freezing hundreds of millions of dollars in aid, a 2025 UN Women study warns that nearly half of women's organizations on the ground may shut down within six months. Despite this, Haitian women keep showing up. HWC supports frontline groups embedded in communities, offers burnout prevention and trauma-informed care, advocates for fair international policy that recognizes the expertise and leadership of Haitian women, and organizes virtual healing spaces for human rights defenders, understanding that rest is resistance, too. 'Women in general need spaces that applaud them for their work,' Jocely shared. 'The grassroots groups doing the work, day in and day out, are often not recognized, provided a seat at the decision-making table, or afforded large, impactful funding opportunities,' Jocely noted. And perhaps no group lives that ethos more than Nègès Mawon. This Haiti-based feminist collective has made a name for itself by championing gender justice, political resistance, and healing practices amid some of the country's darkest days. Known for its outspoken advocacy and deep-rooted cultural work, Nègès Mawon creates spaces for survivors of gender-based violence, artists, and activists to reclaim their narratives and support each other. Whether through artistic expression, community action, or direct protest, their work is a defiant celebration of what Haitian womanhood really looks like—unbought, unbossed, and unbroken. Together, these organizations are doing more than offering aid; they are reminding the world that 'Haitian heritage is not just history. It is a living force that continues to shape the world.' More must-reads: Joy Reid warns Black community not to be fooled by Trump's recent pardons Shannon Sharpe postpones 'Nightcap' tour Trump provides coy response when asked if he would pardon Diddy
Washington Post
24-05-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Haitians with HIV defy stigma as they publicly denounce USAID cuts and dwindling medication
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A video showing dozens of people marching toward the office of Haiti's prime minister elicited gasps from some viewers as it circulated recently on social media. The protesters, who were HIV positive , did not conceal their faces — a rare occurrence in a country where the virus is still heavily stigmatized.
Travel Daily News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Sunrise Airways appoints Gary Stone as CEO
Sunrise Airways appoints Gary Stone as CEO and Jean-Sébastien Bayard as Deputy CEO to strengthen regional integration and drive strategic growth. PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI – Sunrise Airways announced that it has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Gary Stone as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr. Stone joins Sunrise Airways from Sabre Corporation where he served most recently as Vice President and Regional General Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean overseeing operations with revenues exceeding US$110 million. With this leadership transition, Philippe Bayard, Sunrise's founder and principal shareholder, will now serve as Chairman. In this role, he will provide strategic oversight, support executive leadership, and champion Sunrise Airways' long-term vision, positioning the airline as a driving force for regional partnerships, Caribbean integration, and sustainable growth. Additionally, Jean-Sébastien Bayard has been appointed Deputy CEO. In this capacity, he will support Mr. Stone in implementing the company's strategic initiatives and operational objectives, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and regional integration. 'We are confident that Gary's leadership, experience, and passion for the Caribbean, alongside Jean-Sébastien's dedication and forward-thinking approach, will play a critical role in strengthening Sunrise Airways' position as a catalyst for Caribbean integration and growth,' noted Philippe Bayard. Gary Stone brings more than 30 years of global aviation experience to his new position leading Sunrise's next chapter of growth. Mr. Stone began his aviation career at American Airlines in 1988. From there, he went on to hold key leadership positions with Radixx International, a prominent airline software provider, as well as several other aviation industry companies based in Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The bulk of Mr. Stone's career (20+ years), though, was spent with Sabre. A native of Connecticut raised in Puerto Rico, Mr. Stone possesses a deep affinity for the Caribbean and a strong commitment to advancing regional connectivity within the Americas and Europe. He holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from St. Thomas University. With eight years of experience at Sunrise Airways, a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and a diploma in Entrepreneurship from McGill University and HEC Montréal, Jean-Sébastien Bayard brings deep knowledge of the Haitian market and strong financial management skills that complement Gary's extensive background in the airline industry. A key contributor to the airline's growth, Jean-Sébastien has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to operational efficiency and financial discipline. His appointment reflects Sunrise Airways' dedication to developing internal leadership and ensuring strategic continuity. Sunrise Airways currently operates under three distinct Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) – one each in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Eastern Caribbean – offering a strategic platform for robust regional expansion. The new executive appointments align with the airline's mission to deliver a unified and efficient 'One Caribbean' travel network.
Reuters
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Haiti calls for urgent regional gang-fighting support as US shies off funding
May 22 (Reuters) - Top Haitian ministers called for urgent security support from neighbors at a meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) on Thursday, while the U.S. signaled it would not continue current funding aimed at holding back the nation's armed gangs. Powerful gangs, armed with guns the U.N. believes are trafficked largely from the United States and across the land border with the Dominican Republic, have taken control of most of the capital and expanded to the central plateau and agricultural heartlands, displacing over 1 million people. "While we remain determined to assist the Haitian people achieve the peace, security and prosperity they deserve, the United States cannot continue shouldering such a significant financial burden," U.S. Caribbean Affairs deputy assistant secretary Barbara Feinstein said at the meeting. The U.S. has cut much overseas aid and frozen some funding it earlier pledged to support a U.N.-backed mission in Haiti, and earlier this week Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that OAS should play a greater role in supporting Haiti's security, such as mobilizing a force. "The OAS is uniquely positioned not only as a forum for diplomacy, but as a vehicle for coordinated, concrete action," Feinstein added. A handful of countries have pledged troops to the mission, but only a fraction of these have deployed. The Kenyan-led force remains under-resourced and has had little success in helping police hold off gangs' advances in and beyond the capital. OAS special advisor Jared Genser recommended that unless the mission is proven capable of providing security for Haitians, the U.N. Security Council should vote to convert it to a formal peacekeeping mission - a measure repeatedly requested by Haitian leaders but opposed by veto members China and Russia. Haitian Defense Minister Jean-Michel Moise said the situation was being fueled by gangs profiting off cocaine trafficking from Colombia to buyer nations and arms trafficking from the United States by sea and across the Dominican border. "This criminal economy fuels a local war machine," he said. "Haiti is on the brink of being fully controlled by criminal gangs and we cannot allow that to happen. We desperately need the help of the international community." Haiti counts about 12,000 police and 1,000 military officers for a population of nearly 12 million, officials said. Moise also called for restrictions - including some based on implications in human rights abuses - on selling arms to Haiti's government to be eased, citing gangs' easy access to militarized weapons.
Sky News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Battle to reclaim a capital: The Kenyan police mission taking the fight directly to Haiti's 'mutating' gangs
I peer out of the bulletproof windows and steel protective grills of an American-made MRAP armoured vehicle. People stare up at the huge truck as it passes teeming night-time markets in Haiti's capital. We're heading for gang territory. The roads are narrow, but it's after dark so the usual traffic jams have eased, allowing the convoy of trucks to squeeze by. We've joined a Kenyan-led peacekeeping mission into the heart of gang territory in the city. You know you have arrived in their territory when the people disappear - and it happens in an instant. The United States is ramping up its support for the mission - as it declares the gangs terrorists. That designation, combined with the use of increasingly sophisticated surveillance equipment, means this unit and others can now aggressively target gang leaders using lethal force. It's understood those kinds of operations are already under way. The streets are deadly quiet and there is almost no light, there is little electricity in this part of town. There is a brooding sense of menace, the soldiers and police we are with scan roads and alleyways, and use spotlights to peer into darkened buildings, many now ruins after heavy fighting between the gangs and the Haitian police supported by the Kenyans. They know gang members are hiding inside, even inside the ruins of their former hideouts, which were once family homes, now taken by the gangs. The soldiers tell me it will soon start raining. I ask if they're worried about getting stuck in the torrential downpours so common in this mountainous Caribbean country. "I'm not talking water," one of them tells me, faceless in the pitch dark of the vehicle's interior. "I'm talking bullets," he says laughing. The rest of his crew laugh with him. Ahead of us I see a motorcycle appear from a turning in the road. Apart from the convoy there is nobody else to be seen, and the Kenyans say in this neighbourhood the motorcyclists are likely to be gang spotters - but they ignore him. Within minutes the mission commander's radio crackles into life, one of the other vehicles in the convoy reports gunshots. In return for increased support for operations - America wants results. Force Commander Godfrey Otunge says: "It's very clear from the commitment and the agreement that we need to look into the quick wins within the short term, rather than thinking about long-term things. "With the equipment, with the personnel that we are going to get, so at least within three to six months, we'll be talking of a new Haiti, and that is where we are focused on." The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission is a UN-mandated international police and military force. Its mission began in June last year but has been criticised for failing to curtail gang activity, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where some 90% of the capital is under gang control. Mr Otunge says the expansion of what he described as "decisive operations" against the gangs and the building of forward-operating bases (FOBs) in gang territory will be a game changer. "Due to the fact that we are now pushing them and choking them, the gangs are coming up with other new strategies, like for example, burning of facilities or burning of houses, just to create panic and fear." By creating forward-operating bases, he hopes his forces will be able to reassure the public with their presence. But Mr Otunge says the gangs are mutating and have high ambitions. "That mutation and that sophistication in terms of weaponry is what has made America, to my understanding, now to designate the gangs as terrorists," he said. Haiti has long been the poorest country in the Western hemisphere with a legacy of slavery, foreign occupation and dictatorships. But escalating gang control in the past few years has plunged millions of people into a humanitarian crisis. Violence has surged since 2021 when the country's last president, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated. Security forces have struggled to stave off attacks, with around 90% of the capital now believed to be under gang control. In June 2024 - nearly two years after Haiti urgently requested help - the first contingent of foreign police arrived in Haiti as part of a UN-backed mission to help restore order. But the Kenya-led mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned so far deployed. Last month, the top UN official in Haiti, Maria Isabel Salvador, warned the country could reach "a point of no return" if security forces cannot break the gangs. In February and March alone, 1,086 people were killed and 383 injured, the official said, adding to the 5,600 reported killed last year. After the report of gunfire, the entire convoy goes dark, all lights are off. These huge trucks suddenly disappear into the darkness. The police and soldiers are looking for flashes from gunshots, they are looking for targets. We hear rounds being fired, and the gunner in our MRAP lifts a cover to his roof-mounted machine gun. "We want to see if they fire at us again, if they don't we move on," Inspector Mwangi, a Kenyan police officer, tells me. "The MRAP is safe, but it only has the roof position to fire from, so it's a bit restrictive," he says. Indeed, the roof position is not armoured, so the gunner is vulnerable to attack from the roofs of buildings that hem the convoy in. Urban fighting is considered one of the most dangerous, and the mission teams face that ever-present danger every day. This is a real war with the gangs - and it looks it. The optimism of the MSS force commander that he will soon have the extra resources he needs to finish his job in Haiti and take down the gangs that have all but taken control of the country's capital is palpable. There is certainly a sense that a fully powered force could beat the gangs in a straight-up fight, but there are caveats. Firstly, these badly needed resources promised from the international community have so far not been supplied. Second, and this is important, the gangs have strategies of their own that might create political problems insurmountable by firepower alone. In recent weeks one of the more well-known leaders of the gangs in Haiti, Jimmy Cherizier - known as Barbecue - has been reaching out to an old police colleague publicly on social media. He goes by Commander Samuel, and he leads the most effective civilian brigade fighting gangs in Port-au-Prince. An elusive figure, Commander Samuel has renounced his allegiance to the government but has so far refused overtures by Cherizier to join together and overthrow the transitional council currently struggling to run the country. If Commander Samuel was to join Barbecue, in something akin to a political revolutionary group, it would be powerful, and the government could fall. It would spell chaos here, but it is not inconceivable that some more legitimate political operators, who have some relations with both men, could step into the political void if they were to overthrow the government. One advantage that the force commander has of course, is that the gangs are now classified as "terrorists" by the United States, which gives him far-reaching power to take the fight directly to them. Much of the downtown area of the city near the presidential palace and the long-since closed General Hospital - once the biggest in the country - is now a derelict landscape of ruins, burnt-out cars, and bullet-riddled buildings. The roads are narrow, and manoeuvring these vehicles is difficult, and as they make multiple point turns, they're vulnerable to attack. The night missions are designed to try to keep the gangs from populated areas. They do this by keeping roads dividing the territories open to the mission teams. "We do what we call dominance patrols, we want to block the routes that gangs can use to access where the public are staying, so we block those areas," says Inspector Mwangi. During the day the missions focus more on getting into the gang territory proper and taking the fight to them. This UN-mandated mission is nearly a year old, and it's had some successes. But the Kenyans need more equipment and support if they are ever to rid Port-au-Prince - and Haiti - of the gangs.
