Unrecognizable, this is how the face of the city of Gonaïves has become. Those who have known, at least for the last two decades, this welcoming and attractive, hospitable, supportive and revolutionary geographical space are stunned by this brutal and negative transformation.
A simple tour through the city is enough to see the incapacity of the territorial authorities and those who represent the central State to fulfill their functions.
The municipal market extends over the entire perimeter of the city center, parking spaces for Tap-Taps and Motorcycles abound, and a few meters from the police station and centimeters from the Gonaïves Prosecutor’s Office, merchants engage in illicit sales and the high price of fuel; unemployment, insecurity and blackout constitute the daily lot of Gonaïvians. In short, the picture is dark, grimacing and shameful.
From this reality emerges GOUPAM (Gonaïves United for Another Municipality), a strategy aimed at meeting, motivating and mobilizing people around the extremely serious situation that Gonaïves is going through with the intention of finding possible solutions.
Beyond any camp, clan or political faction affiliation, the proud and famous city of Jacques Stephen Alexis must imperatively have leaders worthy of its glorious past and capable of addressing the challenges of today and of tomorrow.
This note serves as an invitation and the socio-political marathon begins on May 18, 2024. The members of GOUPAM (Gonaïves United for Another Municipality) firmly believe that Gonaïves, like the phoenix, must rise from its ashes.
The process of rebirth is launched so that this city can regain its right to citizenship.
Marc Eudes PIERRE
