Heritage in danger: Investigation into the theft of the historic cannons from the Henry Citadel
The Institute for the Protection of National Heritage (ISPAN) alerted the public and international institutions on Monday to the disappearance of two culverines, small caliber transportable cannons, at the Henry Citadel. This disappearance, reported by the Northern Regional Directorate of the Institution, triggered a series of actions aimed at recovering these historical objects and punishing those responsible.
The press release indicates that the judicial authorities of Cap-Haïtien began to question the employees of the Citadelle, suspecting internal complicity without which it would have been impossible to remove the stolen objects. This suspicion highlights internal security issues and possible flaws in the management of this historical heritage.
ISPAN has launched a public investigation and prosecution into the matter. At the same time, the cannon files will be transmitted to INTERPOL and UNESCO in order to prevent any international trafficking of these collector’s items. This international collaboration demonstrates the scale of the threat posed by the theft of historical objects and the importance of cross-border cooperation for their recovery.
This theft is more than a simple material loss, it is an attack on the national heritage and cultural history of Haiti. The Henry Citadel, an emblematic site, was weakened by this criminal act.
NATIONAL HERITAGE SAFEGUARD INSTITUTE (ISPAN)
MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Telephone: (509) 3600-8709
E-mail : [email protected] / [email protected]
Port-au-Prince, June 3, 2024
The Institute for the Protection of National Heritage (ISPAN) informs the general public of the disappearance of two culverines (small caliber transportable cannons) at the Citadelle Henry, following the report received, dated June 1, 2024, from the Northern Regional Directorate of the Institution.
To elucidate the matter, punish the culprits and do everything possible to recover the culverins, an investigation is underway and public action has been initiated against the authors and co-authors of the crime. The judicial authorities of Cap-Haïtien are in the process of questioning the employees of the Citadelle, given that without some internal complicity, it would have been impossible to leave the premises with the missing pieces.
In addition, the cannon files will be transmitted to INTERPOL and UNESCO to counter possible international trafficking of these art objects which are collector’s items.
Jean Patrick DURANDIS
Architect of Monuments
General Director / ISPAN
