Gonaïves, a symbolic city abandoned, reveals the failure of government promises
In a series of public statements on his social account X network, Mr. Edgar LeBlanc urged Haitian youth to actively get involved in building a stable and secure nation, referring to Haiti’s glorious history and calling for a “rewriting of the act of our independence.” This speech, imbued with patriotism and historical references, seems to want to awaken a sense of national pride and responsibility among the younger generations.
On August 25, 2024, the Independence Memorial in Gonaïves, a place steeped in history and symbolism for the Haitian nation, presented a desolate spectacle. Surrounded by trash, makeshift markets, and obvious neglect, this site that is supposed to embody national pride now stands disfigured, reflecting an image sadly far removed from the ideals it is supposed to represent. At the same time, Mr. Edgar LeBlanc, President of the Presidential Transitional Council, called on young Haitians to mobilize to “rewrite the act of our independence” as part of a major national campaign. This striking contrast between the official discourse and the reality on the ground raises questions about the relevance and authenticity of the statements made by past and present Haitian leaders.
I. Mr. LeBlanc’s Words: A Call for National Mobilization
In a series of public statements on his soscil X network account, Mr. Edgar LeBlanc urged Haitian youth to actively engage in building a stable and secure nation, referencing Haiti’s glorious history and calling for a “rewriting of the act of our independence.” This speech, imbued with patriotism and historical references, seems to want to awaken a sense of national pride and responsibility among the younger generations.
However, this call for mobilization is part of a context where the reality of the daily lives of Haitians is in flagrant contradiction with the proclaimed ideals. The independence memorial, located in Gonaïves, a symbolic city of the struggle for freedom, is today a reflection of the abandonment and disinterest of the authorities. How can we hope to rewrite an act of independence when the symbols of this same independence are abandoned?
II. The Independence Memorial in Gonaïves: A Symbol of Disconnection
The Gonaïves memorial, where the act of independence was proclaimed on January 1, 1804, should embody the grandeur of a liberated people. But today, it is surrounded by rubble and debris, a sad echo of the current state of the country. This historic site, instead of inspiring national pride, bears witness to the neglect of local and national authorities. This neglect contrasts sharply with Mr. LeBlanc’s speech advocating national renewal.
The contrast between Mr. LeBlanc’s statements and the reality in Gonaïves is striking. Promises to rewrite the act of independence seem hollow in an environment where history is literally buried under trash. The reality of the daily lives of Gonaïves’ residents, faced with failing municipal services and a subsistence economy, reveals the gap between political rhetoric and concrete actions.
III. Independence in Times of Crisis: A Disconnected Word
Mr. LeBlanc’s call for a stable and secure nation clashes with another reality: that of a country where instability is the norm, where insecurity reigns, and where daily survival is a challenge. In cities like Gonaïves, gasoline, essential for travel, is sold at exorbitant prices, reaching 800 gourdes per gallon. This situation reflects not only the energy crisis that is crippling the country, but also the inability of leaders to meet the basic needs of the population.
While Mr. LeBlanc speaks of democracy and solidarity, the population finds itself isolated, forced to find solutions by itself in a hostile economic and social environment. The official discourse seems disconnected from the realities on the ground, where Haitians fight every day to survive, far from the ideals of stability and prosperity evoked by their leaders.
IV. An Unbearable Contradiction: Between Discourse and Reality
The disconnect between Mr. LeBlanc’s statements and the situation on the ground raises a crucial question: How can leaders continue to promote an idealized vision of Haiti when the reality is so starkly different? Mr. LeBlanc’s words about solidarity and democracy ring even more hollow when one considers the plight of those who have no choice but to flee the country, taking to the sea in rickety boats to escape a life of poverty and insecurity.
This contrast, illustrated by the state of the independence memorial in Gonaïves, is a stark reminder that speeches are not enough. Action is needed, to address the real needs of the population, and to restore the symbols of Haitian history, not only to honor the past, but also to build a future worthy of the legacy of 1804.
Conclusion: A Call for Consistency
The case of the Gonaïves memorial is not just an anecdote; it is symptomatic of a deeper problem of governance in Haiti. Leaders must align their words with concrete actions. Until speeches are followed by tangible measures to improve the lives of Haitians, these words will remain wishful thinking, disconnected from reality. The true rewriting of the act of independence begins with a genuine commitment to the Haitian people, addressing their urgent needs and respecting their historical legacy.
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Gonaives, 25 aout 204
“I invite all the daughters and sons of Haiti to mobilize in order to participate fully in this great national Kombit in order to rewrite the Act of our independence, this time by building a stable, secure, united and democratic nation, where it is good to… pic.twitter.com/yYKVyWZ05k
— Edgard LEBLANC Fils (@EdgardLeblanc) August 25, 2024 Similar articles
