This Saturday, September 12 will take place the official inauguration at Armand Bombardier Park in Riviere-des-Prairies neighborhood (RDP), of a square dedicated to Paul Déjean (1931-2005), icon of the Haitian community, who lived in this area for almost 50 years. In addition to a plaque recalling the achievements of this great Haitian, one will find in the public square, water games, picnic tables and a pergola.

Recall that Paul Déjean was a significant figure, an inspiring person for the Haitian community of RDP, but also to that of the great Montreal. He contributed among others to the fight against racism, promoting literacy and education for young people, in addition to having accompanied with perseverance Haitians in distress in their integration efforts on Canadian soil. He is also the founder of the Office for the Haitian Christian Community of Montreal, a reception center, of research and space for reflection, with Haiti for field of study. Paul Déjean was also Minister of Haitians living abroad between October 1996 and April 1997.

The official inauguration (around 1:30pm), will be followed by a family event. Performances of several artists of the Haitian community are in the program, including Dramatik, Toto Laraque, Joujou Turenne and Food Gang. The people who will be attending the party will also be able to participate in various activities organized especially by the Team of neighborhood Rivière-des-Prairies, that what will allow people to live a cultural experience to better understand and become familiar with Haitian culture. In addition to shows and inflatable games for children, Creole dishes tasting of "Papilles tropicales" restaurant are also planned.

IH/ iciHaiti