Lesly Condé, the Consul General of Haiti in Chicago, invited to the 10th anniversary Convention of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Lake County, took the opportunity to deliver a short speech for the occasion and bring a personal touch :

Intervention of Consul Lesly Condé :

"Distinguished members of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Lake County,

Distinguished guests and friends,

Ladies and gentlemen,

This is a very special moment for me and for the Chicago Haitian Community. I consider myself privileged to be here in the company of people who share my passion and preoccupations. I am also delighted to, on behalf of all my compatriots, add my personal note to a well-deserved tribute to a man whose dedication to providing for the spiritual, psychological and physical needs of the weakest among us, has earned him so much respect and admiration.First and foremost, I must sincerely thank the Reverend Arthur J.Gass Sr, President of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Lake County, for having invited me to be part of this prestigious event.

I feel quite at home here because I am aware of the many ways in which this Chamber of Commerce has been supporting the philanthropic endeavors of the Reverend Pastor Jean Franco Valdemar in Haiti. I will never forget the spontaneous support Haiti received from the Black Chamber of Commerce of Lake County through Pastor Valdemar's organization right after the devastating earthquake of January 2010.

Such unadulterated solidarity is heartwarming. I am here to express my profound gratitude and that of all my compatriots.As for the Reverend Pastor Franco Valdemar, he deserves every bit of the recognition he is receiving today. For having collaborated through the years with this man of God, I know something about his dedication and perseverance. I know that Pastor Jean Franco Valdemar bravely goes where many hesitate to tread when it comes to helping the neediest of the needy in Haiti. One has to be willing to leave one's comfortable life style behind in order to do the Lord's work. This man does just that. I know for a fact that Pastor Valdemar derives tremendous satisfaction from an occasional grateful if awkward smile that speaks more eloquently than a dozen speeches. However, I relish this opportunity to thank him in my own words on behalf of the Chicago Haitian Community.

At this point, I must, once again, thank the Black Chamber of Commerce of Lake County for this kind invitation. On behalf of all my compatriots who have benefited and will continue to benefit from the philanthropy of the Reverend Pastor Jean Franco Valdemar, I thank all of you for your precious support through the years.

Thank you for your attention !"