Monday evening, during a visit to Chicago of the academician Danny Laferrière, Lesly Condé, the Consul General of Haiti delivered a message in the presence of his prestigious guest.

Message of Consul Lesly Condé :

"Ladies and gentlemen,

In my capacity as Consul General of the Republic of Haiti in the city of Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable [Founder of Chicago], it is my duty to welcome Danny Laferrière, another illustrious son of our native land, and to tell him how much his presence honors us all.

Tonight, friends of Haiti and of the French-speaking community, I am delighted to be in your prestigious company and to greet you warmly on behalf of all the Haitian communities that constitute the Mission's ample jurisdiction.

At the Académie Française, Mr. Danny Laferrière represents Haiti, French Canada and, of course, all the Americas. Always humble and endowed with an endearing sense of humor, he is deeply aware of his identity, ethnicity and important responsibilities. But what fills me with pride is that it represents, above all, the human dignity.

It only remains for me to thank the French Alliance and the Consulate General of France in Chicago for this unforgettable moment with Mr. Danny Laferrière.

Lesly Condé

General Consul"

IH/ iciHaiti