Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry "condemned in the strongest terms" the acts of desecration and defilement by demonstrators, of the monument of the founding father of the Nation, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, on September 20, 2022, Day of the 264th birthday of the Emperor https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37694-haiti-social-the-statue-of-dessalines-vandalized-at-the-champ-de-mars.html

Reaction from Prime Minister Ariel Henry :

"[...] Attacking the monument symbolizing this visionary, this tutelary figure, this icon, this emancipator of the black race, constitutes a serious attack on the dignity of the Haitian people and their republican values.

I would like to congratulate the compatriots who, on this memorable day, laid wreaths at the foot of the Emperor's monument. I salute this magnanimous gesture, reflecting the deep respect for this symbol of change and freedom embodied by Jean-Jacques Dessalines.

I want to take this opportunity to invite the Nation to be inspired by the work of the Emperor, to follow his promise of a united Haiti. We must fight to get our country out of this difficult situation. We have for too long perpetuated this hatred that taints our daily lives."

IH/ iciHaiti