Saturday April 27, 2024 at the Scott Galvin Community Center in Miami (Florida) the symposium on Haitian heritage was held, entitled "Vision for the future : imagining a bright future for Haiti and its people, anchored in their rich heritage" organized by the Haitian American Historical Society (HAHS) as a prelude to Haitian Heritage Month to celebrate the history and culture of Haiti, including the Savannah monument honoring Haitian soldiers of the American Revolution.

Joël Lorquet, Founder-Advisor of the Lorquet Foundation for a New Haiti (FOLONHA) spoke on the theme "Participation of the Diaspora in the valorization and preservation of the intangible and immovable cultural heritage of Haiti".

According to Lorquet, "Haiti has great historical and cultural wealth, but unfortunately these resources have never been exploited for tourism purposes to generate income that can help the country achieve its development. Most of the thirty or so known fortifications built after independence are neglected. No serious infrastructure has been built like historical monuments abroad."

He concluded his speech by remaining optimistic, believing that the situation in the country will improve and will allow Haitians from the diaspora to return to Haiti with a view to discovering or rediscovering the various historical and tourist sites and places available to Haiti and contributing to development of their country.

IH/ iciHaiti