Wednesday, January 1st, 2024, as part of the celebration of the 221st anniversary of Haiti's independence, J. E. Kathia Verdier, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad, sent a message to the diaspora.

Message from Minister J. E. Kathia Verdier :

"Dear compatriots of the diaspora,

On this day marking the beginning of the new year, coupled with the commemoration of Haiti's independence, the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) is proud to join you in celebrating and above all inviting you to reflect on our common heritage.

May this 221st year of independence of our dear Haiti be a day of homage to our ancestors who braved adversity to bequeath to us this land of freedom and dignity. Their fight for racial equality and self-determination of peoples must continue to inspire Haitians across generations.

Our country is experiencing a period of multifaceted crisis; we are all eager to see Haiti standing and living up to its history. While we invite the sons and daughters (wherever they are) of our motherland to active solidarity, a powerful weapon of resistance, we sincerely want to salute the unwavering commitment of the Haitian diaspora for its support of their brothers and sisters in difficulty in Haiti.

Together, we can meet the challenges we face today and finally build a bright future for generations to come.

May the flame of independence continue to shine within us, may it guide our actions to make Haiti a prosperous, just and united nation; dreamed of by all.

Long live Haiti ! Long live the Haitian diaspora !"

IH/ iciHaiti