The poet, novelist, and emblematic figure of Haitian literature, Anthony Phelps, born in Port-au-Prince on August 25, 1928, passed away at the age of 96 on the night of March 11-12, 2025, in Montreal, where he had lived since 1964. He left behind a monumental body of work that has influenced generations.

The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Canada learned with great sadness of the passing of Anthony Phelps and offers a vibrant tribute :

"His unique and captivating voice resonates in the hearts of those who had the honor of discovering his work. Through his art, he built bridges between cultures, producing poetry albums that magnificently highlighted the voices of Haitian and Quebecois poets." He left an indelible mark on French-language poetry, particularly through his two Casa de las Américas Poetry Prizes, which he received in Cuba, and his numerous distinctions, including a plaque of tribute received in 2001 from the Government of Quebec during the forum "Black Ink, Literature and Black Communities."

Anthony Phelps's work, translated into several languages, including Spanish, English, Russian, Ukrainian, German, Italian, and Japanese, testifies to the universal reach of his poetry. His writings continue to inspire, particularly at major American universities such as Princeton, Saint Michael's College, and Iowa State University, where some of his works are included in the French studies program.

A former journalist at Radio-Canada, Phelps took early retirement in 1985, after twenty years of service, to devote himself fully to writing. He thus enriched world literature with more than twenty titles that will forever remain testaments to his passion for poetry and the struggles it embodies.

Today, Haiti loses one of its greatest cultural ambassadors. Anthony Phelps leaves us a literary legacy that will continue to shine through generations.

Prime Minister Fils Aimé expresses, on his behalf and on behalf of all the Haitian people, his most sincere condolences to the family of Anthony Phelps, as well as to the international literary community.

May poetry continue to live on in the minds of those who were touched by his pen. Anthony Phelps, on his journey to the afterlife, will remain forever etched in our hearts and memories.

IH/ iciHaiti