Erol Josué, Director General of the National Bureau of Ethnology (BNE), accompanied by his team, explored a number of sites and places of remembrance in the Southern Department of Haiti, including the Four Roads Crossroads, the "Bò Tanbou" Crossroads (Les Cayes), and the Marie-Jeanne Cave (Port-à-Piment).

The Four Roads Crossroads :

Located at the entrance to the city of Les Cayes, this crossroads offers four possible directions. A sculpture of Jesus on the cross stands there. It was at this location that all the Catholic churches of Les Cayes gathered, under the direction of the diocese, to hold a procession with the cross.

We also observed a different activity there called "Okay sou cheval" (Les Cayes on horseback). This annual festival, organized by the diaspora, is of particular importance as it celebrates the horse. This animal symbolizes the mount of the nation's founding father, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, as well as that of our ancestors. This activity aligns with our philosophy of valuing, respecting, and protecting the country's animals, in accordance with the Constitution.

The "Bò Tanbou" Crossroads :

Located on Cartagena Avenue, the "Bò Tanbou" (beautiful drum) crossroads is a symbolic space in the city. It recalls the region's rich cultural heritage and resilience.

Marie-Jeanne Cave :

Finally, Marie-Jeanne Cave is located in the municipality of Port-à-Piment. Extending over 15 km with 50 caves across 5 levels, it is the largest natural cave system in the Caribbean (according to speleologist and photographer Olivier Testa) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-5356-haiti-tourism-the-future-of-archaeological-tourism-in-haiti.html . This exploration allowed us to assess the site's state of preservation since our last work in 2015.

IH/ iciHaiti