Source: outard.com

Today January 1, 2008, 204 years after Dessalines and his Officers have exuberantly celebrated Haiti’s Independence, I find myself asking, what Independence?  Is that the Haiti that our ancestors envisioned when they triumphantly destroyed the Napoleon’s army at Vertières?

Years after years, on January the 1st, a traditional speech is delivered in Gonaïves to commemorate the Independence of Haiti; and the meaning of our Independence is lost in the midst of these beautiful speeches.  The aim of going to Gonaïves becomes less and less relevant as the country loses its sovereignty and honor in the world stage. 

At this point in our history, on this day as we celebrate what is left of our Independence, I can only say bravo to Dessalines, bravo to François Capois (aka Cappoix-la-Mort), bravo to our ancestors who defied the impossible and whose wisdom paved the way to win the unthinkable battles as they faced the wicked army of the time, the Napoleon’s army. 

As I praise my ancestors, I will not hesitate to say shame, shame to this generation and that of my father’s.  Yes, shame to my father’s generation for allowing this debacle to occur in Haiti, and shame on them for insulting the spirits of our forefathers. 

Now that I hold my father’s generation responsible for the sufferings of the Haitians, I refuse to stand crossed-handed and be blamed by the next generation of Haiti.  I therefore call for a new wave of fresh ideas and leadership in Haiti.  I urge the idea-less and clueless “leaders” of the 20th century to step aside and make way for this generation, the 21st century generation to take over matters of the country; until then, Haiti will remain on the bottom of the ladder of developing countries; and next year and thereafter, we will sadly ask, what Independence?

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