Thank You, Ayiti!

Alexandre Pétion designed the coat of arms of the Republique with the motto: “L’Union fait la Force” [There is strength in unity]. (Haitian Times)

 

Recently, the celebration of one country’s Independence Day went by with little fanfare or recognition. In fact, their national celebrations aren’t the only thing that goes unrecognized.

Perhaps it’s because their country doesn’t boast a famous monarchy or beautiful castles filled with jewels and pristine grounds.

Granted—this country is not widely known for its annual festival where revelers take to the streets in beautiful costumes.

Nor does this country lay claim to an international music star who put reggae on the map.

No, this country does not typically illicit the feel-good vibes of island life. However, unbeknownst to many is the fact this country is owed a great debt of gratitude.

I’m speaking of none other than the Caribbean nation of Haiti.

What could be so special about a country known for its rocky shores, a rugged topography and unnavigable rivers?

Well, a quick search on good ole Wikipedia yields the following statistics:

·      Haiti is the first sovereign state in the Caribbean.

·      Haiti is the second republic in the Americas.

·      Haiti is the first country in the Americas to officially abolish slavery

·      Haiti is the ONLY country in history to be established by a slave revolt.

·      Haiti is the third largest and most populous country (est. 12, 436,000) in the Caribbean.

Here is my interpretation of each of these facts:

1.   Haiti is the first sovereign state in the Caribbean.

According to Merriam Webster the word sovereign can be defined as “a supreme power especially over a body politic; freedom from external control, autonomy, [having] controlling influence.”

This very definition stands in stark contrast to the experience and the reality of all other countries in the region of North America, Latin America and the Caribbean throughout the 15th-19th centuries.

As colonized nations, these areas had absolutely no control or autonomy over themselves, their people, or their economy. And yet, Haiti—a country that spans 10, 714 square miles—achieved this feat.

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2.   Haiti is the second republic in the Americas.

Despite gaining independence in 1804, Haiti was not recognized as a republic—a nation in which the power is held by its citizens by vote—until after the United States recognized its victory. To realize the significance of this, it is important to note the third republic of the Americas—Venezuela.

You see, once news of Haiti’s rebellion travelled throughout the Caribbean and the many colonized regions of the Americas, other leaders became emboldened to seek liberation for their own country. One such leader was none other than military leader Simon Bolivar of Venezuela, who vowed to end Spanish rule in the Americas. True to his word, the republic of Venezuela was established in 1817. Although he was later exiled, Bolivar would eventually become allies with Haitian revolutionary leader Alexandre Pétion.

In essence, Haiti’s own victory and the example of its revolutionary leaders served as the model, which resulted in the liberation of Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. That’s five countries for those who might’ve lost count.

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3.   Haiti is the first country in the Americas to officially abolish slavery.

The Transatlantic Slave trade can be counted among history’s most devastating crimes against humanity. What made the practice so pervasive, is the number of powerful countries—continents in fact, who participated in, and perpetuated the trade of Africans for labor.

Who could stop them? Who would dare to put a spoke in their wheel? Haiti, that’s who.

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4.   Haiti is the ONLY country in history to be established by a slave revolt.

Over the course of history, we can look back and identify the catalyst for many new nations being formed. In some cases, powerful men used brute force to gain the upper-hand over other powerful men. In other cases, greed, deceit and vanity were the motivating factors.

In the case of Haiti, it was the actions of enslaved men and women who refused to be treated as less than human, which led to the birth of a nation.

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5.   Haiti is the third largest and most populous country in the Caribbean (est. 12, 436,000).

When we think of the islands, we tend to think of tiny land masses, sprinkled with fruit trees and caressed by ocean breezes. However, if you haven’t already developed a sense of this country’s size and strength, you should know that Haiti is no pushover. Haiti has survived a coup d'état, a devastating earthquake, and so much more. One we can be sure of, they can never be counted out of the fight.

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To summarize, we as a Caribbean people have much to be proud of. Yet, I can think of no greater act than the courage, resilience and determination shown by Haitians. In essence, Toussaint L’Ouverture’s actions sparked a revolution that empowered many others to fight and ultimately gain their freedom.

While the month of January might not immediately bring to mind Haitian independence, we are all keenly aware that this is the month in which resolutions and life goals are broken almost as hastily as they are made.

Before we casually throw in the towel, let us not forget that even in the worst of circumstances, there is power in making a choice, taking a firm stand, and doing what you must in order to change the course of your future and even that of future generations.

Today I say, “Thank you, Haiti.”

Thank you for the lesson.

Thank you for your strength.

Thank you, Ayiti-Cherie.