This Tuesday, October 17, as part of the commemoration of the 211st anniversary of the death of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, former Prime Minister Evans Paul in a message recalls this sad moment, affirming that the time has come to do justice to Dessalines.

"The assassination of Dessalines on 17 October 1806 constituted the defeat of the national project 'Haiti, the world power of freedom' the weight of this crime still weighs heavily on our collective conscience.

Less than three years after the birth of our country on January 1, 1804, by the assassination of the Father of the Fatherland, we had committed a revolting parricide leaving us still immature, despite the 211 years that separates us from this macabre event.

So, did not it came time to ask forgiveness of Dessalines, the time to change attitudes, the time to recognize each one its share of responsibility in the debacle where our country is ?

Did not it came time to rise to the height of Dessalines' dream of greatness with regard to our Nation ?

Did not it came time to reconcile us with each other, reminding us of the heroic and loyal gesture of Colonel Charlotin Marcadieu, a mulatto of his state, who perished by fleeing to the rescue of Emperor Jacques 1st to Pont-Rouge, on October 17, 1806 ?

Did not it came time to pay the due homage to Dedée Bazile, who was unjustly described as a crazy (Defilée / la folle), for having collected and secured the burial of the fragmented remains of the Founding Father of the Fatherland ?

Did not it came time to say NO to all forms of 'falsehoods' cultivating 'rational position' of women and men worthy of the legacy of Dessalines, resolutely determined to take control of our destiny, today and tomorrow ?

Certainly, it was time to repair the betrayal of October 17, the time to do justice to Dessalines !"

HL/ HaitiLibre