Following the report received, dated June 1st, 2024, from the North Regional Directorate, the Institute for the Protection of National Heritage (ISPAN), the institution confirms the theft of two culverines (small caliber transportable cannons) from the Museum of Artillery of the Henry Citadel, and not 2 cannons on a siege mount, as the information broadcast on social media led us to believe.

Let's remember that the culverin or "hand cannon" refers to a small piece of artillery with a long barrel +/- 2 meters depending on the model, which fires small cannonballs (stone or metal). The projectiles are fired with high muzzle velocity, giving them an elongated trajectory and appreciable range. According to the report from the North Region Directorate, these pieces, weighing just under 20 kg, can be easily transported, which made their theft easier.

To elucidate the matter, find the culprits, bring them to justice and do everything possible to recover the culverins, an investigation is underway and public action has been initiated against the authors and co-authors of this theft.

The hand cannon files will be transmitted to INTERPOL and UNESCO to counter possible international trafficking of these historic objects of our heritage which are collector's items.

According to the report of Me Mirlène Charlot, the Justice of the Peace of Milot, no trace of a break-in was noted, which leaves open a possible internal complicity Patrick Durandis, Director General of ISPAN, specified "The judicial authorities of Cap-Haitien are in the process of interviewing the employees of the Citadelle, given that without some internal complicity, it would have been impossible to leave the premises with the stolen goods."

Let's remember that the Artillery Museum of the Citadelle, inaugurated on November 17, 2013 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-9926-haiti-culture-inauguration-of-the-museum-of-artillery-of-the-citadelle-henry-christophe.html has been withdrawn from public viewing for more than two years due to a security problem. The Museum was no longer open to the public but only on request, to officials, ambassadors, and other important personalities.

This Museum, located within the Citadel, presents the largest known collection of 18th century cannons. Almost all of these cannons, mortars or howitzers, in cast iron or bronze, of French, English, Spanish and Italian origin, were won from the enemy on the battlefields by the Native Army, commanded by the General Toussaint Louverture then by General Jean Jacques Dessalines.

HL/ HaitiLibre