Haiti - Politic : Ceremony of the 219th anniversary of the assassination of Dessalines (video)

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Haiti - Politic : Ceremony of the 219th anniversary of the assassination of Dessalines (video)
18/10/2025 09:30:21

On Friday, October 17, 2025, Haiti commemorated the 219th anniversary of the assassination of General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Emperor Jacques I, Father of the Nation, during a ceremony organized at the Villa d'Accueil, under the presidency of Laurent Saint Cyr, President Pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transitional Council, in the presence of : Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, members of the Government, members of the High Council of the Judiciary, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H) Lieutenant-General Derby Guerrier, the Acting Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) Vladimir Paraison, the Commander of the Gang Repression Force (FRG) (formerly MMSS) Godfrey Otunge, the President of the Court of Cassation, Jean Joseph Lebrun, as well as several other high-ranking state authorities, personalities and representatives of the body Diplomatic.

In his speech for the occasion, Laurent Saint-Cyr paid tribute to the memory and honored the sacrifice of General Dessalines. He recalled the Emperor's commitment to the freedom and dignity of the Haitian people.

"[...] But today, new enemies have emerged, threatening everything our ancestors built with their own hands. They want us to lose the foundations of the Haitian people. We have no right to back down in the face of these threats. Like Jean-Jacques Dessalines, we must demonstrate great courage, willpower, and determination to stem the ruthless bandits and outlaws who sow unrest in the country. The Haitian people must remain confident. Like our ancestors, we may lose a battle, but we will not lose the war!

[...] restoring security is not an end in itself. This is an essential condition for us to take a crucial new step for the future of the country: the organization of free, inclusive, and credible elections."

Finally, Laurent Saint-Cyr declared that the time for divisions was over and that it was time to follow the example of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, to unite and give the people the results they expect.

In his speech, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé declared with gravity and emotion : "We bow with profound reverence before the greatness of Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Hero of Heroes, whose imperishable legacy remains engraved in the hearts of every Haitian. His spirit, his vision, and his supreme sacrifice continue to illuminate our people's journey along the path to dignity, justice, and prosperity."

Through this commemoration, the Head of Government solemnly reaffirmed the State's unwavering commitment to the Dessalinian ideals of liberty, unity, equality, and national sovereignty, fundamental pillars of our identity and our common destiny.

By honoring the memory of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the entire Nation reaffirms its loyalty to the spirit of 1804, to the grandeur of his legacy, and to the promise of a proud, strong, and sovereign Haiti.

Eternal glory to Jean-Jacques Dessalines the Great!
Long live the Republic of Haiti, free, united, and sovereign.

HL/ HaitiLibre