On Saturday, August 29, 2026, as part of the celebration of René Depestre's 102nd birthday, the Lézignan-Corbières Town Hall, in the presence of a small delegation led by the Haitian Ambassador to France, Louino Volcy, organized a tribute ceremony in his honor at his private residence, Villa Hadriana.

On this occasion, Gérard Forcada, the Mayor of Lézignan-Corbières, presented René Depestre with a medal of honor in recognition of his life's work in service of literature and Francophone culture, as well as the bonds of friendship he has helped to foster between Haiti and the city where this giant of Haitian literature has lived for 40 years.

It is worth recalling that this municipal tribute follows a proposal made in February 2026 by the Haitian Embassy in France as part of the annual celebration of René Depestre's centenary. The Embassy had requested that the city of Lézignan-Corbières honor him by granting him the title of honorary citizen and/or by renaming a street or public space after him.

Speaking on this occasion, Ambassador Volcy emphasized that the presentation of this medal of honor to René Depestre is an act that transcends a simple symbolic gesture, carrying a threefold significance.

According to the diplomat, "this medal of honor is first and foremost a prestigious distinction awarded by the city of Lézignan-Corbières to Haitian literature and confirms that Haiti, despite current difficulties, remains a resilient nation, particularly through its literature, which constitutes a force of resistance, a force of hope, and a force of influence."

Furthermore, this medal underscores the importance of the bonds of friendship and cultural relations that exist between Haiti and France, and serves as a reminder that René Depestre remains an intellectual and literary bridge between the two countries.

Finally, it confirms that the City of Lézignan-Corbières is not merely a welcoming place for a great Haitian writer. It has become part of his history.

For his part, the Mayor of Lézignan-Corbières, Mr. Gérard Forcada, praised Depestre's inspiring career, noting that his presence in Lézignan-Corbières for the past 40 years has helped strengthen the ties between his city and Haiti.

For his part, Depestre, a major figure in Haiti's intellectual and cultural heritage, thanked the Mayor of Lézignan-Corbières and Ambassador Volcy for this tribute ceremony on the occasion of his 102nd birthday and considered the presence of those in attendance a "beacon in the night of his 102 years."

It should be noted that this tribute ceremony is one of many events held in France this year to celebrate René Depestre's life, rediscover the vastness of his work, recall his essential contribution to Francophone and world literature, and explore his thought in contemporary relevance.

HL/ HaitiLibre