August 14: Remembering Bois Caïman to Heal Haiti
By La Rédaction · Port-au-Prince
· 3 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
August 14 is much more than a historical date. It marks the 1791 Bois Caïman ceremony, a moment when slaves from all regions of Haiti united their forces to resist oppression. This ceremony symbolized dignity, unity, and the will for freedom. Despite cultural and linguistic differences, these men and women understood that only solidarity could overthrow the colonial yoke.
The Virus of Division and Self-Hatred
Unfortunately, after independence, this same people faced a silent but devastating virus: internal division. As Dr. François Duvalier said, « Depi nan Guinen nèg rayi nèg ». This poison, rooted in the history of slavery and reinforced by centuries of colonial domination and exploitation, fosters mistrust, jealousy, and mutual hatred. These sentiments have weakened our nation and allowed certain foreign and local interests to prosper at the expense of the Haitian people. Even today, this dynamic continues to weaken our society, slowing development and undermining national cohesion.
Self-Esteem, Money, and Poverty
John Hope Bryant reminds us that poverty is not limited to the absence of material resources. It primarily stems from low self-esteem, a lack of collective confidence, and the absence of inspiring role models. When a people doubts its worth and distrusts its members, it becomes incapable of organizing itself to progress. In Haiti, this psychological poverty manifests through self-destructive behaviors, internal divisions, and the reproduction of negative patterns.
Bryant insists that economic freedom is a central element of self-determination. Understanding money, knowing how to use it, and making it grow is essential to break free from the cycle of poverty. By strengthening financial education and entrepreneurship, Haiti can restore the dignity of its citizens and rebuild collective self-esteem that transcends mistrust and hatred.
Bringing History and Education Together for Future Generations
To heal our people, we must transmit a complete knowledge of our history to the youth. Schools and educational institutions must teach not only historical events but also the values they embody: solidarity, resilience, and dignity. Understanding the greatness of our ancestors and the mistakes of the post-independence era will allow new generations to break free from destructive cycles and build a strong and proud national consciousness.
Valuing Role Models and Mentorship
Young Haitians need positive and inspiring role models. Community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists must embody the values of cooperation, responsibility, and excellence. Highlighting these figures in the media and community programs will allow young people to envision a constructive future, where jealousy and mistrust no longer have a place.
Developing Trust and Solidarity
To reprogram our collective mindset, we must create spaces where collaboration and mutual respect are cultivated. Debate clubs, entrepreneurial workshops, cultural programs, and community initiatives are essential to strengthen trust among citizens. Elites and leaders must become aware of their role: to inspire, educate, and guide, instead of dividing and weakening society.
Restoring National Autonomy and Dignity
The reconstruction of Haiti involves education, local economic development, and the valorization of talents. Citizens must be able to exercise their economic freedom and understand their power of collective transformation. Every Haitian must become an actor in their life and the country's destiny, capable of supporting each other rather than destroying each other.
Conclusion: Unity as the Key to Survival
Bois Caïman teaches us that unity is the supreme force. For Haiti to rise again, we must cure the virus of division and transmit pride, self-esteem, and solidarity to future generations. True independence is not limited to the end of external domination; it begins in our hearts and minds when we choose to respect each other, support each other, and rebuild our nation together.
On this August 14, let us celebrate not only our ancestors but especially their vision of a united and free people. Haiti has the potential to be reborn, but only if we first heal the spirit of our people.
Port-au-Prince, August 14, 2025
Joseph Georges DUPERVAL
General Coordinator
BATON JENÈS LA
The Virus of Division and Self-Hatred
Unfortunately, after independence, this same people faced a silent but devastating virus: internal division. As Dr. François Duvalier said, « Depi nan Guinen nèg rayi nèg ». This poison, rooted in the history of slavery and reinforced by centuries of colonial domination and exploitation, fosters mistrust, jealousy, and mutual hatred. These sentiments have weakened our nation and allowed certain foreign and local interests to prosper at the expense of the Haitian people. Even today, this dynamic continues to weaken our society, slowing development and undermining national cohesion.
Self-Esteem, Money, and Poverty
John Hope Bryant reminds us that poverty is not limited to the absence of material resources. It primarily stems from low self-esteem, a lack of collective confidence, and the absence of inspiring role models. When a people doubts its worth and distrusts its members, it becomes incapable of organizing itself to progress. In Haiti, this psychological poverty manifests through self-destructive behaviors, internal divisions, and the reproduction of negative patterns.
Bryant insists that economic freedom is a central element of self-determination. Understanding money, knowing how to use it, and making it grow is essential to break free from the cycle of poverty. By strengthening financial education and entrepreneurship, Haiti can restore the dignity of its citizens and rebuild collective self-esteem that transcends mistrust and hatred.
Bringing History and Education Together for Future Generations
To heal our people, we must transmit a complete knowledge of our history to the youth. Schools and educational institutions must teach not only historical events but also the values they embody: solidarity, resilience, and dignity. Understanding the greatness of our ancestors and the mistakes of the post-independence era will allow new generations to break free from destructive cycles and build a strong and proud national consciousness.
Valuing Role Models and Mentorship
Young Haitians need positive and inspiring role models. Community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists must embody the values of cooperation, responsibility, and excellence. Highlighting these figures in the media and community programs will allow young people to envision a constructive future, where jealousy and mistrust no longer have a place.
Developing Trust and Solidarity
To reprogram our collective mindset, we must create spaces where collaboration and mutual respect are cultivated. Debate clubs, entrepreneurial workshops, cultural programs, and community initiatives are essential to strengthen trust among citizens. Elites and leaders must become aware of their role: to inspire, educate, and guide, instead of dividing and weakening society.
Restoring National Autonomy and Dignity
The reconstruction of Haiti involves education, local economic development, and the valorization of talents. Citizens must be able to exercise their economic freedom and understand their power of collective transformation. Every Haitian must become an actor in their life and the country's destiny, capable of supporting each other rather than destroying each other.
Conclusion: Unity as the Key to Survival
Bois Caïman teaches us that unity is the supreme force. For Haiti to rise again, we must cure the virus of division and transmit pride, self-esteem, and solidarity to future generations. True independence is not limited to the end of external domination; it begins in our hearts and minds when we choose to respect each other, support each other, and rebuild our nation together.
On this August 14, let us celebrate not only our ancestors but especially their vision of a united and free people. Haiti has the potential to be reborn, but only if we first heal the spirit of our people.
Port-au-Prince, August 14, 2025
Joseph Georges DUPERVAL
General Coordinator
BATON JENÈS LA
