Delmas Municipal Library: How a Young Leader Turned a Closure into a Collective Victory
On April 22, 2026, the Delmas municipal library reopened its doors after several months of closure. Behind this reopening lies a methodical struggle led by Rémy Seth, a young community development trainer, who combined a formal letter, a petition, street mobilization, and dialogue with the town hall. A look back at a citizen strategy that proved its worth.
By Jean Wesley Pierre · Port-au-Prince
· 2 min read
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
When the Delmas municipal library closed, many regretted it without taking action. Rémy Seth, however, chose not to remain passive. On March 12, 2026, he wrote a letter to the mayor of Delmas, Mr. Wilson Jeudy. His message was simple: to remind of the need for such a space for young people, students, and self-taught individuals. The tone was not aggressive, but an argument built around education and social bonds.
Faced with the lack of an immediate response, the first phase gave way to collective action. Seth gathered other young people who shared the same conviction. Together, they launched a petition that circulated widely, amplified by comments and shares on social media. The idea gained traction: it was no longer an individual demand but a cause carried by a group.
A decisive media coverage
The movement also knew how to use the media. Seth and his comrades secured appearances on several media outlets, which increased pressure on local authorities. By giving them a platform, journalists helped raise awareness among a broader audience and legitimized the demand.
Mayor Wilson Jeudy eventually heard the collective voice. The reopening was confirmed. During the ceremony, the master of ceremonies praised "the importance of the struggle led by Rémy Seth," emphasizing that this fight highlights the essential role of libraries in a community.
A new challenge: collecting books
The reopening is not an end in itself. Seth himself says in his thank-you message: "The work is not finished." Now, the goal is to collect books to fill the shelves. This second phase relies on the same spirit of "konbit" (collective mutual aid) that made the reopening possible. Every donation, every share, every contribution counts.
What this victory says about Haitian civil society
The Delmas library affair shows that it is possible to achieve concrete results without violence or extreme rhetoric. The chosen method—letter, petition, media, dialogue—is a model of local advocacy. It also demonstrates that young people are not just victims of the crisis but actors capable of influencing public decisions.
Other municipalities could draw inspiration from this experience. Because behind every closed facility, there is a community waiting for a leader—or a group—to rise and defend its right to education and culture. Rémy Seth did it. It remains to be seen whether this momentum will be supported and replicated elsewhere.
