Honoring the Memory of René Philoctète, 30 Years After His Death

The year 2025 marks thirty (30) years since the death of René Philoctète, Haitian poet, playwright, and novelist. On this occasion, a commemoration committee has been established with the mission to revisit, promote, and celebrate the poet's work.

Known for his numerous writings denouncing misery, injustice, hatred towards the weakest, interference, dependence, and policies contrary to the interests and unity of the Haitian people, a grand tribute will be paid to him.

A calendar of activities and events designed by the committee includes re-editions, translations, public readings, participation in festivals both in Haiti and abroad, scientific days, conferences, radio and television broadcasts, and school meetings.

The commemoration committee, tasked with leading these activities, is composed of several renowned personalities, such as: Valérie PHILOCTETE CHATELAIN (co-president), Lyonel TROUILLOT (co-president), Pierre BUTEAU (member), Syto CAVÉ (member), Max DEJEAN (member), Luis Bernard HENRY (member), Roger LEGAGNEUR (member), Michel SOUKAR (member), Evelyne TROUILLOT (member), Victor BENOIT (honorary member), and FRANKETIENNE (honorary member).

At a time when multiple horrors that Philoctète denounced in his writings have led our country to a situation where many citizens no longer dare to believe that Haiti is promised a bright future, honoring and celebrating the work of René Philoctète means resuming the major song of a people who, as he said, « wants to open itself to life. »