Jerry Tardieu Receives LATFRAN Special Prize 2025: A Tribute to Haitian Civic Engagement

The France–Latin America–Caribbean Association (LATFRAN) awarded its annual special prize to Jerry Tardieu, former deputy of Pétion-Ville, on November 21, 2025, in Paris. He was presented in the statement of the political party EN AVANT as an author, entrepreneur, and engaged citizen. The award was presented to him at the Maison de l’Amérique Latine, during a ceremony bringing together an audience largely composed of political, diplomatic, cultural, and academic figures, as well as notable members of the Haitian community. An award that values civic engagement in the Franco-Latin American-Caribbean space Each year, LATFRAN's special prize aims to honor figures who distinguish themselves by « the strength of their civic or political commitment » in their country, while working to strengthen relations deemed mutually beneficial between France, Latin America, and the Caribbean. EN AVANT's statement highlights the reputation and scope of the honorary committee, chaired by Pascal Drouhaud, an international relations specialist, and composed of personalities such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum, as well as former presidents of Guatemala and Colombia, Vinicio Cerezo and Andrés Pastrana. By recalling the stature of these members, the association emphasizes the symbolic significance of the award and the credibility of its selection process. Reasons for the choice: political leadership, defense of institutions, and constitutional reflection According to the presentation made by LATFRAN's president, Pascal Drouhaud, the choice of Jerry Tardieu is based on « several years » of political engagement described as remarkable. EN AVANT's statement particularly emphasizes:

1. his leadership on major public interest themes;
2. his commitment to the restoration of peace in Haiti;
3. his contribution to the defense and strengthening of democratic institutions;
4. and his work on the constitutional question.

By focusing on these areas, LATFRAN presents Tardieu not only as a political actor but also as a figure of reflection on Haitian institutional issues. The 'EN AVANT' statement also suggests that the award has a diplomatic dimension: it would be a « message of friendship » addressed to the Republic of Haiti and its people. An acceptance speech focused on the Haitian crisis and historical solidarity In his speech, Jerry Tardieu dedicated the award to the Haitian people, described as experiencing « the most severe crisis of its existence. » The statement reports that he highlighted his family's support and recalled the historical roots of solidarity between Haiti and the nations of Latin America, evoking the legacies of Dessalines and Pétion. This historical reminder serves as an argumentative framework: it connects the received tribute to a tradition of hemispheric cooperation in which Haiti once played a leading role. By invoking this memory, Tardieu calls for a revitalization of this regional solidarity. A plea for the rehabilitation of politics The reported speech adopts a critical tone regarding the perception of politics, marked by suspicion and disdain among the population, in Haiti as « around the world. » Tardieu presents this crisis of confidence as a global and moral challenge, calling for « renewed faith in politics » based on public service, ethics, and the pursuit of a more just society. This message appears as a central point of the statement: beyond the celebration of an award, it expresses a normative reflection on the role of politics and civic responsibility, consistent with LATFRAN's mission to promote civic engagement. An action presented as collective and forward-looking The statement concludes with an institutional declaration from the EN AVANT movement, relayed by its deputy national coordinator, Saint Jean Joseph, and a slogan calling for collective change in Haiti. Without detailing a specific program, according to this conclusion, the distinction received by Tardieu is part of a broader dynamic of political and social engagement.