Open Letter to Matiado Vilmé

To you, my colleague, my sister in arms, Mati, I write to you with a heavy heart, with moist eyes, not out of weakness, but because memory insists, because forgetting would be a betrayal. I remember the FANM VANYAN I met for the first time at Champs-de-Mars. Microphone and camera in hand, her gaze direct, filled with pride and love for her profession. That day, I understood that courage could have a woman's face. Under bullets, tear gas, threats from protesters, and sometimes even from some police officers, you never backed down. You stood firm, solid, faithful to your mission. Where others trembled, you advanced. For me, you are much more than a journalist: you are a hero of the Haitian press, an emblematic figure of courage and dignity. You proved it once again during the attack at the UEH hospital. Despite the pain, despite the illness, you reached out, you helped colleagues wounded by bullets. Even wounded, you still protected others.
You have always been that silent bulwark. I remember the day a police officer assaulted me. Anger overwhelmed me, I wanted to respond. You looked at me and simply said:
« Kanga, no. Let it go. Let's do our job. »
Those words still stay with me. You have been a compass for young journalists, a wise voice in the tumult. No need for plaques, decorations, or official speeches to recognize your worth. Your merit is inscribed in every report, every wound, every step taken in the name of truth. You have carried our honor, comrade. Today, seeing you lying in a hospital bed breaks my heart. If love, respect, and recognition could heal, you would already be standing. If I had the power to help you get back on your feet, I would do it without the slightest hesitation. Rest, warrior.
We will carry your voice.
We will refuse to forget.
And we will continue the fight. The Haitian press owes you a lot.
And I owe you eternal respect.
I love you, Mati. Come back to us soon. Your colleague-brother. Sèl lanmou k ap rete ❤️ Kanga Zile