Scandal at MJSAC: ULCC Reveals Irregularities Surrounding May 18, 2025 Festivities
By La Rédaction · Port-au-Prince · · 2 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
The Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) has released a report questioning the management of 50 million gourdes allocated to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action (MJSAC) for the May 18, 2025 festivities. According to investigators, the expenditure chain is marked by shortcomings, inconsistencies, and practices that could amount to the embezzlement of public funds.
The matter began with a check issued in the name of the ministry's Administrative Director rather than to suppliers. This unusual procedure immediately drew attention. Contradictory statements during hearings only amplified suspicions, especially since many supporting documents presented by the ministry were found to be incomplete, inconsistent, or entirely absent.
The report also reveals serious irregularities in several departmental directorates. Over two million gourdes in expenses were not justified, with some directorates submitting contradictory reports or reports lacking any probative value. In Artibonite, a director is even suspected of having allocated funds to an organization to which he belongs.
The investigation also highlights the case of a fictitious company that allegedly received over 3.6 million gourdes. No legal registration, no premises, no real existence: a structure clearly created to serve as a financial channel. A ministry official is directly linked to this case.
Minister Niola Lynn Sarah Devalien Octavius herself is cited in the conclusions for having approved a flag procurement contract exceeding the legal thresholds for public procurement. The ULCC recommends a full audit of her management by the Superior Court of Accounts.
Ultimately, over 2.6 million gourdes remain unaccounted for or unjustified. The extensively documented report exposes a flawed management system where accounting rules are ignored, responsibilities are blurred, and corruption risks are evident. This new scandal highlights the profound weaknesses of the Haitian public administration.
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