Winners of the 3rd OCNH Essay Competition Awarded
By Gedeon Delva · 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 Organization of Citizens for a New Haiti (OCNH) has finally concluded the essay competition it launched on August 4th. Four months later, OCNH awarded prizes to the various winners of this major initiative, which aims to encourage academics to analyze the role of the judicial system in the fight against corruption.
Kendy Léonard Patrice, first prize; Christelle Monfiston, second prize; Gédéon Eugène, third prize, are three of the 15 finalists honored after the jury's evaluation.
According to OCNH, 280 young people, including 101 women, participated in this edition. Applications came from all ten departments of the country, with strong participation from the West department.
The winners received prizes ranging from 500 to 1,200 US dollars, as well as a trophy, medals, books, and technological equipment, including a computer, a tablet, and a smartphone. They also benefit from internships funded by the organization.
The general coordinator of the competition, Roobens Isma, expressed satisfaction with the increasing mobilization. He praised the jury's rigor and the students' commitment. « These young people knew how to articulate their thoughts in the fight against corruption. They showed great rigor and remarkable critical thinking, » he declared.
The executive director of OCNH, Me Camille Occius, recalled that several former finalists have already joined the organization or received professional support opportunities. « This initiative has become a real springboard for young talents. They demonstrate that another Haiti is possible, driven by critical thinking and integrity, » he affirmed.
He also emphasized the importance of an independent and well-governed judicial system, an essential condition, according to him, for restoring citizen trust. « Without credible justice, no fight against corruption can succeed, » he insisted.
It should be noted that «Judicial governance in the fight against corruption in Haiti: challenges and solutions» was the theme around which participants produced their works.
To conclude the award ceremony, Me Camille Occius took the opportunity to launch an appeal to the youth, inviting them to fully exercise their civic role. « Supporting this generation, listening to them, and offering them spaces for expression is preparing the foundations for a Haiti of justice and transparency, » emphasized Me Occius.
