The Caribbean Village Insider, Cultcha-zine HAITI

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The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Greetings Patrons, Partners and Friends, We hope you accessed the new CULTURE-ZINE via the website and enjoyed the first issue in our new E-Zine format. It is best viewed on a larger screen [larger than a smart-phone screen] to get the full impact of the style, imagery and page turning feature that is also accompanied by the sound of the pages flipping. Don’t forget that you can now visit, browse, shop and communicate with “The VILLAGE” via www.caribbeanvillageusa.com. We are excited to HEAR FROM YOU!! As we state in each issue of The Insider, our objective is to educate, inspire and entertain our readers as we present content that is of interest to: · The Caribbean diaspora, in particular, as well as, · A multi-cultural diaspora, and also · The Caribbean Enthusiast - anyone who is interested in the Caribbean Experience The FOUNDER’S Notes WELCOME BACK!! I am sooo Glad to see you again!! This month, for your edification, we are featuring the intensely interesting, intriguing country of HAITI and its storied history. We have a revealing interview with Joseph Altenor, a Haitian restaurateur, entrepreneur and missionary who lives and does business in nearby Sharon, PA. We also offer an excerpt from a comprehensive NewYork Times article to provide a historic view of Haiti. Of course, we include the source link for your extended reading. There is also an audio link if you’d prefer to listen. …AND SO MUCH MORE… Enjoy!! Kahila 1

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Table of Contents Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Page 1: Welcome and The Founder’s Notes Page 2: Table of Contents Page 3: The Haitian FLAG Page 4: The Haitian COAT of ARMS Page 5: GASTRO CARIBE Page 11: Kahila’s Taste Page 15: A Conversation with JOSEPH ALTENOR: A HAITIAN in Sharon [PA] Interviewed By: Keywanda Battle Page 19: Haitian Images Array Page 23: Financial HISTORY that Led to Oppression, Depression and Exploitation Page 26: Caribbean News Page 30: Book of the Month Page 31: The VEXILLOLOGY Next Page: Caribbean Village OFFER Next Page: Haitian Flag Youth Coloring Page Next Page: Come VISIT CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Next Page: Building STRONG Communities ADVERTISING Page Next Page: PRODUCERS Advertising Page Last Page To open the links in this Newsletter, simply CLICK the Link 2

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 The HAITIAN FLAG and COAT OF ARMS The most significant symbolism of the Haitian flag is within its coat of arms which is centered on the bicolor background. The coat of arms features weapons that represent the nation’s readiness to defend its freedom. This national symbol also features a royal palm that represents independence. The Cap of Liberty and the motto, “Unity Makes Strength,” is also included in the coat of arms. There are two main colors used in the flag of Haiti. Those colors are blue and red, which are represented as a horizontal bicolor that makes up the background. The flag also features the national coat of arms in the center, which features various colors including white, red, gold and green. The Storied History of Haiti’s Flag The story of Haiti’s flag begins during the Haitian Revolution—more specifically with the battle of Cul-du-Sac, which took place outside Port-au-Prince on December 1, 1802. On that day, Haitian General Alexandre Pétion led his men into battle against the French army; not only did the Haitian forces lose, but they lost their tricolor flag during their retreat. That flag was quickly seized by the French and heralded as a symbol of their victory. European newspapers ridiculed the Haitian army not only for losing this battle, but also for carrying the French flag in a battle against the French. This was seen as a sign of the rebels’ chaotic disorganization. The French press interpreted the use of the French flag to mean that Haiti’s people were not fighting for succession, rather they were merely making a proclamation. The spin: the Haitian army’s use of the French flag during battle was proof that the insurgents were not fighting for their independence, but were simply expressing their desire for greater liberties under French rule. After hearing these stories, Haiti’s revolutionary leaders knew they needed their own flag. Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a leading figure in Haiti’s struggle for independence, was so enraged upon reading these stories that he grabbed the tricolor French flag, and with a sharp jerk, ripped the white stripe to pieces. He turned the flag on its side and rejoined the blue and red strips of fabric—symbolic of the union of mulattoes and blacks against the French. In doing so, he also made Haiti’s flag. Haitian soldiers went on to win their independence against the French under the new bicolor flag. DID YOU KNOW ??? - In 1793, Haiti became the 1st country in the world to abolish slavery on the heels of a slave REVOLT. 3

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 The HAITIAN FLAG and COAT OF ARMS The country’s coat of arms, which is placed in the flag’s center, depicts a trophy of weapons ready to defend the people’s freedom, and a royal palm, a symbolic representation of Haiti’s political independence. On top of the palm is a Phrygian cap—often call the liberty cap—which has been used to signify freedom and the pursuit of liberty since the time of the Romans. A banner underneath the palm tree reads, \"L'Union Fait La Force\"—Through Unity there is Strength. On May 18, 1803, the newly independent Republic of Haiti officially adopted one of today’s most recognizable symbols of Haitian freedom—the Haitian flag. Since then, Haitians have recognized May 18 as Haitian Flag Day. 4 4

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 GASTRO CARIBE This monthly segment offers ISLAND recipes, food talk, serving advice and helpful tips. We always start by defining GASTRONOMY - Gastronomy is the study of the relationship between food and culture, the art of preparing and serving rich or delicate and appetizing food, the cooking styles of particular regions, and the science of good eating. National Dish of HAITI Griot (French: Griot, Haitian Creole: Griyo) is a National Dish in Haitian cuisine. It consists of pork shoulder marinated in citrus, which is braised and then fried. Griot is most often accompanied by red beans and rice, sos ti-malice, pikliz and bannann peze. [Griot may also be spelled griyo, or grillots] Photo Courtesey brassieriecayman.com 5

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 FOR: GRIOT 1. The meat is first washed in a mixture of citrus juices, then rinsed. Meat should always be washed; sour oranges or limes are used instead of water since clean water is often difficult to access. 2. After being washed, the meat is marinated in epis, which is a mixture of Haitian herbs, vegetables, and spices. 3. Next, the meat is either braised or roasted until tender. The cooking liquid produced is used in the preparation of an accompanying sauce, known as sòs ti-malice. 4. Finally, the meat is deep-fried until golden-brown and crispy. Griot is almost always served with pikliz as well as rice or bannann peze. WHAT YOU NEED: FOR: HAITIAN SAUCE TI-MALICE – Creole Sauce [SOS] - A spicy Haitian sauce that can be used as a dipping sauce for fried foods or a stewing sauce · 2 tablespoons oil · 3 shallots thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic finely chopped 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar ½ green pepper sliced 2 Scotch Bonnet peppers thinly sliced 3 cloves 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley. 1 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt WHAT TO DO: 1. Heat oil in saucepan 2. Add shallots and garlic. Saute until shallots are softened and translucent. 3. Add tomato paste, vinegar and 2 ½ cups water. Whisk well to dissolve the tomato paste in the water and bring to a boil. 4. Add bell peppers, Scotch Bonnet and cloves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes. 5. Add parsley and salt. Stir to combine. 6. Sos ti-Malice is now ready to use as either a condiment or a stewing sauce 6

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 WHAT YOU NEED FOR: PIKLIZ - A Haitian condiment made of pickled cabbage, carrots, bell peppers and Scotch bonnet peppers. It is often seasoned with garlic and onion and pickled in white vinegar. The spicy dish is very commonly served on the table along with other dishes to enhance the flavor. • 2 cups shredded cabbage • 1 large carrot • 1 cup bell pepper [green, orange, red] • 1 onion • 2 scallions • 6 scotch bonnet peppers • 4 garlic cloves • 1 teaspoon salt • 12-14 peppercorns • Juice of ½ lime • 2 cups vinegar – In a glass storage container, add enough vinegar to cover the ingredients and marinate for 5 days before use and you’ll be rewarded with the best pikliz you’ve ever had! WHAT TO DO: This is a very simple recipe to put together. It involves a few steps and some patience (to marinate). Start off by slicing the cabbage very thinly, same for the all the other ingredients. Don’t use a food processor because the food processor may overwork the vegetables and you won’t get that unique size/shape pikliz is supposed to have. Grate the carrot and diced the garlic very fine. Place all the sliced ingredients in a large bowl - large enough to easily mix everything without spilling all over the place. Also mix in the salt, pepper corns and garlic cloves and MARINATE, MARINATE, MARINATE!!! 7

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 WHAT YOU NEED: FOR: BANNANN PEZE – Fried Green Plantains, a staple on the Haitian table 1. 3 Green Plantains 2. 1 tablespoon Vinegar 3. 1 tablespoon Salt 4. 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder 5. 1 cup of vegetable oil 6. 1 Plantain press or paper foil and a plastic cover 7. 1 cup of hot water 8. 1 Maggie bouillon 9. 1 tablespoon butter 10. 1 spoon of Parmesan cheese 11. 1 scotch bonnet/hot pepper (optional) WHAT TO DO: Heat Oil on medium high heat in a deep fryer or frying pan. Peel plantains and angle cut each one into 5 equal pieces. [TIP: to peel them easily put the plantains in hot water for 5 min and then start pealing] In a bowl add the hot water, vinegar, salt and set aside. Lightly brown the plantains in the oil (Approximately 5 min). Remove the plantains from the oil and flatten each plantain using the tostonera or cover the surface with paper foil and use a plastic cover to press them. Soak the flattened plantains in the hot water and carefully back in the oil for an additional 5 min. Remove plantains from oil and place them on a paper towel to remove the excess oil. Serve hot with Griot. 8

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 An Overview of Haitian Cuisine History The Central American country of Haiti is part of the western Caribbean island of Hispaniola. It occupies about one third of the island and the eastern two-thirds are occupied by the Dominican Republic. Haiti has the North Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea when Columbus discovered it in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola, and in 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island - Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar- related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. Haiti became the first black republic to declare its independence in 1804. The strong French and African influences in the Haitian cuisine offer an interesting mix of flavors and culinary arts. The food is quite exotic, nutritious and very healthy. Today, you should expect to find traditional Haitian dishes and drinks and the famous Port-au-Prince bound creations. Outside of Haiti, the Haitian cuisine is mostly used for sin the pie in the house with the puppy dawg with duh cow in the moo and the mepecial occasions and parties, but it can always serve as a regular every-day cuisine. Cuisines of Haiti Haiti is situated in one of the regions that many consider to be paradise on earth. The cooking styles of this enchanted land are closely related to the previous affirmation. An interesting mix of African cooking styles combined with the refinement of French cooking make the Haitian cuisine something no cook or food enthusiast should miss. Haiti is too small to offer distinct regional cooking styles and noticeably different cuisines in the parts of the country. Since it does not have a dominant neighbour that would influence it, Haiti has picked up different cooking styles that are now harmoniously blended with the African and French major influences. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the roast goat called 'kabrit', the fried Pork 'griot' or poultry with a Creole sauce 'poulet creole', to name just some of the most popular meat dishes. Haiti displays a general coastal cuisine, with fish meat, lobster, shrimp and seafood readily available. Fruit including guava, pineapple, mango, banana, melons, breadfruit is often used in fruit salads, compotes or other delicious desserts. Sugarcane is often prepared and sold on streets and enjoyed at home as well as a tasty treat or snack. Coconuts are often the number one choice when it comes to beverages. 9

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Preparation Methods for Haitian Cooking Haitian cooking needs time and meticulousness; many of the plants are let to rest before cooking and special dishes are cooked for hours, as the conservation of the nutrients and vitamins is very important in the Haitian culture. The bananas are traditionally cooked by keeping their natural skin or even wrapping other food in banana leaves and leaving them to slow cook for long periods of time from 3 to 4 hours for any usual meal. A layer of dirt is sometimes shoveled on the oven to prevent the heat spreading. Just like the banana, the sweet potatoes should be cooked without peeling, as in this way, they keep their nutritional elements. Traditionally, the Haitian used and still use coal fire made on the ground on top of which food was seated so that it would cook slowly and healthy. While these rustic methods will make the delight of any tourist, you should also know that many Haitians use modern cooking methods, especially in urban areas. Special Equipment for Haitian Cooking Traditionally, there are 2 important things that are necessary when wanting to cook a traditional Haitian meal: the fire arrangement and the time. Coals are used for slow cooking, instead of the modern oven. These are set in a hole in the ground (real earth), with leaves on top, under the food and more leaves on top of the food. If the oven is used, this is usually pre-heated with a wood fire and volcanic stones and the woods are disposed perpendicularly in many levels. Most of the Haitian meals require at least 3 hours cooking time, if wanting to conserve the nutrients. The Haitian modern cuisine doesn’t need sophisticated special equipment ENJOY the Spicy yet balanced HAITIAN Heat & Deliciousness!! 10

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Kahila’s Taste Peace & Blessings FRIENDS and cohorts in the interest and pursuit of CARIBBEAN-NESS!! This month we are discussing the VEGAN alternative in Caribbean eating, as well as, promoting “Aunts et Uncles” - Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant & Community Center in Brooklyn, NY. Aunts et Uncles is a hybrid café-bar- retail space that features an all-vegan menu featuring items such as hearts- of-palm lobster rolls, cauliflower mac and cheese and other intriguing menu items. Visit https://www.auntsetuncles.com/. ~ Kahila ~ Every JUNE, we celebrate [or should] Caribbean Heritage Month. Remember, the Caribbean is a region, not a country For those who are relatively unfamiliar with the Caribbean, the name likely sparks images and thoughts of a far-off vacation destination with sandy beaches and warm blue-green waters—but can you point to it on a map? If not, no worries, “The insider” will soon offer Caribbean location identification [relative to the region] information starting with Volume 2. As I stated in Issue 4, February 2022, “Caribbean people are NOT a monolith”. Each island or country has its own history, flavor, spices, cooking traditions, gastronomy, customs, vernacular, accent/lilt. We are similar but NOT the same. Each territory is unique. As we know, each island has a different historical background. For example, islands that were colonized by France have more French-influenced dishes. In France, they do a lot of stuffing of vegetables like peppers and tomatoes and that gets gastronomically translated in the French West Indies. In Barbados, some African dishes show up like mashed or pounded yam. Even Cou Cou 11

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 (cornmeal-based okra polenta) has African roots. Immigration and ethnicity play an important part in the food culture as well. For instance, in Trinidad and Tobago, there are more people with an Indian background so there are more vegetarian and curry dishes. Caribbean cuisine is full of flavor and ultimately a melting pot of cultures like Indigenous, African, Asian, and even European.” While there are a few authentic vegan and vegan-friendly Caribbean restaurants in the US, the cuisine is still unrepresented and not well understood. Not all the food is spicy, and pineapple is far less popular than one may think. Also, jerk seasoning is uniquely Jamaican—it’s not part of every Caribbean nation’s food culture. Caribbean cuisine is everyday cuisine. It’s comforting, nutritious, and satisfying, and it deserves to be savored every month of the year. From CARIBBEAN VILLAGE’S very own Sista INandi Amina [aka Monifa Miller], our Vegan SME [Subject Matter Expert], we have 2 quick, basic, healthful recipes for YOU to try based on the PLANTAIN, a Caribbean staple. RECIPE #1 Fried RIPE Plaintains WHAT YOU NEED: • Ripe Plaintain • Oil (Avocado, Grapeseed, Coconut Oil) • Frying Pan • Paper Towel lined container or plate • Fork • Knife 12

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 WHAT TO DO: 1. Wash, Dry, Peel and Slice your Plaintains 2. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the frying pan.(More oil for thicker Plaintain slices). 3. Heat oil until hott (Plaintain show immediately sizzle but not too vigorously) 4. Cook Plaintains until brown on both sides. 5. Remove with fork onto lined plate 6. Serve and Yammm(Eat) as you likeee RECIPE #2 Fried GREEN Plaintain Chips WHAT YOU NEED: 1. Green Plaintain 2. Oil (Avocado, Grapeseed, Coconut Oil) 3. Frying Pan 4. Paper Towel lined container or plate 5. Slotted Spoon/Spatula 6. Sharp Knife/Mandoline A Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman 13

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication WHAT TO DO: Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 1. Wash, Dry and Peel your Plaintains 6. Cook Plaintains until lightly brown and 2. Slice chips thin with Sharpnife/Mandoline crisp 3. Add enough oil to deep fry in the frying pan. 4. Heat oil hot (Plaintain should float and fry 7. Remove with Slotted Spoon/Spatula onto lined plate vigorously) 5. Stir almost consistently 8. Sprinkle with salt, Serve and Yammm(Eat) as you likeee We have excerpted some information from an article from “VegNews” to highlight some particular facets of Caribbean Vegan. Please click the link below to read this article in its entirety which includes date/day and article authorship references. https://vegnews.com/2022/6/vegan-caribbean-heritage-month A ~ INandi’s Ireations ~ Vegan/Ital Food Caterer for Health & Wellness For WhatsApp: CALL 412-654-1325 For Direct Calls: CALL 412-307-5144 14

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 HAITIAN in Sharon [PA] A This month CARIBBEAN VILLAGE is honored to have a brief yet meaningful discussion with Joseph Altenor, a local Haitian restaurateur, entrepreneur and missionary. Brother Joseph is also an appreciated Anchor Vendor of CARIBBEAN VILLAGE’S annual FESTIVAL GASTRO CARIBE. We present this opportunity for you to get to know Mr. Altenor through his answers to six questions posed and his revealing answers regarding: · the story of his journey from Haiti , his homeland , to the US then to the Pittsburgh area, · his business ethic and · his life philosophy As always, we remind our readers, that the goal of the interviews presented in The CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Insider is three faceted: · We aim to edify our readers with informative , useful , little known and perhaps, unsung or undiscovered information about the interviewee . · We aim to delight our readers who are natives of Haiti and bring pleasant memories of HOME. · We aim to imbue a curiosity in the reader - to want to learn more about Haiti and its people . 15

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Legend: CV = CARIBBEAN VILLAGE’S Question JA = Brother Joseph Altenor ’s Answer Now, On to our Interview….. CV: Tell us about your journey and how you happened to arrive in Pittsburgh . JA: Well , I will start at the beginning – I was born in Haiti . In 1984, at 19 years old , my mother, myself and 5 siblings emigrated from Haiti to the United States under duress to escape the dangerous political climate for a family who was involved in the government. At that time my mother sensed that “something was going to happen” with the leader called “Baby Doc” [Jean Claude] Duvalier. Mom wanted to get our family out of Haiti . Her keen intuition was right because just 6 months after our departure Baby Doc was overthrown via coup d’état with much bloody violence . Since Duvalier left, Haiti deteriorated . Our first stop in the U.S. was Florida where we had family. From Florida we traveled to The Bronx, New York . There I found employment with my Uncle who was a manufacturing Plant Manager at Utinsco. The plant manufactured stainless steel containers, sized from 3 gallons to 25,000 gallons. We made containers for pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and McNeil , as well as, Campbell’s Soup. I was promoted to Operations Manager after learning every manufacturing plant function and the English language . In 1989, I relocated 16

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 with the company to Sharpsville , PA. The name was changed to Sharpsville Container and my life in this country took root. CV: What are your motivations and what do you bring to the Pittsburgh area Caribbean Community scene? JA: To the Pittsburgh area Caribbean Community scene , I believe I bring diversity and a different mindset. I believe everything that happens, happens for a reason . I am a life-long learner and I want to influence people in a positive way. I am eager to learn . My positivity – that is what is most meaningful . Both , bringing positivity to others and what I in turn , draw from others. CV: Can you name accomplishments of which you are most proud? JA: I am most proud of the blended family my Wife and partner, Kristine and I have created . We are parenting 4 children . We each brought 2 children from our previous marriages [3 Girls and 1 Boy]. I am also proud of how I came to this country without knowing a word of English , learning a difficult language and was able to be promoted to become the Operations Manager of $9.6 million company. When I arrived here I spoke French and Creole .. 17

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 CV: What are your business goals for the future in the Pittsburgh area? JA: My goal is to stay in Sharon , PA. and continue to help people understand the meaning and mindset of business and how to do business. I believe your business focus should be on making where you are BETTER! This mindset helps one focus on the people and not the money. The money will come if the people and the community feel valued . CV: What activities are you involved in that bring education and understanding about Haiti to your community? JA: · Annually, my wife and I take people from our community on mission journeys to Haiti to help them understand the core value of life , the meaning and purpose of life . We don’t do this for a “pat on the back”. Our commitment as missionaries is to serve God and be of service to others. Missionaries are tasked with being unselfish and putting the needs of others before their own . We believe that one must identify how they can serve and help their fellow man and know that God will take care of you. · We are also working toward a 501c3 non-profit designation for the Haitian Sensation Mission . · We are working with different organizations in Sharon to help children in the area. · We help organizations raise money for their agendas. 18

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 CV: How do you summarize your love for your island and people? JA: This question gives me chills. I feel all the pain and suffering of my people . I feel Haitian passion and great love . Haitians are passionate people and have Faith in God . Haitian people are generous and will share with you what they have . My people are resilient to the core and WILL RISE AGAIN!! 19







The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Financial HISTORY that Led to Oppression, Depression and Exploitation Below is some historical information about Haiti that was originally published in the New York Times. This piece is very important for those interested in edification about some aspects of Haitian history and the experiences of our Haitian Brother and Sisters. With critical thinking, the information put forth in this article can be extrapolated, then juxtaposed against Haiti’s situation TODAY. Just “follow the money” and the “external players” [US, France and Germany, in this case] to get an understanding of how finance, racism, corruption and manipulation by external players led to rampant exploitation of Haiti and her people. Due to space constraints, CARIBBEAN VILLAGE will excerpt only a segment from this lengthy and comprehensive article. We provide the LINK for your further review - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/20/world/haiti-wall-street-us-banks.html. 23

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 “In the drowsy hours of a December afternoon, eight American Marines strolled into the headquarters of Haiti’s national bank and walked out with $500,000 in gold, packed in wooden boxes. They drove the loot by wagon to the shore, past American soldiers in civilian clothes who kept watch along the route. Once at the water, they loaded the boxes and sped to an awaiting gunboat. The gold was in the vault of a Wall Street bank within days. The operation took place in 1914 — a precursor to the full-scale invasion of Haiti. American forces took over the country the following summer and ruled it with brute force for 19 years, one of the longest military occupations in American history. Even after the soldiers left in 1934, Haiti remained under the control of American financial officers who pulled the country’s purse strings for another 13 years. Invading Haiti was necessary, the United States said. The country was so poor and unstable, the explanation went, that if the United States didn’t take over, some other power would — in America’s backyard, no less. Secretary of State Robert Lansing also portrayed the occupation as a civilizing mission to end the “anarchy, savagery and oppression” in Haiti, convinced that, as he once wrote, “the African race are devoid of any capacity for political organization.” But decades of diplomatic correspondence, financial reports and archival records reviewed by The New York Times show that, behind the public explanations, another hand was hard at work as well, pushing the United States to step in and seize control of Haiti for the wealth it promised: Wall Street, and especially the bank that later became Citigroup. Under heavy pressure from National City Bank, Citigroup’s predecessor, the Americans elbowed the French aside and became the dominant power in Haiti for decades to come. The United States dissolved Haiti’s parliament at gunpoint, killed thousands of people, controlled its finances for more than 30 years, shipped a big portion of its earnings to bankers in New York and left behind a country so poor that the farmers who helped generate the profits often lived on a diet “close to starvation level,” United Nations officials determined in 1949, soon after the Americans let go of the reins. “I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues,” Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler, a leader of the American force in Haiti, wrote in 1935, describing himself as a “racketeer for capitalism.” For more than a century, Haiti has been labeled a disaster, a basket case, a place so destitute, indebted, lacking and lawless that it needs constant saving. The assassination of the president in his bedroom, the kidnappings in the capital, the swells of Haitian migrants heading to the United 24

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 States — they all point to a country in a seemingly endless vortex of despair that the world’s great powers, whether with troops or mountains of aid, have not managed to fix. But the documents and financial records reviewed by The Times in Haiti, the United States and France show how much of Haiti’s misery has been brought by the outside world — and how often intervention has been portrayed as a helping hand. By the time U.S. forces arrived in the summer of 1915, Haiti had already spent more than half a century handing over big slices of its meager earnings to France. Though the Haitians had overthrown their French enslavers, beaten Napoleon’s forces and declared their independence in 1804, French warships sailed back to Haiti decades later, demanding staggering amounts of cash under threat of war. Haiti became the first and only country where the descendants of enslaved people paid the families of their former masters for generations, hampering its ability to build a nation almost since birth. After that, came French bankers, dangling loans before a country that had been depleted by decades of paying France. They took so much in commissions, interest and fees that, in some years, their French shareholders’ profits were bigger than the Haitian government’s public works budget for the entire country. Next were the Americans, at times portraying their intervention as a way of defending Haitian “sovereignty.” And just as it had for generations of Parisian bankers, Haiti proved profitable for Wall Street. In its filing to the Senate Finance Committee in 1932, National City Bank said it secured one of its largest margins during the 1920s from a debt it controlled in Haiti. Little of that history remains part of Citigroup’s public profile today. Haiti is barely mentioned in its official timeline. The company declined to provide access to its archives and said it was unable to find any information on some of its biggest loans to Haiti.”……… Due to space constraints, CARIBBEAN VILLAGE has excerpted only a segment from this lengthy and comprehensive article. We provide the LINKS below for your further reading and listening review . FOR READING: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/20/world/haiti-wall-street-us-banks.html 25

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Caribbean News HAITI kidnappings go unreported. “No social group was spared; among the Haiti’s health professionals go on strike over victims were laborers, traders, religious kidnappings leaders, professors, medical doctors, journalists, human rights defenders and PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Thousands foreign citizens,” the report stated. of doctors, nurses and other health In a recent statement, Haiti’s Medical professionals across Haiti have gone on strike Association demanded that the government to protest a spike in gang-related kidnappings push to have the doctors released without as supporters burned tires and blocked roads conditions and implement measures to “stop on Tuesday. the wave of insecurity that strips us of our fundamental freedom to go freely about our The three-day strike that began on Monday lives.” shut down public and private health The prime minister has pledged to crack down institutions in the capital of Port-au-Prince on the spike in gang violence and kidnappings, and beyond, with only emergency rooms with the U.S. and other countries pledging accepting patients. resources and training to help an understaffed, underfunded police force. “We are living a catastrophic situation where no one is protected,” said Dr. Louis Gerald The information above has been excerpted Gilles, who closed his private practice on from the complete article to provide an Tuesday in the neighborhood of Delmas to overview of this news event. Please click the protest the recent kidnappings of two doctors. link below to read this article in its entirety “No professional is protected. Today it could be which includes date/day and article authorship a doctor, tomorrow they could enter the office references: of a lawyer or an architect.” https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-port- Kidnappings in Haiti increased 180% in the au-prince-haiti-strikes- past year, with 655 of them reported to police, e5a9643e89659886081ed03aa364f574 according to mid-February report by the United Nations Security Council. Authorities believe the number is much higher since many 26

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Caribbean News HAITI the World Cup, to be played in Australia and US vs Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti in Women’s New Zealand from July 20 to Aug. 20 next World Cup qualifying year. Additionally, the winner of the event will get an automatic berth for the 2024 Olympics The United States will play Mexico, Jamaica in France. The two third-place finishers in each and Haiti in Group A at the CONCACAF W group advance to a 10-nation intercontinental Championship this summer, which will playoff that will determine three World Cup determine qualifiers for the 2023 Women’s berths. The top-ranked U.S. won the 2019 World Cup. World Cup and Canada won the gold medal at last year’s Tokyo Olympics. As the two highest- Canada, Costa Rica, Panama and Trinidad and ranked teams in the region, both earned byes Tobago were drawn Tuesday into Group B of to the W Championship. the North and Central American and Caribbean tournament, to be played from July Thirty teams competed for the other six spots. 4-18 at Monterrey, Mexico. https://apnews.com/article/soccer-sports- mexico-united-states-caribbean- The top two teams in each group earn spots in 211c05c5135ee711ad8424baff7e7b5b 27

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Caribbean News DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GUYANA Stateless: Fighting for racial justice in the Guyanas region nine has potential to become Dominican Republic. CARICOM’s food capital A young lawyer fights for citizenship rights for GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (DPI) – The all people in the Dominican Republic and government of Guyana continues to invest Haiti. heavily in the agriculture sector, in areas like large-scale vegetable and livestock production, As the Dominican Republic strips the coconut, and drainage systems, all of which citizenship of anyone with Haitian parents, a contribute to the country’s rapidly growing young lawyer named Rosa Iris mounts a food production system. grassroots political campaign to advocate for social justice for Dominicans of Haitian Minister of agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, descent. M.P. said recently, that the vast land space in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) Stateless traces the complex history and is enough for the region to produce agricultural present-day politics of the two nations, as products to feed Caribbean countries. state-sanctioned racism seeps into mundane offices, living room meetings and street “This region for us is a very important region protests. that can be the food capital at CARICOM. With the potential and the vast land space almost 57, Anyone defending marginalized groups faces 000 square kilometers of savannah and with threats of violence. In this dangerous climate, the rich potential of this area, it has the Rosa’s story reveals the depth of racial hatred potential to feed the Caribbean,” he said. and the institutionalized oppression that divide Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is against this backdrop, that local farmers and producers are now challenged to lead the https://www.aljazeera.com/program/witness/ agri-food production agenda in the Caribbean, 2021/10/14/stateless-fighting-for-racial- to allow CARICOM countries to attain food justice-in-the-dominican-republic 28

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 Caribbean News Guyana security, and reduce the food import bill by 25 percent by 2025. In 2022 the sum of $4.1 billion was budgeted for upgrades and developments in Region Nine communities, paving the way for an enhanced education sector, improved health facilities and infrastructure. From that amount, $120 million was allocated to agriculture in the region. More recently, $28.7 billion was set aside for further advancement in the agriculture food sector, allowing farmers across the country to expand their agricultural production. Further, Guyana’s thriving agriculture sector is a major creator of wealth, job opportunities and food security in the country. The information above has been excerpted from the complete article to provide an overview of this news story. Please click the link below to read this article in its entirety which includes date/day and article authorship references: https://www.caribbeannewsglobal.com/guyanas-region-9-has-potential-to-become-caricoms- food-capital/ 29

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 BOOK of the Month Judith Annique Francois is the creator of the children’s book series, “Meet the Three Princesses”. Her books, celebrate Haitian culture and the sacrifices Haitian parents make to give their kids a better life. Ms. Francois also authored the poetry collection “Breakthrough to New Beginnings”. She plans to start a nonprofit organization to contribute to spreading literature and better education in Haiti. Ms. Francois organized a successful Kickstarter campaign to donate 500 copies of her children’s books in French and Creole to Haitian children. She wants to empower Haitian children to see themselves in a more positive light. Judith Francois is an Author, Writer and Educator who was born in Haiti and now lives in Chicago, IL. To Find this Book, GO TO: www.Amazon.com SEARCH: Judith Francois Meet the Three Princesses The book’s image appears in the 1st position, Top to Bottom…OR…Visit your local Library 30

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 VEXILLOLOGY: The study of Flags… Flag Knowledge, Terminology and Definitions • Badge: A coat of arms or simple heraldic symbol • Bicolor: A flag of two stripes of different colors directed horizontal, vertical, or diagonal • Charge: Any emblem placed on the field of a flag or added to the basic design of the flag • Civil Flag: A version of the national flag that is flown by civilians on non-government installations or crafts. • Ensign: A flag, banner, or standard showing office, rank, or nationality 31

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The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 8, June 2022 HAITIAN Flag Youth Coloring Page

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