World Forum of the Haitian Diaspora

Emmanuel Ménard, the Minister of Culture and Communication, was the guest of honor at the World Forum of the Haitian Diaspora (FOMADA), held from August 27 to 29 at the Sheraton Hotel in Laval, Quebec, Canada.

Speaking at the opening reception in the presence of delegations from various countries, Minister Ménard commended the solidarity shown by Haitian communities abroad towards their families in Haiti. He called on Haitian diaspora associations to unite and pool available resources, and urged cultural operators, artists, and artisans to draw inspiration from Haitian history, thought, and spirit.

"Haiti can achieve the miracle of establishing itself as a cultural powerhouse," the Minister declared, adding, "The Government of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, despite its pressing priorities, firmly supports the public policies implemented by the Ministry."

It is in this spirit that Minister Ménard officially announced the implementation of a pilot project aimed at creating a "Haitian Cultural Center (CHAC)" capable of opening spaces and markets for Haitian artists and ensuring the widespread dissemination of Haitian culture throughout the world.

During his stay in Quebec, Ménard visited several associations and organized groups in Montreal and Laval, including members of "La Perle Retrouvée" and sculptor Anioclès Grégoire, who is creating a 24-meter bronze statue of Jean-Jacques Dessalines to replace the one vandalized in the Place d’Armes in Cap-Haitien.

The Minister also met with Senator Suze Youance, who is of Haitian origin, and held working sessions with Kurdy Larèche, Coordinator of the Forum, to discuss the implementation of the Haitian Cultural Center in Canada and significant investment opportunities in Haiti.