JAMAICA | People’s National Party Commemorates the 220th Anniversary of the Haitian Revolution

KINGSTON, Jamaica. January 1, 2024:  PRESS RELEASE - The People's National Party commemorates the 220th anniversary of the Haitian Revolution; a historic milestone which stands as a testament to the resilience, courage, and indomitable spirit of the Haitian people in their pursuit of freedom and justice.

The Haitian Revolution, culminating on January 1st, 1804, marks a pivotal moment in history, as it not only led to the establishment of the first black republic in the Western Hemisphere but also symbolised the triumph of human dignity over the abhorrent institution of chattel enslavement.

The courage displayed by the Haitian revolutionaries, under the leadership of Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe, serves as an enduring inspiration to all nations striving for liberty and equality.

As we reflect on this momentous occasion, it is essential to acknowledge the profound impact of the Haitian Revolution on the global struggle against oppression and the fight for human rights.

Haiti's quest for emancipation sent ripples across the world, inspiring movements for freedom and justice in various corners of the globe.

Jamaica recognises the significance of Haiti's historic achievement and stands in solidarity with the Haitian people on this auspicious day.

The shared history of resistance against colonial oppression binds our nations, and we are united in our commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty, equality, and justice.

May the spirit of the Haitian Revolution continue to inspire future generations in their pursuit of a just and equitable society.

Dr Angela Brown-Burke, MP
Chairman of the People’s National Party

Editor's Note:  A recent post in Forbes Magazine  reminded : " In 1825, barely two decades after winning its independence against all odds, Haiti was forced to begin paying enormous “reparations” to the French slaveholders it had overthrown. Those payments would have been a staggering burden for any fledgling nation, but Haiti wasn’t just any fledgling nation; it was a republic formed and led by blacks who’d risen up against the institution of slavery.

As such, Haiti’s independence was viewed as a threat by all slave-owning countries – the United States included – and its very existence rankled racist sensibilities globally. Thus Haiti – tiny, impoverished and all alone in a hostile world – had little choice but to accede to France’s reparation demands, which were delivered to Port-au-Prince by a fleet of heavily armed warships in 1825.

By complying with an ultimatum that amounted to extortion, Haiti gained immunity from French military invasion, relief from political and economic isolation – and a crippling debt that took 122 years to pay off.  Thanks to voluntary contributions from Haiti’s citizens, most of whom were desperately poor, that debt was finally settled in 1947.

But decades of making regular payments had rendered the Haitian government chronically insolvent, helping to create a pervasive climate of instability from which the country still hasn’t recovered."

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