217TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSASSINATION OF EMPEROR JACQUES I (MESSAGE FROM LESLY CONDÉ)

Dear compatriots and friends everywhere,  

This year, we are commemorating the 217th anniversary of one of the saddest and most memorable events in our country's history. As of October 17, 1806, the day the founder of the Haitian nation was assassinated in cowardly fashion, it can be said that this nation turned its back on its glorious destiny, and became a lost sheep easily led by partners whose good intentions are not clearly demonstrated. It is a fact that we cannot modify history, but when we think about the circumstances surrounding Jean-Jacques Dessalines' assassination, we cannot help imagining that our country could have chosen a better path. On October 17, 1806, universal freedom lost one of its most genuine allies.

On the occasion of the 217th anniversary of the very unfortunate event that was the assassination of the haitian nation's father, I also realize with great interest that the 17th of October is International Day to Refuse Misery. What we have here is a harmonious coincidence because the refusal of misery is a theme that is worthy of being associated with the memory of our nation's brave father. The International Day to Refuse Misery is clearly a socialist initiative that belongs in the same line as the legacy of the man who was at the helm of the only successful struggle in history against the misery and injustice of slavery.  Following the defeat of the pro-slavery forces, Jean-Jacques Dessalines firmly defended the former slaves who, in his opinion, deserved freedom and well-being. In the new land of freedom, he wanted as much freedom and well-being for everyone.  That included those with nothing, those whose parents were in Africa. Therefore, the Emperor Jacques the First made himself some powerful enemies among his combat comrades because he remained faithful to his egalitarian philosophy. Well ahead of his time and ours, our nation's father was assassinated, and, all over the world, those who are in favour of freedom and justice, pursue his  beautiful dream.

Speaking about the demise of Jean-Jacques Dessalines only two years after that valiant general led an army of slaves to victory, means visiting a page of our history that brings about so much pain and so many regrets.

Because Jean-Jacques Dessalines was indeed assassinated in a cowardly manner by some of his own companions of arms before he could even have established the foundation of his brand-new nation, he was the victim of a double injustice. It is probably more accurate to say that our nation is, without a doubt, the main victim because when Emperor Jacques the First died, his vision also died. The decisions that were made after that assassination, contrasted blatantly with the philosophy of the man who founded the Haitian nation. That philosophy was about the unconditional well-being of the unknown heroes who, with their sacrifices, had contributed to the only victorious slave revolt of all times. That vision was the cause of Jean-Jacques Dessalines' death.

The man whose life we are celebrating today is not merely a Haitian hero. He is a giant for the whole planet. He is a military genius as well as a staunch human rights advocate. That was before the concept was popularized and vandalized. There exist many heroes who are adulated all over the world because their accomplishments are brilliantly related in all details by admiring historians. But those are mainly invaders and conquerors. They are honored for having subjugated their adversaries, and seized their territories. Dessalines conquered freedom.  And because he defended it against one and all, he was assassinated.  

Today, Jean-Jacques Dessalines' nation seems to inevitably spiral down into chaos and destruction.  Our country which in its early days was a dream destination for every human being who wanted to breath the sweet air of freedom, is now among the countries that hardly anyone cares to be associated with. The murder of our nation's father has proven that hatred had replaced the love of freedom in the heart of some of our ancestors. When we stop loving some of our compatriots because of their economic or social standing, we are liable to betray our nation. Haiti has been betrayed by her own children more than once. This indifferent or plainly hostile world will not lend us a hand. Just like our ancestors, we can only count on ourselves. We must transcend our prejudices and this fear of freedom in order to surprise the world … once more.