Author: Opastaff
On January 12, 2010, Haiti was forever changed. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital, unleashing devastation on an unimaginable scale. Over 230,000 lives were lost, 300,000 people were injured, and more than 1.5 million were left homeless. Schools, hospitals, and the very heart of Haiti’s infrastructure crumbled in an instant. Today, as the nation marks the anniversary of this disaster, it reflects not only on the lives lost but also on the long road of recovery—one marked by resilience, moments of progress, and ongoing challenges. The Immediate Aftermath The earthquake’s impact was profound, with entire neighborhoods…
Press Release from Anie Alerte: “With great shock and disappointment, we discovered that an individual with bad intentions has hacked and published our official debut song without our consent. At ZILE, we take this matter very seriously and are conducting an investigation with our legal team. We are determined to take all necessary legal actions to address this unauthorized release and to protect our creations for the future. We truly appreciate your support and understanding during this difficult time, and we promise that this will not stop us. Thank you for standing by us and continuing to follow us everywhere.”…
Haiti is currently grappling with a severe security crisis, as gang violence continues to escalate, leading to significant loss of life and widespread displacement. In 2024, over 5,600 people were killed due to gang-related activities, marking a more than 20% increase compared to 2023. Additionally, more than 2,200 individuals were injured, and nearly 1,500 were kidnapped. The violence has also resulted in approximately 700,000 Haitians becoming homeless, many of whom are now living in unsanitary conditions. In response to the escalating crisis, a U.N.-backed multinational mission led by Kenya has been deployed to assist the Haitian National Police (PNH) in…
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old app developer, has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the reactions have been anything but subtle. On December 4, 2024, outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel—an appropriate venue for discussions on profit margins over human lives—Thompson met a fate many argue was long overdue. While his death was undeniably tragic, let’s not pretend the man wasn’t part of a machine that left countless others fighting for their lives, or worse, dying without access to basic care. The Crime and Arrest: A Bold Statement? Mangione was arrested on December 9, 2024,…
Saturday, December 28, 2024, marked a historic day for Cap-Haïtien’s cultural legacy. In a ceremony filled with emotion, pride, and fanfare, a statue honoring the legendary maestro of compas direct, Richard Jean Hérard, affectionately known as Richie, was unveiled at Carrénage Square. The event was attended by Mr. Patrick Almonor, one of the city’s mayors, members of the renowned band Klass, the press, and a devoted crowd of fans. The statue, located at the intersection of 28th and 29th A streets, was erected as a vibrant tribute to a native son whose influence on Haitian music has spanned generations. Richie,…
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Jan. 6, 2025 — MikaBen, born Micheal Benjamin, was a beacon of light in the Haitian music industry. His untimely passing left a profound void in the hearts of his fans, colleagues, and loved ones. As we navigate the challenges surrounding his legacy, it is essential to approach these conversations with empathy, understanding, and respect for all involved. For the past two years, Vanessa Fanfan, Mika’s wife and a valued client of B.E. Relations has been the target of unwarranted social media attacks. This situation has deeply affected not only Vanessa but also her family, pushing…
When Is the Best Time to Release an Album? A question I’ve been asked many times is, “Cheyna, what’s the best time of year to release an album?” My answer has always been, “Unfortunately, there’s no such thing.” There isn’t a guaranteed “best” time to release an album, as many factors come into play. However, there are ideal times to consider, and these can increase your chances of success though even then, nothing is guaranteed. Understanding the Factors The timing of your album release depends heavily on your market. For U.S.-based markets and other large markets, timing considerations are often…
In the wake of the tragic passing of Haitian singer and songwriter Michael “Mikaben” Benjamin in October 2022, his widow, Vanessa Fanfan, has found herself at the center of a growing controversy. While Michael’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the Haitian music community, recent disputes and social media drama involving Fanfan have kept the story in the public eye, stirring both curiosity and concern among fans and observers. Background: Who Was Michael “Mikaben” Benjamin? Michael Benjamin, widely known as Mikaben, was a beloved Haitian artist with a career spanning over two decades. Renowned for his soulful voice and poignant lyrics,…
Ah, Haiti—the Caribbean paradise where the sun shines, the beaches beckon, and the government watches idly as the nation spirals into anarchy. Let’s take a moment to applaud the Haitian authorities for their unparalleled commitment to doing absolutely nothing while gang leaders like Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier turn the country into their personal playgrounds. Gangster’s Paradise: The Reign of Barbecue Jimmy Chérizier, affectionately known as “Barbecue,” has solidified his reputation as Haiti’s most notorious gang leader. His latest claim to infamy? Orchestrating massacres that left over 180 innocent people dead in Port-au-Prince, targeting vulnerable populations, including elderly residents, under the guise…
As 2024 fades into the rearview mirror, most of us hoped the chaos of this political year would die with it. But if the current spectacle in Congress is any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be 2024: The Sequel—complete with fiscal dysfunction, partisan brawls, and, of course, Elon Musk, America’s Unelected President, pulling strings from behind the curtain. The House of Representatives’ recent spending bill, which looked like a legislative Frankenstein’s monster, failed spectacularly, with Elon Musk playing a starring role in its demise. His comments on the bill have exposed a stark anti-poor, anti-worker stance that somehow managed…