Author: Opastaff
On November 18, 1803, the Battle of Vertières marked a pivotal moment not only in Haitian history but also in the broader global struggle against colonialism and slavery. This decisive battle was the final conflict of the Haitian Revolution, in which enslaved Africans and free people of color rose against French colonial forces, culminating in Haiti’s declaration of independence on January 1, 1804. The Context of the Battle The Haitian Revolution, which began in 1791, was the world’s only successful slave revolt, aimed at abolishing slavery and colonial rule. By 1803, the revolutionary forces, led by General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, had…
Prosecutors have accused Combs of violating jail regulations in a manner befitting his “Bad Boy” persona. According to court documents filed on November 15, 2024, Combs allegedly used other inmates’ phone accounts to evade monitored calls, engaged in unauthorized messaging services, and orchestrated a social media campaign involving his children to influence potential jurors. In an eyebrow-raising move, Combs staged a birthday celebration video from behind bars, featuring his children. The video, released on social media, appeared designed to garner public sympathy and paint the embattled mogul as a devoted father facing unjust treatment. Critics, however, called the stunt a…
Turgeau, Port-au-Prince, Haiti – The ongoing unrest and gang violence in Haiti has tragically claimed another innocent life. On Friday, November 15, 32-year-old Claire Villard Guirand, a young mother of two, was fatally struck by a stray bullet in Turgeau. The late Claire Villard Guirand, niece of renowned musician Mickael Guirand, becomes one of the latest victims in a crisis that has devastated countless families this year. According to reliable sources, Claire was caught in the crossfire as gangs continue to terrorize neighborhoods across Haiti. Her untimely death highlights the harsh reality for many Haitians living under the constant threat…
Ghosts of Cité Soleil is a gripping and haunting documentary that delves into the volatile world of Cité Soleil, one of Haiti’s most impoverished and dangerous slums. Set against the backdrop of political unrest during the final months of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s regime, the film offers an unflinching look at the lives of two brothers, 2Pac and Bily, who are gang leaders—or “chimères”—embroiled in the chaos of street violence, poverty, and desperation. Directed by Asger Leth, the film masterfully captures the raw intensity of life in Cité Soleil, juxtaposing moments of brutality with glimpses of humanity and dreams for a…
Haiti, a nation long plagued by political instability and violence, has plunged deeper into crisis with the removal of interim Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille on November 10, 2024. The decision by the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) to oust Conille comes amidst escalating gang violence, corruption scandals, and questions about the council’s own integrity. The Removal of Garry Conille Dr. Garry Conille, who was appointed as interim Prime Minister to help stabilize Haiti and prepare for elections, was removed from his position by the TPC. The council, established in April 2024 to guide Haiti through its transitional period, cited several…
Miami, FL – November 14th 2024 – Renowned Haitian compas band Zenglen has unveiled the highly anticipated music video for their latest single, Kon’n Saw Vo, from their album Happy 69th Compas. This new track features the powerful vocals of Jean Renaud Isidor, known by his stage name Isimic, who is the newest addition to the legendary band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkcajDG5K_U Kon’n Saw Vo tells a compelling story about life’s mysteries and the resilience needed to overcome adversity. The song’s lyrics explore the reality that life is a puzzle—one that no one can fully decode. Often, circumstances push individuals into unexpected situations,…
Growing up, there was one quote that resonated deeply with me, a line from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Decades later, these words still echo in my mind, but never have they felt as distant from reality as they do in today’s America. Watching recent elections—the battles between Biden and Trump, and even Harris vs. Trump—it’s hard not to notice the stark divisions tearing this country apart, with each camp digging deeper into its own needs and desires, seemingly at the expense…
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is preparing for a federal corruption trial just as he gears up for his re-election campaign. Set to begin on April 21, 2025, the trial date was determined after Adams’ attorneys requested an earlier start to clear his name ahead of the Democratic primary in June. Highlighting the “grave democratic concern” of delaying the trial, Adams’ legal team emphasized the need for a swift resolution—although the urgency may seem lost on New Yorkers, who are closely watching his bid to fight off five charges, including a contentious bribery count. Adams’ lawyers moved Friday to…
Each year, as November arrives, Haitians across the country gather to honor their ancestors in a vibrant, soulful celebration known as Fèt Gede—Haiti’s version of the Day of the Dead. Unlike the more commonly known Día de los Muertos in Mexico, Fèt Gede blends elements of Vodou spirituality, African traditions, and Haitian culture, creating a uniquely Haitian experience that is both joyful and solemn. However, despite its rich history, the festival is often clouded by misunderstandings, especially in communities unfamiliar with Haitian Vodou. Let’s dive into the history, meaning, and customs of Fèt Gede to shed light on this fascinating…
In a recent bombshell interview, Courtney Burgess, a key witness in the ongoing investigation involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, provided unsettling new details about what may be one of Hollywood’s most controversial cases. Burgess claims to have received 11 flash drives containing videos featuring intimate encounters involving Combs and at least eight celebrities. According to Burgess, these tapes show various well-known figures whom he describes as “victims” of Combs, with two or three of the recorded individuals potentially being minors at the time of the encounters. Burgess detailed how the tapes allegedly feature six men and two women, and all appear…