Author: Opastaff
This program examines Haiti’s history, sense of cultural expression, the current political situation, and hopes for the future. Produced by Ayiti Vizyon and SCAT. (Somerville, MA) Run time 28:00 Producer Ayiti Vizyon and SCAT Audio/Visual sound, color
In 2010 the earthquake hit Haiti. Quarter of a million people died. The world promised to help the Haitians rebuild a new and better country. Yet something happened that day that has left those promises and the future of Haiti hanging in the balance. On January the 12th, the day of the earthquake, the national penitentiary held 4,500 inmates – powerful gang leaders and hundreds of their foot soldiers, men accused of robbery, kidnapping and murder. Terrified prisoners, packed 300 to a cell, tore open the gates with their bare hands facing them with the prison guards. As daylight faded the guards…
In 2010 the earthquake hit Haiti. Quarter of a million people died. The world promised to help the Haitians rebuild a new and better country. Yet something happened that day that has left those promises and the future of Haiti hanging in the balance. On January the 12th, the day of the earthquake, the national penitentiary held 4,500 inmates – powerful gang leaders and hundreds of their foot soldiers, men accused of robbery, kidnapping and murder. Terrified prisoners, packed 300 to a cell, tore open the gates with their bare hands facing them with the prison guards. As daylight faded the guards…
In 2009, on the eve of the Compas Festival, rumors began swirling that Georgy would reunite with her former Zin bandmates for a nostalgic performance at the festival. These rumors turned out to be true, and Georgy delivered a memorable performance. The stage interactions hinted at a possible reconciliation, but ultimately, nothing materialized. The successful performance led Venus International Promotion to produce “Zin Reunited,” featuring Georgy and several other former Zin members. Despite the seamless execution of the event, off-stage dramas unfolded. Reports surfaced of Georgy behaving like a diva, throwing tantrums and deviating from prior agreements regarding her wardrobe,…
Starting Tuesday, New Yorkers applying for jobs won’t initially need to disclose if they’ve previously been convicted of a crime. The Fair Chance Act, which was introduced in City Council in 2014 by Council Member Jumaane Williams, passed by the council in June and signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio in late July. The law, which the city said “strengthens provisions of the City’s Human Right Law,” allows employers to conduct a criminal background check only after they make a conditional job offer to a prospective employee. De Blasio said at the signings the “bill opens the door to jobs…
The NYPD has unofficially changed its blue uniform for the month of October showing a more compassionate side. NY1’s criminal justice reporter Dean Meminger says it’s a friendly competition within the department that’s addressing a deadly disease. If you’ve noticed a bunch of pink police vehicles around the city or officers trading in their standard uniforms for pink ones, it’s for a good cause. “I am a three time breast cancer survivor,” said NYPD Captain Maria Codd-Perez. “I was first diagnosed at the age of 28 in 1995, just after giving birth to my second child.” There are countless stories…
Name: Vladimir Alexis Artist Name: Vladous Instrument Played: Drums Birth Place: Carrefour, Haiti Birthdate: January 22, 1987 Currently Based: Miami, Florida Vladimir Alexis was born on January 22nd 1987 in Carrefour, Haiti. He lived there until the age of four when he migrated to United States with his parents and two older siblings. They originally settled in Queens, NY until moving to Brooklyn a couple of years later. He always had a deep love for music, especially the Haitian popular music genre Compas Direct. Vladimir spent his formative years in the Big Apple where He acquired a broad range…
“Legba anye wo / Nou pral pare solèy / Peyi a lwen Legba / Nou pral pare solèy” During the opening minute, over spirited Haitian drumming, Riva and backing singers take turn repeating those phrases. Other players — drums, bass, guitars — join in at around 1m10s to create a frenetic rhythm, while a soprano sax improvisation-like performance gives the piece a jazzy feel. I’ve come across many “Legba” tunes over the years; this one is a new acquaintance which will no doubt become a good friend. Danbala Wèdo | 2m43s “Danbala Wèdo se nou menm o / Ayida Wèdo…
Port-au-Prince (Haiti): Voters in Haiti go to the polls on Sunday with ballot papers crammed with 54 candidates seeking to become the next president of the hemisphere’s poorest country. The vote to succeed President Michel Martelly next February is being held in a climate of insecurity and a shrinking United Nations peacekeeping force, and coincides with legislative and municipal elections. The winner will most likely emerge from the top three candidates, led by Jude Clestin, a Swiss-educated mechanical engineer who headed a government construction agency and is running under the LAPEH Party (Alternative League for Progress and Emancipation of Haiti).…