Jimmy Cherizier, also known as “Barbecue,” the notorious Haitian gang leader and head of the Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies (G9), has made alarming threats against Haitian musicians and water transport workers. Cherizier has warned that any artist who performs in the suburbs instead of in his controlled territory will face deadly consequences. Similarly, he has issued threats to workers delivering water to areas outside his gang’s stronghold, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
These statements come amid escalating violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, as Cherizier continues to consolidate his influence over large swaths of the city. Despite his claims of being a revolutionary leader for the people, his actions have left a trail of death and destruction, particularly impacting women and children.
Jimmy Cherizier, a former Haitian National Police officer turned gang leader, has a history marred by violence and human rights abuses. He is accused of orchestrating multiple massacres, including the 2018 La Saline massacre, where over 70 people were killed and hundreds of homes were burned. His alliance, G9, now controls significant portions of Port-au-Prince and has been responsible for routine kidnappings, killings, and extortion.
Despite his self-proclaimed mission to fight imperialism and oligarchic control, Cherizier has shown little capacity for governance or improving the lives of Haitians. Instead, his reign has perpetuated chaos, further destabilizing a country already grappling with political corruption, gang violence, and economic collapse.
Threats to Musicians and the Haitian Music Industry
The Haitian music industry, already struggling due to the nation’s instability, now faces direct threats from Cherizier. His recent warnings to musicians are particularly concerning given the historical alliances between gangs and prominent figures in the music and political arenas. These partnerships have contributed to the normalization of gang influence in Haiti, a factor that many believe has led to the country’s current crisis.
Cherizier’s demand for artists to perform exclusively in his territory is seen as an attempt to assert dominance and gain legitimacy. However, this ultimatum places musicians in a precarious position, forcing them to either comply with a violent gang leader or face potential harm.
A Danger to All Haitians
While Cherizier continues to frame himself as a leader of the people, his actions tell a different story. His control over vital resources, such as fuel and water, has worsened living conditions for ordinary Haitians. The G9’s activities have disrupted food and water supplies, left hospitals without energy, and pushed countless families into deeper poverty.
His latest threats further underline the dangers he poses not just to artists and workers but to the very fabric of Haitian society. Allowing Cherizier or any gang leader to hold sway over the nation would only entrench the cycle of violence and lawlessness.
Musicians, workers, and the Haitian diaspora are urged to remain vigilant and avoid any alliances with Cherizier or his G9 federation. Collaborating with such entities risks legitimizing their actions and exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Haitians. It is imperative for stakeholders in Haiti and abroad to denounce these threats and work toward solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of the Haitian people.
Jimmy Cherizier’s violent rhetoric and destructive actions highlight the urgent need for a coordinated response to Haiti’s gang crisis. With the international community rallying behind plans for a U.N.-backed intervention, including Kenya’s proposed leadership in a peacekeeping force, there is hope for change. However, for Haiti to break free from its current predicament, the country must address the systemic issues of corruption, gang influence, and weak governance that have enabled figures like Cherizier to rise to power.
Musicians, as cultural ambassadors, play a vital role in shaping the nation’s identity. They must remain cautious and resist the coercion of violent actors, ensuring their art uplifts rather than endangers their communities.
