A study reveals the number of Haitians living in DR
Foreigners in Dominican Republic amount to 570,933 according to a national survey of immigrants. Haitians represent 87.2 % of this figure. The data was compiled in 2017.
According to these estimations, there was an increase of 46,300 people since 2012. This amounts to an average of 9,260 people a year.
The Secretary of Economy, Planning and Development, Isidoro Santana, explained that the Haitians and the Venezuelans who enter the Dominican Republic are motivated by work, because 80 % of them are between 15 and 45 years old.
He specified that those who are under the age of 15 represent 7.2 %, while those who are 65 years or older make up only 2.7 %. This is sign which proves that these immigrants are pursuing work in the Dominican Republic.
Haitians are still very represented in the Dominican employment market. Three quarters of them (76,4 %) occupy the following three business sectors: 33.8 % in the farming sector, 26.3 % in construction and 16.3 % in business.
Dominicans are currently doing everything they can to stop the number of immigrants entering their country, particularly Haitian. In 2017, the number of immigrants reached the figure of 847,979 people, that is 8.3 % of the total population of the country. Last February, Dominican authorities strengthened their border following declarations made by Danilo Medin to the bicameral Congress.
Clairin, the Haitian spirit that’s going to get a lot of Americans drunk this summer
This coming summer promises to be the one when Clairin, a spirit from Haiti, finally makes its way onto cocktail menus in the cool parts of the United States. Bottles from Maison Velier, with their colorful labels, have been popping up in bartender Instagram feeds and on the shelves at little liquor shops for a few months now, which means you’ll be able to order some for your imminent summer parties. If you like clearly defined trends, you could say that it’s perfectly poised to take on mezcal’s mantle as the hot small-batch spirit, a spot the smoky agave-based go-to has occupied since at least 2012. Which means you should know a little something about it.
Clairin is technically a rhum agricole—made from sugarcane juice rather than molasses—that usually doesn’t make its way into glass, much less stylized exported bottles. The producer behind the three varieties that have made their way to the U.S. market, Velier, has created strict rules around its own production, but that’s not how it’s done in most of Haiti, according to Boukman Rhum ambassador and rum educator Dani DeLuna.
The spirit can be made from either fresh sugarcane juice or sugarcane syrup, which is pressed at a distillery and then fermented for about a week—this can be spontaneous or helped along by the addition of baker’s yeast. That fermented juice is then distilled in a single pass, in what is often a hand-built still. These operations are known as guildives, and it’s said that there are more than 500 of these scattered across the country.
“When you're driving around Haiti, there is sugarcane growing all over the place, the most sugarcane I've ever seen in the Caribbean,” says DeLuna. “From time to time you will see a shack, a stack of sugarcane, and a fire, and you know that's a guildive. Basically everyone makes it, then they put it into plastic jugs and send it off to the market.”
There in Haiti, it’s a subsistence spirit, which is why the bubbling popularity of Clairin abroad could be a major boost to the country’s economy.
“It has the potential to be a promising game-changer in Haiti's export trade if pursued responsibly,” says Garcelle Menos, a longtime bartender and first-generation Haitian-American who got into rums while working at Miss Lily’s 7A in New York’s East Village. For Haitian families, she says, Clairin is an everyday dram her male relatives would sip neat with anise leaves or cinnamon sticks inside the glass.
“I advise folks to enjoy the first sip without a modifier,” says Menos. “You get extremely interesting and unique notes; it's wise to see how your palate responds. One person might get a little more hogo [funk], and someone else might get more grass and green banana.”
But if you want to work this spirit into your cocktail arsenal, rum expert and Brooklyn-based bartender Shannon Mustipher suggests splitting it with other funky rhum agricoles, cachaças, or Jamaican pot-still varieties in classic drinks.
“A daiquiri is a great way to show the Clairin in a more unadorned way and to let the character of the spirit shine through,” she says, “whether you are doing a split or the Clairin on its own.” Mustipher also suggests simply mixing it with tropical juices such as guava, passion fruit, mango, and soursop for an easy beach-style sipper.
As for which bottles to pick up, Velier’s Sajous variety is the all-around suggestion. “It's herbal, bright, and fresh,” says Mustipher. “I find it the easiest to mix.” And if you’re still looking for more, DeLuna says that “Casimir and Vaval are more for those who like truly funky shit.”
How to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month in Miami
JACQUELINE CHARLES
May is all about celebrating Haiti and all things Haitian and in South Florida, there is no shortage of events or parties during Haitian Heritage Month.
From the largest Haitian music festival in the United States, to a celebrity chef cook off, to Haitian film screenings, May is dedicated to showcasing Haitian heritage.
The month kicks off with a free art exhibit at North Miami Public Library and the Little Haiti Book Fair featuring Haitian-American writer Edwidge Danticat and culminates with the Haitian History Bee. In between, there is the biggest Haitian party weekend, organized around Haitian Flag Day (May 18th).
While Catherine Flon sewed the first Haitian flag on May 18, 1803 in the city of Archaie in Haiti’s Artibonite Valley, Haitian music fans will be waving their flags on May 19 at the 20th annual Haitian Compas Festival, which moves to Mana Wynwood, 318 NW 23rd St., this year. And how does it plan to celebrate the milestone? With a Living Legend Award and Hall of Fame Award, of course. The latter celebrates the achievements of 20 of Haiti’s most prominent movers and shakers and influencers – some of whom live in South Florida.
Can’t make Compas Fest? There are lots of parties before and after the show. That includes former Haiti President Michel Martelly, whose alter ego, “Sweet Micky” will be performing during the Sounds of Little Haiti – Haitian Flag Day edition—at 6 p.m., May 18, at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex Courtyard, 212 NE 59th Terr.
Here is a list of things to do for 2018 Haitian Heritage Month:
May 1-31
Lakou Lakay art exhibit at North Miami Public Library, 835 NE 132nd St., North Miami . Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9:30 a.m– 5p.m. Friday and Saturday; Closed Sundays. Free.
May 3
PAAM Free Haitian Heritage Night featuring Akoustik, Nancy St. Leger, NSL Danse Ensemble, Rara Lakay, DJ Whiskey Chick and craft demonstrations. From 5 to 9 p.m. Perez Art Museum, 1103 Biscayne Blvd. To RSVP here.
May 4
The Institute of Contemporary Art Miami present a conversation and book signing with author Françoise Elizée and photographer Pipe Yanguas, on their newly launched book, “Haiti Rediscovered – The Quintessential Potomitan.”6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, 61 NE 41st St., Miami. Must RSVP
Forged Path: Culture, History and Freedom gallery opening, 6 p.m., Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Terr.
Lakou Lakay art exhibit, opening reception, 6 to 9 p.m. North Miami Public Library, 835 NE 132nd St., North Miami. Free
May 5
Little Haiti Book Festival featuring award-winning author Edwidge Danticat, and others from Haiti and the United States. Presented by Sosyete Koukouy & Miami Book Fair/Miami Dade College, 6 to 9 p.m., and 11 a.m. -7 p.m. on May 6 at the Little Haiti Cultural Center Complex, NE Second Avenue and 59th Terr. Free
Little Haiti Beautification Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Little Haiti NET, 63O1 N.E. Second Ave., Miami
A celebration of Haitian roots and culture at Zaka Fest 2018, 5 to 11 p.m., Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Terr., Miami. Call 954-643-2833 for more information.
May 6
Lakou Lakay, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bayfront Park, 3O1 N. Biscayne Blvd.
May 10
Haitian Heritage Day Celebration, 6 to 8 p.m., Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Terr.
May 11
Screening of “Kafou,” a dark-comedy with English subtitles directed by Haitian filmmaker Bruno Mourral, 7 p.m. at the Overtown Performing Arts Center, 1074 NW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33136. $5 for Overtown residents and $13 for general admission.
Black Lounge Film Series Screening of “Liberty in a Soup” 4-5:30 p.m. at Culmer Overtown Braqnch Library, 350 NW 13th St. Free. RSVP here.
SPICE IT UP! Miami Haitian Heritage Month Celebration “Real Men Cook” 7 p.m. Caribbean Marketplace, 5925 NE Second Ave., Miami. Cost $50. RSVP at 305-492-7868 or EventBrite.
Performance: Jamilah Sabur “Beneath the rivers, there are no borders,” 8 p.m. Little Haiti Cultural Center, 212 NE 59th Terr.
May 12
Tap Tap Unveiling, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Caribbean Marketplace, 5925 NE Second Ave., Miami
May 13
Joël and Mushy Widmaier in concert, 6 to 9 p.m., Amaturo Theater at Broward Performing Arts Center, 201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets $23.58 – 35.00, available at Ticketmaster or Broward Center.
May 16
Pre-Compas Fest Unplugged, 7 p.m., Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Terr. Cost $20. Call 855-736-7420 or EventBrite.
May 17
A Conversation With…Diaspora Speaks, Caribbean Marketplace, 5925 NE Second Ave., Miami. Free
Haitian Compas Festival Kickoff Party featuring NuLook, Sweet Micky, T-Vice, Cafe Iguana, 8358 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines. Doors open 10 p.m. $40. For more information call 305 945-8814.
May 18
Sounds of Little Haiti – Haitian Flag Day edition — featuring former Haiti President Michel Martelly, aka “Sweet Micky” 6 p. m. Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Terr., Miami
Youth art competition: Forever 1804, presented by Kultural Kontractors, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Little Haiti Cultural Complex visual arts building, 212 NE 59th Terr., Miami.
Afrikin 2018| art, culture and fashion, 6 to 11:45 p.m., 144O Biscayne Blvd., Miami.
Haitian Compas Festival All Black Affair featuring Nulook, Djakout #1, Harmonik, KAI, and Mikaben, Cafe Iguana, 8358 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines. Doors open 10 p.m. $40. For more information call 305 945-8814.
May 19
20th annual Haitian Compas Festival featuring the top bands in Haitian music. Doors open at 4 p.m. Mana Wywood, 318 NW 23rd St., Miami. Cost $40 to $120 for VIP. For a list of parties associated with the event go to www.haitiancompasfestival.com
May 20
Haitian Compas Festival All White Affair After Party featuring Kreyola, Vayb, Djakout #1, Cafe Iguana, 8358 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines. Doors open 10 p.m. $40. For more information call 305 945-8814
May 21
Haitian Compas Festival Official After Party featuring Roody Roodboy, 5Lan, Harmonik, Kai, DJ TonyMix, Cafe Iguana, 8358 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines. Doors open 10 p.m. Pembroke Pines $40
May 25
Poetic Lakay, 7 to 11 p.m., Caribbean Marketplace, 5925 NE Second Ave., Miami.
Best Nation Ayiti, 9 a.m. to noon. Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Terr., Miami.
May 26
Anniversary of the official naming of Little Haiti and Caribbean Market Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Caribbean Marketplace and Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 5925 NE Second Ave. Miami.
May 28
The Haitian Compas Festival sponsors a Mass in memory of departed Haitian musicians at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame d’Haiti Catholic Church, 110 NE 62nd St. Miami.
May 30
Little Haiti Senior Day, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Terr.
May 31
Lakou Lakay: In My Own Backyard – Mother’s Day edition. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Free. Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd.
Haitian History Bee finale, 10 a.m to 1 p.m. Stephen P. Clark, 111 NW First St., Miami.
Jacqueline Charles
Bahamas moving to ban plastics
NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) — The Bahamas government says it will ban plastics such as shopping bags, food utensils, straws and styrofoam food containers by 2020.
Environment and Housing Minister, Romauld S Ferreira, said his ministry is working to develop a phase-out plan for single-use plastics.
“We will also move to make the release of balloons into the air illegal, as they end up in our oceans, releasing toxins and injuring marine life.
“Additionally, we will become a signatory to the Clean Seas Campaign, which was launched in January 2017 by the United Nations Environment. It aims to increase global awareness of the need to reduce marine litter by engaging governments, the private sector, and the general public,” Ferreira said.
He said that with the assistance of a diverse group of environmental professionals and other stakeholders, including the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, the government will embark on a nation-wide public consultation and educational outreach campaign.
“We will visit communities and schools, hold town hall meetings and meet with businesses to gather valuable data that will assist us in developing a fair and reasonable phase-out plan by 2020 and associated legislation,” he said.
“In the coming weeks we will be reaching out to businesses that have already incorporated sustainable food products within their daily operations. As the Minister of the Environment and Housing, I must commend your efforts to take responsibility for how your business impacts our environment. Thank you.”
Toronto restaurant ordered to pay $10,000 after asking black customers to prepay for their meal
Emile Wickham is seen in downtown Toronto on April 26, 2018, in front of the restaurant where, in 2014, he and three friends were asked to prepay for their meals. Mr. Wickham filed a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, alleging the establishment discriminated against his party because they are black.
The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has ordered a Chinese restaurant in downtown Toronto to pay a black man $10,000 as compensation for a rights violation after it required him and three black companions to prepay for their meals.
In May, 2014, Emile Wickham went to Hong Shing Chinese Restaurant, a popular establishment just east of Toronto’s Chinatown, for a late-night birthday dinner with friends. After the server took their order, he told the group they would need to pay for their meals in full before receiving them, according to testimony Mr. Wickham gave at the April tribunal hearing. They questioned the server, who explained this was restaurant policy, and they obliged.
But Mr. Wickham was unsettled by this. Realizing he and his companions were the only black people in the restaurant, he approached other diners to ask if they’d been required to prepay and all said no.
When the server later returned to the table, Mr. Wickham and his friends questioned him about the policy, and the server admitted they were the only ones who had prepaid. He and another staff member asked Mr. Wickham and his friends if they wanted a refund. The group took their money and left the restaurant.
In her decision, adjudicator Esi Codjoe concluded that restaurant staff had violated section 1 of the province’s human-rights code – which guarantees equal treatment when accessing goods, services and facilities – when they treated Mr. Wickham as “a potential thief in waiting.”
“His mere presence as a Black man in a restaurant was presumed to be sufficient evidence of his presumed propensity to engage in criminal behavior,” she wrote.
Staff from Hong Shing did not attend the tribunal hearing, nor did they send legal representation. But in November, 2015, six months after Mr. Wickham had filed his human-rights complaint, the restaurant submitted a response to the tribunal through a lawyer. In it, they explained the restaurant “attracts something of a transient crowd” and dine and dashes were common, so they adopted a policy requiring customers whom staff did not recognize as regulars to prepay for their food.
Ms. Codjoe rejected this explanation in her decision, saying there was no evidence such a policy existed, that the other patrons that night were regulars or that Mr. Wickham’s party was advised of this policy when they were at the restaurant.
When reached by phone and e-mail following the decision, staff at Hong Shing said they were unfamiliar with the incident and said ownership had changed since it occurred. They did not respond to any further questions.
In a photo taken by the server on the night in question, which was submitted as evidence in the hearing, Mr. Wickham and his three friends are sitting at a table where an unused stack of plates and cutlery are in front of them, along with a tray that holds the cash they just put down for their food. In the background, three other tables can be seen and the patrons appear to be white, South Asian and East Asian.