What follows is a recent letter from a German friend, initials I.B., presently living in Germany, and a German citizen. While keeping her anonymity she wishes to share her memories of Haiti with the readers. Her thoughts came from the heart...
HAITI CHERIE - NOSTALGIC MEMORIES
In 1971, a young German woman, I arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, accompanying my Haitian friend married to a German. She came from Germany to spend summer vacations at her grandmother's home in Petionville.
It was July 1971 to be precise and Jean-Claude Duvalier had just become president-for-life. I traveled to the Caribbean before and had been to Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago. I expected something similar but Haiti was completely different; a mixture of Africa and French bourgeoisie not westernized as so many islands.
I fell in love with Haiti and the Haitians at first glance. The unexpected warm hospitality of my friend's family, the smiles and friendliness of the Haitian people, their colorfulness, the sun, the flowers, the picturesque villages, and the wonderful food..... Rice and beans still is one of my favorite dishes.
Being that I also speak French, the unbelievable Haitian meringue and the way they dance it was not difficult to learn and understand. Cabane-Choucoune was my favorite nightclub and my friend's uncles, and later her father, became my dancing partners. They showed me how to roll my hips which was not so easy. We, Germans, do not have the same ability....
I remember "Memere", the grandmother of my friend, who was the focal point of this big family. Every Sunday family members and friends gathered at her house for lunch and later some played "besigue", a popular card game in Haiti. I still see the players with the traditional feathers on their heads while playing. What a family life that was for me!!!
It was a completely new world and I loved it. No wonder I came back to Haiti not only to be on the island, but also in the first place to be with the "family" who accepted and has treated me like one until today. I shared weddings and tragedies with them. I suffered and mourned for loved ones who passed away, laughed, danced, and enjoyed the good times as well.
At 4.00 a.m., one morning, we drove to the Peligre dam and assisted in the opening ceremony of the barrage. The young president arrived driving a Harley Davidson, surrounded by his escort and the many tonton macoutes with their sunglasses on, assuring his security. I had just read "The Comedians" of Graham Greene and watched with apprehension..... As a foreigner and still a frequent guest in Haiti I do not intend to have any critical comments.... It's not suitable with my way of thinking...
I was in Haiti when Jean-Claude Duvalier left the country. I was there too during several coups d'etat, once even leaving in panic. I still go to Haiti but unfortunately my little paradise seems to be disappearing. Fear, instability, disorder are prevalent from what I read and hear in Germany. Law and order are fundamentals for any functioning state...... The Haitian people's lot is not improving.
This is a part of my personal story, which I gladly share with the readers.... I still love Haiti. I.B.
After reading my friend's letter I have to say that the foregoing is shared by many of us around the world. A poignancy that we experienced, a perpetual state of affair with no solution, when the subject is Haiti.
PUBLISHED IN "THE HAITIAN TIMES", N.Y, N.Y Edition - May 30 - June4,2001
