Michel Martelly Visits Haitian Community in Spring Valley

Updated November 14, 2015 11:49 AM

On the sidelines of the 70th General Assembly in New York, President Martelly visited the City Hall of St. Joseph Church to meet the local members of the Haitian community. The President was visibly moved by the warm reception given by his compatriots from Spring Valley. The city Mayor, Demeza Delhomme, while handing over the symbolic key of the city, did not fail to mention this as the first visit ever by a Haitian President.

President Martelly, during his speech, explained about his responsibility and commitment as the head of the State, especially during the few months before the end of his presidential term. He expressed his hope that the new elected authority will work to improve and achieve progress. Martelly, while describing himself as a diaspora, has mentioned about the expectations and responsibilities of diaspora community, to and from the country. In the later part of the 20th century, there was a significant brain drain from Haiti as thousands of Haitian teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs and social workers moved from Haiti to New York and Miami. New York has the second largest foreign born Haitian population after Florida. In November 2008, Noramie Jasmin, a Haitian lady was elected Mayor of Spring Valley, making her the first Haitian-American Mayor in the history of New York State.

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Michel Martelly Visits Haitian Community in Spring Valley

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