Pont-Rouge, Haiti

February 4, 2014 2:50 AM

Monuments at Pont Rouge are becoming a disgrace and among these are the monuments of the founding father Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who led the Haitian Revolution and was the first leader once Haiti became independent. Dessalines was a French Army officer when the colony was fending off Spaniards and the British who would eventually become a commander and lead the revolt against France. Accompanied by his lieutenant Louverture, he was successful in many battles including the Battle of Crete-a-Pierrot; but, after the betrayal of Louverture, Dessaline became the leader of the revolution and defeated Napoleon's forces at the Battle of Vertieres.

Dessaline declared Haiti's independence in 1803 and was elected by a council to the office of governor general. He was responsible for the deaths of 3000 to 5000 people when he lead the 1804 Haiti Massacre on the white minority. He then proclaimed himself emperor but his reign was shortened when he was assassinated in 1806 in Pont-Rouge

Dessaline's monument is only given attention approximately once per year when a gathering to symbolize unity occurs. The only time the monument gains attention is when the president places the annual flowers at the monument. During other times the monument becomes a dumping ground for trash and wayward children to gamble.

Young and old alike find it appalling that the monuments have been so poorly kept. Some even believe it is somewhat of a discrimination against the good citizens who are well meaning. They urge the state to make restorations to the monument a priority.

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Pont-Rouge, Haiti

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