Martinique - Haiti Observer Blog

The Creole community is constantly growing in the world. Recently on 28th October they celebrated 28th annual gathering in Victoria, the Creole capital of the world. In the international calendar this day is remembered as "World Creole Day". Many musicians from La Reunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Martinique, Seychelles and Haiti performed one after another on this occasion before joining a family show at the end.

Many journalists were present in the audience. "Unbelievable" was the one single word to describe their experiences in the diversity and self belongingness displayed by the community. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture said Seychelles feels proud to host this annual gathering of the Creole community and by presenting many talented musicians from six islands from the world of Creoles.

Read more →  

The French Revolution begins in June 1788 with the Third Estate assembling in the tennis court at Versailles to draft a new constitution and declare itself as "the nation, the true representative of the people," being sworn as "a body, never to disperse." In fall 1788, Saint Domingue's Provincial Assembly receives a petition requesting "political rights for free persons of color." a similar petition is submitted in November by a white colonist.

In 1789, Martinique slaves revolt partly because of the influence of the French Revolution. The instability of Saint Domingue also increases. On 17th June 1789, the Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly in France. On 14th July 1789, the fall of the Bastille triggers commencement of the French Revolution. The social and political structures of France descent into chaos as violence break out. On 26th August 1789, the National Assembly adopts the declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens.

Read more →  

Tourism in the Caribbean has been happening since before Haiti became a republic in 1804. In the beginning, the very rich traveled to the Caribbean to experience the benefits of its health resorts, some of which offered hot springs. Tourists chose which of the islands they favored according to the official language spoken: The English preferred Jamaica; the French, French Martinque; and the Dutch, Curaçao.

As the Caribbean grew to be a tourist destination in the 60s, international airlines began offering non-stop flights. This changed the character of the tourist profile, which had been only the wealthy, but now became middle-class as well. Once the hospitality and tourism industries saw the potential for big profits in the Caribbean, they began investing in the region.

Read more →  

Zouk music originally sprouted from Martinique and Guadeloupe, islands in the Caribbean. Characterized by an energetic beat, it emerged in the 80s through the success of Kassav', a French Antillean band.

Zouk, derived from cadence music, found popularity with fans of Exile One and Grammacks. Sung in Créole, Zouk distinguishes itself as recording music. Music artists often dominate the form, subsuming the players.

Translated, Zouk means festival, well-named because it uses carnival rhythms and contains West African influences. Innovative Zouk band, Exile One, incorporated U.S. Rock and Soul genrés, propelling Zouk mania throughout Martinique and Guadeloupe.

But Kassav' is the group that brought it to world-wide prominence. Kassav' added the sounds of Reggae, Salsa, and Compás to their compositions, attaining status as the "most popular, pioneering, and enduring band", according to one music industry executive. Zouk concerts over time adopted U.S., Australian, and European Heavy Metal influences, catching on like wildfire around the globe, particularly in emerging nations.

Read more →  

Air Caraibes has noticed that Haiti hides a number of potential tourist destinations. It is home to the most scenic views and the most breath-taking beaches n the Carribean. That is why Haiti's Ministry of Tourism has recently joined forces with the public and private tourism institutions in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as well as the commercial airline Air Caraïbes, to inform the rest of the world of Haiti's potential as a major tourist spot in the South Americas. Through the efforts of current Haiti Minister of Tourism Stéphanie Balmir Villedrouin in arranging several negotiations with the public-private sectors, Haiti's economy is expected to improve as the planned tourism strategies are being expected to attract thousands of tourists from the United States, Canada, France, and even several Asian countries.

Read more →  

Just look for a moment what Haiti has to offer. We have the most historic sites in the Caribbean. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. We are located just a little more that one hour from the US.

What the h.. is going on?

The tourism industry is the most important thing the Caribbean counties have going for them. When you look at whether Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Kitts-and-Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent-and-the-Grenadines, Trinidad-and- Tobago, Turks-and-Caicos Islands or United States Virgin Islands. They all have one thing in common: These Caribbean islands are focusing on the tourist industry.

Read more →