Vertierre - Haiti Observer Blog

As the political crisis continues in Haiti between President Michel Martelly and the various groups in opposition, the two sides seem to get ready for a major fight. As far a I am concerned, they are heading straight to a total destruction, the ultimate battle, just like the one conducted by the forces of freedom during the colonization period in Saint-Domingue which was called the Battle of Vertières.

The Battle of Vertières took place less than two months before Haiti Proclamation of Independent. Probably one of the most important battles in the Haitian revolution, the battle of Vertières was between the expeditionary forces of the French and the Haitian rebels. Fought on November 18, 1803, the battle would be the second major one of the Second War of Haitian Independence, as well as the last part of the François Capois-led portion of the Haitian revolution.

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Saint Domingue on island of Hispaniola was once the most lucrative part of French colony on the Caribbean island from 1659 to 1809. But a slave revolt in which the battle of Vertierre or Vertieres was pivotal ended the colonization. With support of British government ended the French rule in Saint Domingue and the French were forced to withdraw themselves from this European colony in 1803.

The decisive encounter between General Rochambeau of the French army and the separatist British supported leader General Jean-Jacques Dessalines is known as 'War of Vertières'. General Dessalines who was born as a slave led the struggle against the French. The British weakened the French by naval blockades and supplied weapons and ammunitions to General Dessalines. Sensing danger, Rochambeau shifted French headquarters from Port-au-Prince to Cap Français. Dessalines went on capturing places one after another like Jacmel, Cayes, Jérémie and Léogane. When the French Commander surrendered himself on October 3 at Port-au-Prince, stage for physical attack was set on Le Cap Français.

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Barriere Bouteille or the three Booths at southern entrance of Cap-Haitian were found painted in pink which is the official color of the government of Michel Martelly.

What is next?

Will we see soon a new and improved pink Citadelle Laferrière? while we are at it, why not the Sans Souci Palace?

According to some witnesses, they woke up one day and saw the three booths of Barriere Bouteille painted in pink with no explanation what so ever.

Moun Okap Kote nou Ye!

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