Widlore Mérancourt, Editor-in-Chief of multilingual Haitian news organization AyiboPost, recently spoke at Chapman University as part of the War, Diplomacy, and Society Master’s Program and in recognition of Black History Month. His talk, “Haiti, Past and Present,” discussed the history of Haiti, its present situation, and its prospects for the future. Mérancourt was witty, spoke truthfully about his country and the city he lives in, Port-Au-Prince, and related some of the country’s difficult history, including political corruption, and how foreign nations, such as the U.S. and France, have played a role in the country’s failing economy and government.

On his own experiences living in Haiti as a journalist covering current events, he reflected on how the conflicts and hardship in his country are something that directly affects its citizens, especially those trying to report on it. Mérancourt explained how local journalists often find their lives at risk when dealing with violence from gangs or are forced to pay fees to the gangs. At the same time, he points out how some foreign journalists only stay long enough to write narrow-sighted articles that don’t capture the full extent of the country’s situation. For the audience, it was especially fascinating to hear about how he felt about reporting in this climate, and he encouraged the audience and foreign journalists,  to “invest in complexity” when researching the country and its current events.

Political Science senior Aliyah Ramirez, who attended the event as part of Dr. Mateo Jarquín’s (War, Diplomacy, and Society) class found this detail especially compelling.

“When I asked Mérancourt how he balanced reporting an accurate story while maintaining his safety in such a turbulent environment, he shared a couple of experiences where his life was threatened due to his publications,” said Ramirez. “He mentioned how therapy has helped him immensely with reconciling with his reality, but despite the dangers, he ultimately knows that these stories must be told by the people who are living this experience.”

Emily McEachin (‘25 English) said, “For me, one of the most impactful parts of his talk was his discussion on U.S. intervention and its influence on Haiti and the Caribbean. This topic resonated with me, especially in the context of current issues… I’m grateful that he brought these issues to light.”

Though much of the talk had to do with discussing how Haiti was struggling as a country, Mérancourt also spoke on something he witnessed while staying in a hotel outside of Port-au-Prince: a festival with people dancing in the streets.

“It was a powerful thing that despite the image that some may have of the country, it is still a group of people doing different, and joyful things. A group of people that at the end of the day, are surviving and living their own unique lives, the best way they can,” he said. 

There is to be an election soon in Haiti, to replace the temporary council with a president. It is possible that gangs could obstruct it, or another corrupt politician could come into power. In general, Haiti’s prospects remain unclear, but what remains transparent is that the Haitian people will continue to prevail, and Mérancourt and his team will continue to record it.

(Photo header: Haiti, Port Au Prince. Photo by Heather Suggitt on Unsplash)