Panel: Haiti in the Media

“Haiti in the Media: Navigating Narratives of Haiti in Global Media” promises to be a compelling examination of how Haiti is portrayed by the media. This panel’s distinguished lineup of journalists includes Elizabeth Guerin from Island TV, who’ll provide a unique view of Haitian news and culture; Patrick Eliancy, also from Island TV, a prominent journalist known for his vibrant and interactive discussions on Haiti’s politics and culture; and Jean Saint-Vil from Jafrikayiti.com, who brings perspectives from the Haitian diaspora and insights on how Haiti is viewed and understood abroad. Together, they’ll explore the challenges and responsibilities of media representation, the impact of international coverage on local realities, and the power of journalism in shaping the global narrative of Haiti. This vital conversation aims to shed light on the complexities of reporting on Haiti’s socio-politico-cultural landscape, imparting a nuanced understanding of how the media influences and reflects the country’s current situation. Introduced by Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald, known for her insightful coverage of Haiti. Discussion will be followed by a special Q&A with Vania André from The Haitian Times, a publication dedicated to providing news and analysis on Haiti and its diaspora.

Miami Herald journalist JACQUELINE CHARLES’ impressive career reflects her commitment to the Caribbean, especially Haiti. Born on Grand Turk Island and raised by a Haitian mother and a Cuban stepfather in Miami, her multicultural background enriches her reporting. She embarked on her journalism journey as a 14-year-old high school intern at the Herald and later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her dedication to covering Haiti’s multifaceted stories has garnered her several prestigious awards, including being a Pulitzer Prize finalist and an Emmy Award winner. Her work spans critical issues, from the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake to the challenges faced by Haitian migrants, making her a respected voice in international journalism and a bridge between Haiti and the world.

ELIZABETH GUERIN is an influential media personality and entrepreneur with an extensive career beginning in childhood in Haiti. At age 15, she starred in the long-running Haitian radio series Woy, Les Voilà! and later pioneered the first Haitian television talk show with a live audience. After relocating to the United States, she continued to make significant contributions to Haitian media, notably by launching HTN, the first 24-hour Haitian TV station in America, and co-owning Island TV, which serves the Haitian and Caribbean diaspora in South Florida. Elizabeth also founded Imaginart Media Productions in Florida, offering diverse media services to various sectors. Known affectionately as “The Haitian Oprah,” her dynamic presence across radio, television, and production continues to shape the portrayal and understanding of Haitian culture abroad. Her current projects include hosting “What’s Up Caribbean,” a TV newsmagazine on NBC’s Network.

JEAN SAINT-VIL, widely known as Jafrikayiti, is an author, artist-activist, and public speaker. He authored LAFIMEN: Listwa Pèp Ayisyen Depi Nan Ginen, a series of audio recordings on Haitian history, and the book Viv Bondye! Aba Relijyon!, which explores spirituality and the Afro-Haitian experience. A co-founder of the organizations AKASAN and Jaku Konbit, he is deeply involved in the global peace and social justice movement. Saint-Vil hosts several radio programs and is a featured political analyst in Canadian and international media. He is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and resides in Ottawa-Gatineau but frequently returns to Haiti.

PATRICK ELIANCY is a respected journalist and news director at Island TV, where he significantly contributes to the Haitian community’s coverage in South Florida. Eliancy is the host of “On The Air” program – broadcast live twice weekly from Island TV’s studio – which focuses on the latest happenings and political discourse concerning the Haitian community, both locally and in Haiti. Additionally, Eliancy is a senior journalist at RHINEWS, where he addresses crucial political and cultural issues impacting Haitians, particularly those residing overseas. His work is characterized by a dedication to maintaining high journalistic standards within the Haitian diaspora, aiming to enhance the global understanding and representation of Haitian people.