CELEBRATING & PRESERVING HAITIAN PATRIMOINE

ILÉUS PAPILLON is a Haitian poet, sociologist, historian, and writer. He was born in Port-Margot in the historical north of Haiti. Papillon is known for his vibrant and fiery poetry that reflects the social life of Haiti, work that is often described as a living entity, open to all the world’s wounds, tears, and fears. He holds a master's degree in history, memory, and heritage, and is a co-founder of Tanbou-Literè and a member of Sosyete Koukouy. Papillon uses poetry to inhabit the world and considers it his place of escape when life becomes too heavy. In addition to his literary pursuits, he is deeply involved in promoting and protecting Haitian heritage – he serves as president of the Observatoire Patrimoine and is responsible for communication at FEL. His work resonates with his commitment to his culture and language, and his contributions to literature, sociology, and heritage preservation have made him a prominent figure in Haitian society.

JEAN WILFRID BERTRAND, born June 27, 1945, is a distinguished figure in anthropology and library science. He has served as the director general of the National Archives of Haiti (ANH) since 1983. Bertrand completed his primary and secondary studies in Cayes-Jacmel, Haiti, and pursued his university studies in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and France. He holds a master’s degree in anthropology from the Haiti State University and a Superior Diploma in Library-Economics from ENSB, Villeurbane, France. Bertrand’s work at ANH is guided by his belief in the importance of preserving historical documents. His efforts have been instrumental in promoting and preserving Haiti’s cultural heritage internationally.

PATRICK DURANDIS is a respected figure in Haiti, serving as the director of the Heritage Preservation Institute (ISPAN). He believes in preserving historical monuments, as they reinforce a people’s legitimacy on their territory. Durandis has faced significant challenges restoring Haiti’s national heritage, but his dedication to the task is unwavering. His work involves recruiting engineers and architects trained in Haiti, and he has been instrumental in conserving Haiti’s rich cultural heritage for future generations. His contributions to the field have been invaluable, and he continues to inspire others with his commitment to his work.