“For a New Haiti”: Eric Jean-Baptiste, Frantz Duval, Marie Lucie Bonhomme & Roberson Alphonse

It was with utter shock and sadness that Miami Book Fair learned of the horrendous and separate attacks against two of our panelists for this program: journalist Roberson Alphonse and entrepreneur and philanthropist Eric Jean-Baptiste. We are profoundly shaken by these incomprehensible acts, condemn the continued instability in Haiti, and call for immediate action to stop the senseless violence.

On behalf of our staff, sponsors, and partners, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Eric Jean-Baptiste, and wish Mr. Alphonse a swift and uncomplicated recovery from his gunshot wounds. Our sympathies also lie with everyone who is again grappling with yet another crime within their community, and the persistent circumstances which continue to allow such attacks to occur. It will take time to work through these events, both for those directly and indirectly affected.

Miami Book Fair will continue to actively work in creating awareness of the many challenges Haiti faces. We love Haiti. We love its people. We are here for you.

MJ Fievre, ReadCaribbean Coordinator

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Writers and scholars from Haiti think through past, present, and future realities: What does a new Haiti look like, and how do we get there? With entrepreneur Eric Jean-Baptiste and journalists Frantz Duval, Marie Lucie Bonhomme, and Roberson Alphonse. In Haitian Creole with English interpretation.

In partnership with