Sensemaker Haiti’s cultural heritage at threat from violent gangs
Aug 11, 2025
Jacqueline Charles, a seasoned Haiti Caribbean reporter for the Miami Herald, shares her insights on the devastating impact of gang violence on Haiti's cultural heritage. She recounts the tragic loss of the iconic Oloffson Hotel, a historic hub for artists and intellectuals. The conversation highlights the emotional toll this destruction has on the community and the younger generation's fears of losing their cultural identity. Jacqueline emphasizes the urgent need for revitalization and recovery to preserve Haiti's rich history.
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Historic Hotel's Glittering Past
- The Oloffson hosted stars like Tennessee Williams, Jackie Kennedy and Mick Jagger across its heyday.
- Jacqueline Charles and Casey Magloire describe it as a meeting place for thinkers, artists, and journalists.
Gangs Filled The Post‑Assassination Vacuum
- After the 2021 presidential assassination, criminal gangs moved quickly to fill the power vacuum across Haiti.
- Successive leaders failed to regain control, enabling widespread seizures and destruction of property.
Gangs Control Most Of The Capital
- Jacqueline Charles says armed gangs now control about 90% of Port-au-Prince, making downtown and the palace area no-go zones.
- Government offices have evacuated and public authority has fragmented across the capital.
