Haitians In Diaspora Gather To Honor Moïse During Funeral

New York City NY

26 July, 2021

8:52 AM

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By Sam Bojarski Larisa Karr, The Haitian Times July 26, 2021 An hour before the commencement of a state funeral service for former President Jovenel Moise, more than 50 members of New York City's Haitian community gathered in Queens for a memorial service organized by the New York Haitian Consulate. Members of New York's diaspora community gathered at Renaissance Event Hall in Long Island City, most of them wearing black. A portrait of Haiti's slain president and a condolences book awaited the attendees as they descended the staircase to the banquet hall. As 10 a.m. approached, attendees were treated to a saxophone rendition of "Amazing Grace" and Haiti's national anthem. "I am having bad emotions as a diplomat," said Wisnique Panier, counselor for the Haitian Mission to the United Nations. "It is difficult for me to be in this situation. When I heard the president was assassinated, it became very hard for me and difficult to believe. I ask myself if he is really dead." After reading a passage from the letters of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Brooklyn-based priest Rev. Juan Luxama spoke to the crowd, imploring them to examine their hearts and consider what they are doing to work for a better Haiti. "We can't destroy our own," Luxama said, stressing the need for unity. "At the end of the day we must love each other, respect one another." Meanwhile, official funeral services in the northern coastal city of Cap-Haitien commenced at 10 a.m., capping off numerous commemoration events that began Tuesday in the lead up to the state funeral service. The somber gathering was marked by expressions of anger and frustration from attendees and some outside the premises in the Madelaine neighborhood. Some shouted "tuye Leon Charles," Creole for "kill Leon Charles," and rushed at the police chief as walked in for the funeral. At times throughout the morning, shouts of "bunch of criminals" or "hypocrite" in Creole also rang out. The Haitian Times is an independent news organization that covers stories of interest to the Haitian Diaspora. Our geographic coverage is focused in the New York City Metropolitan area, South Florida and Haiti.