Haiti is not all you think it is
by Regina Monplaisir, 21, Palm Springs, California, USA
Aug, 1999
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When I tell people that I'm from the Caribbean, they instantly say: "Wow, how cool! What are you doing here, living in the deserts of Southern California?" Then I think about my answer and say because my country is no longer habitable.

Colonialism
Haiti was truly a beautiful island. When Christopher Columbus discovered it, he proclaimed it "La perle des antilles" which literally translates to "The Pearl of all Islands". It was the riches in all resources: gold, silver, trees, fruits, animals, and the list goes on.

But over the years, the settlers robbed Haiti of all its treasures. Haiti was also the first Black nation to revolt against the French and claim their independence.

Growing up in Haiti was most surely fun and interesting. I was given the opportunity tolearn French, which is the national language, and Creole, which is the patois or language of the people. Roman Catholicism is the main religion, but 100% of the population practices or is familiar with Voodoo.

Voodooism
Like most people, I had a misconception about Voodooism. Voodoo is a mixture of Catholicism and a tribal religion brought in the Haiti by West Africans. Voodoo dolls do not exists. There are no magic potions that turn the dead into zombies. There are, however, herbs and plants that are used for certain illnesses.

Haiti at this moment suffers a great deal of economic and political problems. There are diseases, famine and poverty to a large extent. It's a real shame because Haiti had great potential. Haitians are one of the most amicable, most illing to help and extremely hard working group of people I've had the pleasure to encounter. I hope that my little summary of my beloved island enlightened you.

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