Author: Opastaff
Ghosts of Cité Soleil is a gripping and haunting documentary that delves into the volatile world of Cité Soleil, one of Haiti’s most impoverished and dangerous slums. Set against the backdrop of political unrest during the final months of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s regime, the film offers an unflinching look at the lives of two brothers, 2Pac and Bily, who are gang leaders—or “chimères”—embroiled in the chaos of street violence, poverty, and desperation. Directed by Asger Leth, the film masterfully captures the raw intensity of life in Cité Soleil, juxtaposing moments of brutality with glimpses of humanity and dreams for a…
Haiti, a nation long plagued by political instability and violence, has plunged deeper into crisis with the removal of interim Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille on November 10, 2024. The decision by the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) to oust Conille comes amidst escalating gang violence, corruption scandals, and questions about the council’s own integrity. The Removal of Garry Conille Dr. Garry Conille, who was appointed as interim Prime Minister to help stabilize Haiti and prepare for elections, was removed from his position by the TPC. The council, established in April 2024 to guide Haiti through its transitional period, cited several…
Miami, FL – November 14th 2024 – Renowned Haitian compas band Zenglen has unveiled the highly anticipated music video for their latest single, Kon’n Saw Vo, from their album Happy 69th Compas. This new track features the powerful vocals of Jean Renaud Isidor, known by his stage name Isimic, who is the newest addition to the legendary band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkcajDG5K_U Kon’n Saw Vo tells a compelling story about life’s mysteries and the resilience needed to overcome adversity. The song’s lyrics explore the reality that life is a puzzle—one that no one can fully decode. Often, circumstances push individuals into unexpected situations,…
Growing up, there was one quote that resonated deeply with me, a line from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Decades later, these words still echo in my mind, but never have they felt as distant from reality as they do in today’s America. Watching recent elections—the battles between Biden and Trump, and even Harris vs. Trump—it’s hard not to notice the stark divisions tearing this country apart, with each camp digging deeper into its own needs and desires, seemingly at the expense…
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is preparing for a federal corruption trial just as he gears up for his re-election campaign. Set to begin on April 21, 2025, the trial date was determined after Adams’ attorneys requested an earlier start to clear his name ahead of the Democratic primary in June. Highlighting the “grave democratic concern” of delaying the trial, Adams’ legal team emphasized the need for a swift resolution—although the urgency may seem lost on New Yorkers, who are closely watching his bid to fight off five charges, including a contentious bribery count. Adams’ lawyers moved Friday to…
Each year, as November arrives, Haitians across the country gather to honor their ancestors in a vibrant, soulful celebration known as Fèt Gede—Haiti’s version of the Day of the Dead. Unlike the more commonly known Día de los Muertos in Mexico, Fèt Gede blends elements of Vodou spirituality, African traditions, and Haitian culture, creating a uniquely Haitian experience that is both joyful and solemn. However, despite its rich history, the festival is often clouded by misunderstandings, especially in communities unfamiliar with Haitian Vodou. Let’s dive into the history, meaning, and customs of Fèt Gede to shed light on this fascinating…
In a recent bombshell interview, Courtney Burgess, a key witness in the ongoing investigation involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, provided unsettling new details about what may be one of Hollywood’s most controversial cases. Burgess claims to have received 11 flash drives containing videos featuring intimate encounters involving Combs and at least eight celebrities. According to Burgess, these tapes show various well-known figures whom he describes as “victims” of Combs, with two or three of the recorded individuals potentially being minors at the time of the encounters. Burgess detailed how the tapes allegedly feature six men and two women, and all appear…
Haiti is facing an unprecedented wave of gang violence, with a significant increase in deaths, injuries, and displacement that has stretched both local and international resources to their limits. The latest reports reveal an alarming escalation: between July and September 2024 alone, over 1,740 people were either killed or injured due to gang-related activities. Tragically, this figure marks a 30% rise from the previous quarter, with children increasingly becoming victims in a conflict spiraling out of control. Of these recent casualties, 1,223 deaths are attributed directly to gangs, and 106 have been classified as extrajudicial killings by law enforcement. The…
Haitian singer, actor, and former senator Gracia Delva is mourning the loss of his beloved mother, Marie Saintilia Delva, affectionately known as “Mante Titine,” who passed away on October 29, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on June 19, 1939, in Gonaïves in the town of Trois Ponts, Ms. Delva spent most of her life in Dessalines. As a devoted single mother, she was an unwavering support to her only child, Gracia, raising him with love and resilience. Their close bond often surfaced in Delva’s music, especially in the song “Manman” with Mass Konpa. One of his popular expressions,…
At this point, Trump and his followers seem to have dropped any attempt at subtlety. This past weekend, Madison Square Garden became the spotlight for a showcase where attendees didn’t hold back—telling it exactly how they felt about race, immigration, and the “good ol’ days” they’re so eager to return to. The crowd, filled with a “who’s who” of Trump’s comedy-leaning yet deadly serious fanbase, served up opinions that made one thing clear: they are proudly, boldly, and loudly…united against unity. When Trump ran for office in 2016, many Americans were shocked by the sudden, loud unveiling of attitudes we…