Four Haitian Personalities Honored in Italy

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, four prominent Haitians were celebrated at the Norman-Swabian Castle of Sannicandro di Bari during the closing ceremony of the Lucius Annaeus Seneca International Academic Prize for Contemporary Literature. The Senate of the Academy of Philosophical Arts and Sciences of Bari paid tribute to them for their rigorous research and civic commitment.

Professor Evens Emmanuel received an academic title from the National Agency for Higher Education and Scientific Research (ANESRS) along with a Cross of Academic Merit, recognizing his dedication in environmental sciences. He is also affiliated with Quisqueya University as a teacher-researcher and holds a UNESCO Chair dedicated to water hygiene and sanitation.

Vanessa Clergé was appointed an Ambassador of Peace by the Academy for her work promoting peace and youth leadership through international cooperation. She is currently studying at Quisqueya University's Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (FSAE).

Dr. Marie Guerda Nicolas received recognition from the Senate for her distinguished career in clinical psychology, which includes founding Ayiti Community Trust alongside other initiatives aimed at fostering mental health services.

Jean Baptiste Brown was honored with a title recognizing his extensive legal work and dedication to justice and humanism. He has served as an emeritus lawyer registered at the bar for over 46 years and previously held roles in Haiti's Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

During his speech, Professor Emmanuel emphasized that knowledge and research should serve populations equitably through emancipation and collaboration. The Haitian government congratulated these recipients on their achievements, highlighting their contributions to national pride and international recognition of Haitian culture and values.