Haiti's ambassador to Chile tours Recoleta festival and calls diaspora an asset worth backing

Haiti's ambassador to Chile, Guy G. Lamothe, left the Kreyolofoli Chile festival convinced that the Haitian community in the country is a human, cultural and economic asset. In his view it deserves to be better understood, valued and supported, according to HaitiLibre. An embassy delegation went with him to the event in Recoleta, a commune in the Santiago Metropolitan Province and Region. Kreyolofoli Chile gave the festival the theme "Working together to defend our identity".

What the ambassador saw

Lamothe went to every booth and spoke directly with exhibitors, entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders and other people present. The cultural, artistic, culinary, entrepreneurial and community activities on show gave him a picture of a Santiago diaspora that is dynamic, creative and well organised.

Small and medium-sized enterprises based in Recoleta offered cremas, manba (peanut butter) and fresco (fruit drinks). Stephania Jean, a young Haitian author from the community, signed copies of her book Deja de huir, enfrentate ("Stop Running, Face It").

The Kreyalino project

Kreyalino drew particular attention from the ambassador and his delegation. Stephania Vanessa Marcelin, Daphnée Joseph and David Antoine lead the digital, educational and cultural project. Its interactive application is meant to help children of Haitian descent who were born or are growing up in Chile to learn Haitian Creole. It also introduces them to Haiti's traditions, stories and cultural heritage.

Lamothe sees the project as answering a basic need. Children in the diaspora can grow up fully integrated into Chilean society and still keep a living tie to Haiti, to their parents' language and to their roots.

Concerns raised by the community

In talks with participants, the ambassador learned more about the difficulties his compatriots face in daily life. They mentioned integration, support and access to consular services. Lamothe described the festival as his first direct contact with different parts of the diaspora.

The embassy says this approach, based on listening and close ties, reflects its commitment to stronger dialogue with community organisations. It also wants to identify their needs more precisely and encourage initiatives that support their personal growth and integration into Chilean society.