On January 1, 2021, Weibert Arthus, Ambassador of Haiti to Canada delivered a message and his wishes for the New Year to compatriots in Canada, Haiti and around the world that we invite you to read and share.

Message from Ambassador Weibert Arthus :

"Dear compatriots and friends of Haiti in Canada,

Now is the time when, in keeping with traditions, we have to take stock of a year that is passing and offer New Year's greetings.

The least we can say is that 2020 has been a difficult year. The Covid-19 has hit our world right in the heart. Some have suffered terribly from the pandemic, others have lost loved ones. We were forced to revisit our plans for the year. We have learned to live as if in seclusion, to observe a distancing which sometimes required us to move away from our loved ones.

The year 2020 ends with a new wave and a mutation of the virus that fears the worst. Beyond the difficulties that we still have to overcome, we can congratulate ourselves on having so far given the best of ourselves. We have, sometimes in pain, often with the greatest courage, fulfilled our personal and civic responsibilities. We especially want to thank the health workers who, with dedication and a sense of sacrifice, took care of the sick and saved many lives during the pandemic. We also congratulate the agents of our public services, in particular the diplomats of our Mission, who, while working remotely or in a small team, provided the necessary services to the compatriots who needed them. After what we have just endured over the past ten months, 2021 must be a year of renewal. We hope to be able to meet each other physically, to welcome each other more warmly, to visit our dream places.

As you make new plans and set new goals for this year and those to come, remember to put Haiti at the center of your interests. 2021 marks Haiti’s 217th year of independence and we cannot say it enough : the World’s First Black Republic. It will be a year of great meetings for our country on the economic, social and political levels. On this last point, there are two specific meetings that will put Haiti back in the spotlight of the international press : constitutional reform and elections, which will eventually offer the possibility of greater participation of the Haitian diaspora. in the political life of their country of origin. As we now know, electoral competitions always bring their share of dissension. We will have to remain united, in the spirit of our national motto, 'Union is strength', beyond our differences.

2021 will be, above all, the year of great hopes for our country and for the world in the fight against the pandemic. Our expectation is that the vaccines that scientists have been working hard on in recent months can be effective, available and above all accessible to the most vulnerable.

Also, our wishes for the New Year are those of good health, peace, love and success for each and every one of you, in Canada, in Haiti and in the world.

Since the beginning of the year coincides with the most prestigious of our national holidays, we take this opportunity to wish Happy Independence Day to all Haitians of origin and of heart."

HL/ HaitiLibre