On Friday, June 13, 2025, as part of the celebration of the 276th anniversary of the founding of Port-au-Prince (June 13, 1749), the City Hall held an official ceremony on its premises, bringing together municipal officials, employees, new firefighters from the Port-au-Prince Municipal Fire Department (SIMPAP), and members of the community. This day, coinciding with the feast of Saint Anthony, was marked by powerful moments filled with pride, commitment, and hope for the Haitian capital.

The ceremony highlighted the graduation of the third class of SIMPAP firefighters. Fifteen new firefighters were sworn in before Mayor Ralph Youri Chevry and his deputy, Guerslyn Charles, pledging to serve the population with courage and discipline.

In his speech, the Mayor emphasized the seriousness of their mission. "This is not the end you are reaching today, but the beginning of a long and noble commitment."

Faced with the insecurity that is hitting Port-au-Prince hard, the Mayor emphasized the need for collective mobilization and increased support from the central government. "I strongly welcome the mobilization of a 'war budget' by the central government [...] This budget must be used, as a priority, to strengthen security in Port-au-Prince, where violence has increased, where the people are suffering, where the government must be much more present." He added that he hopes the government will support the City Hall and the Municipal Security Council of Port-au-Prince in restoring security in the capital, emphasizing, "This is not a favor, it is a responsibility, even an emergency."

Furthermore, during the ceremony, the City Hall also honored four of its longest-serving employees for their dynamism and exceptional contribution. This recognition demonstrates the City Administration's commitment to promoting public service.

Finally, the Mayor issued a vibrant call for action and solidarity to overcome the humanitarian and security crisis affecting the capital, where more than half a million people, mostly children, are displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). "Dear compatriots, despite the pain, despite the losses, Port-au-Prince has not said its last word. Our city is wounded, but it is not dead. It is tired, but it retains its soul, and it is with you, with all of us, that we will raise it up again."

HL/ HaitiLibre