The 209th anniversary of the death of Jean-Jacques Dessalines

Here is the Video for the commemoration of 209th anniversary of the death of Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines.

The name of Jean-Jacques Dessalines would be remembered in Haitian history for many reasons. Some which are: he was the leader of Haitian revolution who freed the country from French colonists; the first ruler of independent Haiti under the 1801 constitution; he named 'Saint-Domingue' as 'Haiti' and declared Haiti as an independent state proclaiming himself as the governor-general. Many historians consider him as the most ferocious leader in Haiti's history as he was cruel to the extreme. However, his message to the future generation of the country was simple-- "I have performed my duty; I enjoy my own approbation. For me that is sufficient." Dessalines was assassinated on October 17, 1806, in Pont Rouge when he was only 48 years old. As part of the commemoration of his 209th death anniversary, President Martelly arrived at Pont Rogue on October 17, 2015. He inaugurated a plaque of him on a monument at Pont-Rogue, laid a wreath at the foot of the monument of Founding Father of the country. A week before this, the site was visited by Prime Minister Evans Paul. He had announced that 'Aviation', as the location of the monument at the crossroads is commonly known, will be renamed after Jean-Jacques Dessalines. He had also announced that, as per redevelopment work, the whole area will be refurbished; the neighboring houses on the square will be painted.

Tags: Jean-Jacques Dessalines, History