Leon Dimanche, Didi Jeremie, Nemline Paul highlight FATEM event

At 7:10pm the dinner had not started yet, there were some last minute preparations being performed by the hotel that caused the party to begin officially at around 8:00pm. Around 7:00 there were people waiting to be seated, they were a little anxious but cooperative. I was greeted by some of the FATEM board members Carline Poteau and Rev. Ricardo B. Télémaque, JD; they were in charge of giving the guest the table numbers.

As all sat waiting for the event to begin, we were entertained with a very inspirational video spotlighting Mirebalais, its shinning clean streets, hotels, restaurants, a library, and a gas station. The movie evoked a sense of gratefulness at seeing a community putting its head together to create a brighter future for the children in the community. The video presentation showed pictures of the “agricultural project” that FATEM is currently working on. It was obvious that the Mirebalais community is blessed with many talented and passionate people wanting to make a difference. That passion is reflected by the statement of FATEM’s chair person Mr. Jean-Bernard Charles, M.D., M.P.H, “We, at FATEM are convinced that the perennial challenges facing Haiti can be successfully overcome with a genuine commitment to positive change, integrity of purpose, and the promotion of bold and far-reaching developmental programs commensurate to the depth of the socioeconomic and political malaise confronting Haiti.”

The event began with a welcoming from the Vice-President Smith Vil followed by an opening prayer by Father Rospignac Ambroise. The spot light turned to Ms. Nemline Paul singing The Star Spangled Banner followed by Mr. Leon Dimanche who sang the Haitian national anthem. The events went on with Didi Jérémie singing two of his songs, one of them being a spiritually uplifting song titled “Conquer me”. The next performance was given by a newly introduced Haitian perfomer Manio Colas who sang nostalgic melodies of long ago; including a song written by Mr. Colas called “Mirebalais”. 

The dinner was lit on fire by 6 dancers from the sassy Noche Latina Dance Company. The dancers performed a salsa dance routine that was sexy, had great flow and left you begging for more. The dance company Noche Latina is a Haitian owned business lead by instructor Hedwige Jean Louis and assistant director Loanda Georges, for more information on the company, visit them at www.NLDSalsa.com 

The night was filled with lectures on agricultural and economic growth that was inspirational. It was refreshing to see a few of the FATEM representatives from Haiti at the event, namely keynote speaker Agronomist Joanas Gué, and once interim Mayor of Mirebalais Hugens Charles. As dinner was served an auction took place to bid on a dance with the FATEM members. The highest bid of $300 was for Gabrielle Rene who serves as Vice-Chair person for FATEM.

The night ended with Mr. Leon Dimanche signing one last song followed by a DJ spinning the latest tunes.

There was an essence of humility that flowed from each and every one of the FATEM members, especially from Dr. Charles, he was a delight. Dr. Charles mentioned that the next trip to Haiti for FATEM will be in June, they will be building houses there. Prodg will keep you updated on those developments.

Special thanks to Jacky and Carline Poteau, Hugens Charles, Mr. Jean-Bernard Charles, M.D., M.P.H, and Leon Dimanche.