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PROFILES

Louis Elneus
Founder of HLD

Richard Jeanty
Author & Entrepreneur

Leslie Demangles
Author & College Professor

Danielle Legros-George
Haitian Poet & Autor

Margaret Papillon
Haitian Author

Myrtelle Cherry
Haitian Artist & Painter

Carole B. Joseph
Mass Bay Community College President

Gashford Guillaume
Mozayik Drummer

Pascale Auguste
Haitian Association Against Cancer

Andy Jacques
Haitian Fashion Designer

Phillip J. Brutus
State Representative

Yvecar Momperousse
Haitian Student Alliance

The Maroons
Haitian Writers & Poets

Evans Thesee
Founder HaitianConnection.com

Abdias Charles
Founder of Repair Haiti.org

Mecca AKA Grimo
Haitian Hip Hop Artist & Activist

Fania Simon
Writer, Lecturer & Activist

Nadege Fleurimond
Owner of Fleurimond Catering

Interview: Phillip J. Brutus

In 2000, Phillip J. Brutus became the first Haitian elected to the Florida State Legislature. He was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti in 1957, and migrated to the U.S. when he was 14 years old. He graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 1985. We had the pleasure of talking to the Representative about his achievements, his views, and his impact on the Haitian Community in Florida.

Blake Seid: Representative Brutus, we thank you for taking the time to talk to us. We know our readers will be very delighted to read this interview, and we hope it can inspire young Haitians with political aspirations. What was it that drove you to become interested in political issues, what piqued your interest?

Phillip J. Brutus: have been interested in politics ever since I was in high school. I was always passionate about issues concerning racial equality, education and living situations for foreigners and Haitians in America. I also wanted to be part of the solution, be a decision-maker.

BS: What kind legislation have you introduced in the past?

PJB: Since I've been elected I have introduced numerous legislations including Real Property Rights of Aliens Ineligible for Citizenship, but my most significant would be the anti-nepotism bill that I introduced after a situation occurred in one of the school districts. The anti-nepotism prohibits a Federal official, including a Member of Congress, from appointing, promoting, or recommending for appointment or promotion any "relative" of the official to any agency or department over which the official exercises authority or control.

BS: What is your vision for Haitian Americans living in the state of Florida?

PJB: I would like to unite all the Haitians Americans in the state of Florida; I want them to co-exist. I want them to realize that Haiti is Haiti, and the United States is the United States, they cannot expect to act and treat each other as if they were still in Haiti. Things simply do not work like that.

BS: What is your thought on the current situation in Haiti?

PJB: My dream and hope is for the international community to intervene in the worsening rebellion in Haiti. I strongly believe that this country does not give a damn about the situation in Haiti. The Bush administration has no desire to intervene because they see Haiti as a big Savannah. As a matter of fact, under this administration, Haiti is one of the nations that have been denied TPS (Temporary Protected Status). TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to aliens in the United States who are temporarily unable to safely return to their home country because of on-going armed conflict.

BS: Do you feel like the newly elected president, Rene Preval, will have a positive effect on Haiti?

PJB: I believe this is the greatest opportunity Haiti will ever have. To me, Rene Preval is the Haitian Mandela. He is everything the country needs and has a clear vision of how things should be done in Haiti. I definitely believe that he will have a great effect on the country.

BS: Nowadays, Haiti uses the American dollar more than its own currency, how do you feel about this constant decline of the National "Gourde"?

PJB:The over use of the American dollar on Haitian soil is the biggest crime against Haiti. Haitians living in Haiti get paid in Gourde, why should they have to acquire American dollars to buy goods in Haiti. This is the major cause of the deteriorating financial situation of the country.

BS: What piece of advice would you give to aspiring Haitian politicians?

PJB:I would encourage them to join student government association, read and mentor to kids, pay your dues before you run for office, be at the forefront of meaningful events, volunteer your time to local high schools, hospitals, elderly homes, and take the time out to write to your local newspapers on issues you feel strongly about.

BS: Representative Brutus, We thank you for this interview and we wish you luck in your campaign for re-election.