AGP Executive Report

Community: Kenscoff is mourning Mayor and pastor Jean Massillon, who died Friday after a respiratory illness. He had led the commune since 2020 and stayed through a period of insecurity. Child Welfare: Haitian police say U.S. missionary Thomas Osbeck was detained over alleged abuse and explicit messages to children at an unlicensed orphanage in Cap-Haïtien; 12 children underwent medical examinations. Education: The documentary Haiti Rising highlights P4H Global’s teacher-training work and calls for education reform led from within Haiti. Haiti has also opened an education office to serve four Northwest communes. Culture: NPR’s Black Zombie revisits the Haitian Vodou roots of zombification as enslavement after death—and how Hollywood reshaped the figure into a horror icon. Diaspora & Well-being: Haitian-born designer Garvenchy Nicolas says years of immigration uncertainty under TPS brought lasting anxiety, highlighting the mental-health toll of deportation fears. Heritage: A Haitian nurse in New Jersey is helping families secure property deeds, making land ownership—and inheritance—a more tangible part of freedom.

Education & Diaspora: The documentary Haiti Rising spotlights P4H Global’s 15 years of teacher training in Haiti, as the end of Temporary Protected Status leaves many Haitians in Florida facing uncertainty. Haitian Culture: Black Zombie traces the zombie’s roots in Haitian Vodou, where it symbolized enslavement, and examines how Hollywood reshaped that history. Education Access: A new education office in Jean-Rabel brings services closer to four remote Northwest communes, cutting long trips to Port-de-Paix. Education Leadership: Haitian physician and educator Ornella Saintérant has received a 2027 international award recognizing leadership in medical education.

Education Through Film: Haiti Rising spotlights 15 years of teacher training by P4H Global, as Haitian community leaders in Florida argue that stronger education at home can help build lasting stability. Haitian Culture in South Florida: Miami Carnival brings its parade, music, food and more than 16 masquerade bands to Lauderhill on Sunday, Oct. 11, with J’ouvert on Saturday. Books & Art: Edwidge Danticat’s Dèy is a National Book Award fiction finalist, while Haitian-born artist Widline Cadet’s exhibition explores diaspora, memory and family through photography and multimedia. Education Close to Home: A new Ministry of Education office in Jean-Rabel will serve four remote Northwest communes, making government services more accessible to families, teachers and students. Vodou’s Zombie Story: The documentary Black Zombie traces how Hollywood recast a Haitian Vodou figure tied to enslavement as a horror monster, restoring its cultural and historical roots.

Haitian Heritage on Screen: The documentary Black Zombie traces how Hollywood transformed the Haitian Vodou zombie from a symbol of enslavement into a horror icon, reclaiming its cultural roots and history of resistance. Education Access: Haiti’s Education Ministry opened an office in Jean-Rabel to serve four Northwest communes, bringing services closer to families, students and teachers. Books & Art: Edwidge Danticat’s Dèy is a National Book Award fiction finalist, while Haitian-born artist Widline Cadet’s photography and installations explore migration, memory and Black diasporic life in a new museum exhibition. Haiti on the Field: Haiti’s 4–1 football win over the Dominican Republic stirred fresh cross-border tensions, a reminder that the island’s history often follows its biggest matches. Caribbean Celebrations: Miami Carnival’s parade and fete take place Sunday in Lauderhill, with costume bands, Caribbean food and live music.

Haitian Folklore on Screen: The documentary Black Zombie traces how Hollywood’s flesh-eating monster grew from the Haitian Vodou figure tied to enslavement and lost freedom, reclaiming the story’s roots. Books: Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat is a National Book Award fiction finalist for Dèy, a story spanning Miami, Haiti and Brooklyn. Diaspora Art: Haitian-born artist Widline Cadet’s first U.S. solo museum exhibition explores migration, memory and Black diasporic life through photography, video and installation. Literary Debate: Canadian-Haitian writer Thélyson Orélien’s novel was dropped from France’s Goncourt longlist after an anonymous AI-use accusation, raising questions about how such claims are judged. Haitian Flavor: Chef Jonathan “Jonny” Gudino, born in Kenscoff and raised in Michigan, is competing on Hell’s Kitchen and bringing his Haitian roots to a national audience.

Books & Identity: Haitian-American novelist Edwidge Danticat is a National Book Award finalist for Dèy, a story spanning Miami, Haiti and Brooklyn. Haitian Talent: Chef Jonathan “Jonny” Gudino, born in Kenscoff and raised in Michigan, is competing on Hell’s Kitchen and bringing his Haitian roots to the national stage. Literary Debate: Canadian-Haitian author Thélyson Orélien’s debut was dropped from France’s Prix Goncourt longlist after an anonymous AI-use accusation; the dispute has renewed questions about how reliably AI-detection claims can be judged. Football & Identity: The Dominican Republic narrowed its ban on Haiti’s national team after a heated match and post-game remarks stirred tensions over the two countries’ shared island. Life Abroad: Haiti’s new passport fees for applications at consulates abroad are $150 for adults and $125 for minors, with extra charges and expedited services prohibited.

Diaspora Services: New passport rules took effect at Haitian consulates abroad: applications cost $150 for adults and $125 for minors, with extra fees and expedited service prohibited. Books & Culture: Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat is a National Book Award fiction finalist for Dèy, a story spanning Miami, Haiti and Brooklyn; winners will be announced Nov. 18. Football & Identity: Haiti’s 4–1 win over the Dominican Republic sparked a diplomatic and sporting rift after player Wilson Isidor declared “This is Haiti!” The Dominican sports minister says Haiti’s team can no longer play in the country. Elections & Security: Haiti has postponed its Dec. 13 presidential and legislative elections indefinitely, citing gang violence and logistical hurdles; voter registration will continue, but no new date has been set.

Elections & Governance: Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council postponed Dec. 13 presidential and legislative elections, extending candidate registration to Oct. 31 as gang violence and logistics block nationwide voting. Immigration & Safety: In Springfield, Ohio, a judge ordered ICE to release a Haitian man or grant a bond hearing, rejecting claims he can be jailed indefinitely without review. Community Impact: Haitian removals and TPS fallout are reshaping daily life for Haitian families in the U.S., with reports describing fear, disrupted work, and the dangerous routes deportees face after landing in Haiti. Culture & Identity: A Haiti–Dominican Republic soccer clash reignited old tensions, with Dominican authorities banning Haiti’s team from playing in the country after stadium incidents. Sports & Lifestyle: Coaches in Trinidad and Tobago blamed administration issues after the Soca Warriors’ Nations League demotion, while Haiti’s election delays and security crisis continue to ripple into public life. Books & Voices: Edwidge Danticat’s “Dèy” is a National Book Award finalist, spotlighting Haitian and diaspora stories alongside wider debates on gender and justice.

Immigration & Community Safety: In New Bedford, Massachusetts, ICE arrests are pushing immigrant families to stay home, draining foot traffic for Portuguese, Cape Verdean, and Central American small businesses that rely on local customers. Haitian Diaspora Under Pressure: In Springfield, Ohio, the funeral of 20-year-old Pierre Damas Bel followed his apparent suicide after TPS ended and he was forced to wear an ankle monitor; family and advocates say policy chaos and “cruel” treatment crushed his future plans. Legal Fight Over Detention: A Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case is testing whether judges must account for possible ICE action during state prosecutions, while a federal judge ordered an ICE detainee to be released or given a bond hearing. Regional Politics & Culture: Haiti–Dominican Republic tensions flared after a soccer match, with Dominican authorities banning Haiti’s team from playing in the country. Security & Elections: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Haiti lacks conditions for credible elections amid gang violence and rights abuses. Education & Documents: Haiti’s education ministry says baccalaureate certificates and transcripts will be available at departmental directorates to spare risky trips to Port-au-Prince. Faith & Access: A new report says over 500 million Christians worldwide face Bible access restrictions. Caribbean Diplomacy: Barbados PM Mia Mottley urged the region to stay a “zone of peace,” citing Haiti’s security crisis as a drag on recovery.

Immigration & TPS Fallout: Haitian families in the U.S. are mourning Pierre Damas Bel, 20, who died by suicide in Springfield after being forced to wear an ICE ankle monitor following the end of TPS; his funeral drew Haitian Creole and English tributes, with advocates calling it “killed by the system.” Deportations & Safety: Reports say deportation flights to Haiti have shifted to Cap-Haïtien, with some returnees describing money and documents not being handed back and dangerous routes controlled by gangs. Legal Pressure on Detention: A judge ordered ICE to release a Haitian man or grant a bond hearing, challenging mandatory detention rules. Haiti–Dominican Republic Tensions: A soccer match sparked a fresh diplomatic and political rift, with the Dominican Republic banning Haiti’s team from playing in the country. Culture & Faith: Haiti’s literary world marks René Depestre with a new collective book, while a Queens memorial honored calypso legend “Mighty Sparrow.” Human Rights Watch: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Haiti still lacks conditions for credible elections amid gang violence and abuses. Community Life: Digicel Foundation announced Konbit Pou Chanjman winners, funding local projects from agriculture to women-led initiatives.

Haiti Elections Watch: UN human rights chief Volker Türk says Haiti still lacks conditions for credible elections, citing gang violence, rights abuses, and a humanitarian crisis, while urging faster deployment of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force with strong safeguards. Immigration & Community Impact (US): In Springfield, Ohio, a judge ordered ICE to release a Haitian man or grant a bond hearing, as Haitian families face detention and deportation after TPS ended; meanwhile, hundreds gathered to mourn Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel, whose family links his death to the stress of an ICE ankle monitor. Sports & Identity Tensions: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from playing on its soil after Haitian fans tried to force entry during a Nations League match, highlighting ongoing Hispaniola rivalry. Culture & Education: Haiti’s National Book Directorate unveiled “René Depestre, a Century of Sparks,” a tribute volume with 41 authors, and the education ministry announced baccalaureate certificates and transcripts will be available at departmental directorates in the Greater South to reduce risky travel to Port-au-Prince. Community Support: Digicel Foundation named winners of its Konbit Pou Chanjman campaign, funding local agriculture and community projects across multiple departments.

Elections Under Threat: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Haiti is still far from conditions for credible elections, citing gang violence, rights abuses, and a humanitarian crisis; he urged barring serious violators from electoral races. Gang Violence & Rights: Türk said at least 5,700 people were killed or injured by gangs or during operations (Jan 1–Sep 11), with 230+ kidnappings and 1,000+ rapes, while extortion and fear disrupt schools and healthcare. Deportations Hit Haitian Families: Reports from Springfield and beyond describe Haitians deported after the end of TPS, with flights increasing and airport risks tied to gang control. Community Grief & Activism: In Springfield, hundreds gathered for Pierre Damas Bel, remembered for his plans to study neuroscience and build a hospital in Haiti—while his family linked his death to the distress of an ICE ankle monitor. Culture & Education: Haiti’s National Book Directorate unveiled “René Depestre, a Century of Sparks,” and the education ministry announced baccalaureate certificates and transcripts will be available through departmental directorates in the Greater South. Sports & Identity: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from playing on its soil after fan clashes during a Nations League match. Local Development: Digicel Foundation named winners of Konbit Pou Chanjman, funding community projects across Haiti, including agriculture and processing initiatives.

Culture & Literature: Haiti’s National Book Directorate unveiled “René Depestre, a Century of Sparks,” a tribute bringing together 41 authors and featuring readings plus a performance by Titi Congo. Education Access: Starting next week, baccalaureate certificates and transcripts will be available at departmental directorates of education in Nippes, Grand’Anse, South, and Southeast—meant to spare students costly trips to Port-au-Prince. Diaspora & Rights Under Pressure: Five Haitians from Springfield were deported after the Trump administration ended their protected status; community advocates and pastors say the move is pushing families into fear and financial strain. Community Remembrance: Hundreds gathered in Springfield to mourn Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old who died by suicide after distress tied to an ICE ankle monitor. Human Rights Watch: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warned that gangs in Haiti are adapting and expanding, citing thousands killed or injured, widespread kidnappings, and serious concerns about force during operations. Sports & Identity Tensions: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national football team from playing on its soil after fan clashes during a Nations League match. Religious Life & Migration: A U.S. Senate candidate urged Florida senators to protect Haitian TPS holders, calling deportations “deeply cruel” amid ongoing violence.

Immigration & TPS: Haitian TPS protections are still being fought in the U.S. as Springfield families face deportations and detention after Trump ended protected status; a Senate forum heard pastors and advocates warn that forced returns are pushing people back into danger. Community & Loss: Hundreds gathered in Springfield, Ohio to mourn Pierre Damas Bel, a Haitian student who died by suicide after distress tied to an ICE ankle monitor; speakers urged dignity, support, and remembrance beyond tragedy. UN Human Rights: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk says Haiti’s gang violence is worsening despite the Gang Suppression Force, citing thousands killed or injured, kidnappings, and widespread sexual violence, and calling for stronger deployment with human-rights safeguards. Sports & Identity: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national football team from playing on its soil after fan clashes during a Nations League match, highlighting fresh tensions on Hispaniola. Culture & Film: A documentary screening, “Voices of Haiti: A Story of Strength and Resilience,” spotlights Madan Sara women and their role in Haiti’s informal economy, followed by a filmmaker Q&A. Justice & Religion: In the U.S., trials tied to the 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president continue, including a former Florida Baptist Haitian church planter pleading not guilty.

Community Grants: Digicel Foundation named 12 winners of its 10th Konbit Pou Chanjman campaign, each getting US$12,000, plus a special 10 million gourdes grant for a major community project—ranging from a bakery in Anse-Rouge to goat farming, an apiary in Capotille, and agricultural processing units across Haiti. Human Rights Update: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warned that gangs in Haiti keep adapting and expanding, with at least 5,700 killed or injured since Jan. 1, plus kidnappings and widespread sexual violence; he urged full, faster deployment of the UN Gang Suppression Force with strong human-rights safeguards. Diaspora & TPS Pressure: U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon urged Florida’s senators to protect Haitian TPS holders, pushing a bill to reinstate TPS until 2029 as deportations rise. Sports & Identity Tensions: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national football team from playing on its soil after fan clashes during a Nations League match. Culture & Film: “Voices of Haiti: A Story of Strength and Resilience,” featuring Madan Sara women, screens Oct. 8 in Vermillion with a live Q&A. Justice in the U.S.: A Haitian church planter tied to the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse pleaded not guilty in federal court as trials continue in Miami.

Human Rights Update: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warned that Haiti is trapped between gang violence and heavy-handed responses, citing at least 5,700 killed or injured since Jan. 1, plus kidnappings and widespread sexual violence, and urged a faster UN Gang Suppression Force rollout with strong safeguards. Immigration & TPS Pressure: U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon pressed Florida’s Rick Scott and Ashley Moody to act to protect Haitian TPS holders, as reports say Haitians in Springfield, Ohio have been deported after TPS ended. Court Case in the U.S.: American missionary Maylon Foshee is set to return to federal court Oct. 12 over alleged sexual misconduct involving minors in Haiti. Haiti–Dominican Republic Sports Tension: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s football team from playing on its soil after fan clashes during a high-stakes Nations League match. Culture & Community: Haitian filmmaker Etant Dupain’s documentary “Voices of Haiti” screens Oct. 8 in Vermillion, profiling Madan Sara women at the heart of Haiti’s informal economy. Fashion & Street Culture: Haitian American designer Daveed Baptiste brings New York street energy to a Converse Spring/Summer 2027 collaboration. Local Life & Faith: St. Paul’s Church in Flatbush held a homecoming celebration with talks on slavery, injustice, and reparations.