Trump and Vance lie about Haitians. “Fight for Haiti” doesn’t

As Haitians find themselves at the center of another political firestorm, a pawn in another U.S. election cycle, it is easy for some in the United States to forget the real people who are in the middle of it. The political back and forth might mislead those unfamiliar with Haiti's struggle into thinking that Haitians are incapable of being at the center of their self-determination, as if today's Haitians are somehow different from those who rose up in 1791 fought against their slaves and freed themselves in 1804 to found the first free black republic.

A new documentary, “The Fight for Haiti,” shows how untrue that is.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric ignores the key factors that got us here. Ironically, the recent anti-corruption movement was crushed by Jovenel Moïse, a president supported by both the Trump and Biden administrations.

Moïse's actions before his murder in 2021 further fueled gang violence and displaced hundreds of thousands.

In testimony before the US Congress, activists have warned that Washington's continued support of corrupt leaders would lead to mass migration – something that today's xenophobic rhetoric ignores.

Vance says why a Haitian group filed criminal charges against Trump

Last week, the Haitian Bridge Alliance filed a civil criminal complaint against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, citing their “baseless and malicious statements” about the consumption of pets by Haitian immigrants in Springfield.

The repeated claims without evidence led to bomb threats and evacuations that terrorized Springfield. Under Ohio law, private citizens seeking arrest or prosecution may file an affidavit of verification.

In a since-deleted tweet, Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., disparaged the advocacy group by dismissing its legal action as a “wisdom” that Haitians could not possibly possess – seemingly unaware of the “wisdom” of the Haitian revolution his played a crucial role in the Louisiana Purchase, where he now holds office.

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Haitians have always embodied the means necessary to pursue self-determination. “The Fight for Haiti” shows us that today’s Haitians are actually the wildest dreams of their ancestors.

This gripping documentary introduces us to historical and current events sparked by a seemingly simple question: What happened to the billions of dollars in missing development funds that Venezuela's PetroCaribe oil alliance received?

The film focuses on the PetroCaribe challenge, which has touched a nerve in a country long suffering from corruption, broken promises and deteriorating living conditions. Despite physical loss, death and threats, the aptly named “Petrochallengers” remained steadfast in their question: “Kot kòb PetroCaribe a?” (Where is the PetroCaribe money?)

That was a question Haitians around the world were asking. In 2018, Haitian filmmaker and writer Gilbert Mirambeau Jr. posted a photo of himself holding a cardboard sign with that very question. This clueless tweet quickly became the catalyst for a monumental shift in Haiti's socio-political landscape and came at the perfect moment. Social media challenges flourished, and a digitally savvy, frustrated, and mobilized youth in Haiti turned it into a movement.

The question cut through Haiti's internal social hierarchies, which often separate people based on wealth, location or education. Everyone wanted the answer.

Haitians demanded justice from the US-backed regime

Etant Dupain, director of the documentary “The Fight for Haiti,” explains: “The movement unites all walks of life, which is one of the reasons why I interviewed people of all ages, classes and groups. I want to show this to everyone. Haitians are worried.”

The country had become accustomed to corruption and broken promises, but the film shows why this specific question about the PetroCaribe funds was different. The deal with Venezuela offered Haiti discounted oil, with the savings earmarked for development projects such as infrastructure, health care and education. Unlike typical development aid, which often leaves countries in debt and under foreign control, this was a chance for Haiti to invest in itself.

Unfortunately, much of the money disappeared, stolen by the people who were trusted to protect it. Many projects were either never completed or poorly executed.

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Like their ancestors who went from being ordinary people to becoming soldiers, today's Haitians also became activists and investigators. When the movement began in 2018, anyone with a smartphone could be a Petrochallenger. A collective audit of the funds was called for via social media.

Eventually the Moïse government was forced to conduct a comprehensive review. Despite threats against the auditors, the Petrochallengers persisted and three detailed reports were published.

This audit serves as the basis for holding those responsible accountable, recovering the stolen funds and investing them in the country's development. The United States and Canada have imposed economic and political sanctions on many individuals involved in the misappropriation of the funds. No arrests have been made, but the Petrochallengers continue to hope and fight for justice.

The history of the “Kot kòb PetroCaribe a?” question and the Petrochallengers are more than a movement; It is a symbol of the determination of the Haitian people. “The Fight for Haiti” powerfully expresses this determination, making it not just a historical document but an urgent call to action for a better future.

Trump and Vance lie about Haitians. “Fight for Haiti” doesn’t

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