June 29, 2022, it has been one year since bandits cowardly murdered activist Antoinette Duclaire and journalist Diego Charles, in Christ-Roi, a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Several activities are organized in the capital and Chantal, including Requiem Masses, photo exhibitions, foundation launches and journalistic awards, among other events in honor of the victims.
A team from Zoom Haiti News, led by John Philosca, thought it would be a good idea to visit the commune where Antoinette Duclaire was born, to see her family and to understand a little bit about her political commitment.
When he arrived at the home of the family of the deceased, the scene was set. Wreaths of flowers, lit candles, meditation, reflection on the life of the activist for whom “Viv dwe eksitan” (To live must be existing) is on the menu.
It was necessary to face reality and to arm oneself with courage after Netty’s death. Nevertheless, regrets do not cease to haunt the sleep of Louise Alcelna Duclaire, mother of Antoinette Duclaire. The functioning of the judicial system of the country increases even more her remorse. Because according to her, the blood of her daughter shed could have announced a change in the country. On the contrary! This is why she relies on providence. “In an unjust country, one cannot hope that justice can reign,” said the lady who did not wish to speak too much. The good works of Netty during her lifetime will speak for her, added Mrs. Louise Alcelna Duclaire.
The villainous murder of Netty occurred after having been confronted with several threats, explains her brother, Fred Duclaire. The family is still in shock, living in fear, even after this tragic disappearance. And justice still remains silent on the case. They continued to threaten us,” said Fred. This situation forced us to leave Port-au-Prince, abandoning our home and our professional activities. We cannot continue to live in hiding and in fear,” he said.
Banners and murals demanding justice for Antoinette Duclaire and Diego Charles were visible at the entrance to the Commune of Chantal, in the South department, arrondissement of Les Cayes. The parents and relatives intend at all costs to perpetuate the memory of the deceased in her hometown and throughout the world. This close friend of Netty, standing in front of the family grave where she is resting, with emotion, maintains that her works will remain engraved from generation to generation. Indeed, several activities were held in honor of Diego and Antoinette.
Here in Chantal, Rose Idalina Elisée explains that Netty will live on in each of us through the launch of the Antoinette Duclaire Foundation, and the construction of a Museum in her name on the 1st anniversary of her assassination.
A women’s organization in the South, Zeklè is committed to embracing the struggle of Antoinette Duclaire who was killed when she was only 33 years old. Zeklè President Ange Francinette Coassy invites all young women and men to stop being afraid and dare to act to save the country. Netty was a woman who dared to say and do what many feared. She fought with all her strength to change the living conditions of the people in her community, even if it meant risking a lot, even her life,” says Ms. Coassy.
Antoinette Duclaire and Diego Charles were killed on June 29, 2021 by bandits not far from their residence. Netty, hit by 7 bullets, and Diego died on the spot without having had time to say goodbye to their relatives, friends or colleagues.
It must be said that one year later, their case in Justice has not moved an inch. Their lives must be remembered forever. It is in this sense that a Foundation and the construction of a museum in the name of Antoinette Duclaire have been launched by her relatives.
The Haitian Association of Investigative Journalists (AHJI) also took the opportunity to announce, on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, the official launch of the “Diego Charles Prize for Investigative Journalism”, which is a journalistic investigation contest aimed at paying tribute to the investigative journalist, a founding member of the AHJI, who was Diego.
