Greeting from Suzy Castor at the Seminar: Conversations about Gerard Pierre-Charles and Haiti at the beginning of the 21st century
Suzy Castor sends greetings to International Forum on Activism and Social Movements in Latin America and the Caribbean. 65 Years After the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution and the Round Table "Seminar: Conversations about Gerard Pierre-Charles and Haiti at the beginning of the 21st century"
El CLACSO Working Group Crisis, responses and alternatives in the Greater Caribbean Share the message of the prominent Haitian intellectual Suzy Castor, who extended a special greeting to the participants of the Seminar: Conversations about Gerard Pierre-Charles and Haiti at the beginning of the 21st centuryWhich it took place in the Forum on Activism and Social Movements in Latin America and the Caribbean. 65 years after the triumph of the Cuban RevolutionThis event, which sought to reflect on the impact of social movements in the region, as well as on the legacy of critical thinking in the Caribbean, was organized by the Norman Girvan Chair of Caribbean Studies from the University of Havana and the CLACSO Working Group Crisis, responses and alternatives in the Greater Caribbean.
Greetings to the Forum and the Round Table: Critical Thinking: The Work of Gerard Pierre-Charles
Suzy Castor
Petion-Ville October 2, 2024
To Professor Milagros Martínez, Executive Secretary of the Norman Girván Chair of Caribbean Studies at the University of Havana, and to all the members of that center, my sincerest congratulations for their valuable work, as well as my thanks for their commitment to organizing this panel.
To Karina Batthyány, Executive Director, and to all members of CLACSO, my recognition and admiration for your contribution to the development of critical thinking, the advancement of Social Sciences, and Latin American integration.
To all colleagues and friends participating in this forum about Activism and social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean, 65 years after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, My warmest greetings.
Today, this event, by framing the recent evolution of our Latin American and Caribbean countries 65 years after the Cuban Revolution, not only commemorates a historic feat with its own significance and identity, but also pays tribute to its endless struggles and renewed victories, despite the ruthless and senseless harassment it has had—and continues to have—to face. The impact of that extraordinary popular victory undoubtedly constitutes a turning point in the life of our hemisphere.
Therefore, it is almost impossible for me to express the emotion, both personal and familial, as well as that of the Haitian community, for the panel dedicated to Gérard Pierre-Charles at this event. Appreciating this honor in its entirety, we express our deepest gratitude. Gérard, an immense Haitian, Caribbean, Latin American, and universal man, projected himself through his presence, actions, and work, bequeathing us a great legacy. Through his life and convictions, he embodied a humanity characterized by struggle, joy, understanding, suffering, knowledge, serenity, and tenderness. Significantly, his death at the age of 68 in Havana on October 10, 2004, underscores the triangle in which his life unfolded: Cuba, Mexico, and Haiti.
Haiti will be present in this panel discussion on his thought. I am convinced that the reflections and analyses of the distinguished speakers, in their diversity, will undoubtedly shed much light on his knowledge, understanding, and vision of Haiti. They will recall a nation that, coincidentally, on January 1, 1804, marked the beginning of the end of slavery and colonialism in world history, projecting the universality of human equality and true international solidarity.
At the time of his departure, Gérard was aware of the great challenge that nation-building represented at the beginning of the 21st century, in a world not only of great changes but of a changing era. As Haiti celebrated its bicentenary of independence in 2004, it entered a period of increasing uncertainty, frustration, and a very complicated race toward the abyss that continues to this day.
However, a man of conviction, faithful to his ideals, Gérard always lucidly emphasized the relentless pursuit of change for a society of justice and freedom for the people, and their determination to fight and move forward. Despite the negative images that many were happy to spread, Gérard Pierre-Charles was convinced of the resilience, creativity, capacity, and ingenuity of our people. He knew he could dream of this great collective project of transformation and the construction of a more sustainable, just, and dignified Haiti. He also dreamed of true international solidarity to embark on the path of a new era.
It is no coincidence that one of his last works is titled Haiti: The utopia despite everything.
Good work at the table. And once again, thank you all.
