In memoriam: Dr Roger Malebranche

Konbit Pou Potapiman and the town of Port-a-Piment have lost a dear friend and supporter. Dr Roger Malebranche of Broadalbin, New York, passed away last Friday, January 17th 2020. Dr Roger Malebranche fell in love with Port a Piment years ago, when he was assigned to work there as a medical resident.

From our correspondence over the years, Roger, as he had requested that I call him, related: ”I can tell you that some of the most precious days of my life were spent in that little town.”

Roger followed our work very closely and never hesitated to encourage us to keep the faith.
He never forgot Port-a-Piment as he confessed:” My dream still is to get down for a visit and see what’s going on”.

Once as I was getting ready to travel to Haiti, Roger sent me a note: “When you get there, please say Hi to the town and its inhabitants for me, and drink a shot of tafia ak asowosi .in my name “

Roger will be missed. May his Soul rest in Peace.!

On behalf of the population that he had served, we at Konbit Pou Potapiman express our thanks and deep respect for his service.

Condolences to his family and friends.

frantz

Konbit Pou Potapiman celebrated its 9th Annual Fundraising this past Sunday, December 1, 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Sunrise, Florida. This year was our first Luncheon instead of our annual gala.

Our Master of Ceremony, Carolle Sidney Paul opened the evening by welcoming the guests and thanked them on behalf of the Board of Directors for sharing the afternoon with us, and for their support in making our annual fundraising a success.

She introduced the Board of Directors:

President ….. Frantz J. Jean (Milou), Vice-President and Treasurer…Carolle Sidney Paul, Secretary ….. Geto Dumesle
Directors: Gerald Sidney, Serge Bellegarde (Unable to attend), Claudel Moise (Unable to attend)

She also recognized several organizations which had members present in the audience for their work to better life in Haiti and for Haitians in the diaspora. They were:

Bright Futures of Thomazeau
Concerned Haitians Americans of Illinois
The Good Shepherd Foundation
MCH Coalition
Servants of Friends
Sisterhood Guild of America
St Antoine Hospital Funds

Carolle took the opportunity to share with the audience one of KPP’s accomplishments this year that is very dear to her: the reconstruction of the KPP’s Children Library that was destroyed by hurricane Matthew. The library is a success. The children are enjoying it.

Carolle proceeded in presenting the president of KPP, Frantz J. Jean.

Frantz also known as Milou, again welcomed the guests and thanked them for their support. And declared::“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are proud to state that Konbit Pou Potapiman has had a successful year and has reached its goals.”

Frantz touched on several of our programs and accomplishments for the year: KPP Summer Camp, Renovation of KPP’s Children Library, Construction of the wall around the library, KPP Sponsorship program, Oliver Aarestrup Prix d’Excellence, and access to clean water in Anba Dolian. He encouraged the audience to visit our website at: www.portapiment.com for more information on all our programs and accomplishments.

Frantz also shared lessons learned from the last trip. As an organization, we must anticipate problems and put together a plan to deal with them, as was done with the training of local staff to run the Summer Camp. Also, we need to build self reliance when assistance from others is not available.

In closing, Frantz stated:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Haiti is in turmoil; yes, it is very disturbing to hear the bad news coming from our mother land. We cannot abandon our people, and we must continue to hope. Our people want a better life, but they can’t do it by themselves. They need us to accompany and to assist them in paving the way for a better future. We all have a role to play. KPP remains committed to fulfill its mission. Your help is much appreciated.”

Following Frantz’s speech, Carolle introduced Yvette Leblanc, singer, painter, music director, in short, the lady of many talents. Among the songs she sang for us were several love songs from her new CD. No need to say, she brought the house down.

While Yvette was singing, lunch was served. Toward the end of lunch, Yves Sidney followed. He spoke about the Summer Camp and our new goal of 20 additional kids at a cost of $1,200.00. He introduced a raffle to help raise the funds. First prize was a painting donated by Yvette Leblanc, the lady of many talents; in addition, there were several additional consolation prizes. After the results were announced, Yves thanked the audience for their enthusiasm and participation in helping raise part of the funds for the kids.

By that time, our guests were ready for some dancing. Carolle introduced Levelt Vital, Maestro of Awoze Twoubadou and son of Port-a-Piment. The band took over and electrified the audience by putting on a superb show to the delight of the attendees.

Konbit Pou Potapiman thanks the numerous guests who encourage us by their presence. KPP also thanks all who through their contributions continue to support our efforts to improve life in Port-a-Piment. Thank You! Merci! Mèsi anpil!

Yves.

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(Photos: courtesy of Arix Laroche)