The nation of Haiti
has had difficulties in recent years such as the huge 7.0 magnitude earthquake
that shook the whole nation. Another moment in Haiti’s history has to be the
death of journalist Jean Dominique, who sent out the message to all journalists
around the world. This message was to never be fearless. On his radio station,
Radio Haiti, he sent out shockwaves with his beliefs that made the radio
platform increase in popularity. Dominique took the price by fatally being assassinated
for expressing his opinions in a democracy. In January 2014, nine people were
charged for his murder, fourteen years after his death in April 2000. His
legacy taught everyone that there is nothing to fear, just do what you love
doing best and do it without trepidation despite the threats.
Dominique jumped in to
the lion’s den by accusing the tyrannical government groups and powerful assemblies
attracting hate and threats. He was simply speaking the truth against
corruption that the lords of Haiti couldn’t take so they attempted to assassinate
him for the plan to “kill democracy”. Dominique represented Haiti, he once said
“Never forget that you are from this land. You are not French, you are not
British, you are not American; YOU ARE HAITIAN!” This shows the powerful voice
he had through his very own radio station; Radio Haiti. His criticisms against
the injustice occurring in his nation sent him to exile in New York making his
radio station shut down due to this. The Haitian Spring could have been the end
of Dominique if he had been at the radio station at the time. This shows the
impact his radio station had. Despite sharing his beliefs and the truth, he was
still targeted as this was not what the government wanted. The wish of his
haters was soon accepted at the turn of the new millennium as he was assassinated.
He created a legacy that will live forever in Haiti and it shows how powerful the voice of radio can be.
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