Human Interest

Haitians console Martine Moïse in capital, pay tribute in north

Port-au-Prince/Cap-Haitien, Jul 21 (EFE).- Martine Moïse, the widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse and who was wounded in the attack, received condolences from politicians on Wednesday at a ceremony with limited capacity in Port-au-Prince.

Accompanied by her children and dressed in black, with her arm bandaged in a sling, the first lady attended mass in the gardens of the National Pantheon, where the government has installed a memorial in honor of Moïse.

Martine Moïse returned to Haiti last weekend after being treated for her injuries at a hospital in Miami.

Among those at the ceremony was former president Michel Martelly, Moïse’s predecessor, and other politicians who offered their condolences to the president’s family.

Meanwhile, residents of Cap-Haitien paid tribute to Moïse, lining up to write their farewells in a public book of condolences during the first official event to take place in the most important city in north Haiti, and very close to Trou-du-Nord, where Moïse was born.

At the gates of the City Hall, people of all ages waited their turn to write farewells.

Emmanuela told Efe she wanted to “write a lot of things because the president was very important to us. I’m very sad. The entire population is very sad.”

She added that “many people” have passed by throughout the day “to express how they feel” about the violent death of the head of state.

Lovelie Joseph told Efe “the death of my excellency hurts me a lot. His name will remain in my heart for days because of his cruel death. It is we who have given him up. It hurts me. I deeply regret his departure. That is why I have come to say goodbye to my president.”

On Thursday the wake will take place and on Friday, the funeral, which will be held in Cap-Haitien at the request of the president’s family, who will bear the funeral expenses and have refused any contribution from the Public Treasury.

The Cap-Haitien mayor’s office declared holidays on Thursday and Friday, banned the sale of alcohol in bars and asked radio stations to only play music consistent with mourning. EFE

mp-mmv/tw

Related Articles

Back to top button