Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé•©️photo : Primature
Port-au-Prince, May 18, 2026.- The Haitian Government solemnly marked the 223rd anniversary of the Haitian flag and the celebration of the University during a major official ceremony held this Monday at the National Palace. In the presence of the diplomatic corps, senior State officials, members of the Government, academics and distinguished guests, the authorities have multiplied calls for national unity, security, knowledge and reconstruction of the country. Patriotic speeches, official decorations, parades and symbolic parades have rhythmized this celebration under the sign of memory and the future.
In a speech marked by historical symbolism, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé recalled that on 18 May 1803 in Arcahaie, the ancestors of the nation had accomplished « One of the most sublime acts of universal history » by uniting blue and red to give birth to the Haitian flag.
The Head of Government paid tribute to the great figures of independence, including Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Henri Christophe, Alexandre Pétion and several heroines of the Haitian revolution. According to him, the flag not only represents a national symbol, but « the memory of the sacrifice » and « The hope of a people « .
In a context of insecurity and the multidimensional crisis in the country, the Prime Minister stressed the need to rebuild Haiti around knowledge, discipline and national unity. « The future of our country will be built by knowledge, collective intelligence and the sacred commitment of every son and daughter of this nation. « he said, also stressing the importance of the university in the formation of free and critical minds.
On the security front, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé reaffirmed the firmness of the State against armed groups, declaring a policy of « zero tolerance » against gangs and criminals. He also assured that the Government was continuing efforts to restore security, recover lost territories and prepare for the next elections.
For his part, the rector of Haiti State University, Dieuseul Predelus, pleaded for a university engaged in national rehabilitation. He defended the idea of a « Intellectual patriotism » based on knowledge generation, research, innovation and the training of competent cadres able to respond to the country's challenges.
In particular, the Rector stressed the need to build a true knowledge economy in Haiti through increased investment in higher education, scientific research and national innovation. He also praised the resilience of teachers and academics despite the security and economic challenges.
Speaking also, the Minister of National Education and Vocational Training, Vijonet Déméro, recalled the historic significance of the Haitian flag as a symbol of freedom, unity and sovereignty. He stressed that the celebration of 18 May was also that of the university, an intellectual heritage consolidated since 1920 under the impulse of Dantès Bellegarde.
Le ministre a présenté plusieurs axes de réforme du système éducatif, notamment la réforme curriculaire, la transformation numérique des écoles, le développement des compétences technologiques ainsi que l’intégration de l’éducation citoyenne et de l’éducation financière dans les programmes scolaires. Il a aussi annoncé que la santé mentale et l’accompagnement psychosocial des élèves et enseignants figuraient désormais parmi les priorités du ministère.
La cérémonie s’est déroulée dans un décor hautement symbolique au Palais national, avec parade officielle, défilés et prestations protocolaires, sous les regards du corps diplomatique et des représentants des institutions publiques. À travers cette célébration du 223e anniversaire du drapeau, les autorités ont voulu envoyer un message d’unité, de mémoire historique et de mobilisation nationale face aux défis actuels du pays.
W.A.
