Pétion-Ville, October 15, 2026.- The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) awarded five Haitian journalists this Thursday, October 15, for the ninth edition of the Young Journalist Award in Haiti. Organized in Péguy-Ville, in the town of Pétion-Ville, the ceremony distinguished productions of print, radio and audiovisual press around the theme « Youth at the test of the security and humanitarian crisis ». After four years of interruption related to insecurity, this edition was also marked by calls to strengthen the national scope of the competition and to encourage the professionalization of the media.
Five award-winning journalists in three categories
In the print press category, Daniella Saint-Louis won the first prize, followed by Lucnise Duquereste, both collaborators in Ayibopost. In the media, Ritchy Fortuné, of Radio Télé Métropole, won the first prize, while Geneviève Rose Murdith Joseph won the second prize. In the audiovisual category, Guerby Jean of Radio Télé Métropole was the only winner.
A total of 29 applications were submitted for this ninth edition. The selected productions addressed the realities of Haitian youth in a context of insecurity and humanitarian difficulties.
Training and development
Speaking at the ceremony, Emmanuel Adjovi, the regional representative of the OIF in the Caribbean, expressed his relief and pride in seeing the contest resume after four years of interruption. He praised the talent of young journalists and stressed the role of the media in promoting democracy, peace and living together.
The five winners will benefit from internships in several partner media, including Radio France Internationale (RFI), TV5MONDE, Le Quotidien National du Gabon and Gabon 24. These training opportunities are designed to strengthen their skills and promote the development of rigorous and professional journalistic practices.
The president of the jury, Jean Phares Jérôme, editorial secretary of the daily Le Nouvelliste, encouraged the unwinning candidates to continue their work. He also called for increased participation of audiovisual journalists and for the opening of the competition for photojournalists in future editions.
DNL calls for more national competition
Ernst Saint-Louis, Director of the National Book Directorate (DNL), a partner institution of the event, invited the OIF to extend the contest to provincial cities. According to him, social and security realities differ from region to region and deserve better representation in journalistic productions.
He also encouraged journalists to promote reading and enhance the value of Haiti's cultural wealth. For him, the media can help raise awareness of the various facets of the country, beyond the stories focused on crisis and insecurity.
This ninth edition of the Young Journalist Award in Haiti thus revives an initiative to enhance young media professionals. Between training, diversity of productions and openness to the realities of provincial cities, the interventions highlighted several ways to strengthen Haitian journalism in a difficult context.
W.A.
