Appreciation for Windows on Haiti

Appreciation for Windows on Haiti

Postby Leonel Jean-Baptiste* » Thu Sep 16, 2004 3:35 am

Well Guy,

I don't think that "thank you" is enough for me to describe your accomplishments and contributions.

Your Work, Eloquence, Intelligence, Wisdom is Outstanding.

Personally, I can not find any other way to show you my apreciation for that Masterpiece WOH.

Thousands Miles Away from my adopted and Real home, I can not make it sanely without the Ann Pale contributors. Every day, I can not wait to go on WOH and read from my extended family. I can't keep asking for Guy, Jaf, Zanf, Yaw, Nekita, Marilyn, Caroline, Justin, Serge, Widy and everyone else.

I learn, I agree, sometimes disagree and try to reason and have a final acceptance or compromise.

"Depi lontan Bon Moun ap ede Bon Moun".

I Honour you as a GREAT HAITIAN HERO. I think you need to hear that Presently, not post your final days.

I think also, it is about time for us Haitians to Honour our livin
g instead of the dead.

You don't need to thank us, we need to say:
THANK YOU!
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Postby guysanto* » Thu Sep 16, 2004 10:38 am

Leonel wrote:Thousands Miles Away from my adopted and Real home, I can not make it sanely without the Ann Pale contributors. Every day, I can not wait to go on WOH and read from my extended family.

WOW! First of all, I must thank you for your appreciation of my efforts. Second, don't consider me a HERO, but simply someone who has tried very hard to be of service to his community. Third, the sentiment you expressed above in that quote truly overwhelms me. You speak of your "extended family". That is an extraordinary sentiment to have among people who often disagree with each other. It is proof that Haitians can engage in a national dialogue aimed to change their country for the better, to make it livable for all Haitians. What you are saying is that it is possible for us to take different sides of an issue, work towards a common understanding without insisting that our personal views must always prevail, a
nd finally realize that wherever we may be, whatever our social privileges, we are really one big family, and Haiti needs ALL OF US to make inroads in this 21st century.

Welcome to your extended family, and keep in mind that we always have room for more.

Guy
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Postby jafrikayiti* » Thu Sep 16, 2004 10:54 am

Leonel,

This family is very real and I am glad you expressed these sentiments in such a powerful way.

Guy has indeed achieved something amazing through WOH. The archives of this website constitute a gold mine - not only for us, but for those who may not even know how to read yet.

I think the main challenge for us here is to make the effort to express ourselves freely and to know, as in any family, when someone expresses disagreement with our opinion, it is the opinion, not the person with which their own opinion conflicts.

On this forum, my teachers are named Leonel, Bouli, Nekita, Empress Verite, Widy, Yawabobo, Marilyn, Lynnlinn, Jack S., Zanfan Ginen, Pitit Ginen, Serge, Manzè Choublak, Kaptenn, Jonas, Padel, Guysanto...and of course Pwofesè Pistach etc....

(Jude Gardy....you see I am boycotting you...because you've stayed away too long....- se vye kanmarad mwen li ye, li konnen se pou griyen dan m di sa :-
)

We are all students and teachers in our virtual university.

So, let us continue to fouye zo nan kalalou. Se yon privilèj nou genyen...lesansyèl, se pou nou kontinye sèvi ak li pou sa ki byen....

Respè,

Jaf
Last edited by jafrikayiti* on Thu Sep 16, 2004 3:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Marilyn* » Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:01 pm

I share the sentiments of my colleagues!

We live in a crazy world where events happen so quickly that it would be easy to get disoriented.

That's why I stay connected to my Ann Pale extended family.

I want to know what all of you are thinking about the events that affect all of us, whether it be in Haiti or Canada or the U.S. or Denmark or Guadeloupe or wherever else.

When I get distressed about something taking place in Haiti or about something Baby Bush has said or done or not done, I can get my bearings once again. Once I hear from all of you and realize that I am not alone in my grief or my joy or my concern.

Thanks to all of you. And especially to Guy for making this sharing possible.

Marilyn
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Postby Frantz* » Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:28 pm

Wow!!!
FrE m ak sE m yo, mEsi pou mesaj sa yo ke n voye monte la. Se pa jodi a non, se pa yE m pa tande bEl rEl antant sa. M ap di n yon gwo mEsi . Nan mOtye a, m ap mete plis siman pou konsolide relasyon fanmi a. N ap kontinye fE plis efO toujou pou n aprann diskite antrenou avEk kouraj san traka. N ap fE efO pou n di tou sa nou panse ki pou di e merite di jiskaske nou va etabli yon "COMMON GROUND' kote tout lOt frE ak SE n yo ka vin rekonet yo. Konsa, tEt ansanm twa "woch dife" ke n t ap cheche an a vin tounen you reyalite pou nou Ayisyen e tout lOt frE ak sE n yo ki epapiye tribObabO nan mond lan.
kenbe la pa lage
Padel
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Expressing My Gratitude to Guy

Postby Nekita Lamour* » Sat Sep 18, 2004 12:00 pm

Listen guys/gals,

I told my advisor Monday that I am going to do two things this semester: “Stop going to meetings and get off the internet.” For my own personal health, I have to keep my previous New Year’s and autumn resolutions to have at least 6 hour sleep. For those of you who write, you know it takes a lot of time to put your thoughts together. “Se pa annik voye monte konsa.” Whether I go to the internet or not, I still have to prepare my students’ lessons, do the school assignments in addition to take care of a house, children, go shopping, go to parents’ meetings, and everything else in a 24 hour day.

Seeing these messages today, I can’t stop to add my own. I have said it privately to Guy how much I appreciate his site, especially when I am overseas. For some reasons, I have a hard time getting to “AOL” when I am outside of the United States. The last time I was in France or West Africa (Beni
n, Dakar, Togo), they charged per page. It got to be expensive. Haiti was H$5 for 1/2 hour or H$10 for an hour which wasn’t bad.

To be honest with you, I have a hard time understanding directions "send", "forward", "attachments", "copy", "cut and paste" in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese in cyber space. I tried to sign up to AOL last summer in Haiti, believe me I got something in Greek or some non-Roman alphabet. If I can’t figure French directions out, one can imagine my reaction. There is always something in Haiti to keep you laughing. That’ s why people in the field of psychology can’t make a living in Haiti. How in the world I got Greek or some non-Roman alphabet trying to get into AOL? I called the lady who worked there. She said she had never heard of or seen AOL site. AOL is not that common in Haiti. People use “yahoo” or “hotmail” in those cyber cafés.

I can sympathize with Lionel and many others who are far away from home for a long period of time. I am only far away from my a
dopted home temporarily. I know how it feels like. Even if you are at home in Haiti, unless you are in Port-au-Prince, you run into those guys selling newspapers, you don’t get international news and substantial information on Haiti. So “windows” is personally more accessible.

There are sites that have too much commercial. Some ask you to limit the number of words which require much more time and much more mental energy. I simply don’t like the quality, the theme, or the focus of some other sites.

Like Jaf said, it’s becoming more like a family. I get a little upset at those who just read and don’t contribute. I am not happy either that the mass who are listening to the radios and watching TV don’t have access to these kinds of insights. What does it take for a radio or TV host to simply print some pages and read them on the radio for their audience, or social service agencies to leave them in their waiting room and write in big letters "Li pandan wa p tann nan." “Read while waiting.”


In regards to plain “observers”, I have people who told me they are saving their writings for their books. I told these people that Jaf published a book and contribute frequently. I write in the paper also. I now have a monthly column. I intend to write a book one day which many people have told me to. I do have manuscripts. But I don’t want to self-publish. I still contribute to WOH and other discussion lines. Ezili is a busy, very involved, very engaged lawyer. Though she has not written for a while, but she makes her voice heard. Empress makes very thoughtful insights. We are about 10 to 15 people writing, except Pistach whom I haven’t read his/her post yet. Where and when had he/she written?

I have seen sections like the political issues with more than 1,000 hits. One of the topics on Mary and the Third World had 350 hits, but not one comment. Others say if you write, people will take your ideas and won’t give you credits, or make a book, or do their own thing out of your ideas. My respons
e is I can’t do everything that I think of. One phenomenon I notice in the Haitian communities is those who are doing whatever they are doing don’t consult or work with those of us who are “thinking” and writing. One of the sentences in a long quote I read in Le Nouvelliste recently that resonates that attitude is "La distance entre l’écrivain et les lecteurs est la même distance entre le ciel et la terre.” “The distance between the writer and the readers is equal to the distance between the sky and the earth”. This quote helps me when I feel not understood, not liked in some segments of my community.

Guy again “Thank you for using scientific innovations to give space to those of us who have no way to communicate our thoughts and love for a better Haiti or more vibrant diasporic communities, more emphasis on education, on learning and give the youth a space in the community. Thanks a million for the “virtual” home you have provided to those of us who have no home or community to call our own. Th
ank you for being a member of this virtual family that we can go to at any time of the day or night, and anywhere in this planet.

Nekita

P.S: Our verbal gratitude is wonderful. However our financial contributions will also be helpful to keep the site going.
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Postby Zanfanginen* » Sat Sep 18, 2004 1:05 pm

Guy,

I am very grateful to be a part of the Ann Pale forum family. Thanks to you, I feel that my message is well received among members and I am happy to be involved in discussion concerning Haiti and the African disapora. Now, I will do my best to encourage more people to participate in this forum, especially those who care about Haiti.
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Postby JGPalmis* » Sat Sep 18, 2004 4:15 pm

Well brothers and sisters

Let me put my 5 cents in the basket. First I join my voice to yours saying a huge thank to Guy for the work he does and continues doing with WOH. I consider it like a plantain tree. We can stretch far away one day we have to come back. True Jaf, I stay away for too long from the discussions but guess what if I have nothing to say I just keep "ti bouch'anm" close. I can't follow the BUSH, I can't read his daddy's lips. In silence woh offers me these drops of hope coming at the fingertips of you all.

I hear you Nekita.

Peace & love

Jude Gardy
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Postby Serge Bellegarde* » Mon Sep 20, 2004 2:38 pm

I just finished reading all the posts under in this category. I am very late doing it because sometimes I am so busy that I get to read some categories quite late. In fact, some of my postings take place very late at night, 11h30, midnight some times 1 a.m. This is testimony of how addicted I have become to Windows on Haiti, thanks to Guy who singlehandedly created this site which is at the origin of the "extended family" to which I am proud to belong. All this to say that indeed, Guy deserves all the credit for having persevered all these years. The site remains vibrant and is becoming more so with every passing day.

All this to say that I share everything that has been said by everyone. I could not be more eloquent than this! Bonne besogne Guy!

Serge
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Bravo!

Postby Lakat » Mon Nov 29, 2004 11:36 am

I am new to Ann Pale but not new to Guy Antoine and I add my admiration and support to the webmaster of Windows on Haiti! I, too, have spoken to others of Guy Antoine as a Hero of Haiti and I don't consider that hyperbole. I think it is right on the money! I looked up hero in the dictionary, as Guy seems to be too modest to accept this title. These two definitions fit him to a T but there are others like "illustrious warrior", "a central figure in an event, period or movement" and "an object of extreme admiration or devotion." Those might be too much for a man like Guy Antoine to live with, no matter how true they are. But these two should be restrained enough for him!
c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage

I think this labor of love that is Windows on Haiti has been a sa
crifice for Guy as well as a blessing. That he insists on showing a balance of information, one to lift up his beloved Haiti and the other to expose the darkness that threatens to destroy her, is both beautiful and heroic.

Thank you, a thousand times thank you Guy Antoine! I know I will be thanking more of you as I get my feet wet in this lovely ocean of intelligent and compassionate posters. It's nice here!

warmest regards,

Kathy~
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Postby T-dodo » Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:57 pm

Even though I only joined Ann Pale Forum in October 2004, I have been a surfer and contributor in Windows On Haiti since 1998 or 1999 - can't remember the exact year. At the time, still early Internet Age and right after Gore invented it, I considered WOH the best source of cultural information and perspectives on Haiti. I am glad Kathy brought the post back so that I can add my views to it.

With Guy's perseverence, WOH had gone a long way since, and for the better. I believe it has shown our alma mater in such a positive and new way that was clearly not enough in the media in the US. From that standpoint I echo all the sentiments already expressed by Leonel and all the others who replied to this post.

At the same time, from what I understood, this has been a labor of love for Guy. Somehow, I am hopeful that the rewards from maintaining the site are worth the time that he put in it. This way, people can continue to enjoy the site
as we have done in the past and continue today.

I knew Guy through his writings on the Corbett list at about the same time, circa 1997. It was always a pleasure to read his posts because they were relevant, well written and balanced. I since copied his way of writing - not the changing the subject part, of course! I believe our community does not have enough people like him. Had it, we and our alma mater would all be better off today. If anything, Guy, you earned our respect and admiration.

I am grateful for your efforts. Besides informing and entertaining us, you also make us proud!

Jean-Marie
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Mesi Anpil Guy

Postby Empress Verite » Mon Nov 29, 2004 2:03 pm

One and Respe Guysanto:

Thank you and you are a HERO for giving us this forum to be ourselves in all ways! Ganaives is proud I am sure for a son in the diaspora who continues to give us the means and strengths with which to fight oppression. In essence Windows On Haiti showcases the soul searchings and eyesight that our members and contributors do on a daily basis. We will get there with your help, Guy and your staff. This is a labor of love that I too turn too to stay abreast about what is happenning in Haiti at home and abroad. I am so happy with new internet development such as satelite and fast access which allows me to post more often and to even access this site and others.

Mesi anpil for what you do and what you have written on Corbett in our defense and to educate and annihilate. You've been a great facilitator standing between different voices and opinions with grace and bravery. I honor that and I am sure t
hat others do too. I had not seen this earlier because I would have added my own voice. To my defense, you have received my various responses to your posts on Corbett and my strong agreement and appreciation for your input.

Kenbe and we will get there.
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Hero!

Postby Caroline » Sun Dec 05, 2004 4:02 pm

Guy -- Yes, you're a HERO. Modesty is just one of your heroic qualities and, although it might keep you from seeing yourself as we do, it doesn't change what you are to all of us.

we LOVE ya. And there ain't nothin you can do about it, either.

:P
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Postby guysanto* » Sun Dec 05, 2004 7:32 pm

And there ain't nothin you can do about it, either.

I know perfectly well how to put a stop to it. Wait till each one of you gets my bill at the end of the year.
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huh?

Postby Lakat » Sun Dec 05, 2004 11:46 pm

I know perfectly well how to put a stop to it. Wait till each one of you gets my bill at the end of the year.


Guy who?

Signed,

puzzled in Pasadena~
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Guy who?

Postby Caroline » Mon Dec 06, 2004 10:49 am

Guy Santo (good lookin dude up in the left hand corner of yer screen).


Hi Kat!!! Long time no see.
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Postby Caroline » Mon Dec 06, 2004 10:52 am

Guy -- just give me another year to finish this graduate certificate in nonprofit fundraising... then your bills won't scare me a bit!
Come to think of it -- maybe then *I'll* be a hero too!
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Hey Caroline!

Postby Lakat » Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:06 am

Good to see you again and especially good to see you in WOH. Thanks for the heads up on Guy, NOW I remember who he is. I think he scared it right out of me!

And Caroline, you already are a hero...or heroine in this case!

Best wishes on your educational goals!

kat~
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Postby staff* » Thu Feb 03, 2005 12:58 pm

Caroline, Lakat, Empress, Pauline, kote nou ye???

Se vre Nekita ak Marilyn byen reprezante jan feminen an, epi sanble Marie-Therèse vle fè yon ti pèse tout, men an jeneral, kote fanm yo?

Si nou APRESYE WINDOWS ON HAITI jan nou di l la, montre nou sa. Pa rete absan konsa.

Windows on Haiti pou tout fanm tou!
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About the women

Postby Nekita Lamour* » Sat Feb 05, 2005 3:32 pm

Guy,
You are not the only who says "Kote Fanm yo?" I have said it also. They don't seem to know if you are not vocal globally, it will affect what you are doing locally. The net is one vehicle to talk globally.

What I am saying even those who receive government money, if they don't want to speak in your line or any message boards or discussion lines, they can have a web site, a newsletter, or their own yahoo groups. A lot those organisations have secretaries and consultants. What are their usually "American" consultants whom they are paying big money telling them? I have to stay up at night or weekends to write, but most of those ladies running Haitian organizations, can be paid and can use their time working to contribute to the net.

If policy-makers want to know what Haitians or Haitian women are doing or planning or thinking, before they call one of those academia and read their technical research, they are g
oing to the "net' first and see what is being said on a daily basis. Besides Miami Herald, there isn't that much in the mainstream paper about Haitians and this case, Haitian women.

If one has to base on the fastest mode of communication which is writing in the written media outlets, one million Haitians living in the diaspora do not exist. Thus, the policy makers are relying on what their daily editorials or most often white journalists are writing in the OpEd pages.

I hope the day will come where Haitian men and women will see the importance of being vocal in the print industry.

Nekita
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Postby Carline » Wed Oct 12, 2005 10:27 pm

ImageImageImageImage

I wanted to say thank you to Guy for putting together such a well-thought-of website. I've been a fan of his work for years now and have always been drawn to the integrity and passion that he so diligently applies to WOH.
I am overwhelmingly excited and happy to now be an official member of this great family.
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Postby Anacaona* » Thu Oct 13, 2005 7:05 am

Carline,

Welcome to Ann Pale.

Anacaona!
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