President's Corner

I was raised by a father who instilled in me the spirit of confidence, boldness, and imagination. He inspired me not just to dream, but to surpass my dreams and defy all expectations. His legacy fuels my audacity to reach beyond the stars, pushing me to explore new horizons with unwavering determination.

He also taught me the profound values of gratitude, humility, and compassion. Through his countless acts of kindness and generosity, I learned the true meaning of caring for others. As I journey forward, I find it essential to look back and acknowledge those who have supported me. This spirit of gratitude compels me to reach out to the less fortunate while recognizing their resilience, brilliance, and ingenuity.

My late father embodied the essence of patriotism, love of country more than oneself. He believed passionately that our beloved Haiti could reclaim its pride, regain its beauty, and secure its rightful place in history. He envisioned a future where the descendants of our heroic ancestors—Henri Christophe, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Alexandre Pétion—unite in love and dedication to our homeland. This dream is within our grasp when we defend the inalienable rights and shared humanity of each individual.

Our ancestors set ablaze the chains and systems designed to enslave their minds and bodies. They forged a trail for us to achieve and preserve our inherent freedom, self-determination, and self-governance. They sacrificed everything to capture and defend their liberty, having once been taken from Africa.

As Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley so eloquently stated, “we must emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.” It is our duty to honor their legacy by striving for a future where freedom and justice prevail, where every Haitian can stand tall and proud, knowing that we are the heirs to a legacy of courage, strength, and unwavering hope.

In Memoriam of Louis Inelus, 1938-2006

Marjorie I. Lazard, M.D., FACC, MPH