Jean
Dominique, one of Haiti's most important radio journalists, dedicated his life
to helping the poor in his country. Trained as an agronomist, Dominique used his
training to help poor farmers to better grow their crops so that they could stay
out of debt to Haiti's wealthy landowners. In the 1960s he became a reporter for
Radio Haiti to help bring to light the injustices he witnessed the peasants had
to endure, and in 1971 he bought the station. Dominique was the first to broadcast
in Kréyòl, the language spoken by most people in Haiti, and used the radio station
to speak out against injustice under several dictatorships and military coups.
Jean Dominique and his family had to flee the country several times when his life
was threatened, but he continued to speak out for the people against corruption
and injustice and the United States' policy towards Haiti, until he was assassinated
in 2000. The entire nation officially mourned his death for 3 days, but outside
of Haiti, few knew about this tragic loss. The 2003 documentary, The Agronomist,
has helped to bring worldwide attention to the courageous life and dedication
of this hero for freedom, democracy and justice.
