Among AVID members, Jean Pillard presented a heartwarming speech that resonated and spoke to the minds of many Igbos who found themselves as Haitians, who were sold to European slave traders, who changed their culture and way of life. However, despite the inhuman treatment, yet, they were resilient enough to resist the tyranny of the French Army led by Napoleon Bonaparte. In his speech, he preached hope for Igbos who have nationalized in Haiti to pull their resources together to stand as a force to be reckoned with.
In his words, Ambassador Pillard wrote:
“Excellency, His Royal Highness, distinguished traditional chiefs, esteemed AVID members, honorable dignitaries, and cherished guests.
“Today, we assemble as a force woven from the fabric of our intertwined history, tightly knit by the threads of unyielding strength, solidarity, and unwavering determination. It is an honor to stand before you, not merely as a former Haitian envoy to the United Kingdom, but as the bearer of a narrative that echoes through the ages – an epic tale that forges an unbreakable link between the shores of Haiti and the homeland of the Igbo people.
“In the accounts of the transatlantic slave trade, the heartbeat of our African ancestors echoed across continents. From the shores of West Africa to the distant Caribbean and Americas, our people were brought to lands unknown, their cultures intertwined in a journey of pain and perseverance. In Haiti, beneath the French rule, a convergence of diverse tribes interweaved, and among them, the Igbos stood tall as a beacon of resilience. Their story, their suffering, and their courage offer a resounding testament to a people unwavering in rejecting the shackles of external dominion or any form of subjugation.
“During Haiti’s darkest times, the Igbos contributed their strength and courage to the struggle for freedom against an adversary who defeated so many armies in Europe, none other than Napoleon Bonaparte. Together with other enslaved people, they sparked a fire in every heart. They united to impose an amazing defeat on the mighty French army. Don’t believe anyone who tells you that Napoleon’s first defeat was at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It was won by enslaved Haitians led by the indefatigable Jean – Jacques Dessalines at the Battle of Vertières on November 18, 1803. And the courage, unity, and unyielding spirit of the Igbo people were at the very heart of that struggle, powerfully, affirming the truth that unity can turn the extraordinary into reality.
“In the past year, I had the honor of joining a remarkable AVID delegation led by Dr. Onyia. Together, we embarked on a transformative journey, delving into the intricate and diverse mosaic of the Haitian cultural heritage. Amidst the many marvels that greeted us, none left a more profound impact than the Citadelle Laferrière. Perched at an elevation of 3000 feet, it is an imposing fortress that stands resolute, a testament to unity, determination, and universal freedom.
“Erected in 1805, it emerges as a resolute proclamation, bolstering the nation against the looming specter of French resurgence.
“In the sacred courtyard of the Citadelle, Dr. Onyia and his team encountered a concealed narrative: an array of bronze cannons, each carefully numbered, and adorned with the Iconic Igbo emblem – a star akin to the Star of David, and a central round hole, later identified by Professor Osuagwu as MPATA – OZO, the Octahedral Noble Stool. In that instance, we were made aware of our interwoven legacy. The Igbos, our brethren, were somehow part of our own national story. The evidence was here in our most famous monument. Yet, this tale, a testament to our united might, had remained veiled in silence, obscured within the records of the time.
“It is our duty, as custodians of this legacy, to cast aside the shadows of the past and acknowledge the bonds which hold the Igbo people within the struggle for our freedom. We owe that to our ancestors.
Together, in our day, we must seize the pen of history and inscribe the untold chapters of our shared journey.
For more than two centuries, the towering Citadelle monument is not solely a stone fortress; it stands as a radiant torch of liberty for all mankind, an emblem of the formidable resilience our forebears envisioned.
Beneath the rallying cry of ” No One Left Behind, ” ( ONYE AGHANA NWANNE YA ) let our hearts beat as one, propelling that grand monument, crafted by the hands of Igbos in the heart of Haiti, toward an extraordinary fate – a sacred pilgrimage site, a beacon summoning Igbos from every corner of the globe. Let our proclamation resound, clear and unwavering: the boundless might of a united 1.4 billion African spirits can conquer any obstacle, forge uncharted trails, and reshape the very fabric of the future we dare to dream.
In this shared moment, as I stand here, the resounding truth reverberates – history and unity transcend borders and eras. Our narrative, our legacy, and our unbreakable cohesion form the bedrock on which we construct our tomorrows. Let’s seize this instance, script our fate, exult in our people’s fortitude, and forge a realm where unity reigns supreme, overcoming anything that would challenge this dream. Together, we can mold a future where unity drowns adversity, and open up a boundless path ahead.
So, let our voices rise, let our spirits soar, and let our commitment to unity resound through time. As we stand united, as we unveil the hidden chapters of our shared story, let our conviction and pride propel us forward.
And now, as I bring my words to a close, I invite you to rise, honor our shared history, celebrate our Igbo legacy, and ignite applause that reverberates not just within these walls, but wherever Haitians and Igbos are to be found. Let’s unleash a standing ovation that proclaims the power of unity, resilience, and the boundless potential of the Igbo spirit. Thank you.”
Ambassador Pillard’s speech rekindles the hope and aspiration of the former and later generation of Igbos in Haiti, his speech is like a catalyst that quickens the reaction rate and reduces the activation energy of those whose courage is down and needs to be reminded of who they are as a people. He further charged Haitians of Igbo origin to be ubiquitous in all ramifications, contributing immensely to the National growth of Haiti, even in the face of adversity.
