AGP Executive Report

Haiti Elections Integrity: The OAS says politicians with ties to criminal gangs must be barred from Haiti’s elections, urging faster verification by Haitian authorities. Haitian Media Under Threat: CPJ calls for a swift investigation into the killing of Haitian community radio host Joseph Willard Vancol, abducted after a gang attack on his station’s training center. Music & Youth Talent: Haiti Jazz Foundation, the French Institute in Haiti, and Centre Culturel Caraïbes launch “Scène découvertes,” a monthly Discovery Stage series (Sept–Dec 2026) to showcase emerging artists ahead of PAPJAZZ. Cultural Diplomacy: Haiti’s Embassy in France hosts events on Haiti’s contribution to world history, including dance and Creole language workshops. Community Safety & Rights: In the U.S., Haitian community members in San Diego protest ICE arrests near schools, while Haitian TPS holders face renewed uncertainty. Sports & Diaspora Spotlight: Haitian forward Josué Casimir leaves Auxerre on loan to Dynamo Moscow, adding another chapter to Haiti’s football presence abroad.

Haiti Elections Oversight: The OAS says politicians with ties to criminal gangs should be barred from Haiti’s elections, urging faster verification during the preparatory phase. Journalism Under Threat: Haitian community radio director Joseph Willard Vancol was found dead nearly three weeks after abduction, prompting the CPJ to call for a swift investigation and stronger protection for media workers. Culture & Music: The Haïti Jazz Foundation, with partners, launches a “Scène découvertes” Discovery Stage series (Sept–Dec 2026) to spotlight emerging artists ahead of PAPJAZZ. Haitian Identity on Stage: Haiti’s Embassy in France hosts events on Haiti’s contribution to the history of humanity, pairing roundtables with dance and Creole language workshops. Sports & Talent: Josué Casimir leaves Auxerre on loan to Dynamo Moscow, a move that keeps the Haitian forward in top-flight competition. Diaspora & Deportation Pressure: Reports highlight how Haitian communities in the U.S. face intensified enforcement and uncertainty around protected status, adding strain to already fragile lives.

Haiti Jazz Foundation: The Haïti Jazz Foundation, French Institute in Haiti, and Centre Culturel Caraïbes launch “Scène découvertes,” a monthly Discovery Stage for emerging artists (Sept–Dec 2026), starting Sept. 10 in Pétion-Ville with selected young talent and 20-minute showcases. Haiti Culture & Identity: Haiti’s Embassy in France hosts “The Making of Diplomacy” events on Sept. 5–6, including a roundtable on “Haiti’s Contribution to the History of Humanity,” plus dance and Creole workshops. Haiti Security & Media: Haitian community radio director Joseph Willard Vancol was found dead nearly three weeks after abduction in Gressier; CPJ urges Haitian authorities to investigate and protect journalists. Haiti Deportation Backlash (US): Commentary highlights the cruelty of Trump-era deportations and the wider impact on Haitian lives, laws, and futures. Haitian Student Death (US): Ohio officials and candidates respond to the death of Haitian immigrant Pierre Damas Bel, who died by apparent suicide after bullying tied to an ICE ankle monitor. Sports (Regional): Trinidad & Tobago players accept a CONCACAF Nations League invitation after payment issues were addressed, with Haiti set as an opening opponent in Kingston. Fashion (Diaspora): Harlem Fashion Row’s 19th annual awards celebrates Black style and entrepreneurship, honoring figures from Erykah Badu to emerging designers.

Education Under Attack: UNESCO’s “The Crossing” installation at UN headquarters spotlights the rising attacks on schools, urging protection of learning spaces and backing Haiti’s community-school efforts as part of a broader Plan of Action. Haiti Security & Governance: The UN Security Council is set to vote on Sept. 30 on renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, with debate focused on whether security support should continue while development aid is mobilized amid a fractured donor landscape. Kidnapping Alarm: Haiti reports three high-profile kidnappings in days—journalist Wesly Renaud Jean, lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste, and ONAPE director general Stéphanie Paultre—renewing fears about gangs reaching civilians, legal workers, and officials. Haitian Diaspora Pressure: Haitian communities in the U.S. face wider TPS uncertainty fallout as DHS keeps Salvadorans in limbo, a reminder of how quickly protections can shift for immigrant families. Culture & Sport: A feature on how football builds social cohesion in Haiti, even as gang violence disrupts the “beautiful game.” Search & Social Media: “Nice B” (Esther Thomas) remains livestreaming while authorities seek her in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as Dominican groups offer a reward for information.

Haitian Arts & Culture: A Haitian journalist, lawyer, and government official were kidnapped in separate incidents in Delmas and Artibonite within 24 hours, renewing fears for media and legal workers as gang violence spreads beyond Port-au-Prince. Music & Film: Somali-Canadian rapper K’naan—known for “Wavin’ Flag” and its Haiti charity remake—was acquitted of sexual assault charges in Quebec City; the full decision is expected to be released. Sports & Community: Football in Haiti is highlighted as a rare social bridge across class lines, even as insecurity reshapes everyday play and national-team selection. Immigration & Identity (Haitian diaspora angle): In the U.S., Haitians face intensified enforcement as TPS politics and deportation pressure ripple through immigrant communities; meanwhile, DHS drew backlash for a post that appeared to mock Haitian “entrepreneurs” while offering $3,000 to self-deport. Arts Calendar: South Jersey’s Caribbean Festival was postponed by storms and is now set for Sept. 26, with soca star Rupee headlining.

Haitian Arts & Culture: A new documentary, “Black Zombie,” traces the zombie’s Haitian roots and Haitian Vodou’s influence, with writer-director Maya Annik Bedward describing a decade-long journey to connect horror history to Black spiritual traditions. Haitian Diaspora Spotlight: Haitian tennis star Naomi Osaka hit back at critics over her bold US Open outfits, saying her Haitian identity is “in my blood” and fashion is part of who she is. Community & Arts Events: In the U.S., the South Jersey Caribbean Festival (featuring soca star Rupee and other Caribbean acts) is rescheduled to Sept. 26 after weather forced postponements. Haiti in the News (Arts-adjacent): Haiti’s cultural life is shadowed by violence and fear, including the kidnapping of journalist Wesly Renaud Jean, lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste, and ONAPE director general Stéphanie Paultre—a reminder of how unsafe it is for public voices. Immigration & Identity: Haitian TPS fallout continues to ripple through communities, including reports from Springfield, Ohio, where enforcement has intensified and residents face ankle monitoring and distress.

Caribbean Arts & Community: Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade brought Haitian pride to Eastern Parkway, with organizers saying the celebration doubled as a message of resilience amid the TPS crisis. Music & Culture: Wyclef Jean challenged hip-hop’s elders to prove they can still compete, tying the conversation to Haiti’s revolutionary legacy and the evolution of Kreyòl hip-hop. Film & Representation: Logan St. Hilaire’s “Maroon” revisits Haitian racism in the U.S., linking personal family history to today’s deportation pressure on Haitians in Springfield. Haitian Immigration Reality (Arts-adjacent): In Springfield, Ohio, enforcement surged after Haiti’s TPS ended, with many fitted with ankle monitors—fear and humiliation spreading through the community. Global Spotlight: UNESCO warned that verified attacks on schools rose 33% in 2025, underscoring why protecting education matters for children in crisis zones. Sports (Regional): Concacaf confirmed the 2026 W Championship schedule, with Haiti among the eight teams heading to Texas and Houston. Soccer Honors: Ballon d’Or 2026 shortlists are out, with Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay named among top women’s contenders.

Haitian Diaspora & Culture: Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Carnival Parade kept Haitian pride front and center, but this year’s music and mas came with a somber edge as Haitians marked the TPS crisis and intensified U.S. enforcement. Community Spotlight: Lespri Ayiti/Team Madada and other Haitian bands used the Labor Day route as a public message of resilience through art, dance, and costume. Film & Identity: Logan St. Hilaire’s “Maroon” draws on Haitian family history and racism in New York, tying personal storytelling to today’s deportation pressure on Haitians in Springfield. Documentary & Vodou: “Black Zombie” revisits the zombie myth through Haitian Vodou’s history as resistance and living spiritual practice. Sports (Global): Ballon d’Or 2026 shortlists are out, with Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal among the men’s names, while PSG dominates nominations. Immigration Human Impact: Reports continue to circle around Pierre Damas Bel’s death after TPS ended, fueling renewed calls to rethink ICE ankle-monitor practices. Youth & Fashion: Haiti-born Argentine prospect Kiki Ramos signs a Nike sponsorship, adding another win for Haitian talent on the global stage.

Haitian Diaspora & Culture: Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Carnival Parade drew huge crowds, but Haitian marchers carried a somber message as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) fallout and intensified federal enforcement loom over families; organizers say music, dance, and art are still the fuel to push through. Immigration Human Impact: In Springfield, Ohio, the death of 20-year-old Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel has sparked renewed outrage after family members and advocates link his death to ICE ankle-monitoring and deportation fears. Global Rights Watch: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk urged stronger migrant protections and accountability for deaths in detention, warning that a surge in wars and rights rollbacks is pushing the world into “particularly dangerous territory.” Sports (Haiti): Club Sando FC, led by Coach Angus Eve, is set to host Delfines Del Este in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup with a chance to press toward the semifinals. Fashion Spotlight: Naomi Osaka’s Haitian connection gets a style moment as her mother, Tamaki Osaka, turns heads with standout US Open looks.

Haitian Diaspora Culture: Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Parade brought steel drums, mas, and Haitian pride to Eastern Parkway, but organizers said the mood is heavier after intensified U.S. immigration enforcement and the loss of TPS for many Haitians. Community & Arts Leadership: WIADCA’s Labor Day lineup spotlights RAM and Lespri Ayiti/Team Madada, with other major bands facing suspensions amid disputes over rules and broader immigration/public-safety concerns. Immigration Human Impact: Springfield, Ohio’s Haitian community is still reeling after 20-year-old Pierre Damas Bel’s death, with family and advocates linking it to deportation fears and an ICE ankle monitor; DHS called it an “unfortunate situation.” Sports & Global Spotlight: Haiti-born Argentine forward Kiki Ramos signed a Nike sponsorship deal, adding to Haiti-linked talent visibility. Public Safety & Culture Crossroads: U.S. Coast Guard seized a suspected $2.4M marijuana shipment, with Haiti support cited by authorities. International Rights Watch: UN rights chief Volker Türk urged stronger migrant protections and accountability over detention deaths, while calling for limits on arms transfers tied to international law violations.

Labor Day in Brooklyn: RAM will headline the Haitian lineup at WIADCA’s West Indian Day Parade on Eastern Parkway, with Lespri Ayiti/Team Madada, RockFam/KG and Lamar Mas joining—while other major bands face suspensions amid rule disputes and rising immigration/public safety concerns. Haitian diaspora under pressure: Coverage of the West Indian Day Parade frames this year’s Haitian march as both pride and grief, with TPS losses and intensified federal enforcement casting a “somber cloud” over celebrations. Haitian youth in global sports: Haiti-born Argentine prospect Kiki Ramos, 17, signs a Nike sponsorship deal as his profile rises after Under-17 national team success. Deportation fallout hits the arts community: Multiple reports keep spotlighting Pierre Damas Bel’s death after ICE ankle monitoring, community vigils, and backlash against DHS leadership—fueling calls for reform and humane treatment. Culture on screen: “The Forgotten Occupation” brings a Haiti-occupation documentary to Long Island, expanding Haitian film visibility beyond NYC. Music & nightlife: Miami’s Little Haiti venue Churchill’s Pub marks 47 years with a month-long lineup celebrating local creative freedom.

Nike Spotlight: Haiti-born Argentine teen forward Stephen “Kiki” Ramos, 17, has signed a Nike sponsorship deal after debuting and scoring for Argentina’s Under-17 team. Haitian Music Tribute: Trinidad calypso legend David Rudder was honored in a “Thank You, David!” tribute concert in Port of Spain, with fans and protégés celebrating his hits and legacy. Haiti in U.S. Deportation News: The U.S. carried out a third straight deportation flight to Haiti, sending 101 people to Cap-Haïtien after TPS ended, bringing the three-flight total to 319. TPS Fallout & Community Grief: Springfield’s Haitian community mourns Pierre Damas Bel, whose family and supporters blame ICE ankle-monitor treatment after his death, while activists push to end the practice. Haiti on Screen: “The Forgotten Occupation,” a documentary about the U.S. occupation of Haiti, premiered on Long Island as part of a wider tour. Rural Haiti & Faith: Father Massimo Miraglio visited Nan Miel, highlighting drought, isolation, and the lack of schools, clinics, and drinking water.

Haitian Deportations & TPS Fallout: The U.S. carried out a third straight deportation flight to Haiti, sending 101 people to Cap-Haïtien after TPS ended, with returnees facing a brutal security and humanitarian crisis at home. Springfield Tragedy: Haitian community members are mourning Pierre Damas Bel, 20, whose family links his death to ICE ankle-monitor stigma and bullying after TPS ended; DHS says it’s investigating and disputes blame. Community Response: Friends and supporters are raising funds for Bel’s family, while faith leaders and neighbors push for ICE reform and an end to ankle monitors for people without criminal records. Haiti Beyond the Headlines: A hopeful sports story highlights Haitian-American gymnast Promise Jean-Marie at Wilberforce University, and a Haitian-focused documentary premiere (“The Forgotten Occupation”) brought Haiti’s history and culture to Long Island. Arts & Culture Calendar: Miami’s Little Haiti venue Churchill’s Pub marks 47 years with a month-long music celebration, while Haiti-related events include a Haiti Projects girls’ soccer fundraiser watch party. Haiti Security Watch: Reports continue on rural gang violence expanding beyond Port-au-Prince, including the Kenscoff attack that killed 47 and kidnapped dozens.

Haitian Deportations Intensify: The U.S. carried out a third straight deportation flight to Haiti, sending 101 people to Cap-Haïtien and bringing the three-flight total to 319, as TPS protections continue to unravel after court rulings. TPS Fallout in Ohio: Haitian immigrant Pierre Damas Bel, 20, died after ICE ankle monitoring in Springfield; officials dispute blame, while family and advocates say the stigma and bullying tied to the device pushed him toward despair. Community Pushback: Vigils and fundraising are growing for Bel’s family, including a GoFundMe started by a stranger who witnessed the aftermath, alongside calls to end ankle monitors for people with no criminal records. Haiti’s Rural Violence: A new look at gang violence highlights how attacks and kidnappings are spreading beyond Port-au-Prince, with rural communities like Kenscoff facing deadly raids and mass abductions. Culture & Film: “The Forgotten Occupation,” a documentary tour marking the U.S. occupation of Haiti, premiered on Long Island, spotlighting Haitian filmmaking beyond the usual hubs. Arts Calendar: Miami’s Little Haiti venue Churchill’s Pub marked 47 years with a month-long music celebration, underscoring Haitian and Caribbean cultural life in the diaspora.

Immigration & Human Impact: U.S. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin faced backlash after posting a photo of Haitian deportees lined up in chains, while multiple reports tie the end of Haiti TPS to mounting fear and tragedy, including the death of 20-year-old Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel in Ohio after an ICE ankle monitor; advocates say it fueled bullying and a “death of despair,” and DHS disputes blame. Deportations Continue: A third straight deportation flight sent 101 Haitians to Cap-Haïtien, bringing the three-flight total to 319 as returnees struggle amid Haiti’s security crisis. Haiti Security & Rural Violence: A new analysis highlights how gang violence has spread beyond Port-au-Prince into rural areas like Artibonite, where dispersed armed groups exploit gaps in numbers and equipment. Arts & Community: Haitian-focused culture and creativity still push through abroad—“The Forgotten Occupation” brings a Haiti-occupation documentary to Long Island, and a Haiti Projects girls’ soccer fundraiser shows community-building through sport. Music Spotlight: Miami’s Little Haiti venue Churchill’s Pub marks 47 years with a month-long music celebration.

Immigration & Human Cost: Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel’s death in Ohio is fueling fresh outrage after friends and advocates say an ICE GPS ankle monitor and bullying over it pushed him to despair; DHS disputes blame, while community vigils and a GoFundMe for his family grow. Deportations Continue: The U.S. carried out a third straight deportation flight to Haiti, sending 101 people to Cap-Haïtien as TPS ends, with hundreds more returned this year. Community Pushback: In Springfield, Haitian leaders and supporters are demanding ICE “unshackle” policies, while Haitian-American advocate Farah Larrieux urges DHS chief Markwayne Mullin to consider family impacts. Arts & Culture Spotlight: “The Forgotten Occupation” brings a Haitian-occupation documentary to Long Island, part of a wider tour marking the 111th anniversary of the U.S. occupation. Music & Food for Haiti: A Caribbean Cook-Off and other local events are raising funds for Haitian education and care, showing how Haitian culture keeps building support abroad. Sports & Identity: A Haitian youth’s soccer and community ties are highlighted as another case of deportation fears spreads through churches and sports circles.