Passing of Legendary Haitian Political Leader Father Gerard Jean-Juste
by Haitian Solidarity Thursday, May. 28, 2009 at 12:46 PM

It is with profound sadness and unshakable grief, that we announce the passing of legendary activist, Father Gerard Jean-Juste at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami at approximately 5:00 p.m. today, May 27, 2009 from complications of a prolonged illness.

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Father Jean-Juste was the executive director of Miami's Haitian Refugee Center and a fierce advocate for the rights of Haitian refugees, often in opposition to U.S. policies towards Haiti. After his return to Haiti, following the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship, Jean-Juste became a outspoken advocate for Haiti's poor and downtrodden masses. He organized an ongoing program to feed the poor, including hundreds of children. Over a decade later, that program continues to play a vital role in the lives of many.

A leading supporter of President Jean Bertrand Aristide and Haitian democracy, he braved two coup d'etatswhile continuing his work under both the Cedras military junta and later the Latortue regime. Father Jean-Juste became a symbol of the struggle for Haitian democracy, when he was beaten and jailed in 2004 on trumped charges by the Latortue dictatorship. He was declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International and was released only after an international campaign for his freedom.

While imprisoned, Father Jean-Juste first became ill and was diagnosed with leukemia. Over the past four years, while battling this disease, he has remained active in his parish, travelled internationally proclaiming Haiti's cause and fighting for social justice.

Funeral arrangements are being planned by the family.

For further
information please contact:

Lavarice Gaudin: 786 285-3209
Farah Juste: 305 305 7571
Lucie Tondreau: 786 663-9889
Jack Lieberman: 305 582-4846

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