Dear Editor,

Haiti’s best advocate in Jamaica, John Maxwell, has died.

It was with dismay and grief that on returning to the island on vacation I heard that he had died. I never met him in person but felt as if I knew him through his articles, especially on issues related to Haiti.

I am pretty sure that the Haitian people are mourning with me today, as well as acknowledging the efforts and contributions he has made in improving the way the Caribbean and the world view Haiti and Haitians.

Today, few journalists understand the historical importance of the Haitian revolution, but John did. He understood the Haitian revolution against slavery and the dehumanisation of Africans. He understood how the African slaves of Haiti laid down their lives to ensure that the democratic and republican ideals of the American and French revolutions truly applied to all human beings.

When Haiti celebrated its bicentenary in 2004. John reminded us again and again the price that Haiti paid in ensuring its independence and by so doing, provided the road map for other countries like Venezuela and Jamaica, to do the same.

Haiti will truly miss his input, especially now during these difficult times. Walk good John. Paix a son ame.

Dr Dabor Resiere

University Hospital of Fort de France

Martinique

reisiere@invivo.edu