Haiti’s Radio Soliel celebrates 20 years on air in NYC!

After pioneering in the Haitian and Caribbean media for the last 20 years, Radio Soleil recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a lavish celebration and fundraiser in Brooklyn, New York.

The gala, co-sponsored by the Haitian American Caucus, Healthfirst, Prestige and Unitransfer, took place at the historic Grand Prospect Hall.

A testament to the unwavering support Radio Soleil garners in the community, Councilman Jumaane D. Williams, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, and Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs were among the bevy of public figures in attendance to present citations and offer words of congratulations. Councilman Mathieu Eugene and George Hulse, Vice President of External Affairs at Healthfirst also joined the festivities.

 

“As a co-sponsor of the gala, we are thrilled to see that the Haitian community did not forget about its most important source of information, Radio Soleil,” said Samuel M. Pierre, Founder of the Haitian American Caucus, and North Brooklyn Borough Director.

The Honorable Judge Raymond J. Lohier Jr. from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, The Association of Haitian and American Engineers (Association des Ingénieurs Haïtiens et Américains), The Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad (Association des Médecins Haïtiens à l’Étranger), and The Haitian Roundtable were among the honorees, for their distinguished service to the Haitian community.

“Radio Soleil and Ricot Dupuy have been the connective tissue between Haitians living abroad and Haiti. They have given voice to a three dimensional perspective of our community. The Haitian Roundtable is honored to have been a part of the 20th Anniversary Celebration”, said Rosemonde Pierre-Louis, Manhattan Deputy Borough President

One of the highlights of the evening was the tearful, posthumous tribute to Haitian journalist, Jean Leopold Dominique. His wife, the gracious Michele Montas received the award on his behalf and gave a moving acceptance speech.

“I’m happy I was a part of celebrating a media arm that has helped empower the Haitian community throughout the world,” said 42nd Assembly District Leader Hon. Rodneyse Bichotte.

America’s Psychologist, Dr. Jeff Gardere charmed the crowd as Master of Ceremonies. Guests danced the night away to the music of international dance band Charanga Soleil, featuring the legendary Cubano from Skah Shah, and DJ Stakz Dinero.

Station Director Ricot Dupuy sums it up best. “Radio Soleil’s 20th Anniversary Gala was an impressive display of admiration for our work. We are humbled by the accolades, and we will strive to continually be a source of information, education, entertainment and inspiration.”

About Radio Soleil
Radio Soleil (http://www.radiosoleil.com), a pioneer in Haitian and Caribbean media, is a twenty-four hour Haitian radio station, operating from studios in Brooklyn, NY. Its signal is transmitted to the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, home to more than 500,000 Haitians. In addition, broadcasts are streamed over the Internet with popular shows such as Voices and Truths (Voix et Vérités) and News Analysis & Commentaries, with Ricot Dupuy.

Source: R. Joseph/ Haitixchange