The First Annual HALO Convention gave us the opportunity to showcase our country's talented artists through our art exhibition featuring artists based both locally and in Haiti. The convention offered the public presentations on topics such as medicine, law, religion, finance, etc., and exhibitions by local businesses and non-profit organizations. The convention culminated on Sunday with a round table discussion by various local political/community leaders on various issues which affect our community

61 files, last one added on Nov 19, 2006

The Second Annual HALO Convention, like last year's, offered the public presentations on topics such as medicine, law, religion, financial planning etc., and exhibitions by local businesses and non-profit organizations. While presentations were in the same topic areas, they were on different subjects from the previous year's convention. The opening Friday of the convention was dedicated to our future generation with a special session attended by student from Phyllis Miller Elementary. Friday's session included presentations by reigning Miss Teen Haiti, Sara Bertrand, Representative Yolly Roberson, and neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Senatus. The convention culminated on Sunday with a presentation by Representative Ronald Brise followed by a rousing media forum featuring local Haitian print, television, radio, and online media personalities discussing the role of the media in the community. We saw many new participating businesses, as well as many prior participating
organizations and businesses showing their support for the convention.

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Soiree Kombit, our second gala had a beautifully afro-centric theme. The guests had a
chance to witness Sweet Mickey receive a special award from HALO for his unfailing
support of the organization. Everyone had a good time and partied their "hats off"!!!.

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Guests of our first gala enjoyed an exciting jam session by Sweet Mickey accompanied by Wyclef Jean. This was the highlight of the event as Wyclef Jean was an unexpected treat. The room was full of beautiful people. In addition to the great music, guests were also entertained by a magician and poet. It was a memorable first gala for HALO. One we hope to build on in the years to come.

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"Nurturing our Youth for the Future" was the theme of our third annual convention which was held at a new venue, Barry University. There were about twenty different organizations on hand to serve guests at the convention. Those guests were treated to a choice of forty-five speakers on different topics with the sole goal of bringing information to them through a solid and varied program. Our speakers came as far as New York, Cincinnati, and Massachusetts as well as locally to speak with and motivate the students who attended the special Friday session dedicated to students as well as regular convention attendees. It was a pleasure to see our panel of speakers being inundated with questions and commentaries from eager students even well after the program came to an end. Drs. Magaly Rouzier and Herold Merisier were fantastic as moderators in engaging the students and speakers resulting in enhancing even further the speakers' sessions. The exhibit hall was open on Saturday and Sunday and counted among exhibitors private businesses including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, police department, insurance companies, graphic design companies, and artists, as well as an array of schools and not-for profit organizations. Traffic in the exhibit hall was a steady stream of inquisitive guests either looking for information or browsing at free available gifts. The South Florida Workforce Mobile van was kept busy all two days by eager and serious job seekers. Networking was taken to a serious level, for at every turn one could see different individuals gathered together, talking, laughing or exchanging business cards.

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HALO’s 2008 "Bwa Kayiman" Gala was its best one to date! The number of guests exceeded all expectations—a poignant testimony to the fact that albeit judged controversial by some and unacceptable by others the theme of "Bwa Kayiman", chosen by Gala Chair, Mrs. Marie-May Gousse, proved inspiring enough to command the presence of close to 400 guests that night. It was truly a magical night from beginning to end. Guests received their seating assignments on a loose green leaf, then proceeded down to the cocktail reception area where they were treated to typical Haitian culinary delicacies such as "akra" and "penpatat" while listening to the hypnotizing sounds of a trio of Caribbean drummers all the while surrounded by exquisite paintings by Haitian artists the likes of Sophia Lacroix, David Beaubrun, Brandt Labastille, and Franklin Belizaire, among others. Courtesy of Dr. Claude Fanfan, guests were treated to a brief and insightful look into the mystical, religious, and political aspects of the ceremony of "Bwa Kayiman" through a well-written pamphlet. Dr. Fanfan also had on exhibit his interpretation of the ceremony of "Bwa Kayiman" on canvas. The path to the dining room proved an adventure in itself. To the sounds of captivating drums and guided by a pair of strong, muscular Adonis-like models guests were ushered into the dining room by a bevy of young beauties dressed in Haitian "Karabela" fashion. From the dining room entrance guests were greeted by the sounds of clamoring thunder and a roaring tiger as they stepped into an exquisitely decorated room with beautifully laid out tables covered by table linen with a wild motif and adorned with open flames and striking African masks mounted on bamboo and topped with beautiful flowers and leaves as centerpieces. A high ceiling with striking chandeliers draped with silky black, dropped curtains put the finishing touches on this visually exciting, primitive and yet sophisticated décor

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Dr. Herold Merisier joined other HALO members for that special day. The children thouroughly enjoyed his presentation.

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The volunteer appreciation picnic following First Annual Convention was an opportunity for some much needed fun time and for the HALO family to interact with each other's family. A great time was had by all, especially the children.

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Back to School meet and greet at Edison Senior High where students were given school supplies to start off the new year.

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The First Annual Haiti Day at Jackson Memorial Hospital was formally established with a written proclamation of that day by the Mayor's Office. Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle was on hand to recognize and congratulate HALO Members.

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The Haitian American Nurses Association's Fourth Annual Church of the Visitation Health Fair in collaboration with Miami-Dade College was sponsored by HALO who provided blood pressure checks and conducted prostate health education discussions.

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Phyllis Miller Elementary held it's 2007 Career Day on April 13, 2007. Doctor Angelo Gousse was one of the many professionals who attended and spoke to students.

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Group Retreat at the Naples Golf and Country Club to discuss group focus, membership issues, upcoming events and planning, 2008 convention and gala planning

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MWM's Economic Development through Haiti Tourism Summit was held at the Deauville Beach Resort on Miami Beach. The goal of the event was to focus on the steps to rebuilding and developing tourism in Haiti which would in turn benefit the entire Caribbean region. The event was geared to key players in the local and international tourism industry in order to discuss and address issues affecting the development and sustainability of Haiti's tourism industry. HALO members Doctor Angelo Gousse and Marie May Gousse attended.

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Organized by Representative Yolly Roberson to help thousands of underserved children and families in the community get ready for the new school year by providing them with free school supplies, healthcare screenings, immunizations, pre-school physicals, child safety guidelines, health education, and other services. There was also a Job Fair for the benefit of the adult attendees. Held at Arcola Lakes Park, event was free and open to the public . Several HALO members (Gracelle, Irene, and Maria) were on hand to distribute school supplies and other gift to the community.

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Members of HALO's executive board met on Saturday, August 11th, 2007, with the Haitian Pastors of South Florida Association where a dialogue was open as to how both respective organizations can help each other reach the youth in the Haitian community.

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Commander Gary Eugene of the City of Miami Police Department was the Guest Speaker at the October 12, 2007, meeting speaking about the development of Haitian Gangs in Florida

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HALO at Center for Haitian Studies' (CHS) Little Haiti Health Fair in association with University of Miami where over fifty students provided screening, health education, and other services to the community. Doctor Angelo Gousse participated by doing rectal exam and Gracelle Toussaint provided prostate health education. Rosetta Hylton also lended support as HALO member.

6 files, last one added on Nov 08, 2007