On Saturday, November 16, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste was formally inaugurated as the new head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs in a ceremony organized by the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT). This event marked the official leadership transition from outgoing minister Dominique Dupuy to Jean-Baptiste, who was appointed by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aimé and the CPT.
A Farewell to Service
In her emotional farewell address, Dominique Dupuy reflected on her time in office. “In a forest on fire, I tried to bring a little water. My glass was not enough, but I tried to do my part,” she said. Dupuy expressed deep gratitude for her four years and four months of service, highlighting her efforts to uphold Haiti’s dignity, sovereignty, and humanity through “uncompromising diplomacy.” She also praised the dedication of the ministry’s personnel, whose support, she noted, was crucial to her work.
A Vision for the Future
Taking the podium for the first time as minister, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste extended his gratitude to the CPT, led by Leslie Voltaire, and Prime Minister Fils Aimé for entrusting him with this significant role. He also commended Dominique Dupuy for her contributions and underscored his commitment to building on her efforts with the continued support of the ministry’s team.
A Distinguished Career
Jean-Baptiste’s career in public service spans three decades. Starting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993, he held several key roles, including Director General, Consul General in Montreal, and Chargé d’Affaires in Brazil. His notable contributions include serving as Chief Inspector General of the Haitian National Police and participating in the Presidential Commission for the Relocation of Haitian-Dominican Border Markers.
Jean-Baptiste also represented Haiti abroad as Minister Counselor in Spain and Chile, where he was later named Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. In 2016, he became Haiti’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C. Returning to Haiti, he served as Chargé de Mission, Cabinet Director, and Director of Cabinet at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most recently, he acted as Director of Cabinet for the Presidential Transitional Council, paving the way for his current appointment.
As Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste assumes his new role, he carries a wealth of experience and a commitment to advancing Haiti’s foreign affairs and religious relations.
Source: @JunoHaiti
