Overview:
The Haitian Times founder, Garry Pierre-Pierre reflects on 25 years at the helm of The Haitian Times and announces his transition from publisher to special advisor.
In 2024 year, The Haitian Times achieved a monumental milestone: its 25th anniversary. At times, it feels as though it were just 25 days ago that I launched this publication to serve the Haitian community. Other times, it feels like 250 years. Somewhere between these exaggerations lies the reality: this baby—my baby—has grown into a quarter-century-old institution.
Now, the time has come to step aside and entrust its future to the capable hands of Vania Andre, my partner of the past decade. On January 1, Haiti’s independence day, I stepped aside in my role as publisher. Leaving the helm to Vania.
Together, Vania and I navigated the uncharted waters of the digital media landscape, a world that was unfamiliar to me. While I mentored Vania on the complexities of our community and the nuances of running a publication, she brought fresh perspectives and tech skills, preparing The Haitian Times for the challenges of a rapidly evolving media environment. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence and other transformative technologies, it’s fitting that a new generation takes the helm.
Reflecting on these 25 years, I am flooded with memories of highs and lows. One moment stands out vividly: the early days, when we were building our brand identity. Our approach to journalism—deliberate, fact-based reporting—was an anomaly in a media landscape dominated by sensationalism and partisan rhetoric. Some supporters urged us to take a more bombastic route, arguing that it would garner attention and allegiance. But I gently reminded them that I hadn’t left a respected role at The New York Times to dabble in shady journalism. My former colleagues were watching, and I owed it to them—and to myself—to uphold the standards of integrity and rigor.
Over time, our steadfast commitment to quality journalism won over skeptics. The Haitian Times emerged as a trusted voice, free from the political entanglements that often clouded our community’s media. We centered our coverage on the Haitian diaspora, offering a vision of Haiti and the broader community that resonated deeply. This approach would be particularly important in the early 1990s, as the Haitian community in the United States grew and gained visibility.
Yet, not every chapter of our history has been triumphant. One of my greatest personal and professional disappointments was the election of Mathieu Eugene, the first Haitian American elected to New York City’s Council. While his victory was historic, his tenure was a disservice to our community. His allocation of discretionary funding often bypassed Haitian and Black organizations, leaving vital community resources to wither. Years later, when we had the resources for investigative reporting, we exposed Eugene’s shortcomings. His failure to secure the Brooklyn Borough President seat after term limits was a bittersweet moment of accountability. Good riddance.
As The Haitian Times looks ahead, the next chapter is brimming with possibilities. We plan to expand our coverage beyond traditional hubs like New York, Florida, and Massachusetts to embrace the growing Haitian communities in the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest. Canada, Western Europe, and South America are also on our radar as we strive to fulfill our motto of “Bridging the Gap.”
The Haitian diaspora’s epicenter is shifting, and The Haitian Times is already reflecting that evolution. We are committed to uncovering untold stories, fostering connections, and embedding ourselves as an indispensable resource for our community’s journey in America and beyond.
As for me, my work is far from over. In the coming year, I will serve as a special advisor to Vania, focusing on expansion and securing financial resources. Beyond that, I plan to launch a center dedicated to training Haitian journalists and media owners. Strengthening Haiti’s media sector is not just a professional goal but a personal mission. A robust, fact-based media is crucial to countering the disinformation that has long plagued Haiti and, more recently, the world.
Freed from the demands of day-to-day operations, I also plan to return to writing a weekly column, sharing insights and advice with leaders in the diaspora and Haiti. My primary audience will be the diaspora, particularly the emerging generation of Haitian Americans. Unlike my generation, which often viewed itself as straddling two worlds, this new cohort has the potential to redefine our place in American society while remaining deeply connected to Haiti.
If we don’t build institutional resources and financial capacities, we risk irrelevance—both in America and in Haiti. This belief has always been the driving force behind The Haitian Times. It was a mission so essential to me that I was willing to leave a promising career to pursue it.
As I step back, I do so with confidence in Vania and our exceptional team. They will carry The Haitian Times to even greater heights. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve you, our readers, and I remain deeply grateful for your trust and support.
Kenbe fèm.
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