fp Turks and Caicos

Haitians from all over the Caribbean and North America celebrated their country during the weekend of May 18 to commemorate their national flag.

A testament of courage and strength was evident as the local Haitian community proudly waved their blue-and-red-colored flag from their cars, houses and hands.

Hundreds hit the streets to observe and participate in the big event, which included a parade that began downtown and ended with a party at the National Stadium in Venetian Road.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Officers praised Provo’s Haiti flag revellers saying there were no reports of trouble throughout the event, which many have described as the biggest and best ever.

“The Haiti Flag Day parade is one of the biggest gatherings on the island and one that the RTCI Police is always delighted to assist with,” said Acting Inspector Kendall Grant.

“We had officers on duty along the parade route and also at the after-parade celebrations at the National Stadium, and I’m pleased to report it was a happy, peaceful and colourful occasion.”

One of the primary symbols of Haitian freedom has been celebrated since May 18, 1803, which pays ode to the revolution when Haiti gained its independence from France. The middle white stripe of the French flag was removed and the blue and red stripes were stitched together to form Haiti’s flag.

Since then, May 18 has been observed as the Haitian Flag Day as it has become a symbol of pride, unity, and individual liberty.

In Haiti, Flag Day is a major national holiday celebrated with great fanfare on the grounds of the national palace, all cities in the country and in other countries with a large number of Haitians.

The Haitian flag is tightly linked to a history of struggle and freedom.