Le Nouvelliste went to the Croix-des-Bouquets ranch on Sunday 3 May for a visit. The ranch is the former resort residence of dictator Jean Claude Duvalier which now houses the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action and the National Technical Center of Croix-des-Bouquets, commonly known as Camp Nous.
The center has become famous since April 30 when the Guardian newspaper revealed that young female footballers trained there were sexually abused by the president of the Haitian Football Federation, Yves Jean Bart.
Crossing Port-au-Prince, Delmas and Tabarre is necessary to reach the center, located in Croix-des-Bouquets. To enter the center, you have to go through rigorous security measures, including the gaze of the security agents of the Ministry of Sports. Entering the immense courtyard with its imperious calm, lined with old trees witnessing Duvalier’s escapades, is a delightafter having driven on rough roads for miles.
The newspaper team was denied access to the center itself. A security guard at the entrance explained that no one from outside has been inside for a month and a half.
“We are in confinement. Nobody goes out. Nobody comes in. I can’t even go home, “said the officer, graying temples, 12-gauge rifle in hand. Asked what young people are doing while they are confined, the officer said officials are holding championships and film shows. “They are fine,” he said.
During this brief exchange, the old man kindly dodged a question about the shattering revelations of The Guardian newspaper. ” Excuse me. I have to run because I can’t stay in the sun too long, “he said before disappearing under the bushes that adorn the entrance to the center.
Meanwhile, the reactions continue to rain. Civil society associations and individuals are demanding an investigation to shed light on this “FHFgate”.
Marie Mie Sophonie Louis, sports journalist, publishes an open letter in which she asks President Jean Bart to wash her image and that of the players. Continue reading. https://lenouvelliste.com/article/215647/une-visite-au-camp-nous-base-des-jeunes-footballeuses