The Voice of America’s Creole Service was presented with a recognition award for its “contribution to press freedom and democracy in the Caribbean, especially in Haiti.” The award is from the Florida-based organization Reconstruire Haïti (Reconstructing Haiti). Chairman Olicier Pieriche presented the award at VOA headquarters on Thursday, August 18.
Reconstruire Haïti is a Christian organization based in South Florida. The group has supported non-partisan, civic initiatives toward peaceful democratic change in Haiti. They are currently working with various groups and personalities in the United States to build 10 libraries, one in each of Haiti’s departments, or geographical regions.
Olicier Pieriche, Reconstruire Haïti’s founder and chairman, is former Consul General of the Republic of Haiti in Miami, Florida. In presenting the award, he said VOA’s Creole broadcasts have consistently played a key role in promoting democratic change in Haiti, and have become an indispensable source of objective news for Creole speakers everywhere.
VOA transmits 9.5 hours of radio in Creole every week via shortwave and satellite. VOA’s programs, which encompass news, entertainment, science, music, and youth topics are available on the Internet at www.VOANews.com/Creole.
