A country whose resilience through even the toughest struggles speaks loudly and boldly of the spirit of its people, Haiti was the first independent black republic in the world. His Excellency Jacques Baril, the Haitian ambassador to South Africa, tells us about his country.
Tell us about your experience of South Africa, both personal and professional?
I am different from most ambassadors because I lived in South Africa before taking up this post. I arrived here about 21 years ago while Madiba was president through an internship programme offered by my university. I stayed on even after the programme finished because South Africa is such a beautiful country, and its values are very close to Haiti’s. I had made lots of friends here, so I always felt like I had a home here in South Africa. When I finally did leave, I returned for a visit at least twice a year.
For the full interview check out our next printed edition.
