Anse-à-Pitres (Kreyol: Ansapit; English: "Clowns' Cove") is a commune in the Southeast Department of Haiti. Part of the Belle-Anse Arrondissement, it lies on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, approximately 140km (85 miles) south of Port-au-Prince, immediately adjacent to the border with D.R. The town occupies the southeasternmost corner of Haiti.
Location on Hispaniola
About[]
Located directly across from its cross-border trading counterpart, Pédernales, D.R., the town is recognized as the least frequented among the four primary border crossings in Haiti. The attributes of a border town have historically influenced the culture and landscape of the town, a legacy that persists to this day.
According to the 2015 Census, Anse-à-Pitres had a population of 30,146, which is an increase of 16,000 (116%) from the 13,844 recorded in the 1998 Census.
Anse-à-Pitres is located in a region that exhibits unique eco-climatic conditions in comparison to the rest of the country. The annual precipitation averages approximately 1,900 millimeters (75 inches), with altitudes ranging from 700 to 1,500 meters (2300 to 5000 feet) in its second section. The area experiences a tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of around 23.5°C (74.3°F). These environmental conditions contribute to a terroir with significant potential for coffee production. The Ministry of Agriculture of Natural Resources and Rural Development has classified this "region" as a strategic area for coffee cultivation.
History[]
Location in Belle-Anse Arrondissement, close to DR Border.
Anse-à-Pitres urban area
The region referred to as Anse-à-Pitres was formerly part of the Bois-Sec rural area within the Grand-Gosier township, situated in the Saltrou Military District at the southeastern edge of the frontier. The military post in this area was designated as Anse-à-Pitres. On September 2, 1891, during a session of the Chamber, MP Estriplet introduced a proposal for the establishment of this military post within the 5th class commune.
The southeastern boundary of the Saltrou District is defined by the mouth of the Pedernales River, also known as Anse-à-Pitres. This boundary follows the right bank of the river and extends north to the crest of the Saddle Mountain Peak.
For several years, a Frenchman, M.A. Mallet, significantly contributed to the local community by establishing agricultural enterprises, which were unfortunately ruined by the revolutions, demonstrating remarkable perseverance.
• During the siege of Jacmel in 1800, the American frigate General-Green was anchored at Anse-à-Pitres. Toussaint Louverture dispatched a representative to negotioate with the Commander, urging him to position his vessel in front of Jacmel. A Few days later, the frigate successfully intercepted communications between Bainet and the besieged city.
• On January 8, 1870, 9President Salnave, in his attempt to escape the victorious Cacos revolution in Port-au-Prince, was en route on to Anses-à-Pitres, determined to force his way through while armed. Dominican General Cabral maintained a position between Las Damas and Petit-Trou at Baëz. A confrontation occurred at a location known as La Cuaba, where Cabral's forces clashed with those of Salnave. After a protracted five-hour battle, Salnave and his entourage were captured and taken to La Salina, where Cabral notified the government of this significant capture on January 10, 1870. The prisoners were subsequently transported to Fond Ravet, where they surrendered to General Montmorency Benjamin, the Secretary of State for War. On the morning of January 15, the generals of Salnave's suite, Alfred Delva, Jean-Baptiste Errié, Saint-Lucien Emmanuel were executed at Croix-des-Bouquets, and Salnave went to Port-au-Prince where he was killed on the ruins of the National Palace after a brief judgement.
Fond Ravet, where they surrendered to General Montmorency Benjamin, the Secretary of State for War. On the morning of January 15, Salnave's generals, Alfred Delva, Jean-Baptiste Errié, and Saint-Lucien Emmanuel, were executed at Croix-des-Bouquets, while Salnave himself was killed in Port-au-Prince amidst the ruins of the National Palace following a brief trial.
• In 1891, Haitians undertook the task of planting two poles, one located at Mare-à-Chat and the other at Trou Jacob, which is situated 12 leagues from Pédernales. The Dominican government raised objections, believing this action to be a directive from the Haitian Government aimed at establishing a border demarcation.
Geography[]
Anse-à-Pitres, Haiti
Anse-à-Pitres is located at 18.0454° N, 71.7578° W. According to the IHSI, this commune has a total land area of 185.19 square kilometers (71.50 square miles), of which 121.16 km² (67%) is suburban, 39.58 km² (22%) is rural, and 4.45 km² (3%) is urban. It has two expansion areas: Aviation and La Saline, which are considered as "slums", two communal sections, and a district. It is bordered by the Western Department town of Fonds-Verrettes to the north, the Dominican Republic town of Pédernales to the east, and the town of Thiotte to the west. The Caribbean Sea bathes it to the southwest. The town is drained by the Pedernales River, which flows into the sea near the village.
The terrain around Anse-à-Pitre is flat south, but to the northeast it is hilly. The highest point nearby is 1,785 meters (5,865 ft.) above sea level, 19.9 km (12 mi.) northeast of the village.
Anse-A-Pitres commune map
Neighborhoods
| AAP | Anse-à-Pitres | 30,146 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAP | Ville de l'Anse-à-Pitre | Urban | 9,791 | ||
| QBA | Quartier de Banane | Urban | 3,480 | ||
| BGM | 1ère Section Boucan-Guillaume | Rural section | 3,827 | Banane, Barbe-Pagnol, Bota, Boucan-Guillaume, Boucan-Laloi, Boucan-Nicot, Boucan-Tonton, Cachiman, Cassè-Côtelettes, Cassourde, Croix-Malouque, Figuier-Marassa, Gros Trou, Herbe-Loca, L'Acul, La Hatte, La Saline, Male-Chippe, Mare-Pite, Marteau, Nan Chevrine, Nan Foncement, Nan Louis-Fils, Nan Raymond, Nan Roseau, Parc-Cadot, Pointe-à-Lagène, Recif, Roches-Agoue, Roger, Terre-Rouge, Tête-à-l'eau, Ti Saison, Tresor. | |
| BOO | 2ème Section Bois D'Orme | Rural | 13,048 | Bois-Codéine, Bois-d'Orme, Bois-Paris, Bonite, Boucan-Pété, Boulaille, Ca Toussaint, Garreau, Grand-Bois, Magny, Mare-Blanche, Mare-Mahot, Mare Rouge, Nan Plaine, Platon-Pistache, Terre Froide, Ti Malanga. |
Demographics
The residents are referred to as Anse-à-Pitois/e.
| Year | Population | -/+ |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 13,844 69% rural |
|
| 2004 | 14,213 62% rural |
+3% |
| 2009 | 27,415 | +48% |
| 2015 | 30,146 | +9% |
Economy[]
Pedestrian border crossing between Anse-à-Pitres, Haiti and Pédernales, DR
The local economy is based on logging and the timber industry. The fishing sector contributes to this local economy.
Trade is the most important activity in the municipality. Trade is mainly with neighboring municipalities (Thiotte and Grand-Gosier) and with the neighboring republic via the border at Pédernales. In fact, a border market was built to serve people on both sides of the border.
Agricultural activity is not very important in the commune, and the Ministry of Agriculture is not even represented here.
Infrastructure[]
Transportation
Most roads are made of dirt and are ready for rehabilitation. The roads that connect the city with the communal sections are also dirt roads and those that connect between the communal sections consist of a path or a footpath.
Education
Escuela Publica Primaria d'Anse-à-Pitres
In the field of education, the Ministry of National Education is not represented in the commune. The Inspectors of the departmental office located in Jacmel visit the municipality when necessary. There is no kindergarten in the commune of Anse-à-Pitres . 21 schools, five of which were public and 16 private, were inventoried in the commune. At the secondary level, the municipality has only one school, with only three professors and thirty eight students.
Flores de Kiskeya is a maternal and child project focused on developing education, nutrition, health and empowerment programs. Their priority is the autonomy, independence and development of women and their children in Anse-á-Pitres.
Health
Anse-à-Pitres Medical Center
The Department of Public Health is not present in the municipality regarding health matters. However, there is a health center without inpatient facilitiies, and a clinic in Quartier de Banane. The staff at these facilities include a doctor and three assistants.
It is worth mentioning the existence of several centennial characters, with some reaching the age of 112 years.
Utilities
The municipality lacks adequate water resources, making the presence of wells crucial. Well water serves all domestic needs. The commune of Anse-à-Pitres does not have access to electricity.
Security
The administrative and judicial setup in the commune of Anse-à-Pitres consists solely of a subcommission made up of 22 male police officers, along with a peace court and a civil registry.
Culture[]
Religion
In the community, there are various religions practiced. However, the number of temples, churches, or chapels is relatively small.[1]
Organizations
- An influential NGO in the area is known as Ayitimoun.
- Sadhana Forest aims to achieve lasting food security by working with locals to plant native food trees. Meals prepared and consumed by the volunteers are vegan.
- Flores de Kiskeya supports mothers and children in Anse-á-Pitres, promoting the independence and development of vulnerable women and their kids through education, nutrition, health, and empowerment programs.
Communication
Regarding communication, during the inventory, there was a project in progress to add an annex to the fax system, and the municipality lacks a postal service.
In terms of media, the municipality has a radio station.
Soccer pitch in Anse-à-Pitres
Recreation and Leisure[]
In the field of Culture and leisure, the commune is largely lacking in facilities, with no library, museum, theater, or cinema available. There are seven gaguères operating for five days each week.
Sport
Football (soccer) is the sole sport engaged in within the commune, taking place on fields that are in substandard condition.
References[]
Local Models of Conflict Prevention and Conflict Management in the South-East and South-West of Haiti [2]
Centro de Salud de Ansapit - Olsen Philistin, Local guide [3]
Ansapit Futbol [4]
Michael Vedrine