L'eglise de Sainte-Anne
Anse-à-Veau (Kreyòl: Ansavo; English: Lamb's Cove) is a coastal city in of the Nippes department of Haiti located 32 km (20 miles) west of Miragoâne.
Location in Haiti
About[]
The settlement of this city dates back nearly three centuries. It has a lower city and an upper city, with the latter being the less affluent. The municipality was so named because of the Morne-à-Veau hill on which it was established. The upper city overlooks the sea and has a battery that lacks cannons. This is Fort Saint-Laurent, built in 1820, part of the General Saint-Laurent LeBlanc. Overhead, the historic Fort Sainte-Anne stands tall over the city. The air is clean and fresh. The church was built in 1740 and is dedicated to Sainte-Anne.
History[]
The City of Anse-à-Veau was founded in 1721 and raised to the rank of commune in the same year.
Timeline[]
• Two days after the battle of Aquin on July 7, 1800, Dessalines left Aquin for l'Anse-à-Veau with 800 men, leaving the rest of his army under Brigadier General Laplume's command. the rest of his army, The distance between the two cities is 10 leagues. Due to flooded rivers, Dessalines spent the night at the Piedmont plantation, 2 leagues from Anse-à-Veau. On the 7th, the Riguadins had already looted and evacuated the city. Dessalines entered the following day, and many farmers and bourgeois, tired of the war, came to surrender. He sent Toussaint Louverture, his most prominent associate, to execute them. A schooner from Petit Trou, believing the city still under Southern army control, anchored in Anse-à-Veau's bay and was captured and looted. On the 9th of July, at four o'clock in the afternoon, Dessalines advanced towards Petit-Trou-de-Nippes.
• In 1801, Anse-à-Veau was recognized as one of the nine ports designated for import and export activities within the colony.
• In 1802, when the Leclerc expedition arrived, Memzelle, the commandeder at Anse-à-Veau, surrendered to the French. Soon after, Bardet, a former batallion leader who had given the French control of the Bizoton fort, was captured by General Laplume at Petit Trou de Nippes. In December 1802, he drowned in the Bay of Anse-a-Veau. Many men of color, accused of plotting against the French like Bardet, were arrested and executed. One of them, Gérin, a hero of the independence war in the South, was saved by a local officer named Segretier, who helped him escape.
• On January 16th, 1803, Geffrard successfully captured Anse-à-Veau from the French forces, defeating almost the entire French garrison. Adjutant General Bernard, who was in command at the time, fled to Jérémie in a small boat.
At Anse-à-Veau, Colonel Geffrard received his appointment from Dessalines, who held the rank of Brigadier-General and served as Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Department.
Historic ruins in Anse-a-Veau, Haiti
The French forces advanced in significant numbers towards Anse-à-Veau, catching the independent fighters off guard. Geffrard quickly organized his troops to face the enemy and met their assault with remarkable courage. However, the native infantry soon found themselves in a precarious position, and Geffrard, while being pursued to the swamps of Anse-a-Veau, narrowly escaped capture by several cavalrymen, whom he managed to shoot with his pistols. He reached the Anse-a-Veau River after navigating through the woods and plunged into the water, though his horse was killed beneath him. He successfully swam to the opposite bank, but his troops, still in retreat, were unable to mount a defense. General Darbois subsequently entered Anse-a-Veau and dispatched a garrison to Miragoâne.
• On October 12, 1806, Gérin, known as "Côtes-de-fer" by his fellow soldiers due to his valor in battle, was born in Les Cayes on December 19, 1757. He received a certain level of education from his family. Living in the Baradères where he worked as a coaster, he was among those who, alongside Jordan, refused to pledge allegiance to the white population on September 1, 1790. Instead, he took up arms and captured Petit-Trou. Serving as the Minister of War under Emperor Dessalines, he played a significant role in the revolution that led to the overthrow of this leader. Later, as a senator in the republic, he withdrew to L'Anse-à-Veau, discontented after Petion was appointed president, a position he had desired. During this time, he engaged in various projects and actions that drew Petion's attention. Consequently, Petion instructed General Bruny-Leblanc, the commander of the Nippes district, to monitor Gérin's activities. Believing that General Leblanc's actions were aimed at his arrest, Gérin called upon the grenadiers who typically served as his guard, positioned them in formation outside his residence, and prepared for defense. This led to a confrontation on January 10, 1810, during which General Gérin, on the brink of a significant moment, defended himself with a company of grenadiers he had selected. Following the incident involving General Gérin, the number of aides for division generals was reduced to 13, and for brigade generals to 10.
• On November 23, 1810, the 16th regiment of Anse-à-Veau switch sides in favor of Riguad for the split of the South. General Bruny-Leblanc went along with this shift in allegiance.
• March 14, 1812, Leblanc declared his support for President Pétion. This shift helped unite the South with the republic.
• Acaau, the commander of the Nippes district, sought to take Pierrot's place in power. As a key figure among the Piquets in the South, he aimed to strengthen their control. However, the people of L'Anse-a-Veau was hostile to him. He attempted to arrest Colonel Christian, the local commander, fearing his influence. Acaau fled but his supporters defended the city. Pierrot was removed from power, and General Riché took over. The new president sent General Samedi Télémaque with troops to assist the town of Anse-a-Veau. Acaau, having exhausted his ammunition, could no longer continue the fight. He abandoned Fort Saint-Laurent on March 9, 1846, and sought refuge on the Brossard plantation, where he killed himself on the night of the 11th. The general Pierre Philippeaux was subsequently appointed as commander of the Nippes district.
Anse-à-Veau Central Park, across from the cathedral
Geography[]
Anse-à-Veau is located on the northern side of the Tiburon Peninsula, centrally located, with the Grande Rivière Des Nippes flowing through the eastern part of the town. It corresponds to the westernmost point of La Gonâve Island, known as Pointe de l’acajou (translated as Mahogany Point). The rural section of Sault de Baril features a magnificent waterfall.
Key localities within the Anse-à-Veau commune include Ville de l'Anse-à-Veau and Quartier Baconnais on the west side of the Grande Rivière Des Nippes, Grande-Rivière-des-Nippes Village, which straddles the river, and Quartier Saut-de-Baril, Belair Beach, Carrefour Bono, and Saint-Yves on the east side of the river.
According to the IHSI, the municipality has an area of 103.23 square kilometers (39.85 square miles). It is bordered by Petite-Rivière-de-Nippes to the east, Fonds-des-Nègres to the south, Arnaud and Petit-Trou-de-Nippes to the west, and Canal de Gonâve to the north. There are three communal sections. The area is mostly flat, and the climate is typical for the region. The town lies approximately 32 km (20 miles) west of Miragoâne and 135 km (84 miles) west of Port-au-Prince.
The town center, Ville de L'Anse-à-Veau has an area of 1.34 sq.km (0.52 Sq. mi.) and a density of 3,210 inhabitants per km² (8,271 inhabitants per mi²)
Anse-à-Veau's geography was formed around its location on La Gonâve Channel and the Tiburon Peninsula. Numerous inlets along the coastline give rise to several small streams and rivers, all of which flow into the Gonâve Canal. The largest of these inlets is the flood-prone Grande Rivière de Nippes, whose simple flood enclaves many communes of the department, including Anse-à-Veau, Petit-Trou-de-Nippes, Baradères and L'Azile. Even a light rain can cause the river to overflow, sweeping away everything in its path, and effectively cutting the department in two.
Due to the extensive area of land taken up by its floodplain in the eastern section of the town, most of the settlement remains unconnected to Saut du Baril, which is the 3rd section. Anse-Velais have long endeavored to comprehend why state leaders, who have successfully managed state affairs, have never considered constructing a bridge over the river.
Demography
The inhabitants of this commune are called Anse-Velais/e.
| Year | Population | +/- |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 10,000 | |
| 1998 | 37,414 | +274% |
| 2004 | 38,000 est. | +2% |
| 2009 | 31,477 | -17% |
| 2015 | 34,613 | +10% |
Migration[]
Following Haiti's magnitude 7.0 2010 earthquake, which reduced most of Haiti to rubble, thousands upon thousands of Port-au-Prince survivors overflowed Anse-à-Veau, severely straining its people and services.
Anse-à-Veau aerial
Economy[]
In the area of economic and financial services, Anse-à-Veau has a credit union, a restaurant, a DGI (Tax office) representative, and several banks. The commune does not have any open ports.
The primary sources of income in Anse-à-Veau are agriculture, livestock, and fishing. The agricultural sector cultivates coffee, sugarcane, lemons, and oranges, employing sustainable practices. Additionally, cotton is also grown in the area. The small-scale fishing industry operates along the coastline. Saturdays are designated as market days, with popular markets including Marche Jeudi and Marche Vendredi in the first section, as well as Carrefour Borno, Belair au Javel, and Saint-Yves in the third section.
On the route from L'Anse-à-Veau to Petit-Trou, there is a small pond with brackish water, likely due to sea filtration. In the rural area of Acul-Des-Savanes, the soil is rich in iron, and there is a unique stone that can cut glass like a diamond. Nearby Azile, previously a rural section, has deposits of coal, marble, quartz and ochre.
The commune produces coffee, campeche, cotton, a variety of food, excellent fruits, the finest syrup (petit-moulin) in the Republic, terracotta vases, jugs for fresh water, and tafia. There is also an abundance of sand and stones, along with beautiful ochre land used to manufacture pottery. Exports are sent from Port-au-Prince, Miragoâne, and Petit-Goâve.
Trade is a significant activity in L'Anse à Veau, with residents primarily trading with Miragoâne and Port-au-Prince.
Anse-à-Veau
Infrastructure[]
The town experiences infrastructure challenges similar to those faced by numerous small communities in Haiti. The condition of its road network is so deteriorated that driving has become exceedingly difficult. Most roads are unpaved, leading to frequent complaints from residents about the rapid deterioration of their tires. However, the American Haitian Foundation (AHF), a non-governmental organization, has initiated road improvement projects. In addition to road work, AHF is engaged in constructing schools and churches, and has established a school lunch program for primary school students.
Transportation
Route Departmentale 21, serves as the main highway linking the various towns in the region. This segment of the roadway is also referred to as Route Petit-Trou-de-Nippes.
Anse-à-Veau lacks an airport; therefore, visitors are required to travel to Les Cayes Airport, the nearest airport to the town. More distant options include Fond-des-Blancs Municipal Airport and Port-au-Prince International Airport.
Education
The Ministry of National Education, Youth, and Sports is represented in the municipality by the Anse-à-Veau school district office. This area does not have any kindergartens. There are about twelve schools, which include six private schools, two national schools, and a high school called Lycée Boisrond Tonnerre, providing education to the youth of Anse-à-Veau. After finishing their basic studies, young people must leave the town to pursue vocational training or higher education elsewhere.
Health
Jules Fleury Hospital
The Ministry of Public Health does not have a presence in the town of Anse-à-Veau. In terms of healthcare, the only facilities available to the population are the Jules Fleury Hospital and a community health center situated in the Saut-du-Baril section of town. These institutions are staffed by a physician, a dental intern, two nurses, seven auxiliary staff, and thirty-six certified midwives. Despite being the most well-equipped hospital in the region, the Jules Fleury Hospital lacks an ambulance for emergency transport.
Utilities
The city is calling for a fountain.
In terms of water resources, the town is endowed with seven rivers, several public fountains, and numerous springs. A system for drinking water supply exists, facilitating the distribution of potable water. Various sources provide water to the residences in the interior and elevated areas. However, residents report that inadequate water distribution results in some households not receiving a consistent supply.
Currently, only the urban area of Anse-à-Veau has access to electricity, which is supplied by a motor operated by the city hall. This generator was established in 1973 during the administration of Jean-Claude Duvalier. In the event of a malfunction, officials must rely on technicians from Miragoâne or Port-au-Prince for repairs.
Security
In terms of administrative and judicial infrastructure, the commune is equipped with a police station staffed by nineteen police officers, a peace court, a civil court, a prison and a civil registry office.
The Anse-à-Veau garrison is composed of the 16th line infantry regiment, part of the 1st Battalion of the 2nd line artillery regiment, an administrative police company, rural police, and the National Guard, both on foot and mounted.
The jurisdiction of the Civil Court of Anse-à-Veau extends to the peace courts located in the communes of Miragoâne, Baradères, Petit-Trou-de-Nippes, and Petite-Rivière-de-Nippes.
Organizations[]
Notably, only one political party exists in the municipality.
- American Haitian Foundation (AHF) is dedicated to building a better future in Haiti through education.
- Association des Jeunes Ansavelais pour le Developpement [Association of Young Ansavelais for Development] (AJAD) focuses on helping the community by creating development projects that enhance the living conditions of the people in Anse-a-Veau.
- Foundation Yves Andre Compas (FYAC) aims to enhance and support education, health, culture, arts, and sports.
- Coalition Pour Le Relèvement de l’Anse-à-Veau [Coalition for the Recovery of Anse-à-Veau] (CORA) works on community development projects that empower people by using a systematic approach. They also support the vocational growth of young people in the town through the initiatives of St. Joseph’s School. Additionally, through REVER, the goal is to revitalize the rural economy in Nippes by wisely using available resources like land and water, with assistance from the PFST.
- Haitian Sport Foundation (HSF) Anse-à-Veau aims to teach discipline, leadership, and business skills to young people in Haiti. HSF believes in stopping youth crime and lowering social issues by using sports and education.
- Committee for the Development of the Sixth Section of Anse-à-Veau (CODESCA, Inc.) supports the growth of the Mathurin community in health, education, agriculture, and small businesses and microfinance.
- Artists Village, Inc. (2e Joly) aims to improve the lives of the less fortunate in Haiti's rural areas. It believes in a holistic approach, acting as a bridge to connect with various organizations to provide assistance in many areas.
- Music of the Heart is a Christ centered youth ministry working in Haiti's rural areas by spreading the love of God. It aims to create a path for youth who want to serve Jesus Christ and build a better future.
Culture[]
Anse-à-Veau
Religion
L'Anse-à-Veau has eleven Catholic churches, ten Baptist churches, four Adventist churches, and six Kingdom Halls for Jehovah's Witnesses.
The lodge in L'Anse-à-Veau is called la Pratique des Vertus (the practice of virtues) No. 17 of the Orient of Haiti.
Communication
In addition, there is a call center with a booth. This municipality does not have a post office, radio, television station, or any newspapers or magazines.
The post arrives from Miragoâne and the northern areas on Sundays, and continues for Baradères, Pestel, Corail, and Jérémie. It returns to Port-au-Prince on Thursday evening.
Leisure
The town is significantly lacking in leisure facilities. There are no libraries, museums, theaters, or cinemas available. The only sport actively engaged in within the municipality is football (soccer), and there are also twenty listed gagueres.
Heritage
Regarding cultural heritage, the town features a fort known as Fort Jn Jacques Acao, situated in k-Jolie (Grande Rivière), along with two prominent temples where animal sacrifices are conducted and Vodun ceremonies take place.
The Patronal feast is held on July 26 in honor of Sainte-Anne. In 1892, the government allocated 800 G for the restoration of the presbytery.
Notable citizens[]
Anse-à-Veau, Haiti
It has produced many notable citizens, among them painter Laurent Casimir and 8President Fabre Geffrard.
Commune map of Anse-a-Veau
Neighborhoods
| AAV | Anse-à-Veau | 34,613 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAA | Ville de L'Anse-à-Veau | Urban | 86,780 | ||
| Quartier de Baconnois | Urban | 1,643 | |||
| Quartier de Saut de Baril | Urban | 747 | |||
| BNS | 1ère Section Baconnois-Grand-Fond | Rural section | 5,816 | Baconnois, Grand-Fond, Ka Berthe, Lose, Morne Piot. | |
| GRI | 2eme Section Grande-Rivière Joly | Rural Section | 12,477 | Bellevue, Denis, Dubef, Grand-Bois, Jeanjean, La Dimette, Landry, Mathurin, Pognon, Simon, Ti Michel. | |
| SAB | 3ème Saut du Baril | Rural section | 9,629 | Bahoruco, Coma, Continent, Corail, Dupouille, Javel, Lapaix, O'Rouck, Péregny, Remy, Rousse, Saut du Baril, Tirouelle, Torchon, Yilier. |
References[]
Anse-à-Veau [1]
Place publique en face de la Cathédrale- Yvener Gertin, Local guide [2]
Anse-a-Veau - Jean-Joseph Larionne, Local guide [3]
Cathedral of Saint Anne - Duckhens Lesperance, Local guide [4]
Michael Vedrine