Bainet

Bainet (Kreyol: Benè) is a historic seaside commune in Haiti's Southeast Department and the seat of Bainet Arrondissement. With a census-estimated population of 90,000 in 2019, it is also the second-most populous in the Southeast Department. Located in Bainet Valley at the mouth of the Bainet River on the Caribbean Sea, it is 44 km (27 miles) from Jacmel and 122 km (76 miles) from Port-au-Prince.

About[]

A clear bay (Un baie nette), devoid of any reefs, served as the inspiration for the name of the commune of "Bainnet" (Priest Parisot, 1997). Situated on the southeastern part of the Tiburon Peninsula, Bainet is a coastal city and serves as the principal city of Bainet Arrondissement in the Southeast Department. The commune is home to approximately 100,000 residents, with the majority residing in the mountains. Established over 300 years ago, Bainet is among the oldest municipalities in the country, and its inhabitants are known as Bainetiens. The Bainet Borough encompasses both Bainet and Côtes-de-Fer, bringing together a total of fifteen municipal sections, a decision made in 1930. Being the seat of the borough, Côtes-de-Fer relies on Bainet for its governance. Following Jacmel, Bainet has the second-highest number of communal sections in the Southeast region.

The City[]

The quaint city of Bainet has a rich history, having existed for over three centuries. Despite its small size, it exudes an air of elegance and takes pride in its abundant resources and the prestige of its former elite. The town's architecture is a delightful blend of ancient and modern styles, with some residences enchanting visitors with their unique charm.

However, Bainet faces several challenges due to its unfortunate geographical location. It is situated between the turbulent Moreau River, which relentlessly erodes its cemetery, and the Bainet Bay, known for its treacherous deep waters. This bay experiences the most tumultuous tides in the entire southeast region, leading to violent shipwrecks and a constant sense of danger. These circumstances leave a bitter taste in the mouths of its inhabitants.

Despite these challenges, the resilient spirit of Bainet shines through. The community quickly rebounds from the destruction caused by storms and cyclones, thanks to the unwavering dedication of its brave inhabitants. People from various backgrounds in Bainet work diligently, motivated by a common goal of independence and excellence.

Yet, Bainet faces a significant limitation. As a city that heavily depends on the departmental capital, Jacmel, for its resources, it lacks the infrastructure needed to reach its full potential within the department. Some perceive this as a form of selfishness, as it hampers the growth of other towns in the area. For certain Jacmel residents, the Southeast is often equated solely with their own city.

History[]

Baynet 61324 — "Plan de la Baye de Baynet", Original map of the area

Founded in 1698, Bainet's origins date back to the colonial era. This city was established by a group of welcoming and cultured landowners and businessmen. They were previously involved in the pite and coffee trade, giving them significant economic influence due to their strategic control over the nine municipal sections that serve the city.

The first establishments of the commune of Bainet can be traced back to the time of the Santo Domingo Company, which claimed it as part of its territory. The town was officially recognized as a municipality 1817, making it one of the oldest settlements in the country. Ville de Bainet, the commune's primary settlement, initially consisted of three houses with slate roofs and 20 straw-covered huts distributed randomly. Today, the city area includes around 775 buildings and witnessed a period of growth in the early 1980s with the addition of the Camp Pangnol expansion zone. The commune's landscape is characterized by rolling hills and steep ravines intersecting the region.

Bainet has been graced by the presence of only a few presidents throughout history. Dessalines, the first president of Haiti, made a stopover in Bainet in 1804 before heading to the southern part of the country. Pétion visited in 1811, followed by Geffrard in 1862, Nissage Saget in 1873, Hyppolite in 1893, Simon Sam in 1896, Vincent in 1935, and Jean-Claude Duvalier on two occasions, August 7, 1980, and March 9, 1985.

Timeline[]

18th Century[]

• In 1730, the population consisted of 317 whites, 12 freedmen, and 700 slaves. By 1789, these numbers had increased to 388 whites, 800 freedmen, and 5,500 slaves.

• In 1794 Bainet's freedmen were so powerful that the white residents never dared sending representatives to the Cape Colonial Assembly.

• Polverel arrested Faubert, the commander of Bainet, for supporting the emancipated slaves in 1793. The slaves were freed by a general emancipation act but Faubert was imprisoned for allowing them to leave his command.

• Following the siege of Jacmel led by Toussaint-Louverture in November 1799, the garrison of Bainet, commanded by Geoffroi, a white colonist, found themselves under attack from the insurgents of Lafortune, Conflant, and Gilles Bambara. As a result, they were forced to evacuate the village and retreat to Jacmel. A few days later, Bainet was reclaimed by Borgella, a young officer from Riguad's army.

Maison Spencer - Bainet 41225a — Maison Spencer (Spencer House) - Bainet, Haiti

19th Century[]

• Following the evacuation of Jacmel on April 22nd, 1800, Dessalines, guided by Commander Conflant, focused his efforts in the mountain valleys, aiming to capture Bainet before advancing southward. He led a large army over the Great Hill, avoiding the Larivoire outpost to his left, where the enemy was hiding. Upon arriving at the base of the Grand-Goâve mountain, he climbed the hill again, went around Larivoire, and set up camp along the Grand Chemin Bainet.

• On the night of April 22nd to the 23rd, the Riguadins evacuated Camp Larivoire due to the overwhelming presence of Dessalines and his large forces in the surrounding areas of Bainet. They decided to retreat to Grand-Goâve by the Great Hill. After dismantling all the redoubts that protected the town of Bainet, Dessalines marched his army of 12,000 men toward the town on April 24. At that time, only 150 soldiers from the 3rd regiment of the south were stationed in Bainet. Recognizing their garrison was too weak to defend against a siege, they set the town ablaze and evacuated. They then confronted the 10th North regiment, which had 2,000 men and was trying to block their escape. The next day, the 10th regiment took control of the now-destroyed town. Meanwhile, the Riguadins headed towards Côtes-de-Fer.

• Dessalines and Laplume pursued them with a force of 4,000 soldiers. About a league from Bainet, they encountered the 3rd of the South battalion, which was fortified along the main road. The Riguadins launched a bayonet attack, causing Toussaint-Louverture's troops to retreat, leaving behind 200 soldiers. The Riguadins then returned to their defensive positions. Dessalines advanced again with 8,000 troops, prompting the Riguadins to withdraw and regroup a league away. Dessalines then entered Bainet for a short rest. On April 28, they left for Grand-Goâve, where the Riguadins had set up their forward positions.

• In December 1802, Colonel Gilbon led the insurgents of Bainet Heights in a revolt against the French.

• To promote agriculture and increase land ownership, the Villard and Montra coffee plantations in Bainet were put up for sale under the law of March 10, 1814.

• In 1824, President Boyer sent a large number of black American farmer immigrants to Bainet.

20th Century and beyond[]

• On March 17, 2013, a new fishing center was inaugurated in Bainet, with the assistance of the Government of Haiti and Spanish Cooperation. Following Marigot, Bainet now stands as the third largest municipality in the South-East department to receive such a facility. This center aims to enhance fish catches, improve conservation efforts, and boost the marketing of seafood. The management of the center is entrusted to the Union of Fishermen's Organizations of Bainet.

• In October 2016, the municipal administration of Bainet had inaugurated a newly constructed city hall, financed by MINUSTAH with an investment of 4 million gourdes (30K USD). This action was part of their mandate to support national institutions. Previously, the municipal administration operated from prefabricated facilities provided by MINUSTAH after the earthquake in January 2010 destroyed their original offices.

• In April 2019, an ONAFanm office was officially inaugurated in Bainet. This initiative was designed to offer fast credit solutions to small informal traders in the region. The ongoing support for ONAFanm highlights its importance in tackling credit challenges faced by small merchants and aspiring entrepreneurs, with a goal of assisting 20,000 small traders within a year. Almost 200 women who received ONAFanm loans shared their happiness, celebrating a pivotal moment as a financial institution finally acknowledged their needs by granting them access to credit.

Geography[]

Bainet is located at 18.1855° N, 72.7555° W. According to the IHSI, this commune has a total land area of 300.60 square kilometers (116.06 square miles), of which 256.33 square kilometers (85%) is rural, 44.27 km² (15%) is suburban, and 0.59 km² (>1%) is urban. It is bordered on the north by the Western Department city of Grand-Goâve, on the northeast by the town of Jacmel Valley, on the east by the city of Jacmel, on the west by the town of Côtes-de-Fer, and on the northwest by the town of Petit-Goâve (Western Department). The urban area and three of the city's communal sections are located by the sea. The landscape is hilly, and the climate is predominantly tropical, with only two sections noted for being cooler. Bainet also includes an extension area called Camp Pangnol ("Kanpanyol").

Neighborhoods

BAI	Bainet		86,755
VBN	Ville de Bainet
BSL	1ère Section Brésilienne	Rural	10,985	Bas-Fond, Bodor, Bois-l'État, Bommier, Bresilienne, Ca Gars, Carrefour Congo, Ca Salo, Ca Volel, Grande-Crête, Limba, Terre-Blanche, Terre-Noire, Trou-Mahot.
TMA	2ème Section Trou-Mahot	Rural	10,132	Bareau, Basse, Cavalier, Chenet, Corail, Dénard, Doguine, Grandou, L'Ermitage, Manoir, Nan Bondieu, Nan Sans-Nègre, Source-Congo, Terre Rouge, Toulouye.
	3ème Section La Vallèe de Bainet	Rural	10,499	Berjin, Caille-Laurent, Ca Laneau, Douzil, Martino, Nan Cadet, Nan Pauvre Moune, Otage, Varache.
HGD	4ème Section Haut-Grandou	Rural	5,168	Germain, Gori, La Biche, La Hatte, Roussel.
BGD	5ème Section Bas de Grandou	Rural section	11,624	Aubry, Baptiste, Bellevue, Benoit, Bresil, Ca Cola, Camp-Pangnol, Coicou, Corail, Gascon, Gori, La Petite-Plaine, Lillet, Pointe-Jour, Pradine, Roche-Criee, Saufi, Savanette, Ti Bras, Zoranger.
BCX	6ème Section Bas de La Croix	Rural	1,886	Molière
BGH	7ème Section Bras Gauche	Rural	4,826	Courtois, Palmiste-Lamy, Pélagie.
ORG	8ème Section Oranger	Rural	8,610	Bas-de-la-Croix, Bigot, Galby, La Biche, La Voute, Marécage, Nan Georges, Pimentière, Saurel, Saint-Joseph.
BGG	9ème Section Bas des Gris-Gris	Rural	18,999	Berry, Cangrovi, Corail-l'Abbé, Dubois, Fond-Dennas, Fourneau, Grande-Saline, Imby, La Revoir, Moreau, Nan Diamant, Nan Rac, Plaine-Matayer, Sabousse, Saint-Antoine, Terre-Rouge.

Bay of Bainet[]

The bay of Bainet, which is both wide and deep, is positioned between the Cape of Bainet to the southwest and the Morne de la Croix to the east. It faces the south direction. The bay has an opening of 3,000 meters (9,842 ft) and a depth of 1,860 feet (6,102 ft), without any reef on one side that is filled. This is the origin of the name "Baie Nette".

The habitations of the interior and the mountains are nourished by numerous springs, while the rivers of Bainet, de la Croix, de l'Azur, and Corail contribute to their great fertility. The soil in this area is quite rough and contains s steatite, ochres and tufa, good chalk on both sides of the river. There are also caves and interesting caverns.

According to the laws of April 25, 1817, and November 20, 1821, the legal distance from this commune to the capital is set at 25 leagues.

The Great River of Bainet, also known as the Moreau River, sometimes dries up. It has four main tributaries: the rivers of Îlet (7km from its mouth), Massacre, Boucan-Belier, des Orangers (5 km from its mouth), Petit-Bras, and Pimentère. It originates in the heights of Petit-Goâve, passes through a lagoon called the Étang Durissy, meets another lagoon named Lagon near Bainet, and then separates a short distance before flowing into the bay south of Bainet. The lagoon is formed by underground springs that emerge a short distance from the village. These springs are fed by the waters from the heights of the rural section of Gandou, which flow underground. The waters of the Lagoon are abundant with kelp and are home to various freshwater fish in large numbers.

Bainet 41225c — Two gentlemen pose at the Bainet Central Park

Demography[]

Year	Population	Change
1730	1,019
1790	6,688	+556%
1890	12,000	+79%
1998	78,537 96% rural	+554%
2009	78,896	+0.4%
2015	86,755	+10%

Economy[]

Bainet, like many other cities in the country, also faces the issue of unemployment. While public services play a significant role in job creation, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) emerge as the largest providers of employment opportunities. However, despite the prevalent unemployment, the city has managed to avoid the rise of crime, begging, and other disruptive elements. This sensitivity towards maintaining social order highlights the numerous challenges that Bainet faces, both socially and economically, as well as environmentally.

When it comes to economic and financial infrastructure, the municipality lacks adequate resources. Agriculture, trade, and commerce take precedence in terms of economic activities. Although there are a few warehouses, shops, and food stores within the town, commercial establishments are scarce. The municipality's economic establishments include a pharmacy, a hairdressing salon, and a photo studio. Bainet boasts fertile highlands that contribute to its agricultural productivity. The region produces a variety of crops including coffee, campeche, cotton, different types of wood, bees, wild guinea fowl, excellent tobacco, and an abundance of food. Additionally, the local artisans craft straw hats and clay pipes.

Renowned for its premium coffee, Bainet stands out as a prime coffee-growing area in the Caribbean. Farmers cultivate crops in mineral-rich soil, resulting in a wide array of fruits such as peaches, cherries, coconuts, mangoes, guavas, apricots, and avocados.

Trade[]

In the past, the city of Bainet experienced a significant level of interregional trade, with various activities contributing to its economic growth. One notable period was during the golden age of coffee, pite, and vetiver. Bainet, especially in the 4th municipal section called Gandou, played a crucial role as a prominent coffee hub in the South-East region. Mr. Paul Laguerre, for instance, frequently loaded boats with tons of coffee in the bay. However, today, the cultivation of these crops is primarily for personal consumption, with only a few plantations remaining.

Different companies used to operate trucks to ensure the regular transportation of pite and vetiver. Joseph Batrony, at one point, served as the main distributor of clairin in the Southeast regions. Similarly, the kola factory (now occupied by the EDH power plant) and the lemon essential oil factory of Emile Pierre-Louis, which was the first subcontractor, played significant roles in the town's trade. However, it is worth mentioning that currently, Bainet's foreign trade is predominantly controlled by the "madan Sara," who are intermediaries. These intermediaries are usually the wives of farmers, for whom small businesses serve as an excellent source of additional income. They have established a commercial exchange system based on the marketing of imported agricultural products.

Despite these trade dynamics, cultivation practices in Bainet have largely remained traditional, relying on methods such as rain-fed cultivation, manual tools like hoes and machetes, and minimal use of fertilizers. Unfortunately, the efforts to combat erosion have been insufficient, leading to a significant reduction in crop yields.

Crafts[]

Crafts play a significant role in the manufacturing sector, and thus, the economy of the Southeast region. Artisans specialize in creating a variety of products. In Bainet, there is a focus on producing cassava and crafting items such as baskets, hats, handbags, dodines, and chairs using plant fibers or stems. The products are made in Bas de Gandou. Orange trees are highly sought after, even internationally. In terms of cassava production, both sweet and salty cassavas, zanmann tablets, and other products are made. These specialties are specifically practiced in the 7th, 8th, and 9th municipal sections. This information highlights that industrial and agro-industrial activities, despite their potential, are still in their early stages and have not fully established themselves in the region. Therefore, in order to revitalize industry, which is crucial for economic recovery after agriculture, concrete and effective measures need to be implemented. In the 1950s, the private sector, led by merchants like Mr. Henri Laguerre, and residents of Brasilienne (the first municipal section of Bainet), collaborated to construct the seaside road connecting Bainet to Jacmel via Morne Frontal in the La Montagne section. The road from Bainet to Jacmel via La Montagne was renovated from December 1983 to December 1985. Additionally, in 1985-1986, the Trou-Mahot and l'Hermitage fords were developed and constructed. Following the inauguration of the Jacmel Friendship Road in 1976 (a donation from France), the TPTC enhanced the road that passes through Carrefour Saint-Antoine, La Vallée de Jacmel, and Blockhauss.

Between 1982 and 1987, the TPTC constructed the Bainet / Côtes-de-Fer coastal road passing through Jacquesson, Mestayer, and Guigne à Gauche. Enhancing road infrastructure has the potential to stimulate agricultural growth by reviving and expanding crops in promising areas, aiming to boost agricultural output for both local consumption and trade. The primary challenge lies in ensuring an adequate food supply for the local community. Hence, the focus will be on revitalizing and expanding food and fruit cultivation in Bainet regions where production is currently insufficient.

Jean Raymond High School - Bainet 41225 — Lycee Jean Raymond - Bainet, SE, Haiti

Lifestyle[]

The residents of Bainet, known for their big-hearted and friendly nature, travel by horses, mules, or on foot. Since parts of the commune are not on a power grid, the community uses kerosene lamps at night. In the absence of television or radio, families frequently come together and entertain each other with captivating tales. Through generations, they pass down folklore from grandparents to parents, children, grandchildren, and occasionally even great-grandchildren.

Environment[]

Bainet is characterized by two key assets: pristine water sourced from natural springs and the absence of deforestation in the area. Furthermore, the village's beaches remain untouched by any development initiatives or large crowds of tourists seeking sun and sand.

Infrastructure[]

The infrastructure of the village is strong, thanks to the generous contributions from Christian ministries and Bainet expatriates. Their donations have greatly supported the construction of schools, healthcare facilities, and even some road development. Furthermore, there are numerous upcoming projects in the works to further enhance the village's modernization efforts.

Transportation[]

The roads leading to Bainet are both time-consuming and risky. The route from Bainet to Port-au-Prince via Saint-Etienne is extremely difficult to pass through, while the road from Bainet via The Valley of Jacmel is relatively accessible, except for the troublesome section between Bainet and Blockhauss that the residents often complain about. According to them, this has been a persistent challenge since the 1950s, with city authorities, particularly elected officials, failing to address it. They also mention that this challenge extends to the construction of a bridge over the Penn River, which many candidates have repeatedly promised to build during their campaign periods.

The majority of the city's streets remain unpaved, and the gutters have been visibly exposed for over a year.

Lycee Jean Raymond - Bainet 41225c — View of Bainet Bay, with the high school in the foreground.

Education[]

College Wesleyan de Bainet 21225d — College Wesleyan de Bainet

The Ministry of National Education of Youth and Sports has had a presence in the commune for over 50 years within the field of education. Despite a decline in the quality of education, the number of both public and private school institutions has continued to increase. Currently, four individuals are responsible for training the office staff, with an inspector overseeing their work. In Bainet, there is a kindergarten, 123 schools (including pre-schools), predominantly private primary schools, seven secondary schools, and three technical and vocational schools. Lycée Julien Raymond, the high school established in 1992, has been operating on a double-shift system for several years, thanks to the efforts of the city's elected officials. Unfortunately, at the higher education level, there are no university institutions available.

From 1913, priests established priestly schools within the chapels. The Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP) first appeared in the commune in 1947, represented by a school inspection office. In 1948, Deputy Rossini Pierre-Louis successfully secured national schools for the seven municipal sections. Education in this commune should evolve into a driving force for the future, grounded in continuous innovation, and should empower the people of Bainet to create and adapt in the face of uncertainty and change. In Bainet, education should serve as a hub for reflection and planning for a fresh start. It is important to note that while private sectors and congregational establishments have well-maintained facilities, those owned or rented by the State often fall short. This highlights the significant role of private schools in primary education within the community.

Health[]

The Ministry has been involved in healthcare in the commune for more than fifty years. A public health center with a bed (CAL), which was set up in 1959 and updated in 1997, is still functioning in the city, despite facing challenges. The region has seven healthcare facilities, each employing at least fifteen technicians, with 60% of them being auxiliary staff. Patients with more serious conditions are sent to Jacmel for further treatment.

Utilities[]

Bainet has a well-prepared water supply, with four rivers and over 160 sources identified. The residents of Bainet express contentment with the efforts of the authorities at Haiti's State Electricity (EDH) in ensuring reliable and efficient electricity services.

Administration[]

The jurisdiction of Jacmel encompasses the Bainet peace court and the local school district. The financial administration of Jacmel handles the payment of officials.

The commune's security forces consist of a gendarmerie company, administrative police, line artillery from Jacmel, rural police, and the National Guard, both on foot and horseback.

Bainet cultural 41225 — Wood culture center of Bainet

Culture[]

Bainet, a town with a rich history spanning three centuries, is famous for its beautiful residents with coffee-colored skin. Not only is it known for its cleanliness, but also for its pebble beach where the crashing waves resemble a never-ending avalanche. The town boasts a magnificent church adorned with red and cream columns, and a white ceiling dedicated to Saint-Pierre. Established on June 29, 1851, the parish of Saint-Pierre de Bainet has fostered a strong sense of community, actively engaging in various socio-cultural activities.

Religion[]

In the realm of religion, numerous religions are present within the community. The quantity of churches, temples, or chapels is notably higher for the "Assembly of God" (65) and "Church of God" (55).

The Orient Lodge of Bainet is known as The Triumph of Perseverance No.43, under the Grand Orient of Haiti.

Communication[]

Telephone services in Bainet are primarily provided by Digicel, covering the entire district according to a manager. Teleco, on the other hand, has not been visible since 2003.

The postal service is limited to the urban area, with mail arriving from Jacmel on Tuesdays and leaving promptly for the same destination.

In terms of media, Bainet boasts 3 radio stations, no television station, and a newspaper called BIC (Bainet Culture Info) led by Pierre Tony Jean Jacques. Additionally, there is a monthly magazine called Developman ak Demokrasi.

Organizations[]

Concerned about the future of their hometown, men and women from Bainet have set up a socially inclusive movement, called “Initiative Bainet se Pam” (INIBAP)

HBF (Help Bainet Foundation) aims to assist underprivileged men, women, and children in the deprived town of Bainet and its surrounding rural areas. The organization is aimed at addressing health and sanitation concerns, reversing community decline, enhancing literacy, and providing education to prevent future crises.
MIJABA (Ministere du Jardin de Bainet) is a youth-guided non-profit organization that aims to build a sustainable future for Haitian villages in Bainet.

Recreation and Leisure[]

Bainet has a limited number of hotels, and the dining choices available do not meet expectations. The city's accommodation options are significantly limited, and the infrastructure is almost non-existent. To restore Bainet's original charm and help it function effectively as the second city, it is essential to develop the urban area. This improvement would also help reduce Port-au-Prince's influence over the Southeast department.

Leisure

The majority of young people in Bainet find themselves without guidance or support. There are no recreational or cultural facilities available, and a cinema is notably absent. A musical ensemble is often lacking during significant events. "We have no option but to play cards or dominoes," one young resident expresses. Those with sufficient financial resources can choose to visit private nightclubs featuring DJs during festival times, while others spend their leisure hours on the streets.

Camagnol Inn - Bainet 41225e — Camagnol Inn - Bainet, SE, Haiti

Tourist activities in the area are not particularly lively; however, during the summer months, local attractions and beaches tend to draw a considerable number of visitors. In terms of leisure options, the town offers only a community library and lacks both a museum and a theater. Football (soccer) is played in three designated areas, and the public square is occasionally utilized as a venue for sports enthusiasts engaging in basketball and volleyball. While athletics and cycling are also favored, the lack of proper facilities limits the regular practice of these sports.

Bainet has a strong football (soccer) reputation in the Southeast, thanks to the impressive performances of the local team in interregional championships. Notable players and teams, such as Henry Francillon, Apparatus, Gary, Thomas, Ti-Schiller, Dadou, Darlan, as well as teams like Saint-Etienne, Toup pou yo, Dékole, Estera, Boucan, and others, have left a lasting legacy. By revitalizing sports to their former prominence, young people will have a constructive outlet for their energy and a means to express their artistic needs. Competitions between regions will foster brotherhood among youth and strengthen community ties.

Bainet faces several challenges, including isolation, a lack of public authority, various health and educational issues, the absence of a communal development strategy, and insufficient access to clean drinking water. Ironically, despite its wealth of natural and historical attractions, Bainet's potential remains largely unexploited.

Historical Sites[]

Three forts recognized as historical sites contribute to the cultural heritage of the municipality of Bainet.

Fort Carrière, located at Morne Fort, Fort Blockhauss, found in the 3rd communal section (the area where the French sought refuge during the War of Independence), and Fort Chenet, also situated in the 3rd municipal section, together represent the historical landmarks that enhance the cultural legacy of Bainet.

Rara[]

Rara is a vibrant celebration that takes place during Holy Week in Bainet, as well as throughout the country. From Good Friday to Easter Sunday, the streets come alive with crowds singing and dancing to traditional music. Bainet is home to many famous raras, including "Bouke st-Pyè," "Modèl," "San rankin," "krezi rara," "Demanbre," and "Danlezè." Imagine thousands of people singing and dancing at night, waving large, colorful flags, while clouds of dust swirl around them under the light of "tèt gridap" lanterns. The raras attract thousands who dance for miles, only taking breaks at dawn before continuing in the evening. This celebration is a rich tapestry of ancient traditions, with music playing a vital role. It sets the pace for the crowd as they move from dusk until dawn. A typical Rara band in this area features bamboo wind instruments called vaccines, homemade horns, drums, and various percussion instruments. Musicians carry their instruments while the crowd sings along. Most participants dance as they walk, bending forward, rising, and sometimes twirling. Occasionally, you might see small groups of women performing choreographed moves or men with sticks striking them together in a rhythmic fashion. Another key figure in the rara is the "majò jon," who is always in the spotlight. Dressed in brightly colored sequined outfits, the "majò jon" is surrounded by myths, with stories suggesting they possess magical powers.

Gaguère[]

On a Sunday afternoon in the familiar warmth of Bainet, the gaguère sits in the shade of a few trees, slightly off the beaten path. This small, circular wooden arena for cockfighting is surrounded by two rows of stands that encircle the clay track, which is bordered by a simple railing. Once painted apple green, the pillars and crosspieces now show signs of age and wear from many hands, supporting a roof made of corrugated iron that has been faded by the sun and rust. Dusty beams of light break through the shadows of the track as spectators gather in small groups. Friends catch up, share news, and eagerly await the event's start. Bettors cluster around the owners, while others engage in friendly wagers. Trainers, holding their roosters, are surrounded by knowledgeable fans as the betting begins. The tension rises, and the heat becomes more oppressive under the metal roof. Amidst the cheers and laughter, the stands are filled with spectators waving old banknotes worth a few gourdes. The arena manager collects the bets, with large amounts on the line. Experts are familiar with the roosters' histories, scrutinizing their previous fights. Assistants prepare the birds, covering their heads with old socks and sharpening their dewclaws, assuring the crowd that everything is fair. This time, there will be no room for dispute.

Notable Residents[]

The Bainet community represents a distinctive ethnic group, showcasing a diverse heritage that combines African, Arabic, and French roots. Among this population, there is a specific racial blend referred to as Marabou, distinguished by their exquisite mahogany-hued skin and captivating hazel, blue, or green eyes. Prominent figures from the Bainet community include:

Septimus Marius, a lawyer and judge at the Court of Cassation in 1857
Gérald Bloncourt, a poet born in 1926
Férère Laguerre, a politician born in 1934
Rossini Pierre-Louis, a politician born in 1935
Henri Francillon, a footballer and politician
Gérard Pierre-Charles, a writer and politician
Edget Jean Baptiste, a painter
Emile Pierre-Louis, a trader
Ernst Saint-Lot, a renowned singer known as Démêle
Marie Rosalie Févilien, the champion of Digicel Stars 2009
and all the teachers, doctors, nurses, psychologists, computer scientists, sociologists, engineers, agronomists, lawyers, administrators, economists, managers, accountants, artists, graduates, and experienced professionals in various fields.