Beaumont

Beaumont (Kreyòl: Bomon) is a heavily forested town in the Grand-Anse Department of Haiti. It stretches from the northern slopes of the Macaya Mountains in the Hood Mountain Range to the Corail and Roseaux areas in the north, with Route Nationale 7 traversing the northern section of the commune. The southwestern part of Beaumont is within the Macaya National Park while the northern part is the settled portion of town. As of the 2015 census, the town had a total population of 31,580.

About[]

Beaumont was incorporated in 1983, after being originally founded in 1930. Previously part of the Fond-Bleu section of Corail, the town's name means "Beautiful Mountain". This beautiful village sits comfortably within the Corail Arrondissement. It is also part of the greater Grand'Anse region.

Beaumont is one of the most wooded of the communes of Grand'Anse. Its houses, some more beautiful than the others, keep a rustic character that will remain etched in the memory of any visitor sensitive to aesthetics.

History[]

The region now known as Beaumont was originally referred to as New Plymouth by slaves from the Southern Plain, including Plymouth, who were revolting against the slave system in the year 1720. The name derives from Joseph de Beaumont, a French coffee planter.

In 1816, during ¹Alexandre Pétion's administration, the area was designated as the 4th section of Corail, and in 1933, it was elevated to district status. The community remained a part of Corail until it was officially set off and incorporated in 1983.

Geography[]

Beaumont is located at 18.4799° N, 73.9529° W. According to the IHSI, this commune has a total land area of 155.34 square kilometers (59.97 square miles), of which 85.76 sq.km (55%) is suburban, 60.07 sq.km (44%) is rural, and 1.51 sq.km (1%) is urban. Beaumont has three communal sections, Beaumont, Chardonette, and Mouline. It is bordered by the city of Corail on the northeast, the town of Pestel on the east, the Southern Department towns of Torbeck, Chantal, and Chardonnières on the south, and the town of Roseaux on the west.

Beaumont is an inland commune with a varying topography that consists of mountains and plains with a temparate climate. The southern part of the town includes the northern slopes of the Massif de la Hotte mountain range, while the northern section is predominantly flat, with foothills situated in the central area. Route Nationale 7 serves as the dividing line between the southern foothills and the northern plains. Additionally, there are trails that lead to remote points within the town. The highest elevation in Beaumont is on the town's southern border, atop a 2,347-meter (7,700-foot) peak on the Massif de la Hotte mountain range, called Peak Macaya.

The settled part of Beaumont is divided into four main areas: Beaumont "village", where town hall is, and it's communal section of the same name, Mouline, and Chardonette, all of which have several roads connected to Route Nationale 7, the main road. Other localities in town include Lacadome and Flandre.

Neighborhoods[]

BMT	Beaumont	31,580
VBM	Ville de Beaumont	6,017
BMO	1ére Section Beaumont	13,356	André, Carrefour-Zaboca, Dibetry, Diquillon, Dumoi, Férace, Flandre, Lacadonie, Mare Cochon, Nan Drivé, Nan Guinée, Roseaux, Sanette, Terre-Blanche
	2ème Section Chardonette	8,690	Chardonette, Fond Cochon, Mauvaises Affaires
MBR	3ème Section Mouline	3,317	Bois Geneste, Bois Misquette, Dilagon, Garnier, Lagon-Fou, Lan Miel, Larieux, Miya, Perrier, Préval, Rossignol.

Demographics[]

The inhabitants are called Beaumontois.

Commune of Beaumont

Year	Population	Change
1998	15,201
2003	12,486	-18%
2009	28,720	+130%
2015	31,580	+10%

In summer, temperatures can get close to 30°C (100°F), but this is very rare. Usually, summer days are around 25°C (80°F) and nights are often cooler. In winter, temperatures can be about 20°C (68°F).

Divesting Government Control

A town hall meeting style called the Katye Pam Poze model is introduced to give local governments more decision-making power. This change aims to reduce the traditional control the government had over Beaumont's remote areas. Coffee shops in the area serve as meeting spots for Katye Pam Poze to connect with residents and discuss community needs.

Economy[]

Economic and financial infrastructures are practically non-existent. Agriculture and livestock are the primary economic activities, with the local economy heavily reliant on agricultural production, including coffee, citrus fruits, guava, bananas, and particularly yams. Yams occupy a significant area of cultivation, generating income and serving as a key food resource. Livestock farming is minimal, primarily involving the care of farm animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and horses.

Livestock breeding is a small activity here; they would rather talk about the guarding of farm animals (cattle, goats, sheep, horses). Trade is predominantly itinerant, although there are basic necessity shops within the village. Historically, this town was renowned for its coffee, which is why a festival celebrating this valuable crop was established, highlighting its significance to the residents of Beaumont.

For commercial establishments, there are three large stores, four building material suppliers, twenty-two food supply centers, and four depots. Additionally, a pharmacy and a photography studio have been noted. Most shopping occurs at the main markets, Marché Beaumont in the first section and Marché Saint-Martin in the third.

Infrastructure[]

Transportation

Education

The Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports is absent from the commune. Within the area, there exists a kindergarten, multiple elementary schools (including preschool), three secondary schools, and a technical and vocational institution. However, the commune lacks a literacy center, university, or any other institutions of higher education.

Health

In terms of health services, the Ministry of Public Health and Population is also not present in this commune. There is only one hospital, the Saint Agnes de Beaumont Health Center, which is staffed by two trainee doctors, three nurses, five auxiliary staff, eighteen certified midwives, and two laboratory technicians, along with a radiologist. Additionally, there is the La Providence Dispensary.

Utilities

Concerning water resources, the town of Beaumont is served by two rivers, five springs, and 24 faucets. In terms of electricity, the city is powered by two electric motors.

Culture[]

Religion

In the realm of religion, Beaumont is home to 38 temples representing various faiths, excluding vodun.

Communication

Regarding communication, the town is served by a telephone office operated by Haiti Teleco, staffed by three individuals, offering five lines, four of which function as a cabin at the Teleco office. The commune lacks a postal service, radio station, television station, or any newspapers or magazines.

Leisure

In terms of leisure activities, Beaumont does not have a library, museum, theater, or cinema. The only sport available is football (soccer), played on six shabby pitches that barely qualify as fields. On the bright side, the town features a nightclub, eight gaguères, and a well-maintained public square.

Organizations[]

Save the Children works with local partners to support their projects. One project provides cash assistance to families with malnourished children, helping them buy food and improve nutrition. Another project focuses on disaster risk reduction and resilience to climate change in schools.

Future plans for Beaumont[]

Future initiatives for Beaumont involve optimizing the fertile land to grow crops such as bananas, cassava, coffee beans, and yams for export revenue. The goal is to attract private investments from non-profit social funds to support businesses that have outgrown traditional bank loans in Haiti, ensuring their continued profitability.