"Kouri lapli, tonbe larivyè." Running from rain, you fall into a river.
-Haitian proverb
Bombardopolis (Haitian Creole: Bonbadopolis) is a commune located in the hilly country of the Môle Saint-Nicolas Arrondissement, Northwestern Haiti. The population was 36,028 at the time of the 2015 census.
Bombardopolis was founded in 1764 and had been granted municipal status on October 17, 1821. This commune includes three communal sections: Plateform, Desforges and Orange Plain.
About[]
The village is located on a high plateau, making it an attractive place compared to other cities. It was named after a man who generously supported its founder, inspiring the latter to immortalize his gratitude. Bombardopolis has a rich history, being the settlement of many Germans and Poles who arrived in 1763 and 1766 (the period following the Seven Years' War), with their descendants still residing there and even intermarrying.
Situated in a flat plain, the village enjoys a pure, lively, and healthy atmosphere due to its elevated position above sea level. The majority of the area is suitable for cattle breeding, with the horses bred here being highly valued. The Plate Forme, once a village itself, is located within this territory; its cove serves as a pier for the residents of Bombardopolis who can also embark their products at Baie-de-Henne, a popular spot among fishermen.
History[]
The area of Bombardopolis was first called Des Sources because of its water content, as stated in the colonial decree that defined the boundaries of the canton. Des Sources was a habitation of Môle Saint-Nicolas, the principal town of the canton, which at the time, included Le Môle, Jean-Rabel, and Port-a-Piment (the former name of a region in the Northwest now lost in the merger of the Baie-de-Henne and Bombarde communes. The Gallet and Henna rivers served as the region's limit). This locality has been frequented since the official foundation of Môle Saint-Nicolas. The community remained part of Le Môle until it was set off and incorporated in 1784, when it was named after Bombarde, a settler from Europe.
The Môle Saint-Nicolas canton was home to two distinct ethnic groups, the Germans and the Acadians, who hardly got along. Inter-ethnic conflicts were a common occurence. To remedy this, the greatest notable of the zone, Mr. Fuzée Aublet, decided to create an exclusive zone for the Germans, aiming to minimize theft and other issues. Thus, he chose one of the most arable regions of the country to rehouse the displaced. Drawing inspiration from the first name of a French naturalist, Mr. Bombarde, who had been appointed as the King's botanist and sent to Cayenne in 1762, Mr. Aublet combined it with the Greek term "polis" meaning city. Consequently, the newly created city for the Germans was officially named "Bombardopolis." Mr. Bombarde, a prosperous financier and avid enthusiast of the natural sciences, likely influenced the inhabitants to cultivate the land and preserve the scenic beauty of their new home, given his reputation as one of the most notorious of colonial botanists.
On January 17, 1784, Bombardopolis was raised to the rank of parish and entered the official history of the French colony of Santo Domingo. Nevertheless, its inhabitants were Germans who each received a portion of cultivable land.
Agriculture[]
The city experienced a flourishing agricultural sector. The Germans were granted management of the city by the French authorities, but heavy taxes were still imposed on all forms of transportation, particularly in agriculture. However, the Acadian fishermen did not hand over their marine duties at sea to the Germans. Gradually, former buccaneers from La Tortue constructed barracks around Bombardopolis, while the minority population remained in the area.
The most fertile region was the Marie-Louise Valley, owned by Madame Marie-Louise, a French landowner after whom it was named. The Germans obtained permission from her to access water from the local sources. The valley's lush vegetation and abundant food and poultry resources made it a source of pride for the residents. The German planters proudly supplied Jean-Rabel, Henne, and the Môle with their agricultural produce, witnessing the trade between the planters of Bombardopolis and the inhabitants of the entire canton of Môle Saint-Nicolas.
Agriculture became prosperous throughout the city. The Germans obtained from Madame Marie-Louise, French owner of the valley which bore her name, permission to obtain water from the sources of the place. The Marie-Louise Valley was the most fertile area. Its greenery and its wealth of food and poultry made it the pride of the inhabitants. Witnessing the trade between the planters of Bombardopolis and the inhabitants of the entire canton of Môle Saint-Nicolas, German planters proudly supplied Jean-Rabel, Henne and Le Môle.
The area was struck by a catastrophic hurricane in 1772, resulting in numerous casualties, complete destruction of livestock, and severe damage to plantations. Two years later in 1774, a flood added to the death toll. On the other hand, droughts were a common occurrence. The hard-working Germans who lived there struggled to find a substitute for the food that had perished either in the flood or in the drought. This parish has been deeply affected by the harsh climate conditions, leading to the gradual depletion of its forests and the landscape losing its former beauty.
German Population Decline[]
Bombardopolis, founded by Mr. Fuzée Aublet, was originally intended to accommodate the displaced Germans from Môle Saint-Nicolas due to conflicts with the Acadians. However, the Acadians were the ones who truly took control. French immigrants continued to arrive, obtaining concessions, purchasing land, and contributing to a policy of repopulation. By 1766, 18 years prior to the town's official establishment as a parish, the German population had dwindled to 776 residents. A critical analysis in “Description Topographique…..de l'Isle” revealed that around 2,400 individuals had either perished, fled out of fear, or were working at Le Môle. On March 10, 1770, the population further decreased to 334, and by the town's official founding in 1784, the German presence was minimal. The Acadians, with their numerical advantage, eventually gained complete control over the town. The rapid decline of the German presence in Bombardopolis was a result of both natural factors and human actions, leading to the ultimate dominance of the Acadians.
The Presence of Blacks[]
In 1765, the first blacks of Bombarde lived in the Plaine-d'Orange section. Seven in number, they were there with the aim of working on a coffee and indigo plantation, which was intended for the King of France. By 1768, Bombardopolis had a total of 30 blacks, with 16 of them working as farmers and 14 assigned to fortification duties. However, after 1775, the number of blackss kept growing, leading to the need for additional straw huts in the 40 plantations to accommodate the newcomers. The black population of Bombarde was constantly growing. These slaves adapted well to the town's climate and enjoyed a commendable life expectancy. While the European residents were fearful of the potential eruption of the Volcan de la Marre-à-Savon, the Africans found solace in their tribal dances and hymns. The black community remained in Bombardopolis until independence in 1804.
Bombardopolis was created for peace. The context of its birth was only to appease the too repeated conflicts between the Acadians and the Germans. The owner of the place, Mr. Bombarde, died in 1767 before its official creation; its founder, Mr. Fuzée Aublet died around 1786.
Historical Timeline[]
• In March 1794, the English forces stationed at Môle Saint-Nicolas, led by Lieutenant-Colonels Spencer and Markham, launched an attack on the village, guided by Deneux and Charmilly, two white settlers. They were repulsed by 150 Germans who occupied the place, forcing them to retreat back to the Môle. The English suffered casualties with 16 men killed and 36 taken as prisoners, while Charmilly sustained injuries during the skirmish.
• In 1799, while Toussaint-Louverture's army was occupied fighting Riguad at Grand-Goâve, at the beginning of the civil war, Golard, lieutenant-colonel of the 9th in garrison at Port-de-Paix, rallied the farmers of Bombardopolis and came to besiege the Môle. Despite the efforts of the insurgents, Maurepas, who was in command of the Môle, successfully defended against the siege.
• In July, General Clerveaux arrived at Bombardopolis and dispatched a messenger to offer the rebels an amnesty if they surrendered. When the offer was rejected, Clerveaux launched a fierce assault on the redoubt, which was eventually taken after a strong resistance. He then set out on the Chemin La Gorge, heading for the Môle, leaving behind all the enemy posts.
• On November 2, 1803, the French evacuated Bombardopolis.
By the 1850s, Germans became permanent residents.
But Germans' motives for settling there spelled trouble for GOH later on. They began meddling in the country's internal affairs, with several failed coup d'etats. As an illustration of their hunger for power, they pressured GOH into paying high indemnities for a minor incident involving a Haitian-German at the Port-au-Prince dock. Haiti complied promptly to prevent threats of violence towards Port-au-Prince.
A decade after the turn-of-the-century, in 1910, the German community of only 200 exercised economic muscle in excess of their numbers on the island. They continued to expand their influence, dominating Haiti's export market for their own gain. In terms of finance, they acquired the debt-ridden National Bank of Haiti, married Haitian women to acquire land, and engaged in trading with Haitian currency, making substantial profits by manipulating regulations to favor themselves.
In 1917, Haiti declared war against Germany, chasing them out of the country. But a technicality kept the declaration from taking effect. After World War I, the Germans re-entered Haiti, recovering their businesses and money. The U.S. Monroe Doctrine and the U.S.'s occupation until 1934 kept German interference at bay.
Geography[]
Bombardopolis is located at the tip of Cap-à-Foux, Haiti's northern peninsula, at 19.6776° N, 73.3267° W. According to the IHSI, this commune has a total land area of 196.51 square kilometers (75.87 square miles), of which 106.19 km² (54%) is rural, 89.93 km² (46%) is suburban, and 0.39 km² (>1%) is urban. It is bordered by the city of Môle Saint-Nicolas on the north and the town of Baie-de-Henne on the east; it is bathed by the Gulf of Gonâve on the south and the North Atlantic Ocean to the west. Bombardopolis is split into three communal sections, consisting primarily of hills and a plateau. The urban area of the commune and some localities of the communal sections are coastal. The law of November 20, 1821, fixed the precise distance from this commune to the capital at 57 leagues. Five leagues separate it from Môle Saint-Nicolas.
Physical environment[]
The center village of Bombardopolis is situated at an elevation of 416 meters (1,365 ft.) above sea level. The plateau on which it is located has an average altitude of 400 meters (1,300 ft.) and covers approximately two-thirds of the town, specifically the northern part of the three sections. Towards the south, the plateau is bordered by a series of hills, namely Morne Tony, Morne Baptiste, and Morne Colon, reaching an average height of 650 meters (2,100 ft.) . The highest hill is Morne Chilote (2nd section), standing at an altitude of 690 m (2,265 ft.). Eventually, the chain of hills descends abruptly towards the sea, forming a steep cliff at the southern end of the town. This descent concludes with a narrow coastal plain that leads to the coral reefs.
Neighborhoods
BBD | Bombardopolis | 36,028 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
VBF | Ville de Bombardopolis | 3,468 | ||
PFO | 1ère Section Plate Forme |
10,182 | Boue, Caille Flide, Fond Citron, Fond Glacis, Grande Savane, La Plateforme, Marinnois, Nan Cajou, Nan Nouvelle, Nan Pomme, Palerme, Pierre Louis, Platon Laroudie, Platon Midref, Platon Millet, Platon Piefraille, Ravine Pourrie, Savane-Bebe, Tête-Source | |
FGE | 2ème Section Des Forges |
9,885 | Boucaud, Boue, Cadelon, Caye Nicolas, Corossol, Deux Moulins, Habitation Morne Danie, Habitation Morne Pelissier, Habitation Morne Robert, La Briole, Nan Rale, Savane du Blanc, Savane Pelissier, Ti PLace | |
PDO | 3ème Section Plaine-d'Orange |
10,903 | Chilotte, Grève, Hasse, Nospam, Plaine-d'Orange, Platon Pélissier |
Demographics
The inhabitants of this commune call themselves Bombardopolitain/ne.
Year | Population | Change |
---|---|---|
1890 | 10,000 | |
1998 | 28,461 | +185% |
2003 | 27,360 | -3% |
2009 | 32,764 | +20% |
2015 | 36,028 | +10% |
Climate[]
The town of Bombardopolis enjoys a semi-arid tropical climate with an average annual rainfall ranging from 500 and 800 mm (20 and 30 inches). It has two distinct seasons: a rainy season from April to the end of October, followed immediately by a dry season from November to March. However, the rainy season is not consistent, leading to a cycle of droughts and floods. Analysis of rainfall data reveals significant variations from year to year and between different parts of the municipality. The plateau areas receive more rainfall compared to the southern parts of the town. The municipality faces a water deficit each year, ranging from 300 to 600 mm (12 to 24 inches), with an estimatedevapotranspiration of 1,100 mm (43 inches) annually. This deficit is lower than that of the Môle and Baie-de-Henne, but higher than that of Jean-Rabel. The region experiences prolonged periods of drought, which were already denounced by Moreau de Saint-Mery in 1797. The region is therefore naturally dry, but the natural dryness of the area has been exacerbated by deforestation, leading to increased erosion, and reduced water retention in the land.
Economy[]
The local economy of the area heavily relies on agriculture. The primary sources of income for the commune's households, in order of importance, are coal, livestock, small-scale trading of imported goods (such as food, cosmetics, and clothing), agriculture, and fishing. However, the town has a much greater potential for livestock and fishing due to the abundance of available cadastral land and the untapped fishery resources off its coast. On the other hand, agriculture has significantly declined during the second decade of the 19th century (1800s). This decline can be attributed to the irregularity of rainfall and the extensive damage caused by multiplying insects. Despite these challenges, farmers continue to place their trust in cassava, pistachio, and castor crops due to their resilience to harsh climates and their potential for exportation with proper processing equipment.
Mining and quarrying[]
Numerous private sand quarries such as Rochefort, Brava, and Floxy, as well as limestone quarries including Rochefort, Floxy, Chili, and Jacobaille, are in operation within the community. Sand, in particular, is highly regarded as a construction material across the borough. It is worth highlighting that geological surveys have uncovered a travertine mine, a type of limestone rock with small crystals of continental origin, which can be polished and used as marble in the Rondineau locality (1st Section). Additionally, the presence of bauxite deposits has been observed in areas where the soil has a reddish-brown hue. The Bureau of Mines and Energy (BME) estimates the volume of these deposits to be around 300,000 tons. Despite the communal authorities' strong awareness of the issue, quarries continue to be exploited without proper control.
Craftmanship[]
Craftsmanship flourished in Bombardopolis in the 1970s-80s. Various groups such as HACHO, CARE, and the Catholic church contributed to its growth by securing orders from international customers and providing training to numerous artisans in basketry techniques. The Craft Center of Bombardopolis (CAB), established during this period, is located in the town and serves as a hub for multiple craftsmen. This organization efficiently manages bulk orders at competitive prices for clients in Port-au-Prince. When working on these orders, the craftsmen collaborate seamlessly; otherwise, they tend to work independently. The organizations that worked with the craftsmen did not leave a customer contact, and without an entrepreneur, work is difficult to find for these craftsmen. Additionally, they are no longer actively participating in national events like the Craft Fair or Binational Fair. Nevertheless, the expertise acquired by these craftsmen presents a promising opportunity for generating significant income, particularly in light of the Môle's efforts to boost tourism in the neighboring town.
Infrastructure[]
Transportation[]
The access road leading to the coast was just one of the numerous improvements made on the municipal roads. Its purpose was to enhance accessibility to the town's services for the coastal residents, as well as to facilitate the transportation of goods from the plateau to the coast for maritime shipping to the country's major cities. However, the issue of accessing the municipality and transportation within it continues to be a significant challenge that needs to be addressed in order to promote the town's economic and social development. This challenge restricts the access of rural residents (who make up nearly 95% of the population of Bombardopolis) to services located in urban areas, particularly healthcare services provided by the hospital. Additionally, it makes the transportation costs for importing essential food items and exporting communal products unaffordable.
In terms of transportation options, there are around ten trucks that provide passenger transport, as well as the transportation of coal and seasonal fruit. On the return journey, they carry passengers and imported products. Along the coast, Jean Macoute, Anse-à-Chat, and Platforme each have a boat primarily used for transporting coal, seafood, and some food, and they return with imported products. The majority of transportation remains provided by boats and trucks from outside the municipality.
Transportation remains the primary obstacle to effectively market the town's products, and despite some adjustments, the challenges persist. The absence of reliable transport boats is still a major hindrance, as it prevents the development of maritime trade at more favorable rates.
Education
The Ministry of National Education of Youth and Sports is represented by a regional inspectorate. In the commune, there are a total of nine public schools, consisting of eight primary schools and one secondary school. Additionally, the town is home to numerous private schools, including approximately 86 primary schools and one secondary school. Furthermore, there is a missionary school and the Fombrun Professional School, which is recognized by the state as a vocational institution.
Health
The town is home to the Evangelical Hospital of Bombardopolis (HEB), the reference hospital for the Far West Region, serving areas such as Mare-Rouge, Môle, and Baie-de-Henne. This hospital caters to a significant number of patients from the region, offering essential services like radiology, basic surgery, and infectious disease prevention. The facility has experienced a notable increase in patient visits since 2008, with nearly 9,000 consultations annually (equivalent to 30 to 40 visits per day).
Despite the hospital's capabilities, the lack of specialized medical professionals such as pediatricians, gynecologists, and ophthalmologists forces residents to visit city hospitals further away. Issues like unacceptable waiting times and substandard hygiene conditions have further prompted locals to seek better healthcare options. However, the municipality has implemented an effective infectious disease prevention system, encompassing awareness campaigns, screening, treatment, and support services that benefit the entire region.
In rural areas, access to modern healthcare services is limited. While there are four health centers in Crève, Desmoulins, Rochefort, and Plate-forme, the range of services provided is minimal, and no doctors practice outside the town. Notably, Desmoulins hosts a high-performance analysis laboratory. Additionally, traditional healers and midwives offer their services throughout the commune, operating independently from the modern healthcare system.
The town is famous in the department, among the diaspora and in Port-au-Prince, for its hougans (mainly located in the 2nd section). It is common for non-residents to seek treatment from these hougans for physical or mental health issues, or other challenges they may face in their lives.
Utilities
The water supply issue in Bombardopolis is a significant concern, particularly during the dry season when only a key few sources provide good quality water, while others have lower quality. The southern plateau of the 1st section, and the coastal areas, with the exception of Platforme village, are the most affected by water scarcity. Residents in these areas must travel long distances to access potable water, as the nearest water sources are used for non-drinking purposes such as laundry and dishes. The municipality has at least 23 water sources, with only 9 currently being utilized. Additionally, there is an artesian well, public fountains with taps, and three pumps designated for household use.
As for electricity, only the town center has access to it. This service is provided by a Protestant mission.
Communication
Since the previous census, there has been a notable increase in the number of radios and internet accessibility in the town. The Bois Caïman radio station in Mare-Rouge, known for its excellent programming, is widely received across the majority of the municipal territory. However, internet access remains limited in certain areas, and the radios currently lack diverse programming that can provide substantial information. On the other hand, the communal newspaper, Vwa Ahmed, is regularly published and serves as an exceptional communication tool for the community, highlighting its actions. Nevertheless, it would greatly benefit from reaching a wider audience to foster debates and encourage different perspectives.
In contrast, the localities of Bombardopolis, situated on the ridge overlooking the sea such as Chile, Vital, and Baptiste, enjoy the advantage of receiving the majority of radio and television stations from the capital and Cuba. Unfortunately, the other municipalities in the Lower North West do not share this advantage.
Telephone service
The Digicel network has been set up, along with Natcom antennas, providing coverage to a significant portion of the town. Despite this progress, the coastal area still lacks telephone communication access, forcing residents to walk up to 30 minutes to make emergency calls. In 2010, the Town Hall took action to push for the installation of antennas on higher ground to extend coverage to the coast.
Administration[]
The municipality's administrative and judicial infrastructures include a peace court and a police station. There is no prison in the commune of Bombardopolis.
The garrison includes a gendarmerie company, an administrative police force, the Môle Saint-Nicolas artillery team, the rural police and the National Guard on foot and horseback.
The peace court is under the jurisdiction of the civil court in Port-de-Paix civil court. The officials are under the financial administration of Port-de-Paix.
As of December 2021
Culture and Heritage[]
Bombardopolis is a municipality with a region which upholds the traditional peasant culture, serving as a significant intangible heritage that plays a crucial role in determining the strategic path for municipal development. However, its tradition is at risk as memories gradually fade.
The patronal feast is celebrated October 4 in honor of Saint-Francois d'Assise (Saint Francis of Assissi).
Religion
In regards to faith, there were approximately 104 temples representing various beliefs within the commune. These sacred places encompassed Catholics, Baptists, Adventists, Pentecostals, Wesleyans, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Churches of God. Among them, the Baptist churches stood out as the most abundant in number.
Organizations
The commune consists of one political party, four prominent organizations, four agricultural associations, four non-profit cooperatives, eight NGOs, and three branches of international organizations. Among those with an online presence are
- ACAD (Actions Citoyennes d'Aide au Développement) focuses on the support of elderly people, people with reduced mobility and out-of-school children.
- BNO (Bombardopolis Non-profit Organization) supports access to clean water.
- COOPI (Cooperazione Internazionale) aims to reduce vulnerability and food insecurity caused by drought.
- ECCBH (Emmanuel Children's Center of Bombardopolis, Haiti) aims to support children and widows in need through education, nourishment, and long-term self-sustainability.
- HOPE supports the community through the provision of secure and sanitary water, educational opportunities, and disaster relief efforts.
- IMF (International Missionary Fellowship) administers, supplies, and funds the Hospital Evangelique of Bombardopolis.
Leisure and recreation[]
Despite the organization of various events, there is still a lack of infrastructure for cultural and sporting activities, apart from the town auditorium which is more suitable for events rather than regular cultural activities. This need has been expressed by participants in community workshops, in the same way as education and healthcare. There are only a few attractions available, such as three cinemas (Plateforme, Jean-Macoute, and Rochefort), two libraries (Floksi and Pomme), seven restaurants (three in Crève, one in Rochefort, and three in Town), and a nightclub (in Town).
Football (soccer) remains the most popular activity with 16 "field" spaces, but not all areas have access to a field, especially in the hilly regions. The town is also known for its cockfights, with many competitions held in the 2nd and 3rd sections, attracting participants from neighboring regions such as Baie-de-Henne and Anse Rouge. There is a clear demand for the development of this sector.
Caves, natural sites, and historical sites
The town has numerous caves such as Pi Ca Rondino, Nan Coton, Dejadi, Twou pispis, Morne Bonhomme, Trou Hing Baven, and Twou Mangofi within its boundaries. Additionally, there are natural attractions like Bassin Daniel, Dlo Delen, Crève fig tree (centenarian trees) and echoing places (Falaise Reponn, Ravine Reponn).
Noteworthy historical sites include Rochefort and Pelissier I ruins, Croix Arnold, Calvaire, Tête Coulon, and the remains of Fond Mago (mill).
References[]
"Honnete Citoyen D'Haiti à Baie de Henne Octobre 2016" - Honnete Citoyen D'Haiti - [1]
FENAMH - [2]
"Bombardopolis: Cité née d’une Altercation Franco-Allemande" - Jean-Rony Monestine A.; Tout-Haiti - [3]
"From Middle-Town, Haiti, to U.S. Academia" - Gilbert Saint-Jean, MD, PHD - [4]
"Plan Communal de Développement de la commune de Bombardopolis 2011-2016" - [5]
"Bombardopolis(9)" - Rhum Bel Plezi - [6]
"Bombardopolis Nord-ouest Haïti" - FreD Promo [7]
"Map - Bombardopolis" - Map n all - [8]
"Bonjour moun Bombardopolis - Frantz Haïti - [9]
"Flash! Vin Gade: Fanfare Elmet Cool d'Haiti (Nódwès Bombardopolis) Haiti" - Elphonel TV - [10]
"Bombardopolis gen bèl moun" - FreD Promo - [11]
Michael Vedrine