Bombardopolis

"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 a more appealing location 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 on 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 farming, with the horses raised here being highly esteemed. The Plate Forme, which was once a village itself, is located within this region; its cove serves as a pier for the residents of Bombardopolis, who can also embark their products at Baie-de-Henne, a favored location among fishermen.

History[]

Fusée Aublet (1720–1778), founder of Bombardopolis

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.

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, it was the Acadians were the ones who ultimately asserted control. French immigrants continued to arrive, securing concessions, acquiring land, and aiding in a repopulation strategy. By 1766, 18 years before the town was officially recognized as a parish, the German population had dwindled to 776 residents. A thorough examination in “Description Topographique…..de l'Isle” indicated that approximately 2,400 individuals had either perished, fled out of fear, or were employed at Le Môle. On March 10, 1770, the population further declined 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 eventual dominance of the Acadians.

The Presence of Blacks[]

In 1765, the first blacks of Bombarde resided 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 black population continued to rise, leading to the need for additional straw huts across the 40 plantations to accommodate the newcomers. The black community in Bombarde experienced consistent growth, adapting well to the local climate and enjoying 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. This black community persisted in Bombardopolis until the nation achieved 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 establishment, while its founder, Mr. Fuzée Aublet died around 1786.

Waterfront. Plaine-d'Orange, Bombardopolis, Haiti

Historical Timeline[]

• In March 1794, English forces stationed at Môle Saint-Nicolas, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonels Spencer and Markham, launched an attack on the village, guided by Deneux and Charmilly, two white settlers. They were met with resistance by 150 Germans who occupied the area, 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 to besiege the Môle. Despite the insurgents' efforts, Maurepas, who was in command of the Môle, successfully defended it against the siege.

• In July, General Clerveaux arrived at Bombardopolis and dispatched a messenger to offer the rebels amnesty in exchange for their surrender. 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 towards the Môle, leaving all enemy positions behind.

• On November 2, 1803, the French evacuated Bombardopolis.

By the 1850s, Germans established themselves as 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 without delay 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, reaping significant profits by exploiting regulatory loopholes.

Following the United States' declaration of war on Germany in 1917, the Haitian government expressed concerns over the extensive German U-boat activity in the region and officially declared war on July 12, 1918. In that same year, Haiti sought to expel the Germans from its territory. However, a technicality prevented the declaration from being fully enacted. After World War I, Germans returned to Haiti, reclaiming their businesses and assets. The U.S. Monroe Doctrine and the American occupation until 1934 effectively curtailed German interference.

Following the United States declaration of war on Germany in 1917, the Haitian government expressed concerns over the extensive German U-boat submarine activity in the area. On July 12, 1918, Haiti offically declared war against Germany, chasing them out of the country. However, a technicality kept the declaration from being fully enacted. After World War I, the Germans re-entered Haiti, reclaiming their businesses and assets. 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, while the Gulf of Gonâve lies to the south and the Windward Passage 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 located along the coast. The law of November 20, 1821, fixed the precise distance from this commune to the capital at 57 leagues, with a separation of five leagues 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 it occupies has an average height 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 flanked by a range of hills, including Morne Tony, Morne Baptiste, and Morne Colon, which average 650 meters (2,100 ft.) in height. The tallest of these hills is Morne Chilote (2nd section), standing at an altitude of 690 meters (2,265 ft.). Eventually, the chain of hills descends sharply towards the sea, forming a steep cliff at the southern edge 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 precipitation of 500 to 800 mm (20 and 30 inches). It is marked by two distinct seasons: a rainy season that lasts from April until the end of October, followed immediately by a dry season from November to March. However, the rainy season is inconsistent, resulting in alternating periods of drought and flooding. An analysis of rainfall patterns indicates considerable fluctuations both annually and across different regions within the municipality. The plateau areas receive more rainfall compared to the southern parts of the town. Each year, the municipality encounters a water shortfall ranging from 300 to 600 mm (12 to 24 inches), with an estimated annual evapotranspiration of 1,100 mm (43 inches). This shortfall is less severe than that experienced in Môle and Baie-de-Henne, yet greater than that of Jean-Rabel. The area is subject to extended droughts, a concern that was already noted by Moreau de Saint-Mery in 1797. Consequently, the region is naturally dry, and this natural dryness has been intensified by deforestation, which has led to increased soil erosion, and diminished water retention capacity.

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 underutilized fishery resources along its coast.

Conversely, agriculture has experienced a notable decline during the second decade of the 19th century (1800s), primarily due to erratic rainfall patterns and extensive damage from proliferating insects. Despite these challenges, farmers remain optimistic about cultivating cassava, pistachio, and castor crops, as these are known for their resilience to extreme weather conditions and their export potential when equipped with appropriate processing equipment.

Mining and quarrying[]

The community is home to several private sand quarries, including Rochefort, Brava, and Floxy, as well as limestone quarries such as Rochefort, Floxy, Chili, and Jacobaille. Sand is particularly valued as a construction material throughout the borough. Notably, geological surveys have identified a travertine mine in the Rondineau locality (1st Section), which is a type of limestone rock characterized by small continental crystals that can be polished and utilized as marble. Furthermore, bauxite deposits have been detected in regions with reddish-brown soil, with the Bureau of Mines and Energy (BME) estimating these deposits to total approximately 300,000 tons. Despite the communal authorities' heightened awareness of the situation, the exploitation of quarries continues without adequate oversight.

Craftmanship[]

Craftsmanship flourished in Bombardopolis during the 1970s and 1980s. Various organizations, including HACHO, CARE, and the Catholic Church contributed to its growth by securing international orders and providing training in basketry techniques to numerous artisans. 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. While the craftsmen typically collaborate effectively on these orders, they often work independently otherwise. Unfortunately, the organizations that partnered with the craftsmen did not establish customer contacts, making it challenging for these artisans to find work without an entrepreneur. Furthermore, they have ceased to participate in national events such as the Craft Fair or Binational Fair. Nonetheless, the expertise acquired by these craftsmen presents a promising opportunity for generating significant income, particularly in light of the Môle's efforts to enhance tourism in the neighboring town.

Infrastructure[]

Transportation[]

The access road leading to the coast was just one of many enhancements made to the municipal roadways. Its purpose was to improve the accessibility of town services for coastal residents and to facilitate the movement of goods from the plateau to the coast for maritime shipping to the nation's major cities. Nevertheless, the challenge of accessing the municipality and navigating within it remains a significant issue that must be resolved to promote the town's economic and social growth. 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.

Regarding transportation options, there are approximately ten trucks available for passenger transport, as well as for transporting coal and seasonal fruits. On their return trips, these trucks carry passengers and imported goods. Along the coast, the communities of Jean Macoute, Anse-à-Chat, and Platforme each operate a boat primarily for transporting coal, seafood, and some food items, returning with imported products. The majority of transportation is still reliant on boats and trucks from outside the municipality.

Transportation continues to be the main barrier to effectively marketing the town's products, and despite some modifications, 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

Pharmacy at Hospital Evangelique de Bombardopolis

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

Jean-Louis AliscaMayor — Jean-Louis **Alisca**
Mayor

Culture and Heritage[]

Fanfare Elmet Cool d'Haiti - a local band

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

Church in Plaine D'Orange, a district of Bombardopolis

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 remains a lack of infrastructure for cultural and sporting activities, aside from the town auditorium, which is more suitable for events rather than ongoing cultural engagements. This necessity has been highlighted by participants in community workshops, similar to the needs expressed in 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 a variety of caves, including Pica Rondino, Nan Coton, Dejadi, Twou Pispis, Morne Bonhomme, Trou Hing Baven, and Twou Mangofi within its boundaries. Furthermore, it boasts natural attractions such as Bassin Daniel, Dlo Delen, Crève fig tree (centenarian trees) and echoing places like Falaise Reponn and Ravine Reponn.

Significant historical landmarks include the ruins of Rochefort and Pelissier I, Croix Arnold, Calvaire, Tête Coulon, and the remnants of Fond Mago (a mill).