"The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just."
Richès moun k'ap fè sa ki mal yo sere pou moun ki jis yo.
-King Solomon
Chambellan (Kreyol: Chanbèlan) is a commune in the Jérémie Arrondissemnt, part of the Grand'Anse department of Haiti. Known for its rugged mountainous terrain, Chambellan is characterized by its lush landscapes, fertile soil, and picturesque views. Covering an area of 73 square kilometers (28 square miles), it holds the distinction of having the smallest land area of any municipality within the department. Nevertheless, its urban area boasts the highest population density in the department, with 22,262 individuals per square kilometer (58,438 per square mile). Furthermore, it ranks second in terms of mean elevation, surpassed only by Beaumont. According to the 2015 census, Chambellan's population was recorded at 26,459 residents.
Welcome sign
Location in Haiti
Etymology[]
A Chambellan (English: chamberlain; camerarius in Latin) is a gentleman in charge of the service of the chamber of a monarch or a prince, at whose court he lives.
History[]
The land that is now referred to as Chambellan was initially established as a plantation within the boundaries of what was then the Haute Grande-Rivière communal section of Jérémie. It remained a part of this area until it officially separated from Jérémie and was granted municipal status in 1958. The town was situated on the right arm (Rivière Bras-à-Droite) of the Grand-Anse River, with an economy that was mainly agricultural, although industrial growth, including coal production and construction, later emerged. In the late 20th century (1900s), there was increased residential development along the main road of the community. Currently, Chambellan is primarily recognized as a rural community.
Geography[]
According to the IHSI, the commune has a total area of 73.13 square kilometers (28.24 square miles), of which 46.52 sq. km (64%) is rural, 26.40 sq. km (36%) is suburban, and 0.21 sq. km (>1%) is urban.
The commune is bordered on the north by the town of Abricots, on the east by Moron, on the southwest by Anse-d'Hainault, and on the northwest by Dame-Marie.
The northern section of Chambellan is divided by Route 72, which runs from east to west. This route passes through the villages Ville de Chambellan and Lavalette-Dormand, connecting Jérémie, the capital of the department, with Chambellan and the west coast town of Dame-Marie.
It has two communal sections. Given its position, it is regarded as inland. The land area is made up of plains and hills, and the climate is tropical.
Demography[]
The inhabitants of this commune Chambellan have the name Chambellanais/e.
| Year | Population | Change -/+ |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 27,834 | |
| 2003 | 16,883 | -65% |
| 2015 | 26,459 | +57% |
Chambellan Communal Map
Neighborhoods[]
| CHB | Chambellan | 26,459 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCL | Ville Chambellan | Urban | 4,675 | ||
| DJN | 1ère Section de Déjean | Rural section | 9,112 | Bordes, Bourdon, Cadette, Des Plantes, Dianacou, Grande-Plaine, Granger, La Borde, La Coude, Lavelette-Dormand, Mahotière, Mathieu, Monoré, Terre-Rouge, Zephir | |
| BOU | 2ème Section Boucan | Rural | 7,291 | Babino, Banc-de-Roche, Caillard, Caye-Fort, Citerne-Paille, Counongo, Desormeaux, Dupoux, Fond-Boucan, Fourneau, Jardin, Juliette, La Ferrière, Martial, Nan l'Etat, Nan Narron, Nicole, Ragosse, Source-Froide |
Climate[]
Chambellan is located in the lowlands of the Rivière de la Grand Anse, also called Grande Rivière de Jérémie. Its climate is classified as Aw - a tropical savanna climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. This type is characterized by a dry winter and a wet summer. Its altitude - 307 meters (1000 ft.) - contributes to its average annual tempearture of 28ºC (77.5ºF), which is slightly cooler than the national average. Its annual precipitation of 88.93mm (3.5 inches) of rain is significantly lower than the national average; May is the wettest month, December is the driest.
Climate graph of Chambellan, Haiti
On average, over a year, the commune experiences 215 days with rain (58.9%) and 150 days with no rain (41.1%)
Economy[]
Center of town; Chambellan, Haiti
The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with subsistence farming playing a central role in the livelihoods of its residents. They depend on nearby communes such as Moron, Dame-Marie, Jérémie, and Anse d'Hainault for their supplies. The region benefits from fertile, mountainous terrain, which supports the cultivation of crops like coffee, bananas, plantains, citrus fruits, and root vegetables such as cassava and sweet potatoes. Livestock farming, particularly goats, cattle, and poultry, also contributes to the local economy. Markets in Chambellan serve as a hub for local trade, where produce and livestock are exchanged, though access to goods is often limited due to infrastructure challenges.
The commune's economic and financial infrastructures are quite limited. There are two restaurants, two credit unions, a marketing cooperative, two business houses, and 14 borlette banks. Regarding commercial establishments, there are around 16 in total, which include 14 small shops and two stores specializing in building materials.
The commune is known for producing agricultural products such as coffee and cocoa, with Avanti Coffee Company serving as a major distributor based within the area.
Chambellan has the second-highest mean elevation in the department, behind Beaumont. Route 72 can be seen in the foreground.
Infrastructure[]
Education[]
Chambellan schoolchildren
The Ministry of National Education for Youth and Sport is represented by a School District Office, only for the primary level. Within the commune, there are a total of 53 schools, consisting of 6 preschools, 41 primary schools, and 6 secondary schools. Out of these schools, 7 are public and 32 are private. Additionally, four literacy centers have been identified.
Health[]
Chambellan, Haiti
The Ministry of Public Health and Population is absent in the commune. There are only two health centers available, which have one doctor, three nurses, two auxiliaries, and two certified matrons. If someone requires medical attention that exceeds the capabilities of these centers, they have to travel to neighboring communes like Anse-d'Hainault using a motorbike. In addition to paying a 1000 gourde fare ($7.60 USD), individuals must walk a minimum of 5km (3 miles) to reach a main road.
Utilities[]
In the Summer of 2011, Murphy International Development Corporation partnered with the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Mechanical Engineering Team to design and install a 4 gallon per minute water purification unit powered entirely by the sun.
Chambellan's water supply is supported by three rivers, seven springs, a pond, two lagoons, and nine public fountains. Overall, it lacks electricity. Nevertheless, the urban area of the town enjoys an average of fourteen hours of electricity per week, thanks to an electric motor managed by the town hall.
Security[]
Chambellan Police Station
In Chambellan, there is a police representation, a court of peace, a tax office, and a registry office.
Peace court
Administration[]
As of December 2021
  Laroche Leon |
  Jocelyn Gara |
  Exante Success |
| Party: Inite Patriyotik |
Culture[]
Religion[]
Attendance at Chambellan Church
The town of Chambellan has fourteen Catholic chapels, four Baptist churches, an Adventist church, a church of God, and five other churches, including Nazarene, Body of Christ, United of Haiti, and Suffering in Christ. Additionally, Vodou is practiced by a portion of the population.
Organizations[]
The municipality of Chambellan has no political parties; however, it has three grassroots organizations, a peasants group, a women's group and two NGOs.
Women's Association. Beneficiary of livestock transfer program; Chambellan, Haiti
- SHY (Shaping Haiti's Youth), based in Silver Spring, MD, USA is an organization that promotes agricultural education and supports irrigation projects in the Chambellan area.
- Solidarity Chambellanaise, based in Brooklyn, NY, USA is an organization that seeks to promote self-sufficiency by improving the health status of Chambellan's residents through a several initiatives that include agriculture and reforestation. This organization was founded in 1986.
- KDL (Komite pou Devlopman Lokal de Chambellan) works directly with local populations to improve access to education, health, and economic resources. Such groups are often informal but crucial in mobilizing communities.
- KLGA (Kòdinasyon Lokal Gran Ans) focuses on agricultural development, water access, and disaster resilience in the Grand'Anse region.
- Fanm Sezi a (a women-led community group) focuses on issues such as gender equality, economic empowerment, and access to health resources for women in Chambellan.
- L'Union des Paysans de Chambellan works towards sustainable agricultural practices, crop diversification, and improving livelihoods for local families.
Communication
The commune of Chambellan lacks postal, telephone, radio, television, and print media services.
Leisure
Street soccer in Chambellan, Haiti
The town lacks traditional leisure establishments like a library, museum, or cinema. However, it does have a football (soccer) field designated for practice. While there is no night club, the town features fourteen gaguères and a public square.
As for the cultural heritage, the commune is home to two mystical or pilgrimage sites and two natural sites. One of these sites is the Grotte Marie Govin, a cave with a source inside. Additionally, the town celebrates its patron saint, Sainte Marie Goetti, on July 6th.
Chambellan, Haiti
References[]
Haitian Treasures "A hidden wonder of nature:" [1]
Description of Chambellan [2]
FENAMH [3]
Chambellan - Karl Arthur Daphnis [4]
Michael Vedrine