Fond-Blanc (English: White Valley) is a communal section in northeastern Haiti. It is the first communal section of Terrier-Rouge and also home to the city's two industrial districts, Paulette and Phaeton.
Neighboring sections
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Map of the Fond-Blanc communal section
Locations[]
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| Berceca, Cormier, Duvray, Fond Blanc, La Hatte, La Porte, Nan Colline, Nan Perle, Paulette, Plantation Dauphin. |
The villages of Phaëton and Paulette have developed around an American sisal processing plant. The overexploitation of natural resources for the operation of the plant has led to the degradation of the natural environment of these isolated villages. The closure of the factory then led to their depopulation and impoverishment. From 1995, the Sillage Association intervened with the populations of the two villages. After several unsuccessful boreholes (negative or providing brackish water), a borehole dating from 1937 was reopened and since 1998 has provided the villages with drinking water.
Marteliere[]
Villate took refuge here on March 21, 1796, following the release of Governor Laveaux, whom he had detained in the Cape. On May 12, Sonthonax, along with the civil commission, returned to the Cape with several officers. Upon his arrival at the city gates, which he had saved multiple times through his bravery, he was met by a throng of former free black and yellow citizens, as well as nearly all the white bourgeois. They eagerly welcomed him, showering him with laurels and accompanying him to the national palace amidst loud cheers and shouts of: "Long live the Republic!, long live the civil commissioners!, long live Villate, the hero of the Cape!". It was truly a moment of triumph for Villate.
The joyful shouts drew Laveaux to the government square. In his anger, he hurled dragons at the crowd, causing them to scatter. After two hours of questioning by the civil commission, Villate was sent back to Martelière, despite Sonthonax trying to have him arrested.
Encouraged by Laveaux, Sonthonax agreed on May 15 to send him on one of the ships in the harbor, while Villate remained at La Martelière. Later, Sonthonax declared him an outlaw, ordering him to be captured and brought to the Cape, dead or alive.
Sonthonax had to take back his order. Villate arrived in Cape Town and boarded the Méduse, setting sail for France.
In March 1803, General Quentin attacked Fort de la Martelière, which was held by the natives under Toussaint Brave's command. The fort was taken, and the natives were scattered.
Paulette[]
The Baptist Church in Paulette was started many years ago by Pastor Noel and the ministry includes an elemntary school, preschool through 6 grade. Higher levels attend schools in Terrier-Rouge and surrounding areas. The children here get one meal a day at the school. Paulette is a very small, very underserved village on the Northeast coast, just a few miles northeast of the center of Terrier Rouge. It is a very dry area, deemed unsuitable for agriculture. There was a sisal factory in the nearby village of Phaeton, which employed many people, but its closing took away the only employment opportunities in this area. Among the parents of the schoolchildren, steady employment is rare.
Phaëton[]
Phaeton is located a couple miles from Paulette, and similarily has a Baptist church equipped with a K-6 school. Higher grade levels attend schools in TR, many walking 6 to 8 miles (10 to 12 km) one way. Those fortunate to have work earn their living by fishing or selling fish.
Phaeton
Phaeton
References[]
His Hands [1]
Drinking water supply for the villages of Phaëton and Paulette, Commune of Terrier rouge - Association Le Sillage [2]