Gros-Morne (Kreyol: Gwo Mòn) is a rural city and seat of government of the Gros-Morne Arrondissement, part of Haiti's Artibonite Department. It had a population of 155,962 as of the 2015 census. Its name means "Big Mountain." The region is known for its mango, sugar-cane production, and processing, owing its fame to the "Madame Francique" mango. Gros-Morne plays a significant role in agriculture, contributing about 5% to the country's overall agricultural production.
Gros-Morne, Haiti
Location in Haiti
Gros-Morne is split into 8 sections: Boucan Richard, Riviere Mancelle, Riviere Blanche, l'Acul, Pendu, Savane Carree, Moulin, and Ravine Gros-Morne.
About[]
Gros-Morne, formerly called Cité Poltron, was officially designated as a commune at an undisclosed date.
Gros-Morne offers breathtaking views and a serene ambiance, courtesy of its lush mountains and unique geographical location. The mist-covered peaks provide a captivating and enjoyable sight.
View of Gros-Morne
Aerial of Gros-Morne, at the northern terminus of Route Nationale 5, highlighted in red
History[]
The history of the commune of Gros-Morne is characterized by a series of political occurrences. This commune received the nickname "The City of Paul Prompt", as Paul Prompt was a key figure in the uprising alongside Étienne Magny during the country's fight for independence.
• In 1793, a young man of color named Boisrond was tasked by Sonthonax to announce the general freedom. He was transported in an armchair by men from Port-de-Paix to Gros-Morne, along a direct forested route that only took a few hours to traverse.
• On the 5th of December of the same year 1793, Toussaint Louverture assumed control of Gros-Morne on behalf of the Spaniards.
• During the uprising led by Golart at Môle Saint-Nicolas in 1799, Toussaint departed from Gonaïves and headed towards the Môle. As he approached Gros-Morne, Golart ambushed him, resulting in Toussaint being struck by multiple gunshots. However, the cover of darkness allowed him to escape unscathed. He retraced his steps and established his headquarters in the Cahos mountains, from where he effectively commanded the operations of the Northern Army.
• In 1802, amidst the widespread uprising of the natives against the French colonizers, the rebels in the vicinity of Gros-Morne were led by a colored man named Paul Prompt and a black man named Magny who was appointed by General Leclerc as the commander of the district. As the French forces withdrew from Gros-Morne to proceed towards Gonaives, they fell victim to a treacherous ambush orchestrated by Julien Labarriere, a black leader.
• In May 1807, Gros-Morne responded to the insurrectional movement initiated in Port-de-Paix by Colonel Jean-Louis Rebecca against Henri Christophe, in favor of the Republic of Pétion.
• In 1865, during the rebelion led by Salnave against President Geffrard, General Nissage Saget successfully captured Gros-Morne from the rebels. The 9th Regiment of Port-de-Paix, however, quickly retreated and claimed that they had been deceived. They later entered Gros Morne chanting "Long live Geffrard!" The colonel, trying to stop this display, was wounded by one of his own soldiers. "Vive Geffrard!" Gros-Morne was the battleground where Generals Nissage Saget and Jean Francois fought against the Salnavists established in Port-de-Paix, ultimately reclaiming the city.
• In 1886, the Chambers approved a contract for the construction of a railway connecting Gros-Morne and Gonaïves. However, the contractor, Mr. B. Rivière did not keep his commitments.
• In 2004, the region was severely redecorated by Hurricane Jeanne.
• In October 24, 2004, fighting took place in Gros-Morne during the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Geography[]
Gros-Morne is located at 19.6678° N, 72.6757° W. According to the IHSI, this commune has a total of 397.03 square kilometers (153.29 square miles) of which 357.04 km2 (89%) is rural, 37.87 km2 (10%) is suburban, and 2.12 km2 (1%) is urban. It is an inland commune spread across eight municipal sections that primarily consist of hills. The eight sections are further divided into 93 localities and 161 neighborhoods. It is bordered on the east by the Northern Department cities of Borgne and Plaisance, on the south by the city of Gonaïves, on the west by the town of Anse-Rouge, and on the northwest and north by the Nortwest Department communes of Bassin-Bleu and Saint-Louis.
According to the law passed on November 20, 1821, the legal distance between Gros-Morne and the capital is fixed at 43 leagues.
Climate[]
Gros-Morne experiences a tropical savannah climate, varying from cool to hot, depending on the time of year. The summers here have a good deal of rainfall, while the winters are relatively dry. According to Köppen and Geiger, this climate is classified as Aw. In Gros-Morne, the average yearly temperature amounts to 25.5 °C (77.9 °F).
Gros Morne Basin[]
The Gros Morne Basin is located between the slopes of the Terre-Neuve Mountain Range and those of the Northern Mountain Range. It acts as a boundary between these two mountain ranges and includes a portion of the Trois Rivières basin. The water system of the Trois Rivières, the primary river of this region, represents a transition zone between those of the North and North West. The main tributaries of the Trois Rivières are the Pendu, Mancelle, Acul and Blanche rivers. This area receives between 1000 and 1500 mm (40 to 60 inches) of rain per year.
Demography[]
Main article: Demographics of Haiti
In 2015, there were 96 males for every 100 females. Almost 19.0% of the municipality's population lived in urban areas. The population distribution is:
38% of its population is under 15
5% of its population is aged 15-64
7% of its population is aged 65 and over.
| Year | Population | Change +/- |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | 90,116 | |
| 1998 | 91,349 | +1% |
| 2003 | 96,083 | +5% |
| 2005 | 122,408 | +27% |
| 2009 | 141,587 | +16% |
| 2015 | 155,962 | +10% |
Neighborhoods[]
| GMO | Gros-Morne | 159,692 | Localities | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VDS | Ville de Gros-Morne | Urban | 37,139 | ||
| BRD | 1ère Section Boucan-Richard | Rural | 7,961 | 17 localities, 38 Neighborhoods Bigo, Boucan-Richard, Cadette, Canal, Cazimir, Charles, Fond-Frais, Guimbi, La Bonne, La Fortune, La Rate, La Source, Lourou, Mahotière, Source-Coulée, Source-Courte |
|
| RVM | 2ème Section Rivière-Mancelle | Rural | 31,587 | 20 localities, 27 Neighborhoods Barrière Battant, Corail, Cressac, Espéri, Figaro, Fond-Mars, Gommier, Grand-Croix, Lambert, La Source, Martin, Nan Bareau, Nan Besoin, Nan Campêche, Nan Chateau, Nan Cote, Nan Philippe, Roche-Filée. |
|
| RVB | 3ème Section Rivière-Blanche | Rural section | 36,026 | 15 localities, 7 Neighborhoods Amuscat, Canifice, Forge, Grande-Place, Haut-Morne, Lagon-Brunette, La Quois, Nan Lagon, Nan Pangnol, Nan Susette, Passe-Crébété, Platon-Bontemps, Rivière Blanche, Savanne-Pomme, Ti Fond-Pelletier, Ti Jardin |
|
| ACU | 4ème Section L'Acul | Rural | 17,774 | 20 localities, 6 Neighborhoods Apollon, Barrière-Batant, Biscaye, Chabe, La Rue, Motobant, Nan Mapou, Nan Paul, Nan Pierrette, Nan Savonnette, Saut-Biscagne, Savane-Carrée, Savane-Longue, Ti David, Treuil, Verneuil |
|
| PDU | 5ème Section Pendu | Rural | 11,483 | 7 localities, 29 Neighborhoods Bréa, Caimite, Carrefour Lalandre, Cocagne, Descambe, Dumas, Nan Donna, Nan Joye, Pendu, Reche, Tricote. |
|
| SCA | 6ème Section Savane-Carrée | Rural | 19,543 | 10 localities, 15 Neighborhoods Barateau, Bas-la-Source, Bauvoir, Benjamin, Bernado, Bien-Aimé, Bizard-Nicole, Ca Mars, Cantave, Casoin, Chaise, Corose, David, Dieujuste, Digoterie, Doncor, Dos d'Ane, Duncan, Dupuy, Fond-Duroc, Fond-Zombi, Grande-Plaine, Herbes-à-Flèches, Janvier, Jolivert, La Boulée, La Boutique, Lacorne, La Croix, La Pucelle, Latanier, L'Etable, Léveillé, Mayo, Nan Couman, Nan François, Nan Franger, Sapotille, Savane-Carée, Savane-Larate, Songe, Souqui, Ti Davis, Viard. |
|
| MLN | 7ème Section Moulin | Rural | 11,483 | 22 Neighborhoods Agelaroua, Baden, Bellevue, Boutin, Ca Jean, Ca Martin, Cammon, Dosny, Duchabre, Du Charbe, Faguet, Grépin, Labatte, Laroi, Lormant, Méron, Moulin, Opet, Tache, Ti Fond, Ti Moulin. |
|
| RGM | 8ème Section Ravine Gros-Morne | Rural | 19,543 | 4 localities, 17 Neighborhoods Bois-Debout, Boulo, Boyer, Ca Matin, Chacho, Chatelain, Décossière, Dougoudou, Figuier, Fond-Ibo, Guerin, Lianne, Macabon, Macaque, Nan Matin, Nan Pont, Pérou, Ti Guinée, Trois-Poteaux, Trope, Vintin. |
Economy[]
The local economy is based on agriculture and trade. However, agriculture holds significant importance at the municipal level, particularly in the cultivation of corn and mango. Gros-Morne is renowned for its production of the "Madame Francis" mango (mango francisque). Despite the considerable challenge of road construction, the town remains committed to agriculture. Its agricultural production is about 5% of the agricultural production of the country. Agricultural production is possible due to the presence of gravitational irrigation systems fed by many rivers crossing the commune that allow the production of different varieties of staple crops, fruits and vegetables. Market gardening serves as a vital component of the local economy, with the majority of residents working as farmers and producing cassavas, cotton, and coffee. Additionally, there is the production of tafia, mahogany, oak, campeche, cattle, and poultry.
The subsoil is rich in minerals, including manganese, bauxite, copper ores, ferruginous sand, cobalt, porphyry, jasper, olivine, building stone, limestone, sand, calcium, flint, and quartz (milky, diaphanous, brownish, and pink).
The town experiences frequent visits from traders from Gonaives and Saint-Marc. Furthermore, Gros-Morne is home to several tree nurseries and has a forest guardian to ensure the protection and preservation of the area. Parc Forestier de Jean XXIII ("Forest Park of John XXIII ") is one of the sites where reforestation projects are in place.
In Gros-Morne, there were four restaurants and a credit union in terms of Economic and Financial Institutions. The municipality had a total of 309 commercial establishments, with 141 small shops included in the count. Additionally, there were two hotels, a branch of a commercial bank, ten credit unions, 11 exchange offices, two non-commercial cooperatives, 38 business houses, two micro credit and 211 borlette banks, which also included gatehouses.
Infrastructure[]
However, Gros-Morne is dealing with many challenges. The municipality is in need of proper water, electricity, and sewerage amenities. It mirrors other rural areas with deteriorating roads and limited connectivity to nearby communities.
The road system in Gros-Morne is below standard and can become inaccessible during heavy rain.
Education
Gros-Morne students
In the commune of Gros-Morne, there is a school inspection office that represents the Ministry of National Education of Youth and Sports. The office is managed by a regional inspector who is responsible for coordinating the ministry's activities. The commune has a total of 115 schools, including one preschool, 95 primary schools, and 19 secondary schools. Out of these, 88 are private schools and 8 are public schools. Additionally, there are fourteen technical and vocational schools that complete the educational infrastructure of the municipality.
Health
Hôpital Alma Mater de Gros-Morne
The Ministry of Public Health and Population does not have a presence in Gros-Morne. In terms of healthcare facilities, there is one hospital, seven clinics, five dispensaries, and three health centers with beds. The total staff working in these establishments is ninety. Additionally, there are 13 doctors, 3 dentists, ten nurses, 40 assistants, eight laboratory technicians, and a radiologist providing healthcare services at the municipal level.
Utilities
The City of Gros-Morne has electricity. The commune's water supply is supported by 14 rivers, 59 springs, and five lagoons.
Administration and Security
City Hall
The municipality has a peace court, a police station, a tax office and a civil status office. The peace court is under the jurisdiction of the civil court of Gonaïves. The administrative leader reports to the financial administration of Gonaives. It was abolished on December 11, 1822, along with other communes in the interior, but it played a crucial role in the revolution of 1843. There is no prison in this commune.
Culture[]
Religion
Church
There are approximately 73 temples of various beliefs located in the commune of Gros-Morne. These include Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Adventist, and Jehovah's Witness faiths. The Catholic temples make up the majority at 43% of the total.
The patronal feast is celebrated on February 2, at the Purification. In 1892, the state granted 3,000 gourdes for the construction of the church and the presbytery.
Organizations
There are various programs that are current in the town. Some of these programs focus on improving healthcare services for the residents, while others aim to resolve issues related to the town's drinking water supply.
In terms of political parties and organizations, the commune of Gros-Morne has a total of ten grassroots organizations and six peasant groups.
One of these organizations, the Gros-Morne Youth Association for Reforestation (AJGR) , is directed toward enhancing the overall well-being and empowerment of the youth in Gros Morne, both morally and socially, as well as culturally.
One of these organizations is the Gros-Morne Youth Association for Reforestation (AJGR). The main goal of this association is
Communication
Gros-Morne Radio Stations
Gros-Morne is home to several radio stations and two television channels, including Tele La Chandeleur on channel 5 and tele Celeste on channel 9. The oldest media outlet in the area is Francisque 98.9fm above Horizon, which was established on September 10, 1994, while the newest addition is Radio Sfm 92.1, founded in February 2015.
Other radio stations showing an online presence in Gros-Morne include Radio Polpront 91.5 FM, Radio the voice of Gros-Morne 95.5 FM, Radio Francisque 98.9 FM, Radio Gros-Morne 106.7 FM, Union Radio 96.3 FM, and Hexa Radio 101.3 FM.
The commune also hosts six cybercafés in its urban areas.
Leisure
With three libraries, six theaters, and four cinemas, the commune of Gros-Morne offers a variety of amenities for its residents. Additionally, there are three public spaces and seven nightclubs for community gatherings and entertainment. Gros-Morne also embraces sports such as football (soccer), volleyball, and basketball, promoting camaraderie and healthy competition among its inhabitants. The town's cultural heritage is enriched by a notorious temple and 105 peristyles.
References[]
ITECA [1]
Raising Haiti [2]
Basic document concerning the accomplishment of the work plan for the [3]
Fenamh [4]
Livelihood Profiles - Fews.net [5]
Climate data [6]
Agricultural Recovery in the Commune of Gros-Morne, Artibonite Department, Haiti - Miranel Pierre, Consultant [7]
G.A.H - Public Figure [8] on April 19, 2024
Gros Morne - Wikipedia [9] [10] on April 19, 2024
Lineda Saint-Preux - Google contributor [11] on Apri 19, 2024
Cadou Love - Local Guide [12] on Apri 19, 2024
Michael Vedrine