Jérémie is located in the Jérémie Arrondissement in Haiti and is the main city of the Grand'Anse region. It was founded in 1756. Navassa Island is located around 40 nautical miles to the west of the city.
About[]
Location in Haiti
Jérémie is the capital and largest city of the Grand Anse Department. Located on the northwest coast of the Tiburon Peninsula, it is the centre of economics, culture and politics of Grand'Anse, with a regional population of 238,213 as of 2015.
Jérémie's business opportunities, as well as its proximity to major international shipping lanes, has historically attracted migrants characterized by European and African heritage, combining many communities and cultures.
Established in the 18th century as Trou Jérémié, the city became an important trading port and market for various produce like logwood, cacao, hides, coffee, mangoes, bananas and sugarcane obtained from the fertile countryside areas. It became the capital of the Grand'Anse Department in 1760. As per 2015 census, population of the place has been around 130,000 people, making it Haiti's 5th most populous state capital and 12th most populous city. As compared to the rest of Haiti, it is relatively isolated. It is divided into the Basse Ville Downtown and Haute Ville Uptown, namely the commercial center and the residential section. In the residential section you get to see quaint green and pink cottages.
Jeremie is celebrated for its extensive selection of mangoes, with the most notable varieties being Île (or Igue), Saraphine, Zabricot, Cacornes Franc et Tournè (Number Elesen), Cinnamon, Monbin, cendre (Black Mango), and Champagne. They are often indulged in Mango Soup, savored by the spoonful, or try the exquisite Mango Horse. A total of 22 different types are available. The one known as Mango Jeremie in Port-au-Prince, often fed to the pigs of Grand'Anse due to pest infestation, is generally looked down upon by locals. However, the ancient tree still bears delicious fruits: with black skin, juicy texture, sweet taste, red flesh, and a flat seed.
History[]
Main article: History of Jérémie
The city's original settlement was located between the Voldrogue and Grande-Rivière Rivers, known today as Vieux-Bourg. It was officially planned in 1756 but faced severe destruction from hurricanes in 1772, 1775, and 1781. Before being named its current name, it was known as Trou Jeremie, named after a local fisherman.
Located at the base of a mountain, adorned with elegant villas, its elevated location facing the island of Cayemite gave it a delightful position; this place is situated 40 leagues away from Jamaica. It has the potential for significant expansion, especially with the proximity of the Windward Passage. With Navassa Island on its southern approach, it connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, and is in the direct path of shipping between the Panama Canal and the eastern seaboard of the United States.
The first citizen to represent the commune in the first House of Commons in 1817 was Laraque Ainé who presided over it.
Jérémie was founded in 1760 as a second-class commune, serving as the capital of the military district of Grand'Anse. Portions of the original commune of Jérémie developed as the separate towns of Bonbon (1817), Roseaux (1908), and Marfranc (2015).
Geography[]
It has two quarters and nine communal sections. The city, the first and the ninth communal sections are coastal, while the neighborhoods and other sections of the municipality are considered interior areas. The dominant relief of the commune of Jérémie is the plains and its climate is normal.
The commune is watered by the beautiful rivers of the Roseaux, the Voldrogue, the Guinaudée, and the Grande Riviere, all of which flow into the Grand'Anse, one of the largest rivers in the country. Its mouth is located to the south, about a mile from the city, where a ferry crosses it. The river spans approximately 78 kilometers (48 miles), starting from the mountains of Ia Cahouane, part of the Hood Mountain Range, where it originates. Numerous streams and rivers contribute to its waters. The government followed through with its plans to construct a 30-meter-long iron bridge. The view of the Grande Riviere canton from the Breteuil habitation or Fort Marfranc is truly picturesque. The commune is characterized by caves, caverns, the Reverdi Quarry, funnels, and mountainous masses covered in dense vegetation, indicating that significant geological phenomena occurred there.
One of the most notable caves is Voute Laforest, named after the habitation where it is situated. Nestled in a ravine adorned with foliage and lianas, the cave is only visible from a distance. Its large, high opening appears to be supported by columns and arches of substantial woody plants. The interior is dark and filled with oppressive humidity. After about a hundred steps, reaching the furthest point of visibility, the vault ascends in arcades to a height of 13 meters (45 feet). Water seeping through the ceiling forms peculiar stalactites and stalagmites. The sound of a mysterious stream echoes within. Local folklore imbues the cave with superstitious beliefs, as it is a location where disputes are settled. Guano is found within the vault.
The limit that separates Jérémie from Corail is Morne du Pére Laponce.
Demography
Its inhabitants are called Jérémien / Jérémienne.
| Year | Population | +/- |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 15,000 | |
| 1950 | 68,158 | +354% |
| 1971 | 90,999 | +33% |
| 1982 | 75,536 | -16% |
| 1998 | 95,144 | +44% |
| 2003 | 97,503 | +2% |
| 2004 | 100,000 | +3% |
| 2009 | 122,149 | 22% |
| 2014 | 134,317 | 10% |
| 2015 | 102,567 | -23% |
Jérémie, Haiti
Downtown Jérémie
For an area of 2.87 km2 (1.1 Sq mi), Jérémie's urban section, or Downtown has a density estimated at 14,769 per km2 (38,535 inhabitants per square mile).
Communal Sections
| JER | Jérémie | 102,567 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VJE | Ville de Jérémie | 42,388 |   Jeremie urban area | |
| QLN | Quartier de Léon | 1,131 | ||
Separated from Jérémie in 2015; became the independent commune of Marfranc. |
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| BVD | 1ère Section Basse Voldrogue | 6,512 | ||
| HVD | 2ème Section Haute Voldrogue | 10,978 | ||
| HGU | 3ème Section Haute Guinaudée | 20,580 | ||
| BGU | 4ème Section Basse Guinaudée | 9,524 | ||
Separated from Jérémie in 2015; now part of the Marfranc commune. |
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Separated from Jérémie in 2015; now part of the Marfranc commune. |
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Separated from Jérémie in 2015; now part of the Marfranc commune. |
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| FRD | 8eme Section Fond Rouge Dahere | 3,937 | ||
| FRT | 9eme Section Fond Rouge Torbeck | 7,517 |
Climate[]
In the city, the climate is hot on the coasts, humid and cool in the heights. Temperature is 26°C (79°F) on average.
The rainfall is relatively abundant (average of 1267 mm or 50 inches) with two rainy seasons from April to May and from November to December, in addition to a cyclically dry period between December and March and during the summer. The wind regime is fairly constant. From December 15 to May 15 it is the Nordée season and from May to December that of the trade winds and cyclones.
The strong reliefs make it possible to reach milder temperatures as soon as you go up in altitude, the coastline being generally warm. Because of its position, the department is subject mainly to the trade winds and Nordée. The trade winds, direction South-East - North-West, blow for most of the year. The Nordé induces rains during winter (December to February).
Dumas Square
The 1954 hurricane had destroyed the Jeremie town badly sending it to a decline. The port was closed by Duvalier in 1964 since the locals opposed his regime. In Jérémie , around 27 people were massacred by the Tonton Macoutes and the Haitian army, during the Jérémie Vespers in the year 1964.
The City Of Poets[]
Numerous historians, writers as well as poets were born in Jérémie city and hence it is termed as the city of poets. Prominent writers such as Etzer Vilaire and Emile Roumer were born here. General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, the father of Alexandre Dumas, a historic novelist, was born in Jérémie. Very close to the city, flows the Grand-Anse River.
Econony[]
Capital of the department, Jérémie concentrates administrative, commercial, agricultural, and industrial activity. The urban center hosts an administrative complex, the prison, the hospital, the court, and schools (including many high schools and the university).
The capital of the department is a commercial crossroads with the many shops in the urban center and the activity of a fishing and industrial port. The agricultural activities of the region of Jérémie are based on the cultivation of coffee, cocoa, logwood, cigars, and food; bananas, tubers (like yam), and growing fruits like mango. There are processing activities such as the production of honey, beeswax, and alcohol. The commune produces French sweet potatoes, pale in color, and English (yellow). Layer after Layer of exceptional honey, fresh butter, small cream cheeses, and high-quality syrup from a small mill.
Fish farming is an important resource for the inhabitants. Dependent on the Nordee, fishing turns around schools of migrating fish (trevally, sea bream, bonito, sardines, coulourou, and herring) between May and December.
The tourism potential is not negligible with the presence of hotel infrastructure, a cultural activity and heritage buildings in the urban center and the presence of beaches as Azure Cove.
In terms of economic and financial infrastructure, the municipality has several restaurants, several reception centers, a bank, three credit unions and seven marketing co-operatives. As for commercial establishments, the town has a dozen large shops, a super market, six construction materials, two depots and over 50 food supply centers.
Infrastructure[]
Road next to the Jeremie Airport
Road, port and airport infrastructure help to open up the city. The Jérémie Airport, an airfield located to the west of Downtown, facilitates travel between the country's capital and the city. The city is still located about 300 road km (185 road miles) west of the capital Port-au-Prince and lags from a road network deficiency with only one national road serving the department via Les Cayes.
Education
The Ministry of Education of Youth and Sports is represented by the Departmental Direction of the Grand Anse. Jérémie has in its district Two kindergartens, at least 200 primary schools (including preschool), 24 secondary schools, six technical and vocational schools, sixteen literacy centers, a university, and six other higher schools.
Health
The Ministry of Public Health and population is represented by the Departmental Health Bureau of Grand Anse. The commune has a hospital, two dispensaries, an asylum and two health centers without a bed. The medical staff is composed of several doctors (graduates and trainees), dentists, numerous nurses, auxiliaries, certified matrons, laboratory technicians and other health workers.
Utilities
Part of the urban center Jérémie is supplied by the electricity network and the city has a power plant. But, most houses (especially in rural sections) use solar energy, kerosene lamps or generators. There is a drinking water supply network.
Regarding electricity and communication, the city of Jeremie is electrified by a generator of a power equal to 900 kw, under the direction of the Electricity of Haiti.
Administration
As of December 2021
City Hall
  Claude Harry Milord |
  Sylmantha Pierre |
  Vacant |
| Party: 3rd Way |
Culture[]
The Church, one of the most beautiful in the Republic, is under the name of Saint-Louis, whose feast day is August 25. Under the Government of General Boisrond Canal, the Chambers voted G30,000 for its reconstruction. From the parade ground, the building whose facade, equipped with robust buttresses, opens with 3 doors corresponding to the interior naves; below the tower radiates a superb rose window intended to accommodate a glass roof. Inside, the main nave has splendid pilasters with ornamented capitals.
Religion
Fifty-one Catholic churches (including chapels), eleven Baptist churches, six Adventist churches, six Churches of God, eighteen, Wesleyan churches, a Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Witness, and twenty-seven other churches (Mission by Faith, Lutheran Philadelphia, Church of God of Salem, Prophecy etc.) were listed in the commune. On the seaside towards Pointe sits the Masonic lodge, Reunion of Hearts No. 3, belonging to the Grand Orient of Haiti.
Communication
In terms of telecommunications, today, thanks to mobile telephone operators, the commune is connected to the rest of the country and to the whole world. There are community-type FM radio stations, providing information on work, education and animation.
Apart from the postal office that exists in the town, there is the Express Mail Service (EMS) which also ensures the distribution of mail in the area. There are two radio stations but, there is no television station, nor newspaper / magazine in the commune.
The post is delivered from Port-au-Prince on Tuesday mornings, traveling from Corail through Abricots and Anse d'Hainault via a special courier, and departs at midday. Since May 1, 1889, an overland telegraph line has been in operation, linking Jeremie to the telegraph office of the Mole Saint-Nicolas submarine cable, as well as to Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Saint-Marc, Jacmel, Aquin, Les Cayes, and the Dominican border.
Leisure
As Leisure, the municipality of Jérémie has three libraries, a theater and a cinema room. There are also eleven football (soccer) fields, four other sports fields such as volleyball, basketball and tennis. In addition, seven night clubs, twelve gaguerres and three public places complete the list of entertainment venues in the town. In terms of cultural heritage, the town has a number of sites (natural, colonial and historical). It should also be noted that Jérémie has seen the birth of several poets who have marked the history of Haitian literature, for example: Etzer Vilaire, Emile Roumer, Jean Brierre, and René Philoctète. It is also the native town of President François D. Légitime, the lawyer Linstant de Pradines and the politician Calisthenes Fouchard.
Notable citizens[]
Abbé Beaugé (one of the rare Haitians who embraced an ecclesiastical career and who refused the honor of being named Bishop of Gonaives in 1893.)
Joseph D. Baguidy (anthropologist and official in the government of François Duvalier: born in 1915)
Mgr. Joseph Tircis Beauger
Raymond Chassagne (writer: 1924-2013)
Jean-Fernand Brierre (poet and diplomat: 1909-1992)
André Versilas Dimanche (sculptor)
Callisthènes Fouchard (minister and presidential candidate in 1902: 1840-?)
J, J. Labonté
Numa Laraque
Edmond Laforest (poet and educator: 1879-1915)
Jean-Richard Laforest (poet born in 1940)
François D. Légitime (President of Haiti: 1841-1935)
Dr. Arthur Lescouflair
Jean-Baptiste Symphor Linstant de Pradines (Jurist: 1824-1884?)
Valmé Lizaire
Eugène Margron
Omer Merceron
Mgr. Joseph Serge Miot (Archbishop of Port-au-Prince: 1946- 2010)
René Philocthète (poet, playwright, novelist and journalist: 1932 - 1995)
Michèle Duvivier Pierre-Louis (Prime Minister, born in 1947)
Charles Roland
Emile Roumer (poet: 1903-1988)
S. Rouzier
Constantin Antoine Sansaricq
Guy Sansaricq (Auxiliary Bishop of New York, first Haitian bishop of the diaspora)
Gustave Vigoureux
Etzer Vilaire (poet: 1872-1951)
Welson Woel
Communal map of Jérémie, Haiti
Neighborhoods
| JER | Jérémie | 102,567 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VJE | Ville de Jérémie | Urban | 42,388 | ||
| QLN | Quartier de Léon | Urban | 1,131 | ||
| Separated from Jérémie in 2015; became the independent commune of Marfranc. | |||||
| BVD | 1ère Section Basse-Voldrogue | Rural | 6,512 | Beaudrouin, Betrouze, Carrefour Canot, Citadelle, Colimon, Cyrac, Deschamps, Léger, Marcel, Nan Salès, Ti Place, Verger | |
| HVD | 2ème Section Haute Voldrogue | Rural section | 10,978 | Crochu, Croix-Chérie, Domingo, Jacquet, Laforêt, Latique, Léxi, Marcel, Marché-Léon, Poly, Rampe-des-Lions, Sauvé, Ti Folie | |
| HGU | 3ème Section Haute Guinaudée | Rural | 20,580 | Bouquette, Boyer, Deslions, Duranton, Gatineau, Janvier, La Ferme, Lifran, Lormon, Martillet, Prévilé, Sincao, St Jean | |
| BGU | 4ème Section Basse Guinaudée | Rural | 9,524 | Beaumont, Brière, Duchène, Duranton, Fourcan, La Bastille, La Saline, Latibolière, Plaine-Mille, Rangeard | |
| Separated from Jérémie in 2015; now part of Marfranc commune. |
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| Separated from Jérémie in 2015; now part of Marfranc commune. |
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| Separated from Jérémie in 2015; now part of Marfranc commune. |
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| FRD | 8eme Section Fond-Rouge-Dahère | Rural section | 3,937 | Duverger, La Foret, La Source, Mahotière, Mayette, Nan Cimite, Place-Nègre, Plaine-Fond-Rouge, Platon, Rochasse, Sainte-Hélène, Versailles | |
| FRT | 9eme Section Fond-Rouge-Torbeck | Rural section | 7,517 | Bellevue, Bicher, Borde, Carrefour Caton, Carrefour Prince, Carrefour Sanon, Débarasse, Débocher, Fond-Rouge, Jérémie, Laferney, Martino, Nan Banbou, Nan Borde, Plaine Numéro 2, Ravine-Sable, Ray-Sable |
References[]
Jeremie Presentation [1]
Haiti Reference [2]
Michael Vedrine
Michael Vedrine