Marmelade (Kreyol: Mamlad) is a commune and former duchy in the Artibonite department of Haiti. It is the seat of the Marmelade Arrondissement, which also includes the commune of Saint-Michel-de-l'Atalaye. Marmelade is connected to the cities of Gonaïves and Cap-Haïtien by Route Nationale 1, a significant roadway.
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Location in Haiti Orange dot
Boulevard Marmelade
The family of President René Préval is from Marmelade. During his presidential term, Préval initiated numerous social and rural development projects, one of which involved teaching youth how to craft furniture from bamboo.
Low cost housing - Bamboo may be the answer
Background[]
The city of Marmelade holds significance as the birthplace of Rene Preval, the former President of Haiti, who took over the presidency after the tumultuous reign of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The city derives its name from its soil, which has the unique quality of easily forming a porridge-like substance, resembling "marmalade," due to the frequent rainfall that nourishes it. This region receives an annual rainfall of 2701 millimeters (106 inches). Surrounded by lush greenery, Marmelade is strategically located, with ravines interspersed throughout its landscape. The prominent mountains in the area include Soufriere, Mornets, and Perigourdin. The temperature remains pleasantly cool, with an average of 21.4°C (71°F). The hilly and fertile terrain adds to the charm of this village. In the past, during the period when Haiti was known as Hispaniola and ruled by nobility, Marmelade held the esteemed status of a duchy.
• The Larivière habitation displays the remains of a superb aqueduct and a large reservoir, demonstrating the region's historical importance in the colonial era.
History[]
Marmelade was formerly attached to the North Department, but it was later incorporated into the Artibonite Department through the legislation passed on August 30, 1906. Toussaint Louverture, aligning himself with the Spaniards, successfully wrested control of the city from the Republicans. However, when Marmelade was once again under French rule, it became French territory once more. Toussaint had established his headquarters there.
- In 1793, Marmelade surrendered to the Spaniards. Toussaint Louverture, serving under Spain, launched an attack on Marmelade, which had been taken over by the Republicans, and successfully seized it from Vernet, a colored officer, who was loyal to him.
- On June 21, 1794, when Toussaint joined the French service, he participated in a communion ceremony at Marmelade, under the command of the Marquis of Almodas. During this event, he reaffirmed his allegiance to the King of Spain, mounted a horse, and ordered his troops to massacre the Spanish soldiers stationed in the town. He then proceeded to Petite-Rivière, Dondon, and Gros-Morne, where he also eliminated the Spanish garrisons he had stationed there. Throughout these conquests, Toussaint proudly displayed the tricolor flag and eventually made his way to General Laveaux at Port-de-Paix.
- In October 1801, General Moise led an uprising and Toussaint responded by leading a march towards Marmelade, which was under insurgent control. Upon discovering them, Toussaint swiftly launched a bayonet attack, causing the insurgents to flee in disarray. The dragoons pursued them, and they sought refuge in Soufrière.
- Toussaint learned about Dessalines' defeat by the French in March 1802 while he was Marmelade. In the same place, Toussaint submitted to Captain General Leclerc in 1802.
- On February 19, 1803, General Hardy, from the Leclerc expedition, captured Morne Bois-pin (Crête-a-pin) and prceeded to enter Marmelade aggressively, using bayonets to defeat the troops that Christophe had stationed there.
Marmelade takes pride in being the birthplace of Generals Vernet, who served as the Minister of Finance in 1804, and Clerveaux, who distinguished themselves in the War of Independence.
- In 1824, President Boyer sent a large number of African-American farming immigrants to settle in Marmelade.
- On January 24, 1889, Marmelade, which had supported the Nordists against General Legitime, surrendered to the Minister of War, Anselme Prophete, who was a government delegate. General Alfred William, the Northern Minister of War, was captured and imprisoned in Port-au-Prince. where he remained in prison. After General Piquant's defeat in Dessalines, Marmelade was abandoned, and the government lost control over the North and Artibonite regions.
Geography[]
Marmelade is located at 19.5159° N, 72.3622° W. It is bordered by the Northern Department communes of Plaisance, Limbé, and Acul-du-Nord on the north and Dondon on the east, the commune of Saint-Michel-de-l'Atalaye on the southeast, and the commune of Ennery on the southwest. This commune has three communal sections, Pine Ridge, Basin, and Platon. Its land area consists primarily of mountains and its climate is temperate. Due its geographical position, it is considered inland. The law of November 20, 1821 fixed the precise distance of this commune from the capital at 47 leagues.
Road to Marmelade
Neighborhoods
| MAM | Marmelade | 38,057 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMM | Ville de Marmelade | Urban | 9,379 | |||
| MNI | 1ère Section Crète à Pins | Rural section | 7,649 | Barada, Bonneau, Ca Fort, Carrefour Tamisé, Dérobri, Dupuy, Estève, Geney, Gérard, Gros-Roche, Haut-Place, La Pombrèe, Mouscadi, Péree, Pierrot, Prière, Saint-Martin, Saut-d'eau-Barada, Savanette. | ||
| BSI | 2ème Section Bassin / Billier | Rural | 12,765 | Bonhomme, Cantenal, En Bas Madame, Habit-Français, Lafolestre, Millo, Mingnin, Nan Caymites, Nan Trimestre, Paparel, Trou-Bassin. | ||
| PTO | 3ème Section Platon | Rural | 8,264 | Ca Michaud, Ca Pron, Corail, Dufour, Fond Salnave, La Forestière, Libon, Loison, Mare-Blanche, Plaine-Espagnol, Roche Pierre. |
Demography[]
The inhabitants are called Marmeladais and Marmeladaises. In 2015, the gender ratio was calculated at 98 men for every 100 women. This has led to a shortage of men, particularly more pronounced in urban regions where there are 96 men for every 100 women. Approximately 20% of the municipality's population lived in urban areas. The distribution of the municipality's population by major age group is as follows:
39% are under 15 years old
54% are aged 15-64
6% are aged 65 and above.
| Year | Population | Change +/- |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 10,000 | |
| 1969 | 21,814 | |
| 1998 | 21,212 | -3% |
| 2003 | 24,977 | +18% |
| 2005 | 29,921 | +20% |
| 2009 | 34,609 | +16% |
| 2015 | 38,057 | +10% |
Migration[]
Some residents of Marmelade choose to move to different cities within the country or overseas for different purposes. They often relocate to Port-au-Prince, Gonaïves and Cap-Haïtien. There are others that travel to the Dominican Republic. These people leave for economic and social reasons, especially employment and education.
Land Distribution[]
2005
15% Coffee 1,675 ha.
19% Woodlots 2,156 ha.
60% Annual crops 6,805 ha.
5% Wasteland 573 ha.
.3% Urbanized land 13 ha.
.7% Roads and others 38 ha.
Environment[]
Marmelade, situated high in the Northern Mountain Range where many rivers have there sources, boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf de Gonave. With an annual rainfall of 2,500 mm (98 inches), this area is known for its exceptional cabbages, bamboos, and woodpigeons. The Marmelade mountain chain, part of the Cibao, reaches a height of 1,000 meters (3,300 ft.) and is home to copper and sulfur mines. It also holds valuable resources such as rock crystal, coal, red ocher, rubble, and cut stone. From Marmelade, the Montagne Noire and Cahos mountains extend all the way to San Juan in the Dominican Republic.
Economy[]
Initiative with Taiwanese government
The local economy in Marmelade is diversified, with a focus on agriculture, trade, and crafts. Under President Preval's leadership, Marmelade transformed into a thriving city known for its successful farmland resource development. The main micro-industry in Marmelade is furniture production, particularly bamboo, which has positioned the city as a prominent manufacturing center. Since an initiative with the Governments of Haiti and Taiwan in 2000, the community of Marmelade has taken on a bamboo transformation center (and more) and is sustaining it themselves. This success has showcased Haiti's potential as a hub for private investment.
In addition to furniture production, Marmelade is renowned for its coffee cultivation. The premium coffee beans grown in the region are marketed under the Café Marmelade brand. With around 3,000 coffee producers, some of the coffee is exported to places like the U.S. and Europe. Marmelade is part of a fair-trade collective, ensuring that its coffee-bean exports meet international standards. Market gardening is also a significant activity in the municipality.
Despite deforestation in the surrounding mountains, beans and cassava are still harvested in Marmelade. The commune boasts a variety of establishments, including a restaurant, marketing cooperative, four credit unions, a commercial bank branch, and 41 borlettes. Additionally, there are 53 commercial establishments, including 44 small shops, contributing to the vibrant economy of Marmelade.
Infrastructure[]
In reality, there is not much road infrastructure in Marmelade. However Marmelade still enjoys good road facilities.
Transportation
Marmelade is connected to the cities of Gonaïves and Cap-Haïtien by an important road paved with tar. Route Nationale 1 bypasses the town on the west and Route Nationale 3 bypasses it on the east. Though not accessible directly by a National Highway, Route Departementale 109, also called Route de Marmelade, provides the nearest access. Its eastern end is in the city center. Route de Dondon is the eastern extension of this and Route de Saint-Michel extends to the south. These main roads are paved while dirt roads and trails lead to the communal sections.
Education
The municipality of Marmelade lacks representation from the Ministry of National Education of Youth and Sports. Among the 42 schools identified in the commune, there is a preschool, 35 primary level schools, and six secondary level schools. Notably, approximately 79% of these schools operate within the private sector. Additionally, Marmelade is home to six technical and vocational schools, providing specialized education opportunities for its residents.
Health
The municipality of Marmelade does not have representation from the Ministry of Public Health and Population. However, the commune does possess three health establishments to cater to the healthcare needs of its residents. These include a dispensary, a health center equipped with a bed, and a first aid center. The dedicated staff at these establishments consists of two doctors, seven nurses, two auxiliaries, two laboratory technicians, and 25 midwives.
Utilities
The commune's water supply consists of four rivers and over 50 springs. In addition, there are more than twenty taps available. These water taps are used for domestic consumption. Only the city center and certain localities have access to electricity. The responsibility of distributing electricity lies with Electricity de Haiti (EDH), which provides an average of 24 hours a week.
Security
The commune of Marmelade has several administrative and judicial infrastructures, including a tax office, a civil status office, a court of peace located at Rue du Marché, and a police sub-station located at Rue Sainte-Marthe. The commune's garrison consists of a company of gendarmerie, an administrative police force, and the national guard on foot and on horseback. It was the National Guard of Marmelade, supported by the 6th line infantry regiment of Saint-Michel du Nord, that successfully took Hinche from the Dominicans on June 17, 1845.
Administration
As of December 2021
Grand opening of Marmelade City Hall
  Emonel Celicourt |
  Rose Valcin |
  Willy Pierre |
| Party: PHTK |
Culture[]
Religion
There are at least 58 churches or temples in the commune. Most of them, 19, are Pentecostal. After that, there are 16 Catholic churches, 13 Adventist churches, and 8 Baptist churches.
Heritage
The parish feast day is July 29, in honor of Sainte-Marthe.
Organizations
With regard to the Political Parties and Organizations, there is a popular organization, a women's group, and 23 sociopolitical organizations.
Communication
The municipality of Marmelade does not have any newspapers, magazines, radio stations, or television stations.
The mail service operates from Gonaïves through Ennery on Mondays, continues to Dondon, and returns to Gonaïves on Tuesdays.
Leisure
As for Culture and Leisure, there is a library, a nightclub, a cybercafé, a public square, and 19 gagueres. Football (soccer) and basketball are the most popular sports in the area, with football being played on unsuitable grounds.
Cultural heritage in Marmelade includes two monuments and historical sites located in Corail (High Fort) and Dufour. One of the notable monuments is Fort Jalousière, part of a defensive system built after Haiti's independence in 1804 to guard against a potential French return.
References[]
Arrondissements et communes: Artibonite [2]
FENAMH [3]
COPAIMAR [4] Michael Vedrine