Mont-Organisé (Kreyol: Montòganize) is a town in the Ouanaminthe Arrondissement, part of the Northest Department of Haiti. The eastern town line is the border of the Dominican Republic. The population was 20,973 at the 2015 census.
The municipality of Mont-Organizé is about thirty kilometers (20 miles) south of Fort-Liberté
About[]
Some historians agree that the name Mont-Organisé comes from the township's reputation as a preferred asylum for a specific musical bird. This species, which is slightly smaller than a nightingale, produces beautiful melodies and has plumage similar to that of the nightingale, except for its vibrant scarlet throat. The bird features a relatively large head and expands its throat while singing. They can sometimes be spotted in the mornings and evenings at different locations, where their songs are varied and enchanting. However, spotting them can be difficult, as they usually inhabit high mountainous areas with a temperate climate.
History[]
The area of Mont-Organisé first called Lassale by the people who lived there. Originally the ninth section of the municipality of Ouanaminthe, it gained recognition as a district when it separated from its parent commune in 1900, located 8 leagues away. The area was officially designated as a 5th class commune under the law passed on August 2, 1907, with its boundaries established by an Order from the President of Haiti. Notably, it was the sole producer of coffee within the Fort-Liberté Borough.
According to history, the very first manifestations of the Cacos movement originated in the commune of Mont-Organisé.
Immediately after General Salnave's return to the Cape and the departure of President Geffrard in 1867, Colonel Robert Noél established his residence and gardens in Mont-Organisé. It was here that he began his campaign against Salnave, fueled by the assasination of Danase Sévére de Lagredelle, and Gachette.
From this stronghold, Noél advanced towards Monbin Crochu and Vallières, capturing these areas and marking the onset of the renowned Cacos war, which spanned two years. Initially, the Cacos numbered only twenty. In 1868, Salnave, who had ascended to the presidency of Haiti, attempted to quell the Cacos but faced defeat; in his frustration, he resorted to arson and violence in the area.
• In 1869, the Cacos revolutionary government in Saint-Marc honored their origins by naming their first warship Mont-Organisé, a tribute to the Cacos' initial uprising at this location. This vessel was commanded by Admiral Déjoie.
• On January 8, 1889, Mont-Organisé distanced itself from the Northern rebellion and aligned with President Legitime's government.
Geography[]
Mont-Organisé is located at 19.4053° N, 71.7815° W. According to the IHSI, this commune has a total land area of 94.49 square kilometers (36.48 square miles), of which 54.57 sq.km (58%) is suburban, 39.07 sq.km (41%) is suburban, and 0.85 sq.km (1%) is urban. It shares an international boundary with the towns of Loma de Cabrera and Restauración, D.R. respectively on the east and southeast. It is bordered by the city of Ouanaminthe on the north, the town of Capotille on the northeast, the town of Carice on the west, and the city of Fort-Liberté on the northwest. Mont-Organisé is an inland commune composed of two communal sections, which are further divided into at least seven localities and 29 habitations. The landscape is predominantly hilly or mountainous, and the climate is categorized as tropical savannah. During the winter months, temperatures are notably cool. This climate is classified as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification.
Neighborhoods
MOG | Mont-Organisé | 20,973 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMO | Ville de Mont-Organisé | Urban | 4,785 | ||
SAN | 1ère Section Savanette | Rural section | 11,370 | Bernard, Florence, Fond-Bleu, Godin, Grenier, Jean-Jacques, La Croix, La Rose, Liane Panier, Mont-des-Pins, Nan Garien, Nan Sable, Patois, Saut-d'Eau, Savanette. | |
BOP | 2ème Section Bois-Poux | Rural | 4,818 | Bois Poux, La Pierre, Platon, Saou, Savane-Aux-Pères, Terre Neuve. |
Demography[]
Its inhabitants are called Mont-Organais. In 2015, the gender ratio was estimated at 96 men for every 100 women. The distribution of the municipality's population by major age group is as follows:
42% of its population is under the age of 15
53% of its population is aged 15-64
5% of its population is aged 65 and over.
Year | Population | +/- |
---|---|---|
1998 | 21,797 | |
2005 | 16,957 | -22% |
2015 | 20,973 | +24% |
Economy[]
The local economy is based on agriculture, focusing on the cultivation of coffee, lime, and peppers. In terms of economic and financial infrastructure, the municipality is equipped with two restaurants, a credit union, and a marketing cooperative. Additionally, it has 29 shops, 23 borlette banks, two pharmacies, and two business houses, including gatehouses. The area is also recognized for its gold ore mining activities.
Mont-Organisé's economic landscape is significantly influenced by trade activities with the Dominican Republic, which is located just across the border. While not all trade practices are sanctioned, smuggling operations persist, often overlooked by both governments. The historical tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic have fluctuated, yet there are instances of mutual tolerance, particularly in the realm of smuggling.
Resources[]
Mont-Organisé is distinguished by its gold and limestone deposits concealed within the mountainous ridges. Mining operations in this area are managed by American corporations. Furthermore, the region also produces coffee for global export.
Infrastructure[]
Education
The municipality is served by a school inspection office representing the Ministry of National Education, Youth, and Sports. As of the latest assessment, Mont-Organisé is home to 20 primary schools, 3 secondary schools, a literacy center, and two technical/professional institutions. Among these, three primary schools and one secondary school are publicly funded.
Health
The municipality does not have representation from the Ministry of Public Health and Population. The only healthcare facility within the area is operated by the Center for Health Development (CDS). This health center employs ten doctors, five nurses, six auxiliary staff members, a laboratory technician, and several certified matrons.
Utilities
Concerning the availability of water, a total of three rivers and 28 sources have been identified. Alongside these water sources, there are public fountains equipped with nearly twelve pumps.
he municipality of Mont-Organisé benefits from partial electrification, facilitated by the Center for the Development of Health (CDS), with an average electricity supply of 35 hours per week.
Administration
With regard to administrative and judicial infrastructure, the municipality is equipped with a peace court, a police station, a tax office, and a civil status office.
As of December 2021
Party: PHTK |
Culture[]
Religion
The commune is home to nearly ten places of worship, including chapels and temples; however, the number of Catholic churches surpasses that of other denominations, totaling three.
Christianity, with a particular emphasis on the Catholic Church, plays a significant role in the community, offering essential services to the residents of Mont-Organisé. In this region, Catholicism and Vodun share a mutually influential relationship, similar to other areas in Haiti. Both faiths exhibit flexibility and receptiveness to external influences.
Catholicism became integrated into Haiti during the colonization era. When Congolese slaves arrived in Haiti, they brought Vodun with them, leading to a harmonious coexistence of the two belief systems. Despite facing discrimination and a period of prohibition, Vodun was officially recognized as a legitimate religion by the Haitian government in 2003. Throughout Haiti, including in small towns like Mont-Organisé, the blending of Catholicism and Vodun is regarded as a natural progression.
Organizations (no pun intended)
In relation to political parties and other organizations, there are approximately 18 socio-political representations, along with two NGOs and two non-commercial cooperatives the commune. The community-based organizations in Mont-Organisé focus on rural agriculture, trade, and policy matters. The NGOs present in Mont-Organisé are dedicated to training farmers.
In 2014, the Organisation Oecumenique pour le Developpement du Nord-Est (OPODNE) was established by leaders from Northeast Haiti. This initiative is backed by Faith in action, an organization that engages in economic development cooperatives, micro-lending programs, as well as social and educational projects.
Communication
During the inventory, Mont-Organisé municipality lacked a newspaper or magazine, and there was no postal office; however, it was equipped with a radio station known as Radio Maguana FM.
Leisure
As for leisure activities, the commune features three theaters and 15 gaguères. Additionally, there are three public areas, seven informal spaces designated for football (soccer) practice, a public square, and three voodoo temples.
The town of Mont-Organisé is celebrated for its tourist attractions. Among its highlights are the enchanting Grotte Porte à Diable, the serene Bassin Clérisse and the stunning Mélia and Wòch Tann waterfalls, each offering a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of the region.
Hertiage[]
The town celebrates its patronal feast in honor of Notre Dame du Rosaire annually on October 7th.
References[]
Carte Nord-Est - [1]
FENAMH - [2]
Michael Vedrine