Moron (Kreyol: Mowon) is a commune in the Grand Anse Department of Haiti. The population was 31,157 at the 2015 census. The town rests on the northern slopes of the Hood Mountain Range.
History[]
Short history[]
In 1933, the deputy Etzer Vilaire put forward the idea of establishing Moron as a commune. Two years later, in 1935, this proposal was officially approved by Deputy Foukan, granting Moron the status of a municipality.
Long history[]
Prior to its establishment, Moron was a settlement situated within the city limits of Jérémie. Originally known as "Cité Vincent," it was later renamed Moron in honor of Enriquez Isaac Moron, a Portuguese-Jew from Curaçao and a well-known businessman and planter who resided in the area. There are indications that Moron may have constructed a mikvah here. In 1933, Deputy Etzer Vilaire proposed elevating it to the status of a commune, but it took two more years for the proposal to be accepted, thanks to the efforts of Deputy Foukan. With a significant influx of residents, Moron became a parish, complete with its own chapel and rural school. The main agricultural products cultivated in the area included coffee, cotton, campéche, cattle, and various fruits.
In 1832-22, the committee in charge of distributing the compensation given to ex-colonists carried out a settlement. In 1882, Isaac Henriquez Moron, the previous owner, passed away - his assets, including 2 houses in Jérémie, were valued at 781,209 francs (~$125,000 USD; 4 million in today's dollars). This amount was only payable to claimants and was awarded to Esther Motta, widow of Moron's first marriage, as both a beneficiary and a creditor of her late husband.
In November 1901, Father Lantrin was selected as the first holder of the Moron estate His appointment was met with enthusiasm by the religious communities in the expansive rural area; there was much promise in this fresh establishment. The presbytery and church served as focal points. Father Lantrin's passion knew no bounds. He promptly depleted his limited funds on acquiring ornaments and other necessary items for worship.
He quickly discovered that he lacked the means to supply the settlement with new supplies and a small amount of wine. His parishioners contributed some game, vegetables, and water from the river to make up his meals. Despite the repeated suggestions from his fellow priests, he was unable to alter his diet. The hardships, along with the damp climate, drained his strength, leading to his passing on October 24, 1902 (Circular letter from the Bishop of Cayes).
Geography[]
Moron is located at 18.5624° N, 74.2678° W. According to the IHSI, the commune has a total land area of 182.90 square kilometers (70.62 square miles), of which 113.63 km² (62%) is rural, 67.42 km² (37%) is suburban, and 0.85 km² (1%) is urban. It is bordered on the north by the towns of Abricots and Bonbon, on the east by the city of Jérémie, on the south by the Southern Department towns of Les Anglais and Tiburon, and on the west by the municipalities of Les Irois, Anse-d'Hainault, and Chambellan. Moron contains three communal sections and a district, and is further subdivided into at least 46 localities. Its land area consists primarily of hills and mountains. It is a landlocked commune.
Demographics
Its inhabitants are called Moronais/e. In 2015, the gender ratio was estimated at 104 men per 100 women. Almost 89% of the municipality's population resided in rural areas. The distribution of the municipality's population by major age group was as follows:
41% of its population under 15 years old
53% aged 15-64
7% aged 65 and over.
Year | Population | +/- |
---|---|---|
1998 | 30,595 | |
2003 | 24,713 | -19% |
2005 | 24,729 | +>1% |
2009 | 28,335 | +15% |
2015 | 31,157 | +10% |
Neighborhoods
MOR | Moron | 31,157 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMN | Ville de Moron | Urban | 3,437 | ||
QSC | Quartier Sources Chaudes | Urban | 233 | ||
ANT | 1ère Section Anote (ou 1ere Tapion) | Rural | 10,810 | ||
SCD | 2ème Section Sources Chaudes | Rural | 5,311 | ||
ASS | 3ème Section L'Assise (ou Chameau) | Rural | 11,366 |
Economy[]
From an economic and financial standpoint, the municipality of Moron lacks significant infrastructures. During the survey, it was observed that the municipality only had one restaurant, four borlette banks, and two business houses. Agriculture and animal husbandry dominate the economic activities of the commune. Commercial establishments are not very prevalent in the town, with only five small shops and a pharmacy.
Shopping primarily takes place at the main markets of Marche Mowon (1st section), Ti Bet (2nd section), and Plaine Marie (3rd section).
Trade also plays a significant role in the municipality's economy. The residents of Moron engage in trade with individuals from Marfranc, Chambellan, Jérémie and Port-au-Prince.
Infrastructure[]
Accessibility is a major issue for Moron. The road is not accessible, even for small cars. Moreover, the buildings are scattered across the area, lacking a concentrated central business district. Situated along the riverbank, Moron is at risk of potential flooding.
Education
The Ministry of National Education of Youth and Sports does not have a presence in the commune. During the inventory, a total of 39 schools were counted: 2 preschools, 30 primary schools, and 7 secondary schools. Out of these, 29 are private, 7 are public, and 3 are community-based. Additionally, a literacy center was identified in the municipality. However, there are no universities or higher education institutions in the town.
Health
The Ministry of Public Health and Population does not have a presence in the commune of Moron. There is a dispensary and a public health center with a bed. The staff at these two health facilities consists of at least 100 members, which includes two doctors, five nurses, and 90 midwives
Utilities
Moron municipality lacks proper water infrastructure. It has a river, thirteen springs, a pond, and eleven public fountains. The river water is used for domestic purposes. Unfortunately, Moron is not connected to electricity.
Administration
The administrative and judicial infrastructure includes a tax office, a police station, a peace court, a civil status office, and a representative office of the Ministry of Agriculture.
As of January 2022
Party: INITE PATRIYOTIK |
Culture[]
Religion
In terms of religious institutions, there were a total of fourteen Catholic churches, which also included chapels. Additionally, there were four Baptist churches, an Adventist church, a Pentecostal church, a church of God, and ten other faiths such as Full Gospel, Body of Christ, and Crusade, among others.
Organizations
In Moron, there are no political parties, but instead, there are two grassroots organizations, a peasants group, and three NGOs. Additionally, community-based organizations are active in the area, with one dedicated to supporting the hospital and another associated with the church. The NGOs in Moron primarily focus on health-related initiatives, such as those carried out by Doctors Without Borders.
- FAO's Mamans Lumières promotes nutrition awareness among women through education initiatives and community gardens.
- GAHDA (Grand'Anse Health & Development Association), the "bridge between the Grand'Anse and the world", supports the population by bringing health and development opportunities to the area.
Communication
Moron lacks postal services and media outlets, but it does have a telecommunication center with 34 lines that are operated from a cabin.
Leisure
As for leisure, the town has several recreational facilities, including a library, a football (soccer) field, a public square, and 24 gagueres. However, it lacks a museum, cinema, and theater. Every year on February 11th, the community celebrates the patron saint of the commune, Our Lady of Lourdes. Additionally, the town is home to six natural sites.
Pros and cons[]
Main article: Pros and cons of the communes
Pros: Coool climate, six natural sites
Cons: Accessibility is a major issue for Moron. The road is not accessible, even for small cars. Additionally, the buildings are relatively spread out, without a dense downtown area. Moron is located on the bank of a river, making it potentially susceptible to flooding.
References[]
Microgrid Development Assessment [1]
FENAMH [2]
Lycee Nationale de Moron Part 1 [3]
B2P Featured in USA Today: The world’s most spectacular new bridges [4]
Early Haitian Jewish History [5]
Michael Vedrine