Terre-Neuve (Kreyòl: Tenèv; English: Newfoundland) is a commune located in the Gros-Morne Arrondissement of Haiti's Artibonite Department. Located 24 km (15 mi) north of the city of Gonaïves, it lies in the northwest corner of the department, occupying a largely mountainous landscape marked with fertile valleys and rural settlements. Terre-Neuve is one of the oldest municipalities in the Artibonite and was elevated to the rank of commune during the government of 29President Elie Lescot. Known for its relative isolation compared to the coastal towns, the town maintains a distinctly rural character, centered on agriculture and trade. The population was 31,252 at the 2015 census.
Welcome sign
About[]
Terre-Neuve is situated in a charming valley formed by two mountains, with a branch of the Trois Rivières River flowing nearby. It lies not far from Grand Port‑à‑Piment, historically known for its hot springs and early small settlement. The source of the Montaca River is found in the surrounding mountains, which contributes to the commune’s fertile valleys and abundant water resources.
Established prior to 1789, Terre-Neuve developed in an area rich in natural resources. Historically, the region produced coffee, cotton, and timber suitable for construction and dyeing. The mountains and plains contain caves with golden sand (mica, locally known as “cat’s gold”) and formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Iron and copper deposits were abundant; Spanish tools have been discovered in the mines, and the area was explored in 1785 by Father Thimothée and Mr. Gauche, with their findings documented by the Société des Sciences et Arts du Cap. Moreau de Saint Mery described Terre-Neuve as a geologic depression near Gonaïves, with iron and copper reserves accessible from the surface. In 1904, Mr. Ed Roumain was granted the copper mines by the government.
The plains near Port‑à‑Piment were historically known for lush vegetation, while local ranches supported livestock and horses. In the 18th century, the canton was home to diverse wildlife, including guinea fowl, wood pigeons, parrots, turtledoves, and crows, and the nearby shores teemed with fish. Today, agriculture, livestock, and small-scale mining continue to shape the commune’s economy, while its natural landscape remains a defining feature of local life.
History[]
Artist at work in Terre-Neuve, Haiti
Early Settlement and Colonial Era[]
Terre-Neuve, one of the oldest communes in the Republic, has a mysterious origin with an uncertain founding date. The settlement existed prior to 1789, when residents were already cultivating land and exploiting local resources such as coffee, cotton, timber, and minerals. At this stage, it functioned as a village within the Gonaïves district, alongside other settlements like Ennery and Gros-Morne.
During the revolutionary period, Terre-Neuve experienced shifts in control. In late 1793, Toussaint Louverture claimed the area for 
Spain, but the 
French regained control the following year. Following 2President Boyer’s departure, Terre-Neuve gained recognition as a Member of the House of Representatives, marking its growing political significance.
Elevation to Commune and Administrative Development[]
Around 1820, Terre-Neuve began functioning as a full commune with its own officials and council of elders. The law of October 17, 1821, formalized its status as a commune within the canton of Gonaïves, which at the time included four municipalities: Gonaïves (capital), Ennery, Gros-Morne, and Terre-Neuve. The law of November 20, 1821, officially fixed the distance from the capital at 47 leagues, formalizing its position within Haiti’s administrative framework. By 1843, it became part of the Gonaïves Arrondissement, which encompassed ten communes: Gonaïves, Ennery, Gros-Morne, Terre-Neuve, Marmelade, Saint-Michel-de-l'Atalaye, Hinche, Banica, and Petite Rivière de l'Artibonite.
During the Second Empire in 1849, His Excellency Mr. de Jh. Victor was appointed Count of Terre-Neuve, granting the commune recognition as part of the national nobility. Upon its formal establishment, Terre-Neuve was initially divided into five communal sections:
- Brabant Bois-Neuf
- Darane
- Bras-à-Droite
- Port-à-Piment
- Grand Port-à-Piment
These divisions helped organize local governance, land use, and community life within the commune.
Modern Era[]
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Terre-Neuve remained primarily rural, with development focused on improving infrastructure, education, and water supply. Its mountainous terrain and relative isolation, however, limited the pace of modernization.
In recent years, the commune has faced organized gang activity. In 2024, reports documented violent attacks in Terre-Neuve and neighboring Gros-Morne, resulting in deaths, kidnappings, and destruction of property. The arrests of gang leaders connected to the area highlight ongoing efforts to restore security and support community resilience.
Geography[]
Town Center of Terre Neuve, Haiti
Terre-Neuve is located at 19.5997° N, 72.7799° W, in the northwestern part of the Artibonite Department, approximately 24 km (15 mi) north of Downtown Gonaïves. According to the IHSI, the commune covers a total area of 176.83 km² (68.27 sq. mi), of which 127.79 km² (72%) is rural, 48.93 km² (28%) is suburban, and 0.11 km² (<1%) is urban. It currently has three communal sections: Dolan, Bois-Neuf, and Lagon.
The commune is bordered by Port-de-Paix to the north, Gros-Morne to the east, Gonaïves to the southeast, and Anse-Rouge to the west. Its terrain is predominantly mountainous, forming part of the western extension of the Northern Mountain Range, with fertile valleys that support agriculture and livestock. The town lies along the valley surrounding the Rivière Colombier and its tributary brooks. Notably, Morne Degas, located in the 1st communal section, rises to 919 meters (3,015 feet) above sea level and is the highest point in the Artibonite Department. The climate varies from cool in the higher elevations to moderate in the valleys.
Geology and Water Resources[]
Terre-Neuve is geologically characterized by a series of anticlines forming mountain ranges interspersed with small valleys. Several areas feature abundant high-flow springs, which contribute to local agriculture and domestic use. In the Bois-Neuf (2nd) section, rivers converge to form the Terre-Neuve River. However, in the locality of Cotton within this section, water flow is absorbed by sand, making the Plain de l'Arbre in Anse-Rouge the only plain in the country without a river.
The soils of the commune mirror this varied terrain: fertile alluvial deposits in the valleys sustain crops such as peas, corn, and cassava, while the uplands are marked by shallow, stony soils more vulnerable to erosion but still used for millet, tobacco, and grazing. Beneath these layers lie rich mineral resources, including iron, copper, bauxite, and limestone, the latter of which can be transformed into marble. Historically, these subsoils have been a significant part of the local economy, with mining activity documented as far back as the 18th century.
Commune map of Terre-Neuve
Neighborhoods[]
| TNV | Terre-Neuve | 31,252 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTN | Ville de Terre-Neuve | Urban | 1,396 | ||
| DOL | 1ère Section Doland | Rural | 11,897 | Bivac, Bois-d'Huis, Bois-Pite, Ca Bodin, Ca Lanmac, Ca Roi, Darang, Digoterie, Dolan, Fond-Georges, Fond-Sarasin, Grande-Ravine, La Fortune, Mapou, Miguinda, Moulin-Bassin, Nan Fond, Nan Gouman, Nan Paul, Perdu-Temps, Platon-Dumé, Platonnanmas, Terre Neuve. | |
| BNF | 2ème Section Bois Neuf | Rural section | 7,198 | Avocat, Bassin-Tortue, Ca Louis, Grand-Jour, La Cour-Paletot, Nan Nicotte, Savane-Longue, Troupeau | |
| LAG | 3ème Section Lagon | Rural | 10,571 | Bois-Neuf, Bras-à-droite, Ca Philippe, Ca Roche, Cote-Garde, Derrière-Lagon, Fond-Lagon, Lagon, Merci, Nan Canot, Nan Figuier, Vieux-Camp, Voûte-Rouge |   Lagon; Terre Neuve, Haiti |
Demographics[]
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 7,000 | |
| 1969 | 15,953 | +128% |
| 1998 | 24,370 | +53% |
| 2003 | 17,045 | -30% |
| 2015 | 31,252 | +83% |
Ville de Terre-Neuve
As of the 2015 census, Terre-Neuve had a population of 31,252, composed of 15,940 men (51%) and 15,312 women (49%). Adults aged 18 and over numbered 18,019, representing approximately 58% of the total population, reflecting a relatively balanced age distribution skewed slightly toward working-age adults.
The commune contained 6,885 households, giving an average household size of 4.5 persons per household. With a total area of 177 km² (68 sq mi), the overall population density is roughly 177 persons per km² (458 per sq mi), indicating a sparsely populated rural environment. In contrast, the urban center, Ville de Terre-Neuve, had 1,586 residents (879 men and 707 women), with 975 adults and 455 households, resulting in an exceptionally high urban density of 14,418 persons per km² (37,350 per sq mi). The average urban household size is slightly smaller at 3.5 persons per household, reflecting denser living conditions and more limited housing space.
Historically, Terre-Neuve’s population has grown overall, rising from around 7,000 in 1890 to 31,252 by 2015, though this growth was punctuated by periods of decline, such as the drop between 1998 and 2003, likely due to out-migration or local challenges.
The majority of Terre-Neuve’s population lives in rural areas, dispersed across valleys and small settlements in its three communal sections. Rural residents experience lower population density, larger households, and a lifestyle centered on agriculture and trade. In contrast, the urban center concentrates a small fraction of the commune’s population into a tiny area, producing extremely high density and smaller household units.
Climate[]
According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification, Terre-Neuve experiences a tropical savanna climate (Aw), characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons influenced by its elevation and topography. The commune's elevation of approximately 524 meters (1,719 feet) above sea level contributes to slightly cooler temperatures compared to coastal regions. Annual average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 28°C (82°F), with the warmest months being July, August, and September, and the coolest in January, February, and March.
The wet season typically spans from mid-May to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in May and October. September, for instance, averages 89 mm (3.5 inches) of precipitation over approximately 15 days. In contrast, the dry season lasts from January to mid-May, marked by lower humidity and minimal rainfall. This seasonal variation significantly influences local agriculture, with planting and harvesting schedules aligning with the onset and cessation of rains.
Geographically, the commune's terrain, including the valley surrounding the Rivière Colombier and the summit of Morne Degas, plays a role in local climate patterns. These features can lead to localized variations in temperature and precipitation, affecting microclimates within the region. Additionally, the heavy rainfall contributes to soil erosion and the occurrence of ravinement, particularly in areas with steep slopes and deforested land.
Economy[]
Marketplace of Terre Neuve, Haiti
Terre-Neuve’s economy is predominantly agricultural, shaped by its fertile valleys, river systems, and mountainous terrain. The commune specializes in market gardening, cotton picking, and tobacco leaf collection, producing staples such as peas, corn, millet, yam, potato, and cassava, alongside fruits including mangoes, avocados, oranges, lemons, figs, and bananas. The commune is notable as one of the few in Haiti that provides mangoes for export. Livestock farming—including cattle, goats, and poultry—also supports households and local markets.
In addition to agriculture, Terre-Neuve is situated in a historically significant mining region, particularly known for copper extraction, as well as deposits of iron, gold, lead, zinc, and silver. While large-scale mining is limited today, the commune’s mineral resources remain a part of its economic heritage, with small-scale extraction and local use of stone for construction continuing.
Commercial and financial infrastructure is minimal. A marketing cooperative operates in the commune, facilitating agricultural trade, but other economic establishments are largely absent, owing to the rural and isolated character of the area. Informal trade and artisanal production, including handicrafts and agricultural processing, supplement household incomes and sustain the local economy.
Infrastructure[]
Transportation[]
Terre-Neuve’s transportation network is defined by its mountainous geography and relative isolation, though it forms part of the Greater Gonaïves Area, which benefits from access to sea, air, and highway facilities. The commune is connected to the national road system by Route Communale 100-K, which provides a direct link to Route Nationale 1, facilitating travel toward Gonaïves, Gros-Morne, and other parts of the Artibonite.
Within the commune itself, the road system is largely unpaved departmental and communal routes, winding through steep valleys and ridges. These roads are often difficult to traverse during the rainy season, when heavy rainfall renders sections muddy or impassable. As a result, local mobility depends heavily on motorcycles, shared taxis, tap-taps, and small trucks, which serve as the principal means of moving passengers and agricultural goods. Traditional footpaths remain important for farmers and herders transporting produce and livestock from remote areas to the town center.
Despite the broader region’s connectivity, Terre-Neuve’s lack of paved infrastructure and limited public transport contribute to its continued economic and social isolation. Road improvement projects remain a long-standing demand of residents who seek better integration with the rest of the department.
Education[]
Although state services are not fully guaranteed across Haiti, Terre-Neuve has a long-standing reputation for producing intelligent and bright students who have gone on to occupy important roles in both public and private institutions nationwide. The Ministry of National Education of Youth and Sports is represented locally through a school inspection office, headed by an inspector responsible for supervising all educational activities in the commune.
At the kindergarten level, there is a private school. The elementary level comprises six public schools, a congregational school, and a number of private institutions. Secondary education is more limited, with only one private secondary school serving the entire commune. Despite these challenges, Terre-Neuve continues to supply highly capable students to the wider Artibonite region, particularly to schools in Gonaïves, reflecting a strong local emphasis on learning and academic achievement.
Health[]
Terre Neuve Medical Center
The health landscape is also shaped by mountainous geography and a rural nature. Access to medical care is limited, with a handful of local clinics providing basic services, and residents often traveling to larger towns such as Gonaïves for specialized care. The Ministry of Public Health and Population is not directly represented in the commune, but a local nurse, assisted by an aide, oversees the operation of the main health facility.
The Terre-Neuve Medical Center, inaugurated with community and international support, serves an estimated 30,000 inhabitants in the Gros-Morne Borough. Strategically located in the town center near the Catholic Church and local market, the two-story facility comprises two main modules: internal medicine and mother-child care. It includes consultation rooms, a dressing room, laboratory, inpatient ward, and a maternity unit with delivery, prenatal, and newborn care rooms, alongside a waiting area for expectant mothers. The center also features a dedicated waste management zone, including incinerators and a placentas pit. The construction and operation of this facility were made possible through the support of 
Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Canadian ambassador to Haiti, and the Government of Canada, in partnership with the Haitian government.
Local ambulance
In addition, the Lagon Dispensary offers basic dispensary services, treating minor illnesses and providing over-the-counter medications to residents in the surrounding area. Smaller health posts are scattered throughout the valleys, intermittently staffed by community health workers who attend to residents in more remote locations. Patients with complex or severe conditions are typically referred to the Terre-Neuve Medical Center or larger regional hospitals in Gonaïves.
Terre-Neuve faces ongoing challenges, including difficult access due to mountainous terrain and unpaved roads, limited medical supplies and trained personnel, and a high prevalence of preventable waterborne and respiratory illnesses. Maternal and child health remains a priority, as prenatal care coverage is incomplete in some remote areas. Local NGOs and government programs contribute to health education, vaccination campaigns, mobile clinics, and sanitation initiatives aimed at reducing disease. Despite these challenges, the residents of Terre-Neuve remain actively engaged in community health, and ongoing efforts by both government authorities and international partners continue to improve access to care and the overall well-being of the population.
Utilities[]
Incinerators of Terre-Neuve
This mountainous rural area has limited access to electricity, with most households relying on small private generators, solar panels, or kerosene lamps. Grid electricity, where available, is intermittent and primarily concentrated around the town center.
The municipality is served by two rivers and three high-flow springs, which form the primary sources of water for both domestic and agricultural use. In addition, there are twelve public faucets distributed across the commune to provide residents with accessible water. Many households also maintain cisterns or storage tanks to capture rainwater, particularly in more remote valleys. Despite these provisions, access to clean water remains a challenge in some areas, contributing to ongoing public health initiatives.
Sanitation infrastructure is minimal. Many homes and public spaces rely on pit latrines, with few formal sewer systems in place. Waste management is generally informal, though the Terre-Neuve Medical Center features dedicated waste disposal measures, including incinerators for medical refuse.
Administration[]
Town meeting; Terre-Neuve, Haiti
Terre-Neuve is governed as a commune within the Gros-Morne Borough of the Artibonite Department. Its administrative structure is composed of a mayor and municipal council, who oversee local governance, development projects, and coordination with departmental and national authorities. The commune is further divided into three communal sections, each managed by local section chiefs who handle day-to-day administrative duties and act as intermediaries between residents and the municipal government.
In the broader context of the country, state services are not fully ensured, and Terre-Neuve reflects this reality. Access to public services, administrative support, and infrastructure remains limited in some areas, particularly in the more remote valleys and mountainous zones.
With respect to administrative and judicial infrastructure, Terre-Neuve hosts a peace court and a prison to address civil and criminal matters. Historically, the commune maintained a garrison, which included a gendarmerie company, an administrative police force, an artillery unit from Gonaïves, and members of the national guard on foot and horseback, alongside rural police. The garrison played a key role in maintaining security across the dispersed mountain settlements during earlier periods of Haitian history.
Local administration is responsible for implementing public services, including water management, sanitation, education, and basic infrastructure maintenance, often in collaboration with NGOs and international partners. Terre-Neuve’s administrative framework reflects its rural and mountainous setting, requiring coordination across valleys while addressing both developmental needs and the logistical challenges posed by its terrain.
The Municipal Cartel,
As of December 2021
Town Hall
  Joanel Raymond |
  Evelyne Louissant |
  Celony Accelon |
Culture[]
Eglise paroisse St-Laurent
Religion[]
Religion in Terre-Neuve reflects a blend of Catholic, Protestant, and Vodou practices, deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the commune. Nearly 37 temples of various faiths have been enumerated, with the main confessions being Catholic, Baptist, and Adventist. The Catholic Church has historically played a central role in community life, providing spiritual guidance, social support, and education, with parish churches serving as hubs for ceremonies and festivals.
Protestant congregations, including Baptist and Adventist communities, contribute to local social and moral life through educational programs, charitable initiatives, and youth activities. Vodou also remains significant in rural and mountainous areas, with sacred sites and peristyles maintained for ritual ceremonies and seasonal celebrations.
Religious life in Terre-Neuve is closely tied to the rhythms of daily living, agricultural cycles, and communal gatherings. The patronal feast of Saint Brigitte, celebrated on October 8, is a key annual event, bringing together residents from across the valleys and mountains.
Organizations[]
Inauguration of new medical center; Terre-Neuve, Haiti
Political and civic organizations in Terre-Neuve are limited. Currently, the commune hosts only two grassroots organizations, one NGO, and two international organizations. Active organizations include:
- AMURT (Association for Medical and Urban Relief and Training)
- HANWASH (Haiti Network for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)
- Local Marketing Cooperative
These organizations focus on areas such as community development, water and sanitation, agricultural support, and social initiatives, working alongside residents and municipal authorities to address the commune’s developmental and logistical challenges.
Communication[]
Terre-Neuve does not have a radio station, newspaper, magazine, or television station. Telecommunications coverage is limited, and residents often need to combine networks to achieve a more or less stable connection. Cybercafés are in demand for internet access, serving as important points for communication and online services. In addition to modern methods, residents in remote valleys still use traditional signals such as the lamby, or conch shell, to alert neighbors in case of emergencies. Despite these limitations, residents rely on word of mouth, community meetings, and informal networks to stay connected and share information within the commune and with neighboring towns.
Leisure and Recreation[]
Terre-Neuve has no library, museum, theater, or cinema. Recreational spaces are minimal, with only seven gâguères serving as communal gathering spots. These areas function as informal centers for socializing, playing traditional games, and hosting small local events, helping maintain social bonds among residents. Despite the lack of formal leisure facilities, these spaces are vital for community interaction and cultural continuity, providing opportunities for relaxation, storytelling, and neighborhood gatherings.
Tourism[]
Terre-Neuve offers a tourism experience that is modest but deeply rooted in local culture and natural charm. The town lacks traditional tourist infrastructure such as hotels and cinemas, and its leisure options are equally humble. This minimal tourism infrastructure reflects the reality that the local economy is based primarily on market gardening, cotton harvesting, tobacco leaf collection, and copper mining rather than visitor services, making Terre-Neuve function primarily as a working agricultural and mining community rather than an established tourist destination.
Despite this simplicity, the commune has both cultural and natural highlights worth discovering. Religious and cultural celebrations, particularly local patronal feasts, bring the community together and showcase traditional music, dance, and culinary practices. Visitors during these times can witness the vibrancy of Terre-Neuve's heritage firsthand. The region also features natural attractions including caves with golden sand and mineral deposits, though these geological wonders remain largely undeveloped for tourism and lack the visitor facilities or guided tours found in more commercialized destinations.
The surrounding landscape is a major draw for adventurous travelers. Mountain trails, verdant valleys, and scenic vistas offer opportunities for hiking, photography, and ecotourism. While formal hiking paths are rare, locals often guide visitors through traditional routes that have been used for generations, providing access to the caves and geological formations that make the area geologically distinctive.
Terre-Neuve's small-scale tourism is complemented by a sense of authenticity that contrasts sharply with Haiti's more developed coastal tourist areas. The commune represents what could be characterized as undiscovered or undeveloped tourism potential—a place where natural features and cultural traditions exist without the overlay of commercial tourism infrastructure. Travelers are encouraged to engage with community life, attend local gatherings, and appreciate the slower pace of rural Haitian life. While the commune may not boast flashy attractions, its charm lies in its lived culture, natural beauty, and its people.
In short, Terre-Neuve invites visitors who are willing to embrace simplicity, curiosity, and the rhythms of a mountain community. Here, the rewards are subtle but genuine: a glimpse into a way of life where local tradition and natural beauty remain intertwined, offering an authentic experience of rural Haiti that exists largely outside the conventional tourist circuit.
Michael Vedrine
References[]
Terre-Neuve [1]
Discovering town of Terre-Neuve - Haiti Observer [2]
Terre-Neuve- Romuald Bouchard, Facebook. Apr 20, 2024< [3]
Terre-Neuve - Bernardo Pierre, Facebook. Apr 20, 2024 [4]
Terre-Neuve - Asly Serin, Facebook. Apr 20, 2024 [5]
Terre-Neuve en Images - Terre-Neuve Productions [6]