Thomonde

"Piti piti, zwazo fè nich." Little by little, birds build their nests.
-Haitian proverb

Thomonde (Kreyol: Tomond ou Tomonn) is a commune in the Centre Department of Haiti, part of the Hinche Borough. It is situated in the Central Plateau near the Haitian–Dominican border and covers 360 square kilometers at an elevation of 270 meters, featuring rolling hills, fertile valleys, and waterways such as the Thomonde River that support local agriculture. The town’s streets are lined with small homes, a few larger residences, churches, and modest commercial areas, resulting in a close-knit community and active civic life. As of the 2015 census, the population was estimated at 60,000 inhabitants.

Carte HAITI Thomonde-1024x595 — Location in Haiti

About[]

Founded as Cabral, the land that later became Thomonde was reportedly owned by a former Dominican general before its formal establishment. The town was officially founded in 1930 during the American occupation and was raised to the rank of commune in 1940, later reaffirmed under the administration of François Duvalier in 1957 with Sauveur Benjamin as its first mayor. Over time, Thomonde developed into both an agricultural hub and an administrative center for the surrounding Central Plateau, encompassing four communal sections and nearly one hundred localities, including Basse Thomonde, Salmadère, and Beneche. Key civic institutions such as the tribunal de paix, municipal offices, civil registration services, and health facilities uphold its administrative importance, while churches and schools continue to play a vital role in community life despite ongoing challenges with infrastructure. Known for its peaceful character, hospitality, and communal pride, Thomonde represents a blend of historical legacy, civic organization, and agricultural tradition in the Central department of Haiti.

History[]

Founding in the late 19th Century[]

Before its founding as a town, Thomonde (Spanish: “Todo mundo”, English: “Everybody”) was originally the seventh rural section of the municipality of Las Cahobas. In 1875, it was subdivided, creating the rural section of Chamouscadille. Later, Thomonde became a military post of the Las Cahobas district, located on the road to Hinche. Its strategic position attracted the attention of the Government of the Republic, which elevated it to the status of district by an edict of September 29, 1882. Thomonde remained part of the municipality of Las Cahobas until June 1919, when it was separated and placed under the jurisdiction of Hinche. Finally, in 1940, the town of Thomonde was granted municipal status.

Thomonde’s military importance was already evident in the nineteenth century. In January 1889, the Minister of War, Anselme Prophète, used the town as a base while preparing to march against the Cape separatists who occupied Hinche. On January 7 of that year, government troops seized the town of Claireur and killed Saint-Prieux Gabeau, leader of the insurgents.

The commune also figured in Haiti’s early petroleum history. In 1905, Edmond Roumain obtained rights to exploit an oil source on the habitation of the Dupré heirs at Corail Gapy, in the Boucan-Tisse region. Soon after, in the 1909–1910 public debt budget, a sum of 52,165.48 gourdes was credited to Auguste Durosie for the acquisition of the town of Thomonde. Reports described whitish oil floating on the surface of water in the central plateau, about two hours from the village. By 1916, American experts sent by the Government of Washington to study petroleum resources concluded that large oil deposits existed in the area of Thomonde, Belladère, and Mirebalais, particularly in the formations of Fond-Bleu at depths between 300 and 500 meters. These early findings fed speculation about Thomonde’s potential as an oil-bearing region.

On June 2, 1919, the Council of State passed a law officially attaching the district of Thomonde to Hinche. During the American occupation, the town itself was formally founded in 1930. For more than twenty-five years, the new municipality continued to depend administratively on Hinche, the county seat. It was not until 1957, when ³⁴François Duvalier came to power, that Thomonde received its first administrator, Sauveur Benjamin, a surveyor by profession and close ally of the regime. Benjamin remained at the head of the commune’s administration for nearly the entire term of Duvalier’s presidency, during a period when mayors were appointed directly by the State Secretary of the Interior. His long tenure was followed by the appointment of Clébert Charlot of Mirebalais as mayor, though his position was short-lived due to political rivalries. Benjamin eventually returned to the post until poor health in the late 1970s forced him to step aside, with Deputy Mayor Alphonse Joly taking over communal leadership. Efforts by local politicians to replace him, such as those by parliamentarian Madame Ulrick and her candidate André Bélizaire, proved unsuccessful.

20th Century (1900s)[]

The twentieth century also saw the foundation of educational institutions that remain important today. In 1968, Reverend Father Henry Garssou, then parish priest, established the Marie Help of Christians School, which became one of the commune’s most significant schools. Its alumni have remained active; in 2017, the former students’ foundation (FAEMAT) organized efforts to renovate the school and prepare for its 50th anniversary jubilee in 2018.

Emigration has played a defining role in Thomonde’s modern history. For decades, political instability and economic hardship spurred a steady outflow of residents, with the overwhelming majority of Thomondois choosing the United States rather than the neighboring Dominican Republic. Nearly 98% of young people, after completing their studies, dream of emigrating to the U.S., particularly to Massachusetts, where Boston has become a central hub of the Thomondois diaspora. In the 1990s, this community founded CORECTHO (Comité pour le redressement de Thomonde), an association dedicated to supporting the development of the commune from abroad. Emigration has also produced a “brain drain,” with nearly all educated youth aspiring to settle abroad.

21st and beyond (2000s)[]

In the early 21st century, Thomonde became embroiled in a major territorial controversy over the communal section of Lahoye. On February 13, 2006, the Alexandre/Latortue administration issued a decree redefining Haiti’s communal boundaries ahead of elections. Article 23 of the decree transferred Lahoye from Las Cahobas to Thomonde as its fourth communal section, citing geographical proximity across Lake Péligre.

This measure, however, has never been implemented and remains widely rejected by Lahoye residents, who argue that their daily lives — schools, markets, churches, and cultural ties — are oriented entirely toward Las Cahobas. Community leaders have long demanded either the reversal of Article 23 or Lahoye’s elevation to commune status, denouncing the annexation as “a caesarean section without anesthesia.”

The dispute has repeatedly led to conflict. On February 21, 2014, protests against the decree escalated into clashes with law enforcement dispatched by Thomonde’s mayor and MP, resulting in burned houses, cars, and motorcycles, as well as at least one injury. Similar unrest resurfaced from June 4–27, 2022. Protesters also invoked deeper grievances tied to the Péligre hydroelectric dam, built in 1956, which flooded farmlands in Lahoye without compensation. Ironically, residents still lack access to the electricity generated by the dam.

Administratively, the issue has produced contradictions at the national level. As late as 2017, electoral certificates and national identification cards continued to list Lahoye as the third communal section of Las Cahobas, directly contradicting the 2006 decree. While legislators such as Markent’z Sigué submitted proposals to repeal Article 23, the matter has remained unresolved.

As of 2024, Lahoye exists in a state of legal and administrative limbo, claimed by both Thomonde and Lascahobas. Tax revenues, local authority appointments, and even police jurisdiction are contested, and the situation continues to generate tensions in the Centre Department. Analysts warn that without a clear resolution, the dispute could resurface during future electoral contests.

Today, Thomonde’s history is remembered as a blend of military significance, natural resource potential, and community resilience. From its nineteenth-century roots as a rural section to its modern identity shaped by emigration, diaspora engagement, and civic life, the commune has remained a vital node in Haiti’s Central Plateau.

Tierra (Thomonde) 101125g — Neighborhood in Tierra, the town's 2nd section

Geography[]

Thomonde is located at 19.0171° N, 71.9624° W in the Centre Department of Haiti, forming part of the Central Plateau within the Hinche Borough. The commune covers a total area of 359.91 km² (138.96 sq mi), of which 245.55 km² (68%) is rural, 108.81 km² (30%) is suburban, and 5.55 km² (2%) is urban, according to the IHSI. The terrain is marked by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and river systems such as the Thomonde River, while Lake Azuei on its southern edge provides a constant flow of water toward the Artibonite River.

The soils of the region are generally fertile alluvial and clay-limestone types, well suited for small-scale commercial farming. Lowland valleys along the Thomonde River are particularly productive, supporting the cultivation of bananas, maize, and root crops, while the upland slopes are used for grazing and coffee plots.

Topographically, the commune lies in the heart of the Central Plateau, characterized by gently undulating ridges that descend toward the Artibonite basin. Its central position is bordered by Hinche to the north, Thomassique to the northeast, the Dominican town of Comendador to the east, Belladère to the southeast, Lascahobas to the south, and Boucan-Carré to the west. Administratively, the commune consists of four communal sections, subdivided into 87 neighborhoods and 135 localities. Its location places it 18 km from Hinche, the departmental capital, 92 km from Port-au-Prince, and 150 km from Cap-Haïtien.

Neighborhoods[]

TOM	Thomonde		61,880
VTO	Ville de Thomonde	Urban	11,236
CBR	1ère Section Cabral	Rural section	13,787	Ananas, Bastien, Benaco, Bento, Bois Connin, Bois Joli, Boujouque, Boulaille-Boeuf, Ca Joufran, Cayepin, Cerca, Compognon, Desruisseau, Du Parc, Epin, Georges-Tombes, Goyable, Grosse-Plaine, La Source, Maringoin, Mauge, Moucadie, Palmares, Sans-Boute, Savane-Baptiste, Savane-Longue, Savanette.
TMU	2ème Tierra-Muscady	Rural	13,813	Barranque, Basse Thomonde, Benèche, Bigaille, Biton, Canne, Cerca 2bré, Eau Carrée, Eau Yguey, El Bail, El Bay, Ladoboc, Ladora, La Hoye, Lecarré, Marchal, Monocite, Nan Biton, Salmadère, Savane-Cajou, Terre Mouscadie.
BTR	3ème Section Baille-Tourrible	Rural	7,054	Baille-Tourrible, Baraque, Baycite, Bon Camp, Boucantal, Boucanyone, Cimetière, Corail, Coupeau, Debois, Haut-Piège, Hermani, Jedipe, La Canhique, Marécage, Nan Brule, Nan Marecage, Platanal, Roche-Sapate, Saint-Fleur, Verado.
HOY	4ème Section La Hoye	Rural	15,990	Ananas, Batey, Bédine, Caïmite, Caïmittes, Candelon, Canot, Charles-Joly, Dessabie, Embouchure, Fond Pierre, La Goas, La Hoye, La Yaille, Locacao, Lo Capa, Lopahon, Marché, Palissa, Paniac, Paredon, Pilon, Rente-Soldat, Savane-Calebasses, Savane-Perdue, St Antoine, Thomonde, Ti Péligre, Ti Trou, Tombacalème, Vieux Caille

Demographics[]

Year	Population	Change
1969	15,660
1998	31,106	+99%
2003	50,644	+63%
2005	50,068	-1%
2009	56,274	+12%
2015	61,880	+10%

The inhabitants of Thomonde are known as Thomondois and Thomondoises. The commune has experienced steady population growth over the past half-century: from 15,660 residents in 1969, the number nearly doubled by 1998, then rose to over 50,000 in the early 2000s, reaching 61,880 by 2015. This steady upward trend reflects natural growth, despite ongoing migration toward larger cities and the Dominican border.

The population structure is youthful, with 44% under the age of 15, 51% in the working-age bracket of 15–64, and only 5% aged 65 or above. This distribution gives Thomonde the characteristics of a growing and energetic commune, where most households depend on farming and trade to sustain a large younger generation. The male-to-female ratio is slightly tilted toward men, who account for about 52% (32,370) compared to 48% women (29,510), a pattern that may be linked to local agricultural labor dynamics and out-migration trends.

Adults aged 18 and older make up 34,420 individuals, or roughly 56% of the total population. With 13,218 households recorded across the commune, the average household size is about 4.7 persons. Spread over 359.91 km² (138.96 sq mi), Thomonde has a population density of 172 inhabitants per km² (445 per sq mi), though settlement patterns remain largely rural and dispersed across its four communal sections.

The town center, known as Ville de Thomonde, is home to 11,236 residents. Here, the population is almost evenly split between 5,644 men and 5,592 women, with 6,387 adults aged 18 and over. The urban area counts 2,429 households, giving an average household size of 4.6. On just 5.55 km² (2.14 sq mi), this translates into a density of 2,025 inhabitants per km² (5,244 per sq mi)—a sharp contrast with the commune’s rural expanses, making the town center the focal point of trade, education, and administration.

Thomonde 101125c — Plaza del Sol Lakou Trankil, Route Nationale 3, in Thomonde near Boujouque.

Economy[]

The economy of Thomonde is basically anchored in food production and agriculture. Local farmers cultivate a variety of crops, including fruits such as mangoes, avocados, pomegranates, and lemons, as well as tobacco, peanuts, coffee, maize, millet (sorghum), bananas, and sugarcane. Soil analyses have shown that the region is rich not only in fertile soils but also in hydrocarbons and even uranium deposits, while the commune’s rivers are known for their abundant clay, supporting both agriculture and small-scale artisanal uses.

Deforestation and rural exodus have caused significant changes in land use over the years. Coffee trees and banana plantations have largely disappeared, leaving tobacco in the second communal section, Terre Mouscadille, as a notable cash crop. This tobacco is often processed in Port-au-Prince by companies such as Comme Il Faut. Market gardening, particularly in the third communal section, Baille Tourrible, remains an important source of local produce.

Thomonde’s markets are lively centers of trade. Thursday serves as the primary market day in the town center, but trading occurs throughout the week. The commune is also home to the largest market in the department, Nan Casse, located in the fourth communal section, Lahoye, near Lascahobas. This market, held on Mondays, attracts merchants from Port-au-Prince, the Dominican Republic, and surrounding highland and lowland areas, facilitating extensive economic exchanges.

Despite its vibrant agricultural and trading activity, Thomonde’s financial infrastructure remains limited. The commune has 57 commercial establishments, including 33 small shops and 20 depots, alongside a hotel, a credit union, a marketing cooperative, and nine borlette banks. Agriculture, livestock, and trade dominate economic life, with many families raising goats, cattle, and poultry alongside crop production. Some farmers also engage in beekeeping, adding diversity to the local economy and supplementing household incomes.

Thomonde 101125f — Water pipes near the LaHoye area

Infrastructure[]

To strengthen the town's infrastructure, the Thomonde city council has partnered with the Border Development Commission to fund an $8 million project. The goal is to build greenhouses that will house plant varieties indigenous to the region. Deforestation has left large acreages of land barren and disrupted the ecosystem. Plant cultivation for use in reforestation efforts, plus tree seedlings that have already been put into the ground, will strengthen agriculture production in these areas.

Transportation[]

The town is connected by a mix of paved and unpaved roads to surrounding communes, as well as more distant cities like Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien. National Route 3 (RN3) passes through the commune, linking Thomonde to the broader Central Plateau road network and facilitating trade and travel. Roads follow the natural contours of the plateau, winding through valleys and along hillsides, which can make travel challenging, particularly during the rainy season.

Within the commune, transportation is largely traditional. Most residents rely on motorcycles for personal mobility, while donkeys, horses, and small carts remain essential for moving goods and accessing rural areas. Shared taxis and occasional private vehicles supplement local travel, ensuring connections to markets, schools, and administrative centers. Despite its rural setting, Thomonde is only 90 km from Toussaint Louverture International Airport, offering the commune access to national and international travel.

The town’s modest transportation system is vital for linking farmers to markets, facilitating trade with neighboring communes, and connecting residents to essential services.

Education[]

The Ministry of Education of Youth and Sports does not maintain a local office in the commune, yet Thomonde has a surprisingly extensive network of schools. The town hosts 104 educational institutions, including 96 primary schools and eight secondary schools, categorized as 89 private schools, 11 public schools, and four community schools. Additionally, there are 17 literacy centers, two technical and vocational institutions, and a sewing center.

Key schools include the Mary Help of Christians primary school, founded in 1968 by Reverend Father Henry Garssou and run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, the Jean Baptiste Décoste College headed by the parish priest, Saint Mathias College, and El Shaddai High School and College. All these institutions are ecumenical and serve as vital centers of learning and community engagement. Despite limited infrastructure—such as dirt floors, damaged roofs, and minimal facilities—these schools remain central to Thomonde’s educational and social life.

Many students pursue higher education outside the commune, traveling to Hinche or Port-au-Prince, while others are motivated to emigrate abroad, especially to the United States, for further studies. Local alumni associations and community groups, including FAEMAT for the Mary Help of Christians School, play an active role in fundraising, improving facilities, and organizing events, demonstrating the community’s commitment to education and youth development.

Health[]

The Ministry of Public Health does not have a local office in Thomonde, yet the town is served by several facilities, including the Thomonde Health Center, whose operations are managed through a partnership between the MSPP and Zanmi Lasante. In addition, the commune has a clinic, two smaller health centers, and a hospital, staffed by 210 personnel, including 128 certified matrons and 18 doctors.

Healthcare in Thomonde is supported by both local and international initiatives. The University of Miami has contributed to public health improvements by establishing the Thomonde Community Health Program, which trains local healthcare workers in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. These efforts enhance the capacity of the commune to respond to health challenges, particularly in maternal care, vaccination campaigns, and general disease management.

Despite these resources, the town faces ongoing challenges, including limited infrastructure, irregular access to clean water, and reliance on traditional remedies in rural areas. Nevertheless, the collaboration between local health personnel, NGOs, and community programs demonstrates an adaptive approach to maintaining essential healthcare services across the commune.

Utilities[]

Utilities in this rural town are limited but essential to daily life. Water is primarily drawn from two rivers and two natural springs, which serve both domestic consumption and household needs. In addition, dozens of taps and pumps throughout the town provide supplementary access to water for residents.

Electricity is supplied by the national utility, Électricité d’Haïti, and is available only in the town proper. Power is delivered via an electric motor for approximately 25 hours per week, leaving most of the commune without reliable electricity.

Sanitation infrastructure remains basic, with few formal sewage systems; most households rely on latrines or septic pits. Small-scale initiatives, including solar installations and community water projects, help improve access to essential services.

Administration[]

Thomonde is governed as a commune in the Hinche Borough of Haiti’s Centre Department, through a municipal council headed by a mayor appointed in accordance with national regulations. The commune is subdivided into four communal sections, further divided into 87 neighborhoods and 135 localities, each with local assemblies (ASEC) and administrative committees (CASEC) to manage local affairs.

At the level of administrative and judicial infrastructure, Thomonde hosts a police station, a court of peace, and a registry office, providing essential civic and legal services for residents. Modern governance focuses on coordinating civic services, agriculture support, and infrastructure maintenance, though limitations in resources sometimes constrain effective delivery.

As of January 2022

Mathéus Bernadeau Principal Mayor	Jn George Archange Deputy Mayor	Elda Dorsin Deputy Mayor
_{Party: SHEILD}

Culture[]

Religion[]

Thomonde421 — Eglise Saint Joseph de Thomonde

Religion plays a central role in the vibrant spiritual life of Thomonde, shaping community values, traditions, and daily practices. The town is home to at least 91 churches. The most numerous are Pentecostal churches (44) and Baptist churches (31), alongside Catholic parishes and other Protestant denominations. Prominent institutions include the 7th Day Adventist Church, Saint Mathias Parish, and ecumenical schools such as Mary Help of Christians, which combine faith and education.

Churches in Thomonde serve multiple roles beyond spiritual guidance: they are centers for schooling, social support, and local organization. Religious festivals and ceremonies unite residents across the commune, reinforcing communal bonds and providing occasions for cultural expression.

Organizations[]

Thomonde hosts a variety of organizations that support civic, economic, and social life. Two popular organizations—a local peasants’ association and two non-commercial cooperatives—form part of the political and communal structure, helping manage community affairs and advocate for residents’ needs. CORECTHO (Committee for the Recovery of the Commune of Thomonde) was created by the Thomonde diaspora in Massachusetts during the 1990s to support local development projects. FAEMAT (Fondation des Anciens Élèves de Mary Help of Christians) mobilizes alumni of the Mary Help of Christians School to improve educational facilities and organize community events.

Commuinication[]

Communication in Thomonde has evolved significantly over recent years. At the time of earlier inventories, the commune had no telephone service, and postal services operated in a limited and irregular fashion. Today, mobile telephony has brought Thomonde into the modern technological era, with ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) broadband internet also accessible, connecting the municipality to the wider world.

The town has a history of local radio stations, though many had ceased functioning for years. One notable station, Radio Péralte (106.5 FM), broadcasts educational programs and is directed by Mr. Georges Benjamin. Since March 2017, alumni of the Mary Help of Christians School have launched a new modern communications and broadcasting service known as FaematAIR WFHX. This general Haitian national radio station combines digital, terrestrial, and radio technologies to reach listeners locally, nationally, and internationally, including Thomondians living abroad. FaematAIR WFHX is available globally via the TuneIn network, the Haitian AudioNow HAITI RADIO network, and Call-To-Listen services for listeners in the Dominican Republic, the United States, and Canada.

Leisure / Recreation[]

Leisure and recreation in Thomonde are closely tied to its natural environment, community life, and cultural traditions. The town offers a variety of recreational facilities, including two libraries, a theater room, a cinema room, six sports fields for football and basketball, 27 gaguères, a night club, and a public square, providing residents with spaces for socializing, sports, and cultural activities. Residents also gather along rivers, green spaces, and market areas for informal recreation and community events.

Tourism[]

Thomonde’s tourism is modest but enriched by its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community life. Nestled in a valley between two mountains, the commune boasts lush greenery, fertile valleys, and rivers like Rivière de Thomonde, which could be further leveraged to attract visitors. Notable sites include the cave of Boucantis in the third communal section, a monument, and 21 peristyles.

During holidays, the town comes alive with musical entertainment in the public square, interzone sports championships, and religious festivities. The patronal feast of Saint Joseph, celebrated every March 19th at the Catholic Church of the commune, draws residents and visitors alike. With the construction of National Road 3 and the road leading to Baille Tourible, Thomonde is becoming an accessible stop for both local and international visitors. The town has its potential as a growing tourist destination in the Central Department.

Local establishments in Thomonde reflect its down-to-earth hospitality. Cabrale Restaurant and Saveur Créole are well regarded for hearty Haitian meals in a friendly setting, with patrons often praising the service and atmosphere. Boulangerie Kay Willenson is a local favorite for fresh bread and pastries, frequently described as exceptional by regulars. For those looking to relax in the evening, spots like JK Bar Resto, Izi Paryaj, and Tamarin Bleu offer music, gatherings, and a casual vibe that residents say makes them feel respected and welcomed. Overnight visitors often choose the Silina Hotel, noted in reviews for its simple but satisfying accommodations and atmosphere. Together, these places form the heart of Thomonde’s small but genuine hospitality scene—humble in scale, but warm and authentic.

Sources[]

Thomonde [1]

FENAMH [2]

Plaza del Sol Lakou Trankil [3]

Bas Cange - Madarah Joseph [4]

Tierramuscady - Jean jacques Jules [5]

_{Michael Vedrine}