Location in Haiti
Welcome sign
"He is half-done who has already begun."
Li se mwatye fè ki te deja kòmanse
-Horace
Verrettes (Haitian Creole: Vèrèt) is a commune in Haiti's Artibonite Department on the Artibonite River, 36 kilometers (22 miles) east of Saint-Marc and 54 kilometers (34 miles) west of Mirebalais. Verrettes is the second-largest city in the Saint-Marc Arrondissement. According to the 2015 census, Verrettes had a population of 144,812, making it the 22nd most populous city in the country and the 6th most populous city in the department. Unlike other cities in Haiti, Verrettes has remained relatively unaffected by political turmoil and has a low crime rate. The city's vibrant cultural life revolves around its downtown music scene.
Established in 1727, Verrettes is known for its lush green landscape adorned with abundant tropical vegetation. Its location in the heart of Haiti's rice-growing region contributes to its rich and verdant nature. Verrettes is renowned for its extensive rice cultivation and is geographically divided into five sections and a district called Désarmes. In 2015, Liancourt, which was previously a section of Verrettes, was elevated to the status of a municipality.
Click here to view Verrettes' Facebook page.
Overview[]
Verettes, a city known for its wide range of attractions for both residents and tourists, provides a vibrant and lively nightlife. Alongside its thriving entertainment scene, Verettes places a strong emphasis on the safety and security to its residents and visitors. The city offers a diverse selection of restaurants, clubs, and other entertainment venues, contributing to the area's reputation for music. Despite the energetic atmosphere after dark, concerns about safety are virtually non-existent. Reports indicate that Verettes has an impressive track record, thanks to its remarkably low crime rate.
The city's 100,000 plus population is divided between two social classes - the affluent and everybody else. The wealthy families are easily identifiable by their residences adorned with iron gates and sturdy stone walls. Additionally, a significant portion of the city's businesses are owned by prosperous families.
History[]
Verrettes, like many other cities in the country, has played a significant role in the national history. Since its establishment in 1727, Verrettes has been under Spanish rule. However, in 1794, the French entrusted the great responsibility to Toussaint Louverture to recover the city. Once it became French, the Louverturian order reigned over this region until 1796. During the same period, in 1790, Verrettes was present at the convocation of the States General (March 25) and at the formation of the Assembly of Saint Marc (April 15), which was of great importance for the regulation of class relations in Saint Domingue. Later, in 1820, Verrettes played a significant role in the "Movement of Saint-Marc," which led to the end of Christophe's reign in the North. Additionally, in 1908, Verrettes contributed to the insurrection led by Jean Jumeau in the Artibonite region after gaining independence.
Timelime[]
Historic picture of Verrettes' City Hall
• In 1789, after the colored men of Verrettes refused to swear an oath of fidelity and respect to the whites, Governor Peynier led the regiment of Port-au-Prince against them, resulting in their dispersal. Most of them were thrown into the pontoons of Port-au-Prince harbor.
• In November 1793, the residents of Verrettes surrendered to the Spaniards, while on the other side, Saint-Marc and Arcahaie submitted to the English.
• In 1794 Toussaint Louverture captured Verrettes from the Spanish on behalf of France. However, the Spaniards and English regained control of the area shortly after.
• In June 1796, the English were driven out by Toussaint. As they retreated, they were attacked by Toussaint's groups along the Saint Marc Road.
• In October 1801, Toussaint found himself in Verrettes during the conspiracy of General Moïse in Cap-Haïtien.
• At the approach of the French, on February 24, 1802, Charles Bélair set fire to the town, reducing it to ashes. On the 9th of March, the Boudet division, emerging from Mirebalais, gathered at Verrettes. They sought refuge there, but to no avail. The locals had gathered the entire white population on the parade ground, where they were mercilessly bayoneted, regardless of age or gender. The French were horrified by the sight of these lifeless bodies, some still retaining some warmth. Their anger erupted, and they vowed to wage a war to the death against Toussaint. They established a bivouac, positioning their baggage and cavalry in the center of the square battalions. Around midnight, they called for the execution of some native horsemen who were in the vicinity of Verrettes. They were responded to, but by daybreak, the enemy had vanished. Charles Bélair intended to disrupt their sleep, knowing that Europeans in the torrid zone quickly succumb to yellow fever after being deprived of sleep following exertion. They departed Verrettes and attempted to cross the Artibonite River, only to be attacked by armed farmers.
• On March 11, General Boudet 
ordered Adjutant General Pétion to cross the river. Pétion bravely entered the water first, amidst a shower of bullets, crossed the Artibonite near the Labadie estate, thwarted an ambush, and was trailed by the entire Boudet division. The French division reached Plassac, located northeast of Labadie and south of the Grand Cahos Road, where a stockpile of Toussaint's powder was discovered.
• In September 1802 the farmers in Verrettes rebelled against General Leclerc , and united with the farmers in Arcahaie, led by their chief Larose.
• On January 19th, 1803, in Verrettes, Pétion declared Dessalines as the Chief General of the Indigenous Army.
• In October 1808, a significant battle occurred on the Verrier plantation. The clash involved the forces of Christophe and Pétion, with the latter being led by General Bonnet during the siege of Saint-Marc. The troops of Christophe had strategically positioned themselves within the hovels of a masonry house, fortifying the walls with crenelations to limit exposure. This allowed them to unleash a fierce barrage of fire upon the republican troops, who eventually managed to dislodge them. As a result, the Verrier post, along with its flag, arrows and ammunition, fell into the hands of the republicans. Notably, David Troy showed great bravery during the engagement.
• In 1813, the troops of President Pétion arrived in Verrettes. Despite being caught off guard and facing a strong opposition led by Christophe, who had a fleet that hindered the transportation of war supplies, the president decided to retreat to Port-au-Prince.
• On October 2, 1820, Verrettes swiftly responded to the movement of Saint-Marc, which marked the end of Christophe's British government. General Benjamin Noel promptly left Mirebalais and entered Verrettes on the 13th.
• In June 1863, several individuals involved in General Aime Legros's conspiracy, which begain in the city of Dessalines, were apprehended in Verrettes. During the conflicts in the north, Fabius Ducasse, who later became the Secretary of State for Public Works under President Hyppolyte, displayed great valor in various battles alongside the northern forces.
• On April 11, 1889, Verrettes was seized from the North by the government troops, following the capture of the Desarmes Camp. This triumph gave the government control over most of the Artibonite Plain.
• In 1902 and 1908, Verrettes joined the rebellion of Jean Jumeau in the Artibonite region.
Geography[]
Route 11 bridge (Desarmes)
Verrettes is located at 19.054977° N, -72.45987° E. According to the IHSI, this commune has a total land area of 356.72 square kilometers (137.73 square miles), of which 312.42 km2 (87%) is suburban, 38.70 km2 (11%) is rural, and 5.6 km2 (2%) is urban. It is bordered on the northeast by the town of Petite-Rivière, on the southeast by the town of La Chapelle, on the southwest by the Western Department city of Arcahaie, on the west by the city of Saint-Marc, and on the northwest by the town of Liancourt. Verrettes has five communal sections and perviously had two districts, one of which was split off and became a separate municipality. It falls under the administration of the Artibonite Department and is predominantly mountainous in terms of its land area. The climate in Verrettes is generally stable, ranging from tropical to cool, with the exception of 6eTerre Natte where it tends to be cooler. In relation to its geographical position, it is a landlocked town.
The law of November 20, 1921, fixed the precise distance of this commune from the capital to 32 leagues. The distance to Petite Rivière is 3 leagues.
Demographics
| Year | Population | -/+ |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 9,000 | |
| 1969 | 39,327 | |
| 1998 | 72,014 | |
| 2004 | 48,724 | -32% |
| 2009 | 131,693 | |
| 2015 | 144,812 |
Commune map; City of Verrettes, Haiti
Neighborhoods[]
| VER | Verrettes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| VVR | Ville de Verrettes | 17,038 |   Verrettes, Haiti urban area |
| Separated in 2015 | |||
| QDS | Quartier Desarmes | 16,172 | |
| BLG | 2ème Section Bélanger | 25,046 | Anger, Bellance, Bellangé, Borel, Canneau, Channel, Charles, Corail, Coupon, Desjardins, Dodard, Hatte Bellangé, Jeantelotte, Marécage, Mirault, Moreau, Prise Sur Berge de Canneau, Rosalie, Titon. |
| GUM | 3ème Section Guillaume | 9,559 | Allaïe, Basse Mory, Bras Gauche, Désarmes, Drouin, Duval, Guillaume, Laurent, Lejean, Marin, Mauge, Mauger. |
| DSA | 4ème Section Desarmes | 22,961 | Béké, Bernard, Bique, Biquette, Boubat, Brisse, Challet, Chatelain, Christian, Coupois, Dauphine, Dégot, Dégrave, Dibitte, Dofine, Duclos, Ducoin, Fourneau, Gabriel, Godin, Godrie, Guignace, Janvier, La Croix, Lambert, Lepinard, Levêque, Magin, Mousso, Nan Belé, Nan Saut, Tazeau, Tienne, Ti Place, Tony, Valeureux |
| 5ème Section Bastien | 14,906 | Bastien, Baveux, Cabouet, Calas, Champion, Damier, Desrue, Fond Romonsin, François Morte, Gaudin, Godan, Ire, Jessin, La Croix, L'Avent, Marino, Pierre Mou, Tajet, Tapion, Vilellot. | |
| TEN | 6ème Section Terre Natte | 12,219 | Barbe, Cachet, Décon, Démare, Douya, Dunère, Fond Remomsin, Garozy, Gilbert, La Bataille, Querset, Terre Net, Thienne, Zabethe. |
Economy[]
Verrettes is economically self-sufficient, sourcing its agricultural and meat products from local family-owned farms situated in the rural areas. The town's affluent business community manages small and medium-sized enterprises in town, while residing just outside the business district. The local economy thrives primarily on trade, although agriculture plays a significant role in the municipality, with rice, coffee, and lime being the key commodities.
The town has a total of 184 establishments, primarily consisting of small shops, with only 36 large shops included in the count. While there are no banks present, the town does host seven credit unions. Additionally, there is an exchange office for currency exchange, three hotels for accommodation, five restaurants for dining options, 15 business offices for various professional services, 69 borlette stands for lottery enthusiasts, and three marketing cooperatives for promoting local products and businesses.
Infrastructure[]
Education
Verrettes hosts a variety educational institutions, such as the Charles Belair National School and the Jacques Stéphen Alexis High School, both public schools located on the same premises. The Cultural Activity Center (CLAC) plays a significant role in promoting literacy and reading culture within the community. In Verrettes, culture knows no bounds, especially when it comes to the promising future of books and the enthusiasm of young individuals towards reading.
The Ministry of National Education is represented by a school inspection office that oversees the coordination of educational activities. Currently, there are a total of 71 schools in the town, comprising 7 preschools, 50 primary schools, and 14 secondary schools. Notably, 80% of these schools are privately owned.
Education is an important sector in the commune, with all residents, regardless of their financial status, prioritizing their children's education. Many individuals from neighboring areas seek quality education in Verrettes, whether it be at the kindergarten, primary, secondary, or college level. Conversely, affluent residents opt to send their children to private schools in Port-au-Prince. Apart from education, the city prides itself on its stable political environment. The legacy of former President Dumarsais Estimé, who initiated various development projects like the water distribution system, sewer system, and sidewalks, continues to influence the city positively. Despite the challenges faced by subsequent leaders in maintaining his standards, the political landscape in Verrettes remains well-organized.
Health
Estimé Dumarsais Medical Center, Verrettes, Haiti
Verrettes lacks representation from the Ministry of Public Health when it comes to healthcare. The commune has a total of 10 health facilities, including a hospital, two clinics, two dispensaries, a health center with a bed, and four health centers without beds. These facilities are staffed by 30 doctors, 16 dentists, seventy nurses and auxiliaries, nine laboratory technicians, and four radiologists. The Albert Schweitzer Hospital, located five kilometers from the center of town, serves as the reference hospital for Verrettes and neighboring towns.
Health Dispensary
The Estimé Dumarsais Medical Center, which caters to approximately 160,000 residents, functions more like a health center with beds. It provides services for HIV and tuberculosis care, as well as general consultations and child health. While the center is equipped for hospital services, complex cases are usually referred to either the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Deschapelles or the Saint-Nicolas Hospital in Saint-Marc.
Utilities
Verrettes, Artibonite, Haiti
In Verrettes, there is an abundance of water in both the hills and the plains. The town has nearly a dozen springs, two ponds, and several lagoons. Four to five rivers provide water to the town, including the Rivière Bois, whose pipeline works date back to the government of President Louis Sténio Vincent. President Louis Sténio Vincent. In addition, over a thousand single boreholes and dozens of artesian wells and taps have been recorded and are used for drinking, washing and watering.
Water kiosk
Security
Administrative infrastructures in the commune include a civil status office, a police station, two deputies, three peace courts, and three tax offices. Notably, there is no prison in the commune, only a custody room.
The garrison in Verrettes consists of the 20th regiment line infantry, a Saint-Marc artillery company, an administrative police company of the national guard on foot and on horseback, and the rural police.
Culture[]
Religion
Eglise de Verrettes
Verrettes has a variety of at least 26 temples representing different faiths, including Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Adventist, Pentecostal, Wesleyan, and Jehovah's Witness.
Communication
In the city of Verrettes, there are a total of six radio stations, as there is no newspaper/magazine or television station available.
Leisure
Within the city, residents have access to a library, a theater, and three cinemas. Additionally, there are 27 gaguères, which serve as important entertainment venues. In terms of sports and recreation, there are seven football (soccer) fields, two basketball courts, and five volleyball courts in the municipality.
Organizations
At the municipal level, two popular organizations, a peasant group, an NGO, and an international organization have been identified.
Heritage[]
The commune observes December 8, celebrating the Immaculate Conception.
To live through words. Build paradises around each line that adorns the pages of each volume. To discover other universes.
References[]
Verrettes [1]
Zanmi Lasante [2]
FENAMH [3]
Verrettes: radiographie d'une ville haïtienne négligée [4]
Saint-Marc Arrondissement: Saint-Marc, La Chapelle, Verrettes, Montrouis, Liancourt Michael Vedrine