By: Alex Popa
Fidano Daméus, a proud native of Desalin, Haiti, has dedicated much of his life to preserving and promoting the history, culture, and values of his homeland. Born and raised in the historic city of Desalin, Fidano now serves as a legal practitioner in his community’s peace court.
His work, however, extends beyond the courtroom as he engages in social, cultural, and historical activities that uplift and educate those around him. Inspired by Jan Jacques Desalin and Haiti’s revolutionary history, Fidano’s mission is to defend and celebrate the rich heritage of his city and his country.
Education and careers
Fidano has a diverse academic background, having studied law at Haiti State University (UEH), journalism at the ISNAC professional school, and computer science at the POH Institute. His passion for law led him to pursue a career as a legal practitioner in the peace court of Desalin.
He’s also interested in history and his country’s heritage and environmental preservation. He aspires to become an expert in these areas, with a particular focus on the life and legacy of Jan Jacques Desalin, the leader of Haiti’s independence movement.
Contributions to the Community
Fidano is not just an advocate in the courtroom but also a community leader. He founded the association “Desalin Sou Tambou,” which aims to preserve and promote the historical, cultural, and heritage values of Desalin. Through this association, Fidano has organized several socio-cultural activities, including the celebration of Jan Jacques Desalin’s birth and the ceremony of the alligator tree, both pivotal events in his community.
He also spearheaded the creation of the “Desalin Youth Parliament,” a platform that brings young people together to discuss and address the challenges facing their community.
In addition to these efforts, Fidano has been a volunteer member of Desalin’s civil protection and has organized legal aid services for those unable to afford legal representation.
Accomplishments
Over the past year, Fidano has achieved numerous milestones. Among his notable accomplishments is his official swearing-in as a founding power in the peace court of Desalin. He also successfully organized a sports competition in partnership with GRAAD, an organization supporting athletes in the region, and led cultural celebrations honoring Jan Jacques Desalin.
Fidano’s work has helped solidify Desalin’s status as a cultural and historical hub, with events such as the “Imperial Soup” celebration and the commemoration of the city’s foundation date on March 22, 1804.
Goals and vision
Fidano’s ambitions extend beyond his current work. His personal and career goals include establishing an agricultural and breeding farm, studying sociology, and becoming a skilled traditional musician. He also envisions establishing a history, literature, and cultural school to instruct the youth of Desalin, with a curriculum that revolves around the life and ideology of Jan Jacques Desalin.
Fidano envisions Desalin becoming a major tourist destination in Haiti with the construction of a grand statue and symbolic tomb for General Desalin. Additionally, he hopes to lead a reforestation project to make Desalin a greener, more sustainable city.
