Photos

Often referred to as Coco Beach, the Belly Beach is actually is a different beach located just beyond the Coco Beach. A 30 minutes walks across the Coco Beach opens the door to this another pearl of Haitian natural beauty. A small sandy cove, the Belly Beach is perfect for both those who love seclusion and solitude and also for those who love to have some fun in cool blue waters. Offering a variety of watersports and different beach activities, the Belly Beach also offers several accommodation facilities. The beach is popular for its different fish recipes. The locals also rent out boats to the tourists so that they can visit the nearby villages and beaches.

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A famous quote by Haitian writer Jean Claude Martineau AKA "Koralen". To the most coward Haitian, the moment you insult his mother, he will fight you. This is to explain how important mother means to Haitians.

Jean Claude Martineau is a writer, composer of many Haitian songs

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Superstition in Haitian business dealing

Haiti is one of the few countries in the world where superstition plays a major role in every aspect of people's live.

Something you would not believe but happens to be true and according to many people I talk to, it is common practice in the Haitian society.

I was in shock because a merchant categorically refused to sell to me and it has nothing to do with my skin color because she and I are Black. Would you believe that she did not want to sell to me because of three specific reasons: 1) I was a Man, 2) I was her first client for the day and 3) she has better luck with women and not men. She told me that" Shans mwen se fanm. Mwen Pa Gin Chans Gason". Translation: Her luck is with women; that she doesn't have good luck with men. She absolutely believes that if her first business transaction for the day is with a man and not a woman, her entire day will not be profitable.

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Here is a picture of a gentleman using his charming skills to sell his Haitian art to a potential client. In an art Fair where you will find many artists selling products, specially Haitian art, it is most important to turn on the charm if you want to make any money that day.

The Haitian merchant seems to understand the concept clearly as you can see it is no longer about the product but persuasion through communication.

To "turn on the charm" when dealing with customers, clients, associates, employees, competitors, or potential clients is to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

research has proved that charm is extremely well valued in our society. Charm pays, draws customers, gets noticed. It creates an impression, usually a good one.

If you have competition, the ability to be charming will help your business to distance itself from the competition.

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There is a popular statement in business that states "The three most important considerations are location, location, location." It's a reference to the fact that a business needs to be in the right place geographically to be successful. In Haiti, most business people understand this concept clearly, from the person operating a big company to the merchant who is making hands meat.

This lady in the picture seating down is doing nothing but applying these principles. Unfortunately, she is placing her products at the right location where everyone will see it. However, it is in the middle of the road, blocking traffic in Haiti

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The Houssa phenomenon in Haiti. It is something believed by most people where it is believed to have occurred when businesses suddenly and mysteriously lose money.

Many believe that one of the persons involved in the transaction has the power to mysteriously take money away. There are many instances and stories told about certain Houssa people coming in to a store and buying something

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Cine Triomphe, one of Haiti's most popular cinemas has been acquired by the Haitian government. For years, the cinema has been a popular entertainment place for Haitians. The owner of the cinema was invited by the government to place a bid. Cine Triomphe will be renovated using $10 million Petro Caribe funds and will be renamed as Centre Culturel du Champs-de-Mars.

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HPN Minister of Culture, Mario Dupuy reported that the renovation work for Rex Theater will be resumed by the end of 2013. He reported that $10 million Petro Caribe funds has been allocated for the renovation work. Dupuy said that currently a plan is being created by a Dominican firm and as soon as the plan is submitted to the Haitian government, the physical renovation work for Rex Theater will be started with immediate effect. Through this renovation work, the Rex Theater will be converted into a cinema and a big show room.

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American comedian Ben Stiller, who has been working in Haiti since 2010 to promote education and to build schools through The Stiller Foundation, gave a new direction to Haitian cinema. He merged his film making interest with his interest in promoting education and joined forces with Ciné Institute. Ciné Institute is the only film making school in Haiti. Stiller joined the Institute and discussed why film making education is vital. He pointed out that films do not only create job opportunities but they also help people to express their emotions and to tell their stories to the world. Ben Stiller discussed this after he took the stage at Jacob Burns Film Center.

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Here is a picture posted about a film at De Luxe Auto Cine in Haiti

Cinema in Haiti is plagued by lack of technical and weak artistic preparations. Actors, artists and technicians learn on job and they are far busier in solving technical problems. They barely deal with the problems on the creative side. The state is devoid of concrete legislation on cinema and even the state administration has never shown any interesting in promoting filmmaking in the nation.

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