Tag - haitian

A 23-year-old Louisiana man has been charged in federal court with sexually abusing three Haitian boys while working as a missionary in Haiti, according to newly unsealed court documents. Maylon Foshee of Mansfield is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with the boys, all 14 at the time of the alleged abuse, during trips to Haiti between 2023 and 2025. Investigators say he worked closely with children, helped them attend school, and housed some of them in his home there. At least two of the boys told authorities they were living with him because of problems at home; one said Foshee was paying for his schooling. The same victim said he wanted Foshee to stop but could not, and that he was afraid of the missionary, who would scream at him and sometimes beat him with a belt. FBI agents said they first learned of the allegations from other people doing work in Haiti who reported that several children had described inappropriate sexual contact. In a voicemail after rumors began circulating, Foshee claimed that except for one instance he initiated, the others “came onto” him and that he had “fixed the problem.” Foshee was ordered into U.S. Marshals custody and is being held at the Bossier Parish Jail pending a detention hearing. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana. He is represented by the Federal Public Defender’s office. This is not an isolated case. This month, former Ohio missionary Jeriah Mast pleaded guilty in federal court to sexually abusing 2 minors in Haiti after years of mission trips, including work with Christian Aid Ministries. He had previously admitted to authorities that he molested about 30 children in Haiti between roughly 2003 & 2019. Haitian children living in poverty, displacement, or family crisis remain among the most vulnerable. When foreigners control housing, school fees, & daily access, the power imbalance is extreme. Advocates argue that prevention requires more than prosecutions: stronger vetting & oversight of mission and aid groups, independent reporting channels and an end to the assumption that good intentions or religious language equal safety. #lunionsuite

A new federal rule could change which college programs qualify for federal student loans and it puts graduates’ earnings at the center of the decision. The U.S. Department of Education has finalized a new accountability system that will measure whether graduates of college programs earn more than workers with a lower level of education. The new system, known as STATS and Earnings Accountability, is scheduled to replace the current federal framework beginning July 1, 2027. For undergraduate programs, the government will generally compare graduates’ median earnings with those of working adults who have only a high school diploma. Graduate programs face a different benchmark tied to earnings of workers with a bachelor’s degree. The government can use earnings information from the IRS to calculate a program’s median graduate earnings. Importantly, the IRS does not give the Education Department individual students’ salaries or identities; it provides aggregated earnings information used for the calculation. A program would not lose federal loans simply because it fails the test once. Under the final rule, a program that fails the earnings measure in two out of three award years can be classified as a low-earning outcome program and lose access to federal Direct Loans for at least two years. There are also provisions designed to allow some already-enrolled students to finish their programs. The rule has raised concerns for programs connected to traditionally lower-paying careers. Recent reporting has highlighted areas including social work, art and music, while certificate programs can also be affected. Supporters of stronger accountability argue students should have better protection from programs that leave graduates with weak financial outcomes; critics argue that salary alone may not capture the value or public importance of careers such as social work, education and ministry. The change comes from higher-education provisions enacted by Congress in 2025 and is now being implemented through Department of Education regulations. #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

The Grenadiers did it again. 🇭🇹🔥 Haiti defeated Costa Rica 2–0 Sunday night at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, picking up another three points and continuing its strong start to the Concacaf Nations League. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde gave Haiti the early advantage, finding the net in the 9th minute. Haiti doubled its lead in the 39th minute when Costa Rica defender Francisco Calvo scored an own goal, sending the Grenadiers into halftime ahead 2–0. This was another big result for Haiti under head coach David Badia. The Grenadiers opened the Nations League campaign with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago before shutting out Costa Rica tonight. Concacaf confirmed Haiti won its opening match as part of the first round of League A, Group A. Haiti now has two wins from two matches and six points in Group A. The Grenadiers’ Nations League journey continues on October 1 against the Dominican Republic, followed by another meeting with Costa Rica on October 4 in San José. Two games. Two wins. Six points. 🇭🇹 🎥: @concacafnationsleague | @fhfhaiti #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

One more night in Kingston. One more chance to see the Grenadiers live. ⁠ ⁠ Haiti returns to Sabina Park tonight to face Costa Rica in its second match of the 2026–27 Concacaf Nations League.⁠ ⁠ The Grenadiers enter the match with momentum after a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday. Haiti trailed 2–1 before Garven-Michée Metusala tied the match in stoppage time and Wilson Isidor scored the winner in the 98th minute.⁠ ⁠ Costa Rica comes into tonight’s match looking for its first points after a stunning 4–3 loss to Curaçao. Costa Rica led 3–0 at halftime before Curaçao scored four unanswered goals in the second half to complete the comeback. ⁠ ⁠ That makes tonight another important match in Group A. Haiti currently has three points, while Costa Rica has zero, and only the top two teams in the group advance to the Nations League quarterfinals. Concacaf⁠ ⁠ 🇭🇹 Haiti vs. Costa Rica 🇨🇷⁠ 📅 Tonight — Sunday, September 27⁠ ⏰ 7:00 PM — Haiti & South Florida⁠ 📍 Sabina Park — Kingston, Jamaica⁠ ⁠ For Haitians in Jamaica, this is another opportunity to fill the stands, bring the flags and show up for the Grenadiers. 🇭🇹⁠ ⁠ Who’s watching Haiti tonight?⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

What you post online could soon become part of how Florida authorities determine criminal gang membership.⁠ ⁠ Starting October 1, a new Florida law will expand the criteria authorities can use when identifying someone as a criminal gang member during criminal investigations, prosecutions and sentencing. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 429 into law in June. ⁠ ⁠ Under the law, an admission of criminal gang membership made in person, on social media or another online platform can count as one of the criteria used to determine gang membership. Authorities may also consider online communications that indicate gang affiliation or activity. ⁠ ⁠ The law also creates a definition for “gang-related language.” That includes statements that signal gang affiliation, support gang activity or use recognized gang codes, symbols or terminology. However, the law specifically refers to using such language online in furtherance of criminal gang-related activity — an important detail that should not be left out. ⁠ ⁠ And a single social media post does not automatically make someone a criminal gang member. Florida law generally requires a person to meet two or more qualifying criteria. A single act can satisfy more than one criterion if it meets the requirements of multiple categories. ⁠ ⁠ Other changes include allowing a spouse who lives with someone to identify that person as a gang member and reducing the number of documented observations with known gang members needed as one criterion from four to two. ⁠ ⁠ The new law takes effect statewide October 1, 2026. Florida Senate⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé took Haiti’s security crisis, elections and future directly to the world stage Friday, telling leaders at the United Nations General Assembly that the country is at a “watershed moment.” Speaking in New York, Fils-Aimé said Haiti continues to face widespread armed violence, displacement and attacks on communities. He called for continued international support for security efforts, while making clear that Haiti must ultimately rebuild its own institutions and take responsibility for its future. “Haiti will resist. Haiti is standing tall.” Fils-Aimé said Haiti is not asking the international community to determine its future, but to stand beside the country as Haitians work to regain control of their security and institutions. He thanked international partners supporting the Gang Suppression Force and called for its full deployment. The prime minister also addressed Haiti’s long-delayed elections. He said his government intends to bring the political transition to an end through elections and the ballot box, linking the restoration of security to giving Haitians the opportunity to choose their leaders again. Fils-Aimé closed his address by connecting Haiti’s current struggle with the country’s history. Referring to Toussaint Louverture and Haiti’s fight for freedom, he said this generation now has another responsibility: turning that freedom into lasting peace. His message to the international community was clear: Haiti needs support, but its future must ultimately be built by Haitians. 🎥: @calvinwplg #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

The Grenadiers are off to a winning start. 🇭🇹⚽️ Haiti currently sits second in Group A of the Concacaf Nations League after opening its campaign with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago Thursday night at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. Haiti opened the scoring through Fabrice Picault in the 23rd minute, but Trinidad and Tobago answered eight minutes later through Wayne Frederick. Levi García then gave Trinidad and Tobago a 2–1 lead in the second half. The Grenadiers refused to let the match go. Garven-Michée Metusala tied the game in stoppage time before Wilson Isidor scored the winner in the 98th minute, completing a late comeback and giving new head coach David Badia a victory in his first competitive match in charge. After the first round of Group A matches, Curaçao, Haiti and the Dominican Republic all have three points. Curaçao currently holds first place, Haiti is second and the Dominican Republic is third. Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago and Nicaragua remain on zero points. Haiti’s next test comes Sunday, September 27, against Costa Rica at Sabina Park. That match could be important in the race for the top two positions, because only the top two teams from Group A advance to the Nations League quarterfinals, where they will join Mexico, the United States, Canada and Panama. The Grenadiers have three points on the board. Now it’s on to Costa Rica. 🇭🇹🔥 #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

As Haiti prepares for elections, the head of the Organization of American States is raising concerns about the possibility of people with connections to criminal groups entering the race. OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin said anyone with ties to criminal organizations should not be allowed to participate in Haiti’s upcoming elections, whether they are seeking the presidency, a seat in Parliament or a local position. But there is an important distinction: Ramdin was expressing the OAS position, not announcing a new Haitian election rule. He acknowledged that deciding whether a candidate is legally eligible to run is ultimately the responsibility of Haitian authorities. Ramdin has also raised concerns about what he described as links between some political figures and armed groups in Haiti. He said the issue could affect confidence in the electoral process, but he did not publicly identify specific candidates in the remarks I reviewed. The concern comes as Haiti works toward its first national elections in about a decade. The Provisional Electoral Council has scheduled the first round for December 13, 2026, although preparations are taking place under extremely difficult security conditions. Earlier this month, the OAS said armed groups control an estimated 80% to 90% of Port-au-Prince, while approximately 1.47 million people have been displaced. The OAS has been pushing for faster voter registration, stronger security and additional international support ahead of the elections. On September 25, all 32 active OAS member states also called for the full deployment and continued support of the Gang Suppression Force, saying improved security is necessary for Haiti to move toward credible elections. For now, the question of who qualifies to appear on Haiti’s ballot remains in the hands of Haiti’s electoral authorities and the procedures established under Haitian law. #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

Today, we’re celebrating the woman behind L’Union Suite! Please join us in wishing our Founder and CEO, @mrswanda a very happy birthday! For more than a decade, Wanda has used L’Union Suite to create a space where Haiti, our culture, our people and the Haitian diaspora can be seen, celebrated and connected. What started as a personal project in 2011 has grown into a platform that continues to tell our stories and represent our community around the world. Happy Birthday, Ms. Wanda! We hope your day is filled with love, happiness and many more blessings.🩵🎉🎈🎂 Drop a Happy Birthday for her in the comments! #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

Haitian pastor Molis Augustave has been deported to Haiti, weeks after a traffic stop in York County, Pennsylvania, led to his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.⁠ ⁠ Augustave was stopped by West Manchester Township police on September 4 for a broken headlight. Police discovered that he had a final removal order and contacted ICE, which took him into custody. He had entered the United States through a port of entry in 2016 and was later ordered removed after his asylum case was denied. Temporary Protected Status had prevented his removal for years, but that protection for Haitians ended in July.⁠ ⁠ His deportation was initially scheduled for September 17, but advocates said he was taken off the plane at the last minute. Days later, his green card application was denied, and on Thursday, September 24, he was deported to Haiti. ⁠ ⁠ Augustave leaves behind his U.S.-citizen wife, Omara Nunez, their 2-year-old son and his 9-year-old stepdaughter in Pennsylvania. His family, faith leaders and immigration advocates had pushed for him to remain in the country while his immigration case continued. ⁠ ⁠ His case has drawn attention to how quickly immigration enforcement can move after a person loses protection from deportation.⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

@NaomiOsaka just reminded everyone why she’s one of fashion’s most compelling athletes. The tennis star posted a series of striking portraits wearing Roberto Cavalli Fall Winter 2026/27 Look 44, a towering, all-black high-neck gown covered in cascading fringe that moves like feathers.⁠ ⁠ The look is peak “Nero Carnale,” the name Fausto Puglisi gave the collection he sent down the Milan runway in February. After seasons of color and animal print, Puglisi went almost entirely black: textured, sensual, and unapologetically dramatic. Leather, crocodile jacquard, lace, mohair, and faux astrakhan created depth. Color arrived only as sharp flashes of periwinkle, cyclamen, and electric pink.⁠ ⁠ Look 44 is one of the collection’s most theatrical pieces. A fitted high-neck bodice in sheer black lace and ruffles meets a voluminous skirt of layered fringe that trails behind the wearer. The silhouette is both structured and fluid, control meeting instinct, exactly what Puglisi said he wanted. Gold drop earrings and strappy sandals complete the look in the palazzo-style photos Osaka shared.⁠ ⁠ The images feel cinematic: Osaka standing in grand rooms with frescoes, gilded mirrors, and parquet floors, the gown pooling and sweeping as she turns. It’s the kind of moment that bridges sport and couture without trying too hard. Osaka has spent the last two years turning walk-ons and red carpets into fashion events. This one lands as a statement rather than a costume.⁠ ⁠ Puglisi has described the season as “a sensual black, infused with hyper-femininity and a quiet, underlying optimism.” Look 44 delivers that idea in one garment. It is dark, but it is not grim. It is opulent without being loud. It is Cavalli through a new, more concentrated lens.⁠ ⁠ 📸 @seebasschin @officialsheiks @aminatacreative⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican #haitian ⁠

Lets Go Haiti!!!! In the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time, Wilson Isidor rose inside the six-yard box and headed home the winner as Haiti beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 on Thursday night in their 2026–27 CONCACAF Nations League A opener. The Grenadiers had trailed 2-1 after 59 minutes. They leveled through defender Garven-Michee Metusala in the first minute of added time, then found the last blow when it mattered most.⁠ ⁠ It was Haiti’s first competitive match since the 2026 World Cup. Haiti started with purpose. In the 23rd minute, Isidor supplied Fafà Picault, who headed past the Trinidad and Tobago keeper from close range for 1-0. The lead lasted eight minutes. Wayne Frederick finished a set-piece sequence in the 31st minute, assisted by Rio Cardines, and the teams went to the locker room locked at 1-1.⁠ ⁠ The second half belonged first to Levi García. In the 59th minute the Trinidad and Tobago attacker struck from outside the box and put the Soca Warriors in front, 2-1. Haiti kept the ball they finished with about 69 percent possession, 21 shots to 11, and eight shots on target but the finish would not come. Isidor hit the crossbar around the 79th minute. Substitutes Frantzdy Pierrot, Ruben Providence, and Yassin Fortuné entered as Haiti chased the game.⁠ ⁠ Metusala scored in the 91st minute to make it 2-2. Then, deep in the 98th minute, Isidor attacked a ball in the box and headed it into the low left corner. Final: Haiti 3, Trinidad and Tobago 2. ⁠ ⁠ Group A also includes Costa Rica, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. The top two reach the Nations League quarterfinals. After Matchday 1, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti all sit on three points. Trinidad and Tobago sit on zero.⁠ ⁠ Isidor now has another defining Haiti moment after scoring at the World Cup against Morocco. Picault delivered the first goal. Metusala, a center back, delivered the equalizer that made the winner possible. For a team still building after a historic World Cup summer and still playing its “home” games on the road three points like this are the statement the campaign needed.⁠ ⁠ 🎥 @concacafnationsleague⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican