On Saturday 21st September 2024, Haitians from all walks of life participated in what was dubbed as EduPol Marathon for peace around with a theme "Kous pou lapè"
The National Police of Haiti (PNH), through the Educational Community Police (that works closely with MSS Community Engagement) in conjunction with the Parish of Saint Vincent de Paul, were behind the one day sporting event that attracted hundreds of Haitians, international missions and participants from MSS Kenya Contingent.
The theme "Kous pou lapè", was aligned to celebrate the international day of peace and the 60th anniversary of the said Parish, located in Thomassin, commune of Pétion-Ville.
The event was organized following the continuous targeted security operations in the neighborhood of Delmas that has seen relative normalcy return and public confidence build. The event included people with disabilities, youths and children drawn from several departments of the country (Center, North, South-East and West). The participation of MSSM contingents spiced up the event with many participants cheering and interacting freely with the officers. The fanfare took place in a conducive atmosphere dominated by the excitement from the crowd and an atmosphere of security that has been established through the string collaboration between the HNP, MSS and local communities.
Eminent personalities in attendance included: Col. Henry Kevron- MSS Deputy Force Commander, the Representative of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Mr. Papa Samba MBODJ; Mr. Xavier Michon, Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Mrs. Mahalia Chavez, Representative of the National Office of the OEA; Minister of the Condition of Women and Women's Rights (MCFDF), Marie Françoise Suzan; Renowned singer Lionel Benjamin, the King of Haitian Vodou, M. Augustin Saint Clou, Principal Commissioner Jean Salvador Étienne, National Coordinator of the Educational Community Police (EduPol), among others.
The race started in front of the Pétion-Ville Commissariat to Thomassin 25, and ended at the Parish of Saint Vincent de Paul where trophies and bonuses were given to the winners.
Participants underscored the need for sustained security operations to ensure that gangs had no place to operate from and for the locals to enjoy going on with their daily activities devoid of threats from gangs. Through the collaboration between HNP - EduPol and MSS Community Engagement Directorate, more community based engagements and activities have been envisaged to inspire hope and optimism.
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