Haiti – Politic : Two major decrees to structure and promote sport in the country
11/05/2025 09:34:27
 |
 |
This week, Niola Lynn Sarah Dévalis Octavius, Minister of Youth and Sports, presented two major decrees, adopted with the support of the Presidential Transitional Council, aimed at strengthening the institutional framework for the sports sector in Haiti.
The first of these decrees establishes an ad hoc Presidential Commission to Combat Intentional Violence in Sport. Composed of seven eminent figures, this body’s mandate is to diagnose, analyze, and formulate strategic recommendations to prevent and combat acts of intentional violence, particularly in the world of football. This Commission has a six-month mandate and may seek the support of national or international specialists in carrying out its duties.
The creation of this Commission represents a strong institutional response to a long-ignored issue : systemic violence in sport, perceived as a major obstacle to the development of athletes and the integrity of sports competitions.
Through awareness-raising workshops, training sessions, and broad stakeholder engagement, the Ministry intends to involve all stakeholders in the national sports sector in a resolute fight against abusive behavior and institutional abuses.
The second decree officially establishes June 15 as National Day of Physical Activity and Sports. This symbolic choice echoes a historic moment in Haitian collective memory : Haiti’s participation in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, a true marker of national unity and international recognition. This day aims not only to promote the benefits of physical activity, but also to celebrate the national sports culture and encourage reflection on public policies in this area.
In her remarks, Minister Octavius emphasized that the institutionalization of this date reflects the desire of the highest authorities of the State to fully recognize the physical, educational, economic, and social dimensions of sport, while guaranteeing every citizen the fundamental right to participate in sports in an inclusive, accessible, and valued environment.
HL/ HaitiLibre