Haiti – Insecurity : Oloffson Hotel Fire: Official Reactions
09/07/2025 09:36:20
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Prime Minister’s Office :
“The Oloffson Hotel, an architectural gem and living symbol of Haitian history, was destroyed by flames in a criminal act of unspeakable violence https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45287-haiti-flash-the-oloffson-hotel-more-than-a-century-of-history-gone-up-in-smoke.html . This emblematic place, which has seen artists, writers, and visitors from around the world, is no more. A part of the soul of Port-au-Prince, of national memory, and of Haitian heritage has just been destroyed.
The armed bandits have reached a new level of terror. They no longer just burn houses : they are now attacking our culture, our identity, and what makes us a people.
The Government expresses its strongest indignation. He calls on every Haitian to rise up. The time for indifference and divisions is over: it is time for national unity. There is an urgent need to mobilize together against the criminals who threaten our collective survival.
The State is fully aware of the gravity of the situation. All resources will continue to be mobilized to track down, dismantle, and uproot these armed groups. This crime against the nation will not go unpunished.
To the instigators of chaos, we say this: you will not destroy Haiti. You have lit a fire that will awaken the conscience of a people standing firm.”
Presidential Transitional Council :
“The Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) expresses its deep dismay following the burning of the Oloffson Hotel by thugs from the terrorist organization ‘Viv Ansamn’ on the night of July 5-6, 2025. Located in the heart of Port-au-Prince, this hotel was an architectural gem and an emblem of the collective memory of Haitians.
Built at the end of the 19th century and after housing former President Tiresias Simon-Sam, the imposing building was first a refined private residence before serving as a hospital for American troops between 1915 and 1934. It was then transformed into a hotel by Swedish Captain Werner Gustav Oloffson, after whom it takes its name.
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Its destruction represents an irreparable loss to Haiti’s tangible and intangible heritage.
The CPT extends its thoughts of solidarity to all those for whom the Oloffson Hotel was a landmark, a place of expression, remembrance, and encounter. It calls for mobilization to safeguard our heritage, which continues to be weakened by instability, impunity, and neglect.
The CPT encourages the justice system and public security forces to take all necessary steps to prosecute the perpetrators, co-perpetrators, and accomplices of these unspeakable acts so that such crimes do not go unpunished.”
Port-au-Prince City Hall :
“On the night of July 5-6, 2025, a criminal fire ravaged the Oloffson Hotel, one of Haiti’s most iconic cultural symbols. This tragedy, a direct consequence of growing gang violence, constitutes an inestimable loss to our collective memory and our architectural heritage.
[…] In the face of this tragic destruction, we call for collective mobilization between the State and society to rebuild this tourist landmark, but also to preserve and promote what remains of our shared heritage. The disappearance of the Hotel Oloffson should not mark the end of an era, but rather the beginning of a renewed commitment to culture, memory, and peace.”
U.S. Embassy in Haiti :
“We are deeply saddened by reports of the destruction of the historic Hotel Oloffson in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, allegedly at the hands of criminal gangs. This represents a tragic loss of Haiti’s rich cultural heritage and underscores the urgent need for stability and security in the region.
The United States stands with the people of Haiti in their pursuit of peace, safety, and prosperity. We continue to support efforts to combat gang violence and promote the rule of law.”
HL/ HaitiLibre