Crown Controversy

Sunday night the Haitian Hotline was all a fluttery with the news of newly crowned Miss Haiti, Carolyn Desert, and her decision to terminate her contract with the Miss Haiti Committee.

I debated long and hard on whether or not to give the subject any light, let alone if I should even give it any thought at all. Wanting to avoid it or not, the last three days people in Haiti can talk about much else.

The “facts” are sketching and the lines, like in all dramas, are quite blurred. From my vantage point, I can say that I have not seen a Miss Haiti pageant run and held in the manner that the Miss Haiti 2014 was. Critics may argue and site the things that went wrong, but let’s just start by saying before this year it had been a very long time since Haiti had seen an official pageant. There was a campaign put in place, women registered, contestants chosen, and then an actual gala Miss Haiti pageant was held and Carolyn Desert was crowned. Unlike the past “pageants” there were no controversies that ensued, no calls of foul play. That in itself, in Haiti, is a feat.

Monday morning on my way to take a friend to the airport, I tuned into 90.1 just in time to hear ChoKarelLa host, Carel Pedre announce that he would be interviewing Miss Haiti. Minutes later Carel dials a call and soon Carolyn Desert is on the line. Carel begins the interview by asking about her trip, the pageant, and how is she feeling to be back. Miss Haiti was in Bolivia competing in the Reina Hispanoamericana 2014 pageant, where she actually placed 3^rd, also winning Best Smile. The importance of this honor for Haiti, has all been but overshadowed by this break-up turned controversy.

The phone interview with Desert went quite long. She went into details, siting several examples in which she felt the committee had dropped the ball, and at the end left her with the feeling of having no support. Since that interview, Desert has gone on to make videos, social media post, more radio interviews, and has also reinstated her gofundme page to tell her story and to garnish public assistance as she continues on her journey for Miss World in London.

A few days later, in the mist of a seemingly growing controversy, the Miss Haiti Committee released a written response. The committee stated their defense, complete with conversation dates, and specific timeline of events. Admirably, the committee does make mention that there are certain things they could have handled better. And after all there is always 3-sides to a story, so we know there is no one culprit.

But at the end of the day, all parties must keep in mind; one thing and one thing only, this is about Haiti. When what should be private discussions are played out on social media for all the world to see, it is not about getting what you want, but about the credibility and the value of all Haitians that you are putting up for ridicule. You may lose sight of just who is watching and what their take away message is, but as someone who grew up in the Diaspora and had to fight against negative stereotypes, I know what negative press can do. This outward bickering and airing of our dirty laundry in public, does nothing to help that young Haitian in New York, or the little girl in Haiti hoping for better.

Miss Haiti 2014 seems determined to compete in Miss World. It is my hope that all parties involved, can come together for the greater good and the image of Haiti. It maybe that too much has been said, and not enough time to mend. Then I would humbly suggest to Miss Haiti that you do get a team, for you cannot do it alone. Make sure those advising you really have your best interest in mind, and not their own agenda. Elicit help, not from friends, but from those who know how and are really equipped to handle your finances, logistics and your public image. At the end of the day, as you so often say, you are doing this not for you but for Haiti. It may mean having to make compromises and concessions, but at all times it means keeping the crown in mind, and conducting yourself in a manner befitting Miss Haiti, the queen that you are.