By Nephtalie Hyacinthe
Contributing Writer
We did it! Exclaimed Commissioner Jean Monestime as he graced the podium for his opening speech. It was a heartfelt moment for all attendees that knew Father Jean-Juste or learned of his work. He continued to thank his former and current staff for their tenacity into helping him achieve this successful project. The community advocated for this and indeed today they deliver. The new 20,000 square- foot center features a covered passenger drop-off entrance, a reception and lobby area and assorted multi-purpose rooms for staff, meetings, special events, games, fitness, cultural enrichment activities and after-school and adult programs. You can also look forward to an 82 by 44-foot aquatic pool with a deck and splash pad with lifeguard, fist-aid and pool ticket station.
Father Gerard Jean-Juste became the first Haitian ordained as a Catholic Priest in the United States. He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology and civil engineering from Northeastern in 1977. He later established the Haitian Refugee Center in Miami as part of his efforts to help Haitian immigrants win greater asylum consideration and to protect their due process rights. He devoted his life to advocate for Haitian Immigrants and for all immigrants. He was imprisoned twice but still he couldn’t be silenced.
“One of the most courageous activists that I have ever known. He was loyal to the children, the poor, the masses and to those suffering from wrongdoings”, shared Commissioner Monestime. He was a roman
catholic priest but an advocate for all. He interacted with message of love and compassion. An indebted Monestime proclaimed in his speech that Father Jean Juste is the reason why many of us and our children are here today. “A human right advocate and servant of the people. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of a very grateful Haitian community”. Said Commissioner Monestime. It is our hope that the cen
ter will remind us of the one we affectionately called Gerry.
Marleine Bastien, Executive Director of FANM, spoke of Father Jean-Juste as her younger self. She recounted her experience of him from the day they met. It was a very moving part of the ceremony. “He was a mentor, a spiritual father who has changed my life and made me who I am today. Under his leadership I understand the meaning of courage”. Said Ms. Bastien. Father Jean Juste would spend the whole day without eating marching on 54th street. He was determined, resilient, fearless, humble and optimistic. He would drive an hour to get to Krome and kept going until he received an answer. Marleine highlighted as she closed her speech that Little Haiti is in cultural danger and we need to work together. We need to unite our forces and our strengths to make sure that the cultural legacy of little Haiti remains. We know that Little Haiti is changing. We know that everyone wants little Haiti because of its elevation. It’s close to Downtown and the Airport but when we think of Father Gerard Jean Juste we know if he was still alive today what he would have done. He would assure that when the developers arrive if a development is being done that whoever built Little Haiti would have been represented at the negotiation table.
The center was filled with community leaders, governmental and public figures, students and very thankful Haitian-Americans. It was a day of drum beats, dance and joy as they close a chapter on a work that needed to be done yet flip a page to build lives and shape minds of residents. Father Jean-Juste was about getting communities together and this center is here to do just that.
(Photo credit: Office Miami-Dade Commissioner- District 2, Jean Monestime)