Thursday, armed with his Academician sword engraved with his name, with the motto « à l'Immortalité » and wearing the famous green coat, the Canadian writer of Haitian origin Dany Laferrière was received under the dome, at 15:00 by Amin Maalouf, to the chair #2 of his predecessor, Hector Bianciotti.

An event hailed by several personalities

Dithny Joan Raton, the Minister of Culture, who represented Haiti in the ceremony was glad to be a privileged witness. "The Government of Haiti expressed his pride at seeing a son of the soil become immortal. This event projects a new image of Haiti outside. After the election of the Honorable Michaëlle Jean (former General of Canada Governor), a Haitian soul, at the head of the International Organization of la Francophonie; the obtainment of the Prix Femina by writer Yanick Lahens, to mention only these successes, Haiti's visibility comes in a new light. May the immortality whose Dany Laferrière enjoy spill over Haiti"

Michaëlle Jean, the Secretary General of the Francophonie congratulated Dany Laferrière for his entry into the French Academy "I welcome the wise choice of Immortals who, having voted in favor of Dany Laferrière, welcome him today in the most prestigious institution dedicated to the French language. Born in Haiti, that mythical island he had to leave for political exile in Canada, Dany Laferrière is now, after a distinguished career in Quebec, one of the major figures of the Francophonie in the Americas," adding that this historic day is not only an opportunity to celebrate the man and the writer but also the French language that fed his work and gave him this breath so special.

Ambassador of Canada in Haiti, Ms. Paula Caldwell St-Onge, to emphasize the reception of the Canadian-Haitian author Dany Laferrière at the French Academy declared "I warmly congratulate Dany Laferrière for his election as the 726th Académicien since the creation of the Académie française, where he will be the first Canadian and the first Haitian to be inducted.

His installation within this prestigious institution will strengthen Canada and Haiti as French-speaking countries home to some world-renowned authors. It also highlights the incredible talent of Canadian and Haitian artists and showcases their creativity abroad.

Undoubtedly, his election to the Académie française will further strengthen the cultural ties that already bind our two countries - Haiti, his homeland, and Canada, his country of adoption. His election will also contribute to the standing and greater appreciation of the Francophonie on the international scene.

I am convinced that Dany Laferrière will also make an outstanding contribution to the Académie française worthy of his career as a journalist, an author, a filmmaker and foremost, a great communicator through his literary works."

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-14025-haiti-politic-martelly-pays-a-special-tribute-to-the-immortal-dany-laferriere.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-14007-haiti-literature-dany-laferriere-received-his-academician-s-sword.html

HL/ HaitiLibre