Farewell message from Ambassador Weibert Arthus :

"Dear friends:

As I bid you farewell today, 1 have a strange feeling of joy and sadness, which I would like to share with you. The joy of announcing that I was leaving Ottawa on March 17 at the end of a mission that I have fulfilled to the best of my ability and in accordance with my vision of service to the nation and my fellow citizens. 1 also feel a certain sadness at having to say Adieu or Au revoir to all those colleagues and coworkers whose support was essential to the success of my mission as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Haïti to Canada.

During the 53 months I have spent in this position, 1 have had the opportunity to observe at first hand the importance and strength of relations between Haïti and Canada. These two countries have so much in common, including a common language, a culture of civility, and thousands of people who proudly claim both nationalities. These common traits certainly make the work of our diplomatie and consular staff easier, and rm delighted about that. l'd like to say a warm thank you to all my Canadian interlocutors from all three levels of government - federal, provincial and municipal - and from the private sector, who have helped me enormously in carrying out my duties here in Ottawa.

My thanks also go to the members of foreign missions accredited to Canada, with whom I had the privilege of collaborating in an atmosphere of mutual cordiality and appreciation. Whether in the field of my relations with the members of the CARICOM caucus or the GAF, the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Ottawa, 1 have nothing but pleasant memories to treasure.

The Haitian community in Canada has also been invaluable in supporting me in the performance of my duties. 1 was delighted to observe the commitment to the land of birth that continues to animate the thousands of compatriots who have left the country for decades. Not to mention the intense love shown by those who were born here and know Haïti only through conversations with relatives, readings, pictures and music.

1 would like to take this opportunity to encourage the staff of our mission here to continue to reflect on the needs and expectations of those we are called to serve, and to always act in the interests of our common homeland.

During these 53 months in Ottawa, 1 have forged very deep persona! and professional relationships that I intend to nurture for the rest of my lite. For me, Canada is more than a country where l've been stationed. lt's a country l've grown to love, and where l'm leaving true friends and a little bit of myself.

Mèsi anpil! Un gros Merci! Many thanks to all!"

HL/ HaitiLibre