The Association of Small Merchants of Jacmel (ADPMJ) celebrated Sunday, February 26, 2012, its first anniversary. The ceremony was held at the local of Lycée Pinchinat of Jacmel in the presence of hundreds of members of the association and guests of honor. Activities were launched by a prayer of Pastor Dimoncier Jolicoeur.

In his speech for the occasion, Vesner Anthony, President of ADPMJ, expressed appreciation for the work already done in the city of Jacmel, especially the sanitation, despite the enormous difficulties encountered in its first year of existence.

The President of the ADPMJ, who preaches the solidarity among merchants, commended the courage of the latter, for their efforts which have enabled the Association to stay alive. Vesner Antoine vigorously criticized the inaction of the authorities of the country, particularly those of South-East department, who have made none concrete approach that can improve the miserable situation of the merchants in the iron market of the city.He advocated for the supervision of merchants and denounced the politicians of the department that use only the merchants in the elections.

Marie-Ange Philistine, the Vice President of ADPMJ, who explained the context in which the initiative was taken, stated that the Association is committed in the development of the city of Jacmel. She criticized the hostile behavior of some staff of the municipality of Jacmel, who claim that ADPMJ wants to do the job of mayor, while ADPMJ it only helps the latter to keep the city clean.

For his part, Philippe Louiner, the treasurer of the ADPMJ, declared that the main current objectives of the Association were to be able to establish literacy program and a system of bank credit for merchants to improve the economic life of traders.

The Association of Small Merchants of Jacmel, currently has over three hundred active members. Those responsible asks the government to address the conditions of market infrastructure in Jacmel who does not even have toilets or a slaughterhouse capable of serving thousands of merchants selling their products at open air.

HL/ Claudy Bélizaire