Haiti Pilgrimage Halted by Gang Violence

Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jul 17 (AP) — The annual pilgrimage to the sacred waterfall in Saut-d'Eau, central Haiti, usually draws thousands of Vodou and Christian believers. They immerse themselves in the waterfall's refreshing waters and perform rituals with aromatic leaves. However, this year's event was notably absent, as the town has been under the control of powerful gangs since March.

The revered Saut-d'Eau waterfall has long been a destination for those seeking to honor the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, closely associated with the Vodou goddess Erzulie. However, the escalating violence in the area has prevented the annual pilgrimage. "Not going to Saut-d'Eau is terrible. That water is so fresh it just washes off all the evilness around you,” expressed Ti-Marck Ladouce, who instead joined thousands in a Port-au-Prince hillside ceremony dedicated to Erzulie and the Virgin Mary.

Those gathered in the capital thanked the Virgin Mary for protection amidst Haiti’s wave of gang violence, which has reportedly claimed over 4,864 lives from October to the end of June. "People are praying to be saved,” Ladouce noted, as many faced uncertainty and danger daily.

Overwhelming Demand at Makeshift Gathering

Attendees lit candles and clutched rosaries, trying to enter the small, overwhelmed church. Daniel Jean-Marcel, eyes closed toward the sky, expressed gratitude for survival amid Port-au-Prince's violence, which has displaced more than 1.3 million people. Despite the dire situation, he resolved to remain in Haiti, even as many flee the country, contending with U.S. immigration measures including recent deportations.

Among the attendees was 87-year-old Jacques Plédé, recalling his days helping build the church now serving as a stand-in for the Saut-d'Eau waterfall. "It's a disgrace for the country that the gangs have taken over such a treasured site for private prayer,” he lamented, holding out hope of returning to the waterfall one day.

Seizure of Sacred Sites by Gangs

On March 31, the Canaan gang led by Jeff made a significant attack on Saut-d'Eau, twice repelled by police and community resistance, only for the gang to return stronger and take control in April. Frustration with authorities' weak response led residents to occupy a local hydroelectric plant in protest, resulting in power outages. Videos on social media showed Canaan leader Jeff Larose, alongside Joseph Wilson ("Lanmo Sanjou") and Jimmy Chérizier ("Barbecue"), key figures in Haiti's gang networks, at the Saut-d'Eau church distributing money to citizens.

"They used to stop us from coming to Mount Carmel,” Barbecue declared. “We are now at the foot of our mother.” Lanmo Sanjou remarked on camera that the Virgin would allow them to perform more miracles.

A Cry for Deliverance

Without the serene sounds of the waterfall's rushing waters, the crowd gathered for prayer in Port-au-Prince. Hugens Jean, reflecting on family visits to Saut-d'Eau, attended the substitute pilgrimage seeking divine assistance. "Today is special,” he said, "We need deliverance for our families and from gang control. Daily life is filled with uncertainty - we never know who will live or die.”

Joane Durosier, a Vodou priestess or "mambo," echoed his sentiments, praying for protection in a land where suffering is widespread. "In a country like Haiti, everybody needs protection,” she said.

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