Overview:
Through a wreath-laying ceremony, public discussions and residents’ testimonies, Port-de-Paix honored Gen. François “Capois-La-Mort” Capois on Oct. 19, calling for his legacy to reach future generations.
PORT-DE-PAIX — Residents and local officials gathered in Haiti’s Northwest capital Monday to honor Gen. François “Capois-La-Mort” Capois, one of the most prominent heroes of the independence struggle, best known for his role in the Battle of Vertières on Nov. 18, 1803.
Local authorities declared the day a nonworking day in the coastal town, with schools, banks and many public and private institutions closed. Supporters say the commemoration gives the region an opportunity to preserve the memory of a native son whose contribution to Haiti’s independence deserves greater recognition.
“It is important for us to commemorate this significant date so that future generations can learn about the role Capois-La-Mort played in the struggle to free the country from colonial rule,” said Ralph Moreau, mayor of Port-de-Paix.
Local officials prepare to lay a wreath at the Capois-La-Mort memorial in Capois Square, honoring the independence hero in Port-de-Paix, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times.
An inscription reading “In Memory of the Heroes Who Fell for Freedom” appears beside a wreath laid at the memorial during the Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 commemoration in Port-de-Paix. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times.
Passing the legacy to a new generation
For young residents, the commemoration is an opportunity to connect Haiti’s history with civic pride and national identity.
“This is something new for us, to see this date dedicated to commemorating General Capois-La-Mort,” said Dabens Cuity Aristide, 18, a high school student at Lycée Sténio Vincent.
Aristide said the occasion could strengthen civic awareness and pride among young people, particularly those from the Northwest.
Etzer Louissaint, a 45-year-old teacher agreed.
For Louissaint, the hero’s limited recognition reflects the political marginalization of the region. He argued that Capois-La-Mort’s contribution to the Battle of Vertières should receive greater attention from national leaders.
“It is important for us to commemorate this significant date so that future generations can learn about the role Capois-La-Mort played in the struggle to free the country from colonial rule.”
Ralph Moreau, Mayor of Port-de-Paix.
“The same way the country’s political leaders continue to humiliate the Northwest, they show little regard for General Capois-La-Mort, who played a decisive role in the Battle of Vertières on Nov. 18, 1803,” he said. “National leaders have long forgotten this exceptional man.”
Local officials,including Mayor Ralph Moreau, prepare to lay a wreath at the Capois-La-Mort memorial in Capois Square, honoring the independence hero in Port-de-Paix, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times.
History, memory and spiritual beliefs
Capois-La-Mort was born in 1766 on the Delaunay plantation in Chansolme, a nearby town. He is remembered for his bravery during the Battle of Vertières, the decisive 1803 battle that helped secure Haiti’s independence from French colonial rule.
“The same way the country’s political leaders continue to humiliate the Northwest, they show little regard for General Capois-La-Mort, who played a decisive role in the Battle of Vertières on Nov. 18, 1803.”
Etzer Louissaint
Some residents also connect his legacy to Vodou and spiritual practices. Eléazar Dieusel, principal of Lycée Tertulien Guilbeau in Port-de-Paix, said he believes Capois performed mystical ceremonies before the battle. These beliefs form part of how some people interpret the general’s courage and achievements, though they are not established historical facts.
Dieusel called for Haitian schools to give students more opportunities to explore spiritual traditions and their place in the country’s history. He also said Oct. 19 should prompt wider recognition of other independence-era figures from the Northwest, including Gen. Jacques Maurepas.
Hundreds of students from several schools across Port-de-Paix gathered at the city’s archdiocese media library on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, to commemorate the death of Capois-La-Mort and learn about the Haitian independence hero. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times.
For residents gathered in Port-de-Paix, the commemoration is more than a tribute to a military leader. It is a call to preserve Haiti’s history, recognize contributions from the regions and ensure that younger generations understand the people who fought for freedom.
