The determination was obvious on my side, the time was immediate, and the goal possible but overwhelming. With some given advice, ideas and scattered documents assembled, I had up to my shoulder. The question, "how to get such a project going within the current political instability?"

It all started on printed sheets of paper where all the plans were meticulously laid down and the brainstorm underlined.

harder for the production of the second part.

Meanwhile, beyond tremendous difficulties of all kind along with the political instability in Haiti, I patiently managed to use diverse strategies possible to overcome nevertheless many obstacles and the challenge such a project could encounter.

The project.

Looking at the way Haiti is viewed through the mass media and the misconception of the Haitian culture particularly in the USA, I felt like a mission was dedicated to me, then a duty needed to be accomplished. As a native of Haiti and being well aware of the problem, I tried to break many barriers as possible and sacrifice myself in order to contribute in the promotion of the Haitian culture, ecotourism, and its people by any means necessary. In doing so, I wanted to show that every Haitian could be an ambassador for Haiti when the need arises to defend the best interests of the country with pride, dignity, and respect.

Hopefully, almost everything had been taken care of during my first stay in Cap-Haitien where hospitality is an ancestral tradition from accommodations to driver guides. One the most spectacular morning shot of this documentary was above the Citadelle Laférrière, which had to be done in three different times because of cloudy condition. Aboard a double-engine small aircraft freighted by Caribintair and sitting next to the pilot to capture the shot, I was feeling very adventurous. It wasn't that funny, but the end result was truly satisfying.

One time, while getting another shot on top of the Citadelle Henri Christophe overlooking the bay of Cap-Haitien, I was almost welcomed by the bottom of the cliff surrounding the massive structure of the Citadelle. Many other incidents and obstacles were encountered afterwards, but never stopped me from giving up this mission. A positive thinking sealed into my mind had kept me going forward.

Sometimes, I would find myself in the middle of nowhere and wondering ironically what in the world I'm doing there. Hiking and Climbing endless mountains for hours whether it's in the north, the center, or in the south willing to capture some of Haiti's incredible treasures and bring them to the world. It has been indeed gratifying to reach and explore for instance at more than 7,000 feet above see level the highest water source in the Caribbean known as the white stream in Seguin, Jacmel located in the Southeast. The temperature is even cool during the summer time and at night you could imagine the how it would be until you wake up to glimpse at the wonders of nature.

My desire was endless since I wanted to make this project a reality in order to share it with the rest world so they'll have another perception of Haiti and make all Haitians proud. This urgent persuasion drove me to Port-de-Paix, Fort-Liberté, Gonaives to name a few, and to the Bassin Zim, Hinche located in the center region of Haiti, a beautiful waterfall along with a natural cave still bearing the traces of the pre-Columbian era. An 8-hour trip ended up with a 30-minutes videotaping at the tip of the day. Then it was already time to start making plan and leave this region in the middle of the night by truck in order to reach the capital early in the morning. The timing was a must for the execution of this project and several years were needed due to the short-term basis of my stays.

On the other hand, a good sense of observation could obviously make any visitors figuring out that for some reasons the southern peninsula of Haiti bears a greater vegetation than the northern region. A perfect example is the Chambellan's region and its surroundings, which abound with water as well as agricultural crops. The further the regions, the more they hide some extraordinary sceneries waiting to be rediscovered. Ile-a-Vache, Saut-Mathurine, Port-Salut beach, the southern region as a whole were the last challenge that I had to overcome despite difficult times.

The Result.

Planning, executing, and getting together this documentary is a work of art and a treasure of a lifetime itself. The first part of it has allowed many people to see what they have never seen on TV before, and the reason why I've struggled to make it a reality, so they could add it into their archives and share it with their family and their friends. It is not simply the positive image of Haiti, but the historical and cultural values of a land that should be better known, cherished and preserved. With part II on its way, I share with you a wonderful feedback based on the impact of this video documentary...

Old Dillard Foundation, Inc
Fort-Lauderdale, Florida

Dear Patrick,

On behalf of the of the Old Dillard museum, it is my pleasure to greet you and to make you aware of how much you and your magnificent talents are appreciated. Your production of the video documentary, “Haiti's Hidden Treasures” is a beautiful addition to the current exhibition, “The Cultural Aesthetics of Haiti: A Celebration of Life” here at the Old Dillard Museum. It graced the Grand Opening Reception with vibrancy and style.

Your genuine support for and pride In your country and its culture speak volumes through your art. Your dedication and desire to promote the rich and proud heritage that Haiti has been blessed with is to be commended. Your dedication will keep the awareness and spirit of Haiti alive…

…Thank you for your contribution and support in making this exhibition a great success. You do us proud!

Most sincerely,
Ernestine Ray
Curator

Old Dillard Museum

Ile-a-Vache bay from Port-Morgan

Capturing Ile-a-Vache coast

Ever since the DVD version of the documentary "Haiti's Hidden Treasures" has been released, it has caught the attention and interest of many people mainly in the diaspora who were very amazed of its existence and therefore, have greatly appreciated the idea. A lot of positive feedbacks and comments fueled my mailbox and enticed me toward working

The most important spots of Haiti were distinguished among the most spectacular and abandoned sites just waiting to be rediscovered.

The challenge.

With the opportunity to travel every year, I then created the time to experience and explore some interesting and popular places first in Port-au-Prince then in some provincial cities well known for their picturesque and historical sites. At the time, things were apparently calm politically, but still a challenge. In addition, the cost of fuel started to be sky high like the hot sun above the entire country. However, many means of transportation were available to facilitate my trips around Haiti and pursue my goal. Among them: single or double-engine plane, bus, truck, motorcycle, taxi, tap-tap, taxi-boat, yacht, rental car, horse to choose from.

Equipped, with affordable cameras depending on the trip, all-terrain tripods, tiny microphones, and several battery packs, the unknown adventure was about to begin smoothly in the capital to end up in the countryside. I had no idea on how this project would be welcomed or who I was going to meet once outside the capital, but just a few unfamiliar names listed by a good friend of mine now my wife, and other people met in the long run.