The Hotel Oloffson, a renowned landmark in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has been destroyed in a recent wave of gang violence that has intensified in the capital.
This 19th-century gingerbread mansion, once a refuge for artists, writers, musicians, and dignitaries, has not been able to withstand the ongoing security crisis that has gripped Haiti.
Richard Morse, the long-term tenant and manager of the hotel, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “It’s where I spent my last 40 years. It’s where I met my wife. It’s where my kids grew up. It’s where we played, where we had parties, where we danced.”
Morse, who also leads the Haitian roots band RAM, noted that the hotel was more than just a business; it was “a heartbeat” for the community.
The Hotel Oloffson boasts a rich history, built in the late 1800s.
It served various roles over the years, including a presidential residence and a U.S. Marine Corps hospital, eventually becoming a cultural hub for notable figures such as Mick Jagger and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, alongside many local artists.
The hotel also holds a place in literary history, as British novelist Graham Greene featured it in his 1960s work, The Comedians, which takes place during the oppressive regime of François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, alongside his feared Tontons Macoute.
The hotel’s significance as a cultural gathering spot cannot be understated, but its recent fate is a stark reflection of the urban malaise in Haiti today.
In recent months, the hotel has been situated in a hotly contested area dominated by the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, which has claimed territory across much of Port-au-Prince.
Morse revealed that he had been unable to access the hotel for several months, stating, “I’ve been trying to get there for months. And no one would let me go.”
The destructive fire occurred amidst a clash between Haitian police and gang members in the Carrefour-Feuilles neighborhood, marking a tragic loss alongside numerous other historic buildings set ablaze.
While Morse acknowledged the increased attention surrounding the hotel’s destruction, he expressed concern for the greater suffering experienced by many across Haiti.
“The most difficult part for me is attracting all this attention to a hotel,” he said, “when there are so many people out there being killed and raped.”
However, Morse feels that if the hotel’s demise brings awareness to the surrounding violence and injustices, then it may serve a greater purpose.
Few regions remain untouched by gang violence, with nearly 90% of Port-au-Prince’s territory now under their control.
The chaos has displaced hundreds of thousands of Haitians and worsened conditions for the vulnerable.
Despite his despair over the present situation, Morse remains hopeful for the future of Haiti.
“I don’t think we’re going to see places the way we saw them,” he said. “But I believe the spirit is not gone. Haitians are such a powerful entity; people can’t get rid of it — as much as they try.”
image source from：npr
