Jean Massillon, the mayor of Kenscoff, Haiti, passed away on Friday. His death has been confirmed by Deputy Mayor Jean Max Duvivier through a report to radio station Métropole Haiti, indicating that it was health-related.
Massillon was renowned for his efforts in safeguarding the citizens of Kenscoff, a farming community that has recently faced severe violence from gangs. Throughout his tenure, he frequently urged the Haitian government to prioritize the safety of its citizens and often utilized local radio to shed light on the challenges faced by residents.
In a statement, Haiti’s government praised Massillon’s dedication, saying, “Jean Massillon was a man who never shied away from his responsibilities. Even as insecurity weighed on the daily lives of his fellow citizens, he chose to remain present alongside his community and to make his voice heard so that Kenscoff would never be abandoned.”
Kenscoff has witnessed two recent massacres that resulted in the deaths of at least 164 people, with over 70 individuals reported kidnapped and many more missing. A human rights organization has stated that improved security measures could have mitigated the scale of these tragedies.
The violent incidents in July and August led to the displacement of approximately 10,000 residents. In the days leading up to his death, Massillon appealed for patience from those who had fled their homes, emphasizing the need to restore safety in the area before they could return. He also highlighted that some communities were regaining control with the assistance of local police.
Haiti’s government acknowledged Massillon’s passing as a significant loss, remarking that it “leaves a deep void within his family and the community he served with such dedication.” Kenscoff is situated in the hills overlooking Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.
