Overview:
On Nov. 18, residents of Port-de-Paix— Haiti’s Northwest capital city—commemorated the Battle of Vertières, honoring General François Capois, mostly referred to as Capois-La-Mort for Capois Death, a native hero who led the charge against Napoleon’s forces in the region and helped defeat them to secure Haiti’s independence.
PORT-DE-PAIX — Amid a resurgence of armed gang violence and an exacerbated insecurity climate, Nov. 18, a pivotal date in Haiti’s history, was overlooked by the country’s central government authorities. In response, residents of the Northwest Department honored François Capois — a son of the city widely known as Capois-La-Mort or Capois Death for his illustrious prowess against the French colonial arm. Capois played a crucial role in the final battle in a 12-year war for liberation, known as the Bataille de Vertières, where the indigenous army defeated Napoleon’s forces and secured Haiti’s freedom from colonial rule.
While state leaders in Port-au-Prince and other regions failed to organize meaningful commemorations, many in Port-de-Paix, including youth and children, marched peacefully to honor their national hero, Capois-La-Mort. Residents highlighted his enduring legacy and used the occasion to criticize current leaders for their inaction amidst Haiti’s ongoing crises.
Dieunet Méprilus, 28, feels Haitians need to be inspired by Capois’ spirit to steer the nation from the current crisis.
“I would like to have the strength and determination of General Capois to win the battle for the liberation of this country,” Méprilus, a motorcycle taxi driver, said, rebuking the country’s leaders.
“We need to take it back from the hands of today’s wicked, incompetent and dishonest leader.”
Meet Capois-La-Mort, one of the Haitian heroes who triumphed over Napoléon’s powerful army
According to the historical records, François Capois was born in 1766 in Delaunay, Chansolme, in the district of Port-de-Paix. A fearless officer in Haiti’s native army, he played a pivotal role in the Haitian Revolution before being assassinated on October 19, 1806, on the orders of Henri Christophe near Limonade, a few miles south of Cap-Haïtien.
His bravery was immortalized during the Battle of Vertières on November 18, 1803 — the final engagement of the Haitian Revolution. This critical clash fought near Cap-Haïtien, saw Haitian forces under General Jean-Jacques Dessalines face off against the French army commanded by General Rochambeau. Capois’s indomitable courage during the battle solidified his legacy as one of Haiti’s greatest heroes.
At 27, Capois began his military career under Colonel Maurepas, quickly earning admiration for his skill and fearlessness. Rising through the ranks from lieutenant to captain, his defining moment came during the Battle of Vertières.
In the heat of the battle, as Capois led an assault on the French position, a cannonball knocked him from his horse. Undeterred, he rose to his feet, rallied his men, and shouted, “Go forward! Go ahead!.” His relentless charge was instrumental in Haiti’s victory, ending French attempts to retake the colony and securing Haiti’s independence.
Despite Capois-La-Mort’s monumental contributions to Haiti’s liberation, historians and leaders have often overlooked his legacy. Residents of Port-de-Paix, however, refused to let his memory fade.
This year, the Shekinah Institute, a local K-7 private school, led the celebrations in collaboration with parents, teachers and students. The institution organized a march that featured hundreds of participants who laid a wreath at Capois’s monument in Trois-Rivières.
Marie Eliane Benoit-Gêne, director of the Shekinah Institute, criticized the government for neglecting Nov. 18’s historical significance and Port-de-Paix’s dire state.
“In Haiti, there are people who have died but remain alive through their contributions, like General Capois-La-Mort,” she said in a speech during the occasion. “Meanwhile, some living leaders act like they’re dead.”
She called on Haiti’s youth to rise to the occasion. “We must fight to rebuild Haiti from its ashes, just as Capois fought for freedom,” Benoit-Gêne exhorted.
A call for Haiti’s rebirth
Benoit-Gêne and other speakers expressed frustration with current leaders, accusing them of failing to uphold Haiti’s revolutionary spirit.
“Our ancestors won the greatest battle for freedom, but today we are still at war—against imperialists, bad friends, and corrupt leaders,” she said. “It’s better to face true enemies than to trust false friends who exploit our misfortunes.”
She added that the neglect of Capois-La-Mort’s birthplace symbolizes the broader disregard for Haiti’s rich history.
“The birthplace of Capois remains dirty. It does not make us proud as sons and daughters of the Northwest.”
Rachelle Alexis, a 10-year-old student from the Shekinah Institute, expressed gratitude for Capois-La-Mort’s sacrifices.
“Thanks to General Capois-La-Mort, I am free despite the challenges we face,” she said. We remain a great nation because we’ve made history that benefited the entire world,” she rejoiced.
Newly installed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé echoed young Alexis’ sentiment.
Although the government did not do anything significant on the historic day, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé remembered it nonetheless. He profited from the occasion to call on Haitians to draw inspiration from their ancestors’ sacrifices.
“They gave us a nation founded on freedom, justice, and solidarity. In these challenging times, we must embrace their spirit of sacrifice and unity,” the Haitian PM said.
The Port-au-Prince businessman and politician urged Haitians to rekindle the revolutionary spirit of Vertières.
“Our ancestors, despite adversity, united for the higher goal of freedom. It is our duty to reignite that unity and overcome today’s difficulties,” Fils-Aimé wrote on X.
“Vertières is a symbol of courage and bravery, reminding us to deliver and win the battles of our time. Viv Ayiti [long live Haiti]!.”
