Haiti’s Grand Hôtel Oloffson Destroyed by Gang Violence
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – A cherished landmark, the Grand Hôtel Oloffson, was tragically destroyed by fire this past weekend, a loss felt deeply both in Haiti and among its many international visitors. Known for its striking Gothic architecture and rich cultural history, the hotel had once been a hub for artists, musicians, and politicians, including notable figures like Mick Jagger and former Haitian presidents.
As the news spread across social media platforms, feelings of sorrow resonated among many. The hotel’s manager confirmed the devastating fire on Monday. Though gang violence had forced the hotel to shut down in recent years, there had been hopes for its revival.
“This place birthed so much culture and expression,” shared Riva Précil, a Haitian-American singer who fondly recalled her childhood years spent at the hotel. The memories of swimming, dancing, and singing there stay vibrant in her heart.
Richard Morse, the hotel manager who has been overseeing operations remotely, shared the harrowing moment he learned about the fire. “I usually call someone with drones to check on things,” he said. “This time, they told me to sit down; I knew it was bad.”
Residents near the hotel reported that heavy gunfire erupted between police and gangs late Saturday, leading to chaos. James Jean-Louis, a local resident, saw the flames and felt the weight of the situation as they fled their homes amidst the violence.
Currently, journalists cannot access the site due to gang control, making it impossible to assess the damage. Patrick Durandis, director of the Institute for Safeguarding National Heritage, also confirmed the news of the fire in a message.
Michael Deibert, an author who has written extensively about Haiti, expressed sorrow upon hearing of the hotel’s destruction. “The Oloffson connected you with Haiti’s political and cultural history,” he reflected. “It truly transformed those who visited.”
The Oloffson had an illustrious history, serving as a summer palace for presidents and a hospital during World War I before becoming a beloved hotel. It captivated visitors with its charm and was an escape for foreign aid workers during turbulent times, including the 2010 earthquake.
Isabelle Morse, daughter of Richard Morse, shared her father’s vision for the hotel. “It was more than a business; it was our home,” she said, emphasizing its significance to their family and community.
For nearly three decades, the Oloffson thrived under Richard Morse’s management. He believes that despite the devastation, there’s still hope for Haiti’s culture and heritage to rise again. “We must look ahead and consider bringing the community back,” he stated.
The hotel symbolizes the heart of Haiti’s architectural heritage, now under threat as gang violence escalates. The destruction of the Oloffson highlights the broader issues facing Haiti, where many lament that too few leaders are taking action to protect its rich history and culture from disappearing.
As Haiti grapples with these challenges, the loss of the Grand Hôtel Oloffson serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stability and restoration in the country.
