Whether they are holdovers from different eras or knee-jerk reactions to some newly perceived threat, there are some lawsaround the world you could innocently break while traveling and end up dealing with the authorities. Descendants of African slaves make up 95% of Haitis population. I came to realize that black slavery was as unjust as Indian slaveryand I was not sure that my ignorance and good faith would secure me in the eyes of God," Las Casas wrote in The History of the Indies in 1527. Unbelievable Belgian laws. Turning down your turn is a sure fire way to cause minor offence. And not just a salmon. Haiti has 14 airports, of which only four have paved runways. (Thus the need for your passport.) The Western Hemispheres largest mountain top fortress, the Citadelle Laferrire, is also found in Haiti. Trump Goes Full Racist And Declares Many Haitian Migrants - HuffPost You can legally marry someone by stating it out loud. Cutting down a cactus can get you 25 years in jail, It's against the law to refuse to give someone a glass of water. 22. This was meant to prevent the spread of African swine fever, but it devastated Haitian peasant wealth. The design of the Haiti flag is inspired by the French tricolor flag. The University of Haiti in Port Au Prince charges only US $15 in tuition a year. It's illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances. Source, 4. Haitis coat of arms sits in the center. The United States in 1776 was the first country to win its independence in the Western Hemisphere but it wasnt until 1865 that America followed in abolishing slavery. As a result, the Catholic Church excommunicated him. Human rights in Haiti - Wikipedia In reality, they sent a total of three doctors, and two weeks after the earthquake it emerged that they had fed zero people. This exodus weakened Haiti because it was left with fewer and fewer skilled workers to run businesses, health centers, government offices, and schools. However, the attitude of many Haitians to the LGBT community is hostile. Haiti is rich in history, culture, and heritage, and as citizens of the first Black Republic, Haitians continually progress in the face of any adversity. Let's take a look at some of these weird laws from around the world to know about how unusual they are: 1. Welcome to Caribbean & Co. founded by Ursula Petula Barzey who enjoys traveling the Caribbean in search of the best cultural and food adventures, places to stay and live/work opportunities. Source, 21. This law made it illegal to turn up at the UK's Parliament with weapons, armor or armed men. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Some of the rules mentioned for other countries also apply in France (wearing flip-flops driving a car or running out of gas on the highway). Following the Zoot Suit Riotsa series of race-related conflicts that took place in 1943the Los Angeles City Council banned zoot . The infant mortality rate in Haiti is high at 74 deaths per 1,000 births. Experience its wonder and beauty with our interesting Swaziland facts. A dreaded security force, it was also called the Tonton Macoutes, after the Haitian folk figure Tonton Macoute (Uncle Knapsack) who carries off small children at night. Also located on the island of Hispaniola east of Haiti is the Dominican Republic forming the countrys only land border. Admittedly, most of these weird laws are either unlikely to be enforced or unlikely to come up in the first place. The historic events that led up to this are detailed in books like The Common Wind: Afro-American Currents in the Age of the Haitian Revolution by Julius Scott and The Black Jacobins: Toussaint Louverture and the San Domingo Revolution by C L R James. Allegations of torture and kidnapping are common whereas the number of Haitian citizens imprisoned without trial is huge. Haiti (Cultures of the World). Haiti also has a deep music culture, the most popular genre being Kompa. A Year of War in Ukraine - The New York Times The 8 Weirdest Strangest and Stupidest Laws in Texas (2023) - Liner Law Senators are elected every six years and deputies every four. Some famous artists from Haiti include Prfete Duffaut, Rigaud Benoit, Gesner Abelard and Franktienne who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. The French government saddled Haiti with a debt of 150 million gold francs which they demanded as compensation for lost property including the formerly enslaved Africans, land, equipment, etc. Joumou is typically eaten on New Years Day and Haitis Independence Day. However, Dessalines removed the white band from the flag to symbolize the removal of all colonizers from Haiti. The law came into effect in 2008, and many teenagers were outraged and protested. Today, it's daunting enough having to ask the father of your partner for their child's hand in marriage. From Spain to Austria: 13 interesting laws across Europe, Local Laws and Customs in Vietnam: Know Before You Go, How to Avoid Crime & Corruption in Indonesia, Laws in Mexico: Illegal Things Travelers Shouldn't Do, Crime in New Zealand: What You Need To Know, It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing in several countries in the Caribbean including, It's illegal to shout offensive words in any public place in, If you're on a bike, you must keep both feet on the pedals, Any kind of nude artistic display is verboten, It's against the law to drive while wearing flip-flops. In Marietta, GA, it is illegal to spit from a car or bus. Another weird Hawaiian law prohibits a person from placing coins in the ear. After the Haitian Slave Revolt, France demanded the newly independent country compensate former plantation owners who had lost their property to the tune of $21 Billion (inflation adjusted). ----Patreon---- Show more. group tour of Citadel Laferriere from Cap-Haitien, Bahamas Highest Ranked Caribbean Country on Quality of Nationality Index. of those roads are paved. It banned children over the age of 12 from trick-or-treating. After twenty-nine years of dictatorship, Haiti reestablished a democratic government by proclaiming, on March 29, 1987, a new Constitution that is still presently in force with amendments introduced by Constitutional Law of May 9, 2011, promulgated on June 19, 2012. Contact us for full details. Even before the 2010 earthquake, only 54% of Haitians had access to sanitation facilities (toilets, indoor plumbing, sewer systems). Look, this isn't the plague years in the old country where little Klaus had to step up at age nine and head the family after papa passed; 13 year-olds are still children. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Honor killings for adultery were legal until 2005 in Haiti. It's one of the dumbest laws around implemented by jurisdictions who believe that racism is a right. Haiti is the third largest country in the Caribbean, after the Dominican Republic and Cuba, which is the largest. Natural disasters, poverty, child labor, and hunger struggles are often at the forefront of any conversation regarding this beautiful country. Haitian Flag Day takes place on May 18th each year, as this is the anniversary date of the original flags adoption in 1803. Diseases such as hookworm and typhoid, which are transmitted by contaminated food and water, are common in Haiti. The rule states that no yelling, shouting, whistling or singing is allowed at any time. hamburg_berlin/Shutterstock Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. Laws of Haiti - HG.org Students learn their lessons in both French and Creole. People tend to greet with bonjour (good morning) or bonswa (good afternoon) with men often shaking hands and females often kissing each other on the cheek. Take a look at this useful Haiti Travel Guide. Haiti is one of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean with its misty mountain tops, golden beaches, and turquoise waters. Check out these cool Geography facts about Haiti. For example, following a 1991 coup by the military that overthrew democratically elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the Haitian army was accused of killing an estimated 3,000 people in three years. In 1313, the weak-willed and disastrous Edward II of England passed the 1313 Statute Forbidding Bearing of Armour. Alabama Top 12 Dumbest Gun Laws in America ~ Listen Now Photo Credit: Elwitsch Pixabay Eating Garbage In 1801, ex-slave Toussaint LOuverture (1743-1803) led nearly one-half million Haitian slaves against Haitis French colonialists. 20 Weird Utah Laws that are Actually Real - Money Inc Haiti was originally inhabited circa 5000 BC by Indigenous peoples said to have arrived from Central or South America. Take a look at these more general facts about the Caribbean. Haitis president is elected every five years with each president allowed to serve for a maximum of two non-consecutive terms. Haitis former president, Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc), created the National Security Volunteers in 1957. In the eighteenth century, Haitians developed elaborate tables of genetic descent, dividing mulattos into over a hundred shades of black and white. Capturing a whale in Utah is illegal, and this ban has existed since 1970. [19], The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the press, and the government generally has respected these rights. In 1957, Franois Duvalier, also known as "Papa Doc", became president of Haiti, ushering in a period of human rights abuses from which the country is still recovering. Comparable in size to Haiti, Vermonts population density is 65.8 people per square mile (25.9 sq.km. The remaining 20% are state-run. In the 1970s, its poolside rivaled that of the Beverly Hills Hotel and Haiti was a popular Caribbean retreat. Only about 10% of all Haitian children enrolled in elementary school go on to a high school. Haitian children are prone to deaths, as more than 10% of them die before reaching the age of five.Half of its children are unvaccinated. Unity in Haiti is celebrated on Haiti Flag and Universities Day which is an independence celebration as well as an occasion to recognize the countrys educational system. In New Orleans, you cannot throw anything from a window or balcony that is more than 8 feet above the ground. So it is somewhat ironic that Alaska passed a law banning people from getting drunk in bars. Anemia affects 59% of Haitian children between the ages of six months and five years. A popular weird law for Hawaii was that you could only have one drink in front of you at a time. Technically, a mulatto is someone who is half black and half white. The Belgian laws restricting games of chance mean that prohibitions apply to commercial contests, sweepstakes, lotteries, and even private poker games. In Haiti, around 56% of the population identifies as Roman Catholics, while about 30% identify as Protestants. A couple of weeks later, his flagship the Santa Maria ran aground and sank. More than half of Haitian imports come from the United States, and more than 80% of its exports go to the United States. When Columbus first saw Haiti (and the entire Hispaniola island), he thought he had found. 60 Weird Laws Around the World | Far & Wide - farandwide.com It started on August 22nd, 1791 when the enslaved Africans led by Franois-Dominique Toussaint Louverture, initiated a rebellion against the French settlers. Below are 51 absurdly ridiculous laws to keep in mind next time you travel to Europe. Photo Credit: Peter Hermes Furian via 123RF.com. The first recorded smallpox outbreak in the Americas occurred in Hispaniola in 1507. A Year of War in Ukraine. Source, 12. 26. One of the by-laws for the city says, "No person shall interfere with a tree or part of a tree located on municipal property, including but not limited to attaching, affixing or placing upon in any manner any object or thing to a tree or part of a tree, and climbing the tree." The law of equal force when it comes to self defense. 8 Hilarious & Weird Laws That Are Enforced in Texas The occupation would last until 1934. Haiti experienced a number of destructive hurricanes over the past few decades, namely Hurricane Allen (1980), Gilbert (1988), and Georges (1998). In 2008, the island experienced several severe tropical storms, including Hurricane Hana and Ike, resulting in over 800 deaths and widespread damage. Aerial view of cruise ship and beach on Labadee Island in Haiti. [22] The number of CDW (Child Domestic Workers) in Haiti, defined as 1) living away from parents' home; 2) not following normal progression in education; and 3) working more than other children, is more than 400,000. You have accepted additional cookies. [1] In 2004 the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs reported that its hotline received more than 700 calls from children reporting abuse. The typical Haitian woman will have five children in her lifetime. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information. With the remaining ships smaller, Columbus made the decision to return to Spain leaving behind about three dozen of his men on the island which he had renamed island Espaola (Hispaniola) meaning Little Spain.. Why is Californium priced so high and what exactly does it do for us? While Haiti has experienced its fair share of tragedies including various natural disasters, its people remain resilient and the country has much to be proud of including successful rebellion and independence from France. Photo Credit: Aliceba via Wikimedia Commons. Haiti has 2,583 miles (4,160 km.) Haiti is a magnificent nation founded on Hispaniola Island in the Caribbean along with the Dominican Republic. 33. 40 Weird Laws in the U.S | Far & Wide - farandwide.com It's illegal to run out of gas on the autobahn, as well as to walk along it. It's illegal to wrestle bears in Alabama, for example. According to its Constitution and written laws, Haiti meets most international human rights standards. 2. Fail to hydrate. In three towns it is against the law to die. In the real sense, whales are unlikely to survive in the Great Salt Lake since whales live in the ocean and the ocean is nowhere near Utah. In return, they could rob, steal, extort, torture and murder at will. Other Tano indigenous names for Haiti include Quisqueya (or Kiskeya) meaning mother of all lands and Bohio. 14 Strange Laws From Around the World - Insider You can change your cookie settings at any time. Countries where camouflage clothing is illegal. A blend of Creole, French, African, Spanish, and Tano, the food in Haiti is truly flavorful and something you should most certainly try. More answers below Christian De Riglos Source, 22. 4Dash, J. Michael. Haiti. An unmarried woman cannot go skydiving on a Sunday, It is illegal to sing while wearing a bathing suit, It's illegal to skateboard without a skateboarding license. In addition to canvas paintings, metal art is also popular. The northern and southern ends experience much more rainfall, with long wet seasons. The stunning Caribbean island once known as Ayiti is truly amazing and has plenty to offer, from its rich culture to its friendly people, and here are a few fun facts about Haiti. Among the early settlers were the Ciboney people, later followed by the Tano people. Ancient imperial law stipulates that anyone caught sharing the secrets of sericulture (otherwise known as silk-making) was to be tortured to death. The future of Haiti must be linked to the respect of the rights of every single citizen. Now micro stamping has been proposed by Governor Murphy, and it exists in California. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. The capital Port-Au-Prince was founded in 1749 and was named for the Prince, a French ship anchored in the bay. Hispaniola political map with Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We compiled a list of weird laws around the world you may not believe exist. Courts of justice were in effect "run by the judges, appointed by the "President for Life" (the Duvaliers), who lacked the independence to make judgments about abuses against human rights. The Tano people, whose name translates to the good people, named their island Ayiti, meaning land of mountains. Later on, the term Ayiti evolved into Haiti the name we know today. (See Genesis 12:2-3, 18:18, 22:18, Exodus 9:16; Joshua 4:23-24; Psalm 9:11, 96:3; Isaiah 49:6, 51:4) As a light to the world, their . From 1919 until 1991, the exchange rate between these two currencies sat at five gourdes per dollar. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> Assleep In Oklahoma, it is against the law to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7 pm. Get Updates And Stay Connected to the latest offers and news from the Caribbean. Haitis coat of arms depicts a trophy of weapons on top of a green hill and royal palm, symbolizing independence. Photo Credit: Haiti Tourism. Nearly 79% of Haitis people live in rural areas. There are some weird laws in South Carolina. Have you heard of them The most celebrated food in Haiti is Joumou, more commonly known as pumpkin soup. According to Texas Penal Code 38.12, "a person commits an offense if, with intent to obtain an economic benefit, the person solicits employment, either in person or by telephone, for himself or for another.". Amnesty International has now called on for immediate investigation. The newly independent country took the name Haiti, the aboriginal name of Hispaniola. The prime minister is then the head of government and is appointed by the president. 10 Really Strange Laws You Might Accidentally Break - Listverse French influence in Haiti began circa 1625 and they maintained control for 179 years. Local laws and customs - Haiti travel advice - GOV.UK 1Anthony, Suzanne. Financial Advice: What should do you in case you win a jackpot? Lance Cheung/USDA // flickr. To learn more about these people, here are a few Haitian facts. 30 Interesting Facts About Haiti - KickassFacts.com -Article 40 of the Beijing Traffic Laws. Other children are trafficked to foreign countries. Another weird state law makes it illegal for a person to eat a live eel in a public place unless the person loudly announces "Warning! 11. kT;Z6>&!,8 ';ufrXN'0c&Th.+vx&mE NJGj\ha4, (^jlRAx>>A Igdi6 1. What's the punishment for dying the death penalty lol. This led the Haitian government to take out high-interest loans and it wasnt until 1947 that the debt was repaid in full. [1], A restavek is a child in Haiti who is sold by their parents to work for a host household as a domestic servant because the parents lack the resources required to support the child. Perhaps you've broken a few of them. In the rare instance that you might encounter a milkman, be sure to give them plenty of personal space. In 1825, France's King Charles X threatened to invade Haiti unless it paid an "independence debt" of 150 million francs to reimburse France for the loss of its slaves and land. Half of the children in Haiti are unvaccinated, and just 40% of the population has access to basic health care. Dr. Franois Duvalier, also known as "Papa Doc," was the president of Haiti from 1957 to 1971. Here are 5 weird Chinese laws that are real. 3 . In Acworth, GA, all citizens must own a rake. It started on August 22nd, 1791 when the enslaved Africans led by Franois-Dominique Toussaint Louverture, initiated a rebellion against the French settlers. of highways. It is illegal for autonomous vehicles to drive over 60 miles per hour. 10. If you're caught in possession of illegal substances, you have to pay a tax on them. Fresh, simple, and regional, the flavors of many cultures shine through Haitian cuisine. Don't Cut the Cactus Jumping Cactus in Arizona Source At least in Arizona, because it is illegal to do so. Musical instruments, clocks, kitchenwarethey are just a few of the items that can't be sold on this day. Frogs are known as a barometer species that indicate environmental health which gives hope to conservation efforts in a country undergoing rapid deforestation. For example, one list of weird laws states that in California, if a frog in a frog-jumping contest dies, it is illegal to eat the frog. However, if the child is more than 6 months old, the mother faces a fine (via Stupid Laws ). 100 Weird Laws From Around the World | Dtli | thesunchronicle.com His regime was notorious for its autocratic and corrupt rule. You should always carry proof of your identity. Launched in 2014, Caribbean & Co. has won five travel media awards. It's illegal to impersonate a priest. In 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard picked up 2,000 Haitian boat people trying to reach U.S. shores, more than from any other Caribbean nation. After the Haiti earthquake, the Feed The Children website claimed that the charity was providing medical relief for 12,000 people. I scoured the internet and came up with a list of eight weird laws from Ohio that are still on the books but are not rigorously enforced. A UN report published in January 2021, found a pricking amplification in rights violations and abuses of the right to life during the 2018 and 2019 protests. In Oak Bay you could be fined $100 if you parrot talks too loud. Someone, at some point, did something so nutty that people felt compelled to make it illegal. a\{ To pay this, Haiti had to borrow money from and pay interest to French banks. Source, 16. Gambling at a home poker game is illegal in Belgium. Source, 30. In Eraclea, it is illegal to build sandcastles and collect seashells. That's $3.50 per gram for pot and $50 for each gram of cocaine. These mountains with their tall peaks make up 75 percent of the islands surface. In fact, May is also Haitian Heritage Month in the United States with cultural events, exhibitions, and parades in cities like Boston, New York, and Miami with a large Haitian diaspora. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. Top 10 Outdated Laws You Didn't Know You Were Breaking By law, if you pass anyone over the age of 70 in the street, you must bow to them and say a prayer to the Gods of the Ancients. Reportedly, Haiti has been facing human rights and political crisis for many years. April 20, 2022. And it seems every state has at least a few of them. There are only about eight, The life expectancy for Haiti is low: 50 years for. [citation needed] Few statistics regarding the wider problem of child abuse have been collected. Voodoo was later trivialized by American elites and Hollywood fearing an uprising in opposition to the US occupation of Haiti. If youre caught in possession of drugs or suspected of drug trafficking, you may be arrested and jailed for weeks or months before appearing before a magistrate. During the 18th-century, Haiti was the French Empires richest colony. 1. A typical worker in Haiti makes only $2.75 a day. The remaining blue and red stripes represented blacks and mulattos of Haiti. The picturesque island of Haiti, with its rugged mountain landscapes and beautiful beaches, is a popular Caribbean destination with members of the Haitian diaspora and other travelers, primarily via cruise ships. It was the oldest slave colony in America. The gourd, which is a fleshy, hard-skinned fruit, was such an important food source for the Haitian people that the plant itself was a currency until 1807. But before you try any street magic to entertain your friends, remember to keep your change away from this body part. In L.A., it's prohibited to wear zoot suits, which are characterized by high-waisted, wide-legged, tight-cuffed trousers and a long coat with wide lapels and wide padded shoulders. Franois "Papa Doc" Duvalier (1907-1971) - BlackPast.org (But 99 times is perfectly fine.) E|hWRodI$bX2^g+~v9Pcj [1] Political killings, kidnapping, torture, and unlawful incarceration are common unofficial practices, especially during periods of coups or attempted coups.[1]. You can only have one alcoholic drink in front of you at any given time. 13 Strange Laws Around The World You Must Know If You Are - IndiaTimes The two official languages on this island of Haiti are French and Creole (pronounced Kreyol). [7], In 1916, the U.S. military started a Haitian army that would later become the Garde d'Haiti. The Citadel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Haiti, Haiti is one of the least developed yet most densely populated countries in the Western Hemisphere, Toussaint LOuverture was the best-known leader of the Haitian Revolution, Anacaona was rebellious and independent until her violent public death, More than 10% of Haitian children die before age five, The term "restavek" comes from the French language, Vibrant and brimming with natural beauty, Costa Rica boasts a land of adventure and culture.