TAVARES, Fla. — Gang leaders in Haiti continue to have a stranglehold on the country’s infrastructure.

They have chased hundreds from the island’s capital and are suspected of the 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president.

For one local couple born and raised in Haiti, they pray the violence stops soon.

What You Need To Know

  • Gang leaders in Haiti continue to have a stranglehold on the country’s infrastructure
  • An area couple born and raised in Haiti recently made a trip to the island and say their homeland is still very dangerous

  • The married couple of 34 years say they are grateful to be in America

“We worship God and pray for Haiti a lot," said Magda Louis Jean. "So, we are going to have some answer from God. I know God can do something." 

She is a parishioner at the All Nations Church of Nazarene in Tavares, where she and her husband Missaide have found comfort at the weekly Haitian service held there every Sunday.

The couple was recently visiting their town of Port-de-Paix, a six-hour drive from Port-au-Prince, and said the capital is being run by gangs.

“I know the chief in Port-de-Paix. I know he’s not putting up with the gang members," Missaide said. "If you do something wrong, he will shoot you, you will be dead."

The couple, who have been married for 34 years, say they are grateful to be in America.

“We need a better government, because all the government is corrupt," Magda said. "The people of the government only see the money and they don’t see the people."

The couple is thankful for the church, where 50 Haitian parishioners meet each Sunday for service done in their native language. 

It’s a chance each week to pray and talk with the Rev. Alix Hilaire, who was born on the island and provides missionary work in Haiti.

The pastor says his homeland needs peace.

“It seems like the Hattian people can’t get a break," he said. "It’s always one thing after another. I pray that the God I serve, the all mighty Jesus Christ, will make a way for them."

Hilaire said the church is not currently accepting donations of goods because it is still difficult moving items in and out of Haiti. He said he hoped that would change in the near future.