Port-de-Paix honored its native son, General François Capois, known as Capois-La-Mort, on Monday, October 19, with a wreath-laying, public discussions and testimonies from residents.

Capois-La-Mort is best known for his courage at the Battle of Vertières on November 18, 1803, the decisive battle that sealed Haiti's independence. Legend says he kept charging at the French positions even after his horse was shot from under him. He was born in 1766 on the Delaunay plantation in Chansolme, near Port-de-Paix.

Local authorities declared the day a nonworking day in the Northwest capital, and schools, banks and many offices were closed. “It is important for us to commemorate this significant date so that future generations can learn about the role Capois-La-Mort played,” said Mayor Ralph Moreau.

“This is something new for us,” said Dabens Cuity Aristide, 18, a student at Lycée Sténio Vincent. Teacher Etzer Louissaint said the hero's limited recognition reflects the political neglect of the Northwest.

Eléazar Dieusel, principal of Lycée Tertulien Guilbeau, asked schools to teach more about the region's independence-era figures, including General Jacques Maurepas.