The Goncourt Academy withdraws Thélyson Orélien’s novel

On Friday, September 25, 2026, the Goncourt Academy announced the withdrawal of the novel "C’était ça ou mourir" (It Was That or Die) by Canadian-Haitian author Thélyson Orélien from its selection for the Prix Goncourt, citing allegations of plagiarism and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) leveled against him (though he denies these accusations). “The Goncourt Academy has decided to remove this title from its longlist, given the instances of plagiarism by the author that have come to light over time, and the converging findings of analyses by credible researchers and journalists indicating that Thélyson Orélien’s novel—published by Éditions Grasset—is, in all likelihood, largely the product of artificial intelligence. This decision is driven by a commitment to upholding the integrity of the Prix Goncourt and the Academy itself, whose central role is to promote and honor literature written by women and men. The aim is to send a clear message—particularly to participants in the Prix Goncourt des Lycéens, the Goncourt des Détenus, and the more than fifty international ‘Choix Goncourt’ programs—affirming that we neither endorse nor sanction, in any way, the creation of texts generated with the help of AI.” The Academy will make no further comment and will release its second list on October 6, 2026.”

NOTICE : Mandatory Ikat form

The Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Collectivities, through the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration, informs travelers arriving from or departing for destinations abroad that, effective October 1, 2026, they must complete the Ikat form (https://delidoc.gouv.ht/ikat/en) for both departure and arrival. This form is available on the platforms of the relevant airlines, as well as on the websites of the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) and the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Collectivities (MICT). It must be completed within the 72 hours prior to travel. Read also: https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-46405-icihaiti-notice-the-new-digital-boarding-and-disembarking-card-is-now-in-effect.html

NOTICE : Sunrise Airways

Sunrise Airways informs its customers that, starting with the 2026 winter season, the direct Okap–New York service will operate out of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), while operations at Newark will cease on October 25, 2026. This change is part of our commitment to strengthening our operations and ensuring the proper continuity of our services. We assure our customers of a well-organized transition and the support of our teams throughout this process. School Canteens: 3,460 Tons of Local Produce

Nearly 3,460 tons of local produce—purchased from Haitian farmers and delivered to schools between September 2025 and August 2026, equivalent to over 1,700 "tap-taps" (local shared taxis) filled with food—were supplied through the Resilient Agriculture for Food Security Project (PARSA). This project is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and funded by the World Bank.

Blackmailer Arrested

The Southeast Police Department’s Women and Men’s Affairs Unit arrested Osvaldo Mardy at a hotel in the Route Zorange area of ​​Jacmel. The individual used social media platforms—specifically TikTok—under the alias "Marjorie Toussaint" to blackmail men and women. He used intimate photos and videos of the victims in his possession to extort money, threatening to publish the content if they did not pay. Mardy began this activity in 2024 and admitted to having received a total of nearly one million gourdes from his victims.

Haiti-Kyrgyzstan Diplomatic Relations

Haiti and the Kyrgyz Republic (Central Asia) have officially established diplomatic relations. Foreign Minister Raina Forbin signed the instrument officially establishing diplomatic ties between Haiti and the Kyrgyz Republic on behalf of the Republic of Haiti. This signing marks a new chapter in relations between the two countries and reflects their shared commitment to strengthening dialogue, bringing their peoples closer together, and exploring new avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

HL/ HaïtiLibre