Former Minister of Culture, Emmelie Prophet and former Ambassador of Haiti to UNESCO, Dominique Dupuy
Port-au-Prince, December 10 2025.- Invited to Panel Magik this December 10, the former Minister of Culture Emmelie Prophet and the former Ambassador of Haiti to UNESCO Dominique Dupuy welcomed the inclusion of the Compas on the representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. They call for investing in music training, integrating this rhythm into the education of children and protecting this heritage as an essential legacy for future generations.
Emmelie Prophet said « filled with joy » at the UNESCO announcement of the registration of the Compas, recalling that this emblematic rhythm constitutes « a major identity element » for Haiti. In her view, this global recognition should encourage the country to strengthen cultural education by integrating the Compas into musical learning from an early age.
The former Minister stressed, however, that the consolidation of the cultural sector requires « major investments », calling for a return to peace to allow real progress, particularly in the creation of musical training spaces.
A symbol of hope and resilience
For Dominique Dupuy, this registration takes place « in a moment of darkness » for Haiti, but it revives hope and strengthens « full participation in international debates and movements ». It establishes a parallel with other recognitions: the joumou soup, testimony of Haiti's historical journey towards freedom, and the kasav, anchored in Caribbean memory. The Compas, she says, reaffirms the attachment of Haitians « to love, joy and freedom ».
Recognition facilitated by its international outreach
Dominique Dupuy indicated that, contrary to the inscription of the joumou soup, that of the Compas required « fewer formalities », the pace already benefiting from a strong international presence. She thanked the institutions and experts who had contributed to the file, in particular the former Minister Emmelie Prophet, the Haitian National Commission for UNESCO and the communities carrying this tradition.
A call for preservation for future generations
The two speakers agree on one essential point: the need to protect the Compas, not only as music, but as a living heritage, reflecting the creativity and resilience of the Haitian people. Its global registration must serve as a lever to strengthen the transmission, structure the music channels and enhance Haitian culture on the international stage.
W.A.
