Onz Chery
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Disciple of Christ ✝ | Freelance reporter 🕵️♂️ | Photographer 📸
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Articles by Onz Chery
As Haiti’s domestic league struggles, vacation teams draw players with cash, games
Overview: Amateur vacation teams offer an avenue for players outside the formal, and struggling, Haitian Football League (LHF) to develop their skills and earn a relatively good income. Whether those recreational teams should merge with the LHF, as some experts advise, is up for debate. James Céné, a defensive midfielder, plays around the clock. During the formal Haitian Football League (LHF) season, he plays for Ouanaminthe FC.
Experts: Haiti must tackle problems off the field to make 2030 World Cup Original
Overview: The Haitian Times held conversations with leaders in Haiti’s soccer realm concerning the necessary steps for a return to the World Cup in 2030. They said Haiti must tackle mismanagement from the soccer federation, play home games at home and prepare properly to smoothen its road to the next World Cup. NEW YORK — During Haiti’s first World Cup appearance in 52 years, flashes of glory such as the two stunning goals in the 4-2 loss to Morocco made lifetime memories for many.
Haiti to exit World Cup after group stage, following 3-0 loss to Brazil
Overview: Haiti has failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s knockout phase after losing to Brazil 3-0 at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19. PHILADELPHIA — Haiti has been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Brazil at a sold-out Philadelphia Stadium on June 19. Fans and players alike were left disappointed after losing by a large margin against the five-time World Cup champions.
Knicks parade brings out overjoyed Haitians rooting for World Cup team too Original
Overview: Some New Yorkers celebrating the New York Knicks’ first NBA title in 53 years say their joy is extended by Haiti’s national soccer team, a perennial underdog finally participating in the FIFA World Cup after 52 years. NEW YORK — Amid a crowd of overzealous Knicks fans in blue and orange Thursday morning, the blue-and-red Haitian flag sailed across the air during the New York Kicks Championship Parade in Lower Manhattan. Standing in view of the David N.
Backup Haiti-Scotland referee selected for Brazil-Haiti match
NEW JERSEY — Three days before the highly anticipated match between Brazil and Haiti, another key player has been added to the lineup: referee Alejandro José Hernández Hernández. His addition is more notable than usual because it comes even as an online petition, stemming from referee complaints about the Haiti-versus-Scotland match, is making the rounds. Here’s what to know about Hernández Hernández and to expect as the match approaches.
Backup Haiti-Scotland referee selected for Brazil-Haiti match
Overview: Meet Alejandro Hernández Hernández, the Spaniard whose high-profile referee career and officiating style might mean for the upcoming matchup between football giant Brazil and underdog Haiti. NEW JERSEY — Three days before the highly anticipated match between Brazil and Haiti, another key player has been added to the lineup: referee Alejandro José Hernández Hernández.
Haiti falls 1-0 to Scotland in World Cup opener, faces uphill battle in Group C
Overview: Haiti opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-0 loss to Scotland at Gillette Stadium in Boston. The defeat leaves Les Grenadiers at the bottom of Group C and facing difficult matches against Brazil and Morocco. BOSTON, Mass. — Haiti bowed down to Scotland 1-0 in its opening game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at a soldout Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 13.
Haitians in Connecticut dream of first World Cup win versus Scotland Original
Overview: Haitian Americans in Connecticut are eager to see Haiti make history on June 13 by defeating Scotland and winning its first-ever World Cup game. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — When he was 11, Andréjean Fleurant got in trouble for getting home around 2 a.m. after partying in the streets of Gonaïves with a rara band. Why? Because Haiti had qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 1973.
Video game maker adds Haiti national team to its roster ahead of World Cup Original
Overview: Haiti's national team is now available in EA Sports FC as part of The World’s Game Update, which includes all teams participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the video game. As Haiti prepares for its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 52 years, fans have yet another way to celebrate: playing as Les Grenadiers in the EA Sports FC video game.
Haiti women’s national soccer team rallies back for 2-1 win over New Zealand in friendly
Overview: Eighteen-year-old striker Lourdjina Etienne netted a 47th-minute game-winning goal versus New Zealand in a friendly encounter that ended 2-1 at El Maulí Stadium in Málaga, Spain, on June 5. Veteran striker Nerilia Mondesir started the comeback victory with a goal late in the first half. Ballon d’Or contender Melchie Dumornay assisted both goals.
The party is over, but Haiti learned important lesson from World Cup warmup loss | ANALYSIS
Overview: Haiti’s men’s soccer team lost its final friendly before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, falling 2-1 to Peru after taking an early lead at a sold-out Nu Stadium in Miami. Sports reporter Onz Chéry analyzes why game management remains critical for Les Grenadiers, especially after taking an early lead. NEW YORK — Four days ago, it seemed as if Haiti was on top of the world after rolling past New Zealand 4-0 in front of an energized crowd at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Haiti lights up Florida blue and red in 4-0 rout of New Zealand ahead of World Cup
Overview: Haiti's men's national soccer team cruised past New Zealand 4-0 in a World Cup tuneup before more than 16,000 fans who turned Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium into a sea of blue and red. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Haiti’s men’s national soccer team defeated New Zealand 4-0 Tuesday night before more than 16,000 fans who transformed Inter Miami CF’s Chase Stadium into a sea of blue and red, giving Les Grenadiers a rare home-like atmosphere ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Grenadiers’ sole Haiti-based player lands in US after visa delay
Overview: Haiti-based defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre landed in Fort Lauderdale on June 2 for the team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations, a reliable source told The Haitian Times. Pierre’s travel from Haiti to Florida was delayed due to the U.S. travel ban. NEW YORK — Defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre, the only Grenadier player on the Haiti team’s 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arrived in Fort Lauderdale, on Tuesday, a source close to the player told The Haitian Times.
5 things Haiti needs to do in friendlies to be better prepared for World Cup | Analysis Original
Overview: The Haitian Times' sports reporter, Onz Chéry, analyzes five areas Haiti should address before entering the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 13. His analysis covers tactics and personnel while remaining grounded in a recurring reality of Haitian soccer. The warm-ups against New Zealand and Peru in South Florida this week will give fans a glimpse of the team’s readiness for the sport’s biggest stage.
Travelers hope for better customer service to Haiti as Zed Airlines arrives on market Original
Overview: Zed Airlines began operating flights to and from the United States on May 22. Travelers hope this competition to long-established carrier Sunrise Airways will improve service quality. NEW YORK — Travelers welcomed the arrival of Zed Airlines for flights between the United States and Haiti this month, hoping the competition for Sunrise Airways will eventually lower airfares and raise customer service.
Haiti-based player Pierre expected to join World Cup camp despite U.S. travel ban, federation says
Overview: Haitian defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre’s travel to the United States for World Cup preparations has been delayed by U.S. travel restrictions. But the Haitian Football Federation said his visa process could be completed soon after obtaining an official passport.
Massachusetts declares May 26 ‘Frantzdy Pierrot Day’ for role in Haiti’s World Cup return Original
Overview: Massachusetts has declared May 26 Frantzdy Pierrot Day to honor the Haitian striker, whose soccer journey began in Haiti and continued in the state before helping Haiti qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During a ceremony led by Governor Maura Healey, Pierrot—a native of Bas-Limbé who left his homeland at age 11—announced the launch of the Frantzdy Pierrot Foundation to help connect young Haitian players with clubs and academies in Europe and the Americas. NEW YORK — Massachusetts Gov.
Haitians say Dumornay still deserves Ballon d’Or podium despite Champions League loss
Overview: Melchie Dumornay’s chance of winning the Ballon d’Or this year significantly diminished after she lost the Women’s UEFA Champions League with OL Lyonnes to FC Barcelona on Saturday. Haitian fans, however, say the native of Mirebalais still deserves a place among the top Ballon d’Or contenders.
TapTap Now’s food delivery service gains traction in Cap-Haïtien
Overview: Motorcyclists with food delivery bags over their backs have become a common sight in Cap-Haïtien as online orders increase in the city. TapTap Now, a food delivery application operating there since late 2022, has been one of the most instrumental forces behind the surge in food delivery services. CAP-HAÏTIEN — In the past year or so, coming home from work has been exhilarating for Milca Saint-Louis.
Cap-Haïtien online jewelry store hosts client get-together | PHOTOS
Overview: Photos from the second edition of Vayb & Style, a gathering between online store BG Collections and its customers. CAP-HAÏTIEN — BG Collections, an online jewelry and accessories store, recently hosted the second edition of its Vayb & Style gathering, bringing together clients, entrepreneurs and vendors in downtown Cap-Haïtien. Held along Street 23-24 F on Saturday, April 25, the event allowed customers to meet the people behind the online business while browsing products in person.
Ex-Cap-Haïtien mayor Michel Saint-Croix appointed again after 15 years
Overview: Michel Saint-Croix has been appointed mayor of Cap-Haïtien, replacing Angie Bell, effective May 6. Saint-Croix previously served as mayor from 2006 to 2011, a period many residents remember for cleaner streets and more active municipal management. Returning to the post, he demands state support to tackle the city’s crises.
Haitians whip out flavorful dishes on Agriculture and Labor Day | PHOTOS
Overview: A display of photos depicting northerners savoring or presenting traditional dishes, fruits, and vegetables while enjoying time together on Agricultural and Labor Day in Haiti. CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haitians across the northern region held vibrant, mouthwatering food fairs to celebrate Agricultural and Labor Day on May 1 in cities including Cap-Haïtien, Trou-du-Nord and Ouanaminthe.
Construction of northern waste center set to begin in June
Overview: ProPublic Sam will kick off the construction of a waste management center in Limonade in June. The waste management center is scheduled to be completed by March 2027 and will hold the trash of three northern communes: Cap-Haïtien, Limonade and Quartier-Morin.
Teen striker Leconte scores twice to send Baltimore to Haitian Soccer league final
Overview: Baltimore Sportif Club reached the Haitian League final after defeating FICA 2-1, powered by a brace from 17-year-old Armstrong Leconte, in a match overshadowed by violence against a referee. The Saint-Marc club will face Violette Athletic Club of Port-au-Prince in a two-legged final, a rematch of the national championship’s opening series.
Haiti launches nationwide trash cleanup in Cap-Haitien, residents demand more | PHOTOS
Overview: Photos from the first day of Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè (“Zero Trash Collective”), a nationwide waste management project launched in Cap-Haïtien on April 25.
Cap-Haïtien protesters vow to keep blocking highway until road and canal repairs
Overview: Protesters in Vertières, near Cap-Haïtien, blocked Route Nationale #1—a key national highway linking Haiti’s south to the north—for the second time this week, demanding repairs to a deteriorating road and a failing irrigation canal that has repeatedly caused flooding. They vowed to continue protesting until the government begins work to repair potholes on the road and unclog the canal.
Cap-Haïtien starts playing with fire as college group holds first circus show | PHOTOS
Overview: From juggling machetes to putting fire in their mouths, relive Sikannou circus performers’ most dangerous moments from the first edition of the show in these images. CAP-HAÏTIEN — Davideson Desamours, a circus performer sporting a bright yellow shirt, juggled three machetes in the middle of a circle of about 100 people with eyes fixated on him. Desamours threw the machetes from behind his back, then under his leg.
Violette AC reaches Haitian Soccer League final for second straight time
Overview: Violette Athletic Club reached the Haitian Soccer League final after finishing atop its southern playoff group with four straight wins, continuing a dominant run this season. The reigning champions dominated the playoffs, outscoring their opponents 12-2. Le Vieux Tigre is now awaiting the winner of the northern playoff group, against whom it will defend its title.
Ariana Milagro Lafond returns home with a message of hope | PHOTOS
Overview: A series of images and videos of Ariana Lafond’s historical homecoming to Cap-Haïtien, seven days after conquering House of Challenge, a youth empowerment competition from Africa. CAP-HAÏTIEN — House of Challenge champion, Ariana Milagro Lafond, called for peace in Haiti during her homecoming speech at the salon of Cap-Haïtien’s Town Hall on April 18.
Four takeaways from Haiti’s draw with Dominican Republic in women’s World Cup qualifiers
Overview: Haiti’s women’s national soccer team reached the second round of the World Cup qualifiers after drawing with the Dominican Republic 1-1. But despite the result in a group Haiti dominated with three victories, one draw and zero defeat, Les Grenadières struggled to show the level of play fans and analysts think they are capable of. This article highlights four key observations from their substandard display.
Mayor of Milot in custody after deadly tragedy at historic Citadelle
Overview: The Mayor of Milot, Wesner Joseph, was in police custody for questioning over the deadly crowd surge at Citadelle Laferrière in his town for three days— prompting residents of the commune to protest his detention. CAP-HAÏTIEN — Wesner Joseph, the mayor of Milot, was in police custody Wednesday in the ongoing investigation into the deadly crowd surge at Citadelle Lafferière in his town over the weekend.
Bar association president shot in Cap-Haïtien, allegedly for opposing land grabs
Overview: Ronel Telsyde, head of the Federation of Bar Associations in Haiti (FBH), was shot in the arm while driving near his home. He underwent surgery and is in stable condition after the shooting that marks the latest attack on the city’s prominent officials.
Seven arrested in Citadelle stampede reportedly triggered by tear gas, officials say
Overview: Multiple Milot residents and the former director ISPAN, Haiti’s historical preservation agency, said the use of tear gas led to the crowd surge that left at least 25 people dead at Citadelle Laferrière on April 11.
Haiti women’s team beats Anguilla 5-0, but performance raises concerns in World Cup qualifier
Overview: Haiti defeated Anguilla 5-0 in a World Cup qualifier, but concerns among fans and analysts grew as Les Grenadières lacked fluidity and relied on their opponent's defensive errors to score. Similar to the women’s team, the senior men underperformed early in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers but still managed to defeat weaker opponents. The team was eventually revitalized by new additions and earned its ticket. Fans hope the women’s team will follow the same path in their campaign.
Haiti soccer team receives $4M for World Cup qualification bonuses and team preparation
Overview: Haiti’s government donated $4 million to the Haitian Football Federation, with $2 million as a World Cup qualification prize and the other half to support preparations for the 2026 prestigious tournament. CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haiti’s government has allocated 528 million gourdes, or over $4 million, to the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), splitting the funds between a World Cup qualification bonus and preparations for the 2026 tournament.
Haitian soccer wonderboy Emerson Laissé makes MIC Tournament’s Best XI in Spain
Overview: Haiti’s soccer prodigy Emerson Laissé earned a spot in the prestigious MIC Tournament Best XI with Real Sociedad, reinforcing his rise as one of the country’s top young prospects. With this latest accolade, Emerson Laissé, 16, joins a list of stars who stood out early at this competition, including Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior as players.
Haiti Women’s Ministry condemns groping of girls at Plaine-du-Nord ‘Festi-Color’ event
Overview: Haiti’s Ministry of Women’s Conditions and Rights condemned videos and screenshots circulating on social media showing young women and teenage girls being groped during a T-shirt painting session—before entering the “Festi-Color” event at a Plaine-du-Nord school. Officials vowed to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Top European league players Edouard and Jean-Baptiste reportedly nearing Haiti switch
Overview: Having been on Haiti’s radar for a while, SC Braga midfielder Gorby Jean-Baptiste and RC Lens forward Odsonne Edouard are reportedly close to joining the team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pending administrative clearance. If confirmed, these additions will significantly strengthen Les Grenadiers with top-tier European talent.
Haiti launches $8K singing contest ahead of FIFA World Cup return
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haiti’s Ministry of Culture and Communication (MCC) has launched a national singing contest to rally support for Les Grenadiers ahead of their historic return to the FIFA World Cup — the country’s first appearance in 52 years. The winner will receive 1 million gourdes or about $8,000, according to the ministry’s announcement on March 31.
‘Good Friday Procession’ still draws prayers in Cap-Haïtien, but tradition shows signs of decline | PHOTOS
Overview: A photo series captures worshippers during the Good Friday Procession in Cap-Haïtien, where declining turnout and the absence of the traditional Jesus reenactment have raised concerns about the future of the long-standing religious tradition. CAP-HAÏTIEN — The Good Friday procession in Cap-Haïtien still drew devoted worshippers this year, but many locals say the long-standing religious tradition is losing momentum.
Haiti launches $8K signing contest ahead of FIFA World Cup return Original
Overview: Haiti’s Ministry of Culture has launched a national singing contest to generate support for Les Grenadiers ahead of their historic appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. When Haiti’s national soccer team faces Scotland in Boston on June 13, it will mark the country’s second World Cup participation— the first in 52 years.
Young Haitian soccer prodigy heads to Spain to try out for La Liga’s Rayo Vallecano
Overview: Haiti’s 16-year-old defensive midfielder and member of both the U-17 and U-20 national teams, Miguel Joseph, will test his talent in Spain during a trial with top-flight Rayo Vallecano. CAP-HAÏTIEN — Miguel Joseph, Haiti’s under-20 soccer team’s hero from the first round of the World Cup qualifiers, headed to Spain to try out for first division side Rayo Vallecano, the Spanish Embassy in Haiti posted on its social media pages this week.
Haiti’s new star Isidor scores first goal, but team underwhelms in 1-1 draw with Iceland
Overview: Wilson Isidor, a newcomer from the English Premier League club Sunderland AFC, scored his first goal for Haiti in a 1-1 draw against Iceland, capping a mixed FIFA window. Despite flashes of promise, Les Grenadiers still struggle with midfield control, defensive discipline and consistency ahead of the World Cup.
Haiti comes up short to Tunisia 1-0 in friendly but put up convincing performance
Overview: Les Grenadiers succumbed to Tunisia 1-0 at BMO Field in Toronto in a friendly game that was part of the team’s preparation for the World Cup. CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haiti bowed down to Tunisia 1-0. Still, it played a satisfactory game despite conceding an early goal at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, in front of thousands of Haitian fans on Saturday night, March 28.
Haiti against Tunisia offers preview of Morocco’s style and test for World Cup matchup
Overview: As Haiti prepares for the World Cup, upcoming friendlies against Tunisia and Iceland offer key tests. Analysts say Tunisia mirrors Morocco’s style, while concerns remain over player form and midfield depth. CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haiti’s upcoming friendly against Tunisia could provide a crucial preview of its World Cup matchup with Morocco, analysts say, as both North African teams share a similar tactical identity built on defensive discipline and quick counterattacks.
‘Back to zero’ — Former Atlanta DJ recounts life after deportation to Haiti
Overview: Deported DJ, 31-year-old Duckenson Calixte—known as DJ Lucky—talks about the mental, financial and social struggles of rebuilding his life back in Haiti. Calixte, whose career was well-built in Atlanta, Georgia, was deported nine months ago to a country he left at age 16. LIMONADE, Haiti — Duckenson “DJ Lucky” Calixte once lived a fast-paced life in Atlanta, DJ-ing events, driving luxury cars and even moving through the city with a private chauffeur at times.
Haiti eliminated from U-17 women’s World Cup qualifiers as visa issues sideline key players
Overview: Haiti’s U-17 women’s team has been mathematically eliminated from World Cup qualifiers after heavy losses to Puerto Rico (3-1) and the U.S. (9-0), playing without five key players due to visa issues, including their captain and starting goalkeeper. Les Petites Grenadières still have one more match left to play in the competition, but it’s for honor.
Haitian adoptee with disabilities returns to U.S., seeks ‘freedom’ after years of ordeal
Overview: Joie, A 21-year-old Haitian adoptee with disabilities, has returned to the United States after being sent to Haiti and left there for months. She alleges years of abuse in the U.S. and at a Jamaican boarding school and now says she is seeking “freedom” and stability. Editor’s note: This article is the first installment of a three-part series that delves into how the story of Joie and her two siblings exposes major flaws and gaps in Haiti-U.S. adoptions.
English Premier League Star Isidor commits to Haiti after fan push ahead of World Cup
Overview: Sunderland’s star striker Wilson Isidor has been called up to represent Haiti for the first time in his young career, marking a crucial moment for Haitian soccer as the team prepares for its historic 2026 World Cup appearance. CAP-HAÏTIEN — After responding to long-standing calls from supporters urging him to join Les Grenadiers, English Premier League striker Wilson Isidor— a French native born to Haitian and Malagasy parents— has chosen to represent Haiti.
Haiti’s single major carrier Sunrise Airways launches Cap-Haïtien to Boston route | PHOTOS
Overview: From check-in to takeoff, relive Sunrise Airways’ inaugural Cap-Haïtien–Boston flight through a series of images capturing a milestone for travelers from Haiti and the United States-based diaspora. The main Haiti-based international airline will also introduce a new route to New York/New Jersey— starting in June.
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