RIP Jean Remy Guèrier

Just like all my children in the village of Brigue, in Haiti, Jean Remy was exceptional; a very talented young artist whose passion brought smiles to everyone’s face. He was always the first to take part in art education activities and sport of any kind. Sadly, Jean Remy did not have the chance to spend much time with his father before he passed away, but he grew up happily with his mom and left Brigue a few years ago to live in the capital Port-au-Prince, with her.

On Wednesday 18 January, I received the terrible news from Val Casner, one of the young leaders at Amical Art Studio in Brigue, that Jean Remy gave his last breath following a terrible motor accident in Petion Ville. His death at 22 years old has left the whole village in distress. My condolences to Jean Remy’s mother on the loss of her only child.

I have done my best to help the village because it is part of my mission since 2003, I started teaching art in the village where everyone had the chance to learn with no exception.

Jean Remy never missed any of my art training sessions. Here he is, about 15 years ago – front row, third from left, in blue T-shirt, holding his landscape painting of a house.

Here is Jean Remy in 2014 at another art camp in Brigue – right side, black T-shirt.

Jean Remy in 2016 at an art camp in Brigue – back row, second from left, light blue T-shirt.

Football is the national game in Haiti, and I think 75% of children are born talented football players. Amical Arts Football Club was created to keep the village alive because we lack electricity, a school, a cultural centre and a hospital. There is no running water in the village, and those same talented children have to walk kilometres to get water every day, twice a day. Always positive, Jean Remy, #4 left in the photo below, gives a thumbs-up, ready to play in 2019.

In this last photo, Jean Remy is on the right. Only God knows why he left us so tragically and so young. May his soul Rest in Peace.

Please assist his family with funeral expenses. Either send via Moneygram to his cousin Val Casner in Haiti, or email me at prensnelo56@gmail.com for other money transfer information. Thank you.