Haitian President Edgard Leblanc Fils became an unexpected internet sensation after a humorous accident during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. As he made a heartfelt plea for global support to aid his country, which is struggling with gang violence and mass migration, he attempted to take a drink from a large water pitcher.
However, instead of pouring it into a glass, he tried drinking directly from it, spilling water over himself.The moment, captured on video, quickly spread across social media, with netizens responding with a mix of jokes and memes.
While discussing the urgent need for global solidarity and backing the Biden administration‘s call for a formal UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, President Leblanc Fils reached for the water.
In a relatable human error, he spilled water on his hands and clothes, sparking a wave of viral internet reactions. Memes flooded social media, with one user quipping, “Don’t they have cups in Haiti?” Another added, “If that was a beer, I’d never make another Haitian joke in my life.”
Despite the barrage of online teasing, some social media users came to the president’s defence, pointing out that it was a harmless mistake. “It’s awkward for him, but what’s the problem if it’s his? I often drink from a jug myself,” one user noted. Others criticised the harsh tone of the jokes, asking people to be more considerate.
Call for reparations and global aid
Keeping the water mishap aside, Haitian President demanded reparations for Haiti in his speech at the UN. He cited the nation’s long history of injustices since becoming the first Black country to gain independence.
He stressed that these wrongs have hindered Haiti’s development and called for justice. The president also acknowledged past UN peacekeeping failures in Haiti and urged for renewed international support to tackle gang violence and human rights violations, particularly against children.
President Leblanc Fils also used his UN speech to respond to Donald Trump’s recent claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, had been eating pets. He expressed concern over the potential harm these remarks could cause to Haitians globally. He also extended a message of solidarity to Haitians, particularly those in Springfield.