Four Haitian Figures Honored at International Academic Prize in Italy
The Academy of Philosophical Arts and Sciences of Bari paid tribute to four Haitians for their research, leadership and humanitarian commitment.
On Saturday, October 24, 2026, four Haitian personalities were honored during the closing ceremony of the tenth edition of the Lucius Annaeus Seneca International Academic Prize for Contemporary Literature, held at the Norman-Swabian Castle of Sannicandro di Bari, Italy, according to haitilibre.com. The Senate of the Academy of Philosophical Arts and Sciences of Bari paid solemn tribute to the recipients for the rigor of their research and their civic and humanitarian commitment. Professor Evens Emmanuel, a teacher-researcher at Quisqueya University and holder of a UNESCO Chair on water, hygiene and sanitation, received the title of Scientiae et Civilitatis Magister and the Cross of Academic Merit. Vanessa Clergé, a final-year student at Quisqueya University's Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, was named Ambasciatrice della Pace. Haitian-American psychologist Dr. Marie Guerda Nicolas, a University of Miami professor and co-founder of Ayiti Community Trust, received the Laudis Charta Ob Obfirmata Opera e Studio distinction. Jean Baptiste Brown, an emeritus lawyer of more than 46 years and former Minister of Justice and Public Security, was honored as Humanitatis e Iustitiae Magister. In his speech, Emmanuel dedicated the distinction to the Haitian University and national scientific community. The Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP) extended its congratulations to the four recipients.