Haiti Roundup: Coffee Spotlighted in Rome, School Fire, Foiled Piracy, New Stadiums Announced

A roundup published by HaitiLibre covers several Haiti developments in mid-October 2026. At the World Food Forum's Investment Forum in Rome, the Haitian coffee sector was spotlighted, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) citing opportunities to strengthen production, improve quality and connect producers to higher value-added markets, alongside continued dialogue on investment in Haiti's agri-food systems. On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, a fire completely destroyed Le Grand Evangelical College and partially damaged the Bestheda Educational Institution, two schools with a combined capacity of 500 students; initial reports suggest a lit candle left on the floor of a neighboring house may have been the cause, pending investigation. On the night of October 10-11, armed men attempted to board the American container ship MV National Glory (IMO 8302246), anchored in the bay of Port-au-Prince. Coast Guard chief Jean Pedro Mars said the assailants opened fire when the Coast Guard responded; Wilfrid Fleursaint of the Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service confirmed all crew were unharmed. On October 14, Minister Dumas Pythagore announced the construction of two new modern stadiums in the North and South departments, with budgets for rehabilitating football fields already available. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry set a trade and entrepreneurship caravan launch for October 15.