BOSTON, MA — The U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce hosted a special Meet and Greet Reception to officially welcome Sunrise Airways as a member of the Chamber and celebrate the airline’s upcoming direct flights from Boston to Haiti launching on March 17. The event was held in Downtown Boston at the elegant Rochambeau Restaurant in Back Bay, bringing together a distinguished gathering of leaders from the Haitian-American community and Greater Boston.
The evening brought together what many described as the “crème de la crème” of the Haitian community in Massachusetts, with prominent figures from government, business, media, and the arts in attendance to mark the milestone.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Hans Patrick Domercant, President of the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted the significance of the new direct route and the importance of strengthening economic and cultural ties between Boston and Haiti.
“This partnership represents more than just a new flight route,” said Dr. Domercant during his remarks. “It represents connection, opportunity, and the strengthening of ties between Haiti and the Haitian diaspora here in Massachusetts. The Chamber stands ready to work with Sunrise Airways and our community to leverage the opportunities this new direct connection will bring.”
During the ceremony, Dr. Hans Patrick Domercant formally presented Sunrise Airways with a Chamber Membership Certificate, officially welcoming the airline into the Chamber’s growing network of businesses and partners. Dr. Domercant was joined by Stanley David, Membership Director of the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce; Emmanuel Jean, North Shore Regional Director; Chamber staff member Josette La Paix Jean; and media personality Katie Moleus, who all participated in the presentation recognizing Sunrise Airways’ new membership and partnership with the Chamber.
The evening also featured remarks from Regine Etienne, Consul General of Haiti in Boston, who congratulated Sunrise Airways and emphasized the importance of strengthening travel connections between Haiti and the Haitian diaspora.
Guests then heard from Jonathan Bayard, Owner of Sunrise Airways, who presented the airline’s vision and spoke about the upcoming launch of the Boston–Haiti route scheduled to begin on March 17.
“I truly feel at home here tonight,” Bayard told the audience. “The welcoming spirit from everyone in this room means a great deal to us. We look forward to building a long-term partnership with the Haitian community and with the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce.”
As part of the celebration, a special citation from the City of Boston was presented to Sunrise Airways by James Colimon, Director of Global Affairs and Protocol at the City of Boston, on behalf of the Mayor’s Office, recognizing the airline’s commitment to strengthening international connections and expanding travel opportunities between Boston and Haiti.
The reception brought together a remarkable group of community leaders and public officials. Among the distinguished guests were Massachusetts Governor’s Councilor Tamisha Civil, Brockton City Councilor Jeff Charnel, Former Massachusetts State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry, Former State Representative Marie St. Fleur, Jessicah Pierre, former Boston Chief of Communications, and Boston Cultural Advisor Jean Julien.
Also in attendance were respected community leaders including Marline Amedee and Patricia Sanon of Brockton, as well as Melissa Sapini, Miss Haiti Universe, who energized the room and entertained guests with a few lively moments on the microphone.
The media was well represented with personalities such as Katie Moleus of Tele Choublak, Acerome Jean Charles of Radio Concorde, and Julio Midi of Radio Concorde, who were present to cover the event and engage with attendees.
Numerous members of the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce were also present, including Valery Joseph of La Perle Restaurant, Dr. Gabrielle Abelard of Abelard Psychotherapy, and Romel Jean-Baptiste of Brothers Kafe Kreyol. The event also welcomed several figures from the Haitian music and cultural scene, including music producers Fito Farinen and Pelege Marcelin, among many other entrepreneurs and professionals from across the Greater Boston area.
Throughout the evening, guests networked, shared ideas, and celebrated the opportunities that the new direct flight connection will bring for families, businesses, and travelers.
By the end of the night, attendees widely described the gathering as a successful and memorable event, symbolizing a new chapter of collaboration between the Haitian diaspora, local leaders, and Sunrise Airways.
With the Boston–Haiti direct flights set to begin on March 17, many in attendance expressed optimism that this partnership will strengthen travel, economic activity, and cultural ties between Massachusetts and Haiti for years to come.
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