Sports

ONE FIGHTER. ONE FLAG. ONE LAST CHANCE: Why Haiti Must Stand Behind Desta Clerveau—Now
By L.J. Cange | The Haitian Pulse

In a world obsessed with chaos, scandal, and clout, emerges a force so pure, so quietly powerful, it demands our attention—not with noise, but with purpose. Her name is Desta Clerveau—and she’s not just fighting for medals. She’s fighting for Haiti’s soul.

While the world scrolls, she strikes. While others doubt, she trains. While Haiti sleeps on its future, Desta is already wide awake—on the mat, in the ring, draped in red and blue, rewriting what it means to be Haitian in international sports.

Let that sink in.

From Obscurity to Opportunity

You may not know her name yet. But you will. The only question is: Will you have helped her get there—or will you just clap when the job is done?

In Haiti, we’ve grown too familiar with the tragedy of unrealized potential. Our brightest lights are often dimmed by poverty, indifference, or lack of exposure. But not this time. Not on our watch.

Desta Clerveau isn’t just a karateka. She is Haiti’s quiet storm—disciplined, deadly, dignified—and ready to take the world stage. But make no mistake: she can’t do it alone.

When Dreams Are Derailed by Dollars

Coach Jacques Hector recently had to cancel the team’s long-awaited trip to the international competition in the Philippines, originally scheduled for May 23–30. The reason? Not a lack of talent. Not a lack of preparation. Just a lack of funds.

“I don’t feel good when I have to face situations like this,” Coach Hector told The Haitian Pulse.
“As a leader, I must stay strong—but that doesn’t mean I’m not affected. I’m the shield for my athletes, and I know how hard it is to prepare in Haiti. Despite the lack of food, limited or no resources—they still choose Taekwondo. That takes heart. We feel ashamed when invitations come from abroad and we can’t go—not because we’re unprepared, but because we’re broke.”

The Next Hope: Germany, July 16–27

The Philippines may no longer be an option—but there’s still a door open: the global competition in Germany, scheduled for July 16 through 27. And this time, Haiti has one more shot to show up.

But hope alone won’t book the flights, pay the fees, or clothe these warriors in the uniform of national pride. That’s where you come in.

The Man Behind the Warrior

Every champion has an origin story—and more often than not, that story begins with a mentor who dared to believe. For Desta, that mentor is Coach Jacques Hector.

While others wait on government grants or foreign aid, Coach Hector built a dojo with his own hands and filled it not just with equipment—but with vision. Every day, he trains fighters not just for combat, but for character.

“Every coach dreams of seeing someone from the government walk into their dojo—just once—to say, ‘We see you.’ But in Haiti, we often feel abandoned,” he said.
“Still, we work. We keep hope. Because in our hearts, we know that true Taekwondo turns the nameless into the known, and the hopeless into the hopeful.”

Talent Shouldn’t Be a Burden

In most countries, talent opens doors. In Haiti, it can be a lonely burden—carried by young shoulders with no backup.

Desta shouldn’t have to fight for recognition before she fights for gold.

We say this with love and urgency: stop letting our excellence die in silence. Stop showing up late to the celebration. Show up now—when it matters most.

To the Diaspora: This Is Your Wake-Up Call

To every Haitian in Brooklyn, Montreal, Miami, Paris, and beyond—this is your moment.

“We simply hope the diaspora can step in and help,” Coach Hector said. “The kids deserve that.”

So fund her. Share her story. Invite her. Elevate her.

If every Haitian business, influencer, and content creator gave even a fraction of their platform or profit—we wouldn’t be asking. We’d be sending her off.

This Is Bigger Than Karate

Backing Desta is about more than sports. It’s about reclaiming Haiti’s narrative. It’s about telling the world we don’t just export trauma—we export triumph.

She is proof that discipline beats dysfunction. That focus can rise from chaos. That our youth, when backed, can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.

The Haitian Pulse Says: Enough Is Enough
We’re not here to beg. We’re here to spark a fire.

To Desta, we say:
Nou pa lage. Nou la pou ou. Ou pa pou kont ou.
(We won’t give up. We’re here for you. You are not alone.)

To the nation, we ask:
What’s the point of waving the flag if you won’t back the ones who carry it into battle?

The Challenge Has Been Thrown

If you love Haiti, show it.
If you claim to empower youth, prove it.
If you dream of a better Haiti, invest in those building it—right now.

Because if we don’t support Desta today, we have no right to cheer when she wins tomorrow.

🇭🇹 One fighter. One flag. One last chance. Let’s not miss it.