 |
The cast-members are dressed
to the Haitian style. |
The celebration
of the Haitian flag was in the spotlight once again this year at
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando on Monday, May 18, 2015.
This very
significant event was the initiative of PULSE, a
Diversity and Inclusion Resource Group at the Walt Disney World Resort for Cast Members interested in the
cultural, educational, and professional development of Cast Members of African
and Caribbean descent.
This cultural
event dedicated to the Haitian Flag Day was an opportunity to highlight the
Haitian culture through its art, painting, food and music.
Flag day for Haïtians everywhere is a special day. Though a National
event, the flag represents a symbol for the country and its independence. The
two-tone flag, made up of blue and red for Haitians is also a reminder of
the strength that comes from unity.
 |
Rilous
Carter
(right), is the Vice-President of Catering
and Convention Services & Operation Event & Parck at
Walt Disney World.
|
During the activities,
both cultural and patriotic, we noted
the presence of special guests; Laurent Prosper, the Haitian Consul of
Orlando, Rilous J Carter the
Vice President of Catering and Convention Services and Operation Event and Park
at Walt Disney World, Phelicia
Dell, fashion designer for Vèvè collections.
Also present, Michael Benjamin a
well-known Haitian artist who came especially for this occasion during which he
sang his song Mikaben
"Ayiti Se" whose lyrics were translated into English. We also want to
acknowledge the presence of some employees leaders of Haitian origin that made
part of Walt Disney World; Haitian Executive Managers, Reginald Lambert
(Reggie) and Marjorie Colas, who is also a former Ambassador at Walt Disney
World.
It was a Haitian ambiance where steaming Haitian dishes were exclusively made for the
day.
 |
| Some Haitian Leaders at WDW |
We must also note that after the English and Hispanic speaking workers community, Haitians represent the highest percentage
of workers at Walt Disney World of Orlando. They are several thousands and found in almost all areas
of Hospitality (Housekeeping), Catering, Landscaping/gardening, Custodial,
Stewarding, Transportation, Merchandise, Engineering, Parks, etc. Haitian cast
members or (employees) make up the working class and work incredibly hard to bring
unparalleled entertainment experiences to the guests and the diverse audience
that visit Walt Disney World every day. They represent a valuable asset
to this great company (theme park), that make Orlando the top tourist city in
the United States. The Pulse initiative is appreciated to the extent that it can also help
employees develop their potential. This will in turn, help Walt Disney World continue
to prosper, through its cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is not a simple
natural state that we must observe and respect; it is the plurality of
knowledge, wisdom and dynamism that contributes to improving the world.
 |
A Haitian woman wearing
her flag all over |
The human race has
about 6000 ethnic groups and as many languages. This difference naturally gives
rise to differences in vision, value, belief, practice and expression that each
deserve respect and dignity. Cultural diversity is a collective force for
humanity.
 |
Two Haitian Cast-
members |
We find those cast-members as we said above in most maintenance services, cleaning, housekeeping, transportation and kitchen;There
are approximitely around 12,000 cast members of Haitian origin working at Walt Disney
World. They are found most of them fell into these positions due to the language
barrier when they arrived to the U.S. and are obliged to remain to work to
support themselves and their parents in Haiti.
May
Pulse continue to flourish more in culture, education and the development of
Cast members from Africa and the Caribbean. Their development would facilitate
their integration into the American society and for the benefit of Walt Disney
World. For we must not forget the PULSE motto: Lead, Serve and Excel.
By
Herve Gilbert herve.gilbert@gmail.com
More Pictures from the Event
 |
| The Haitian Consul Laurent Prosper on the left |
 |
| Phelicia Dell |
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