PRESS RELEASE

Port-au-Prince, October 21, 2026 – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Her Excellency Mrs. Raina Forbin, proceeded to inaugurate the Lucienne Heurtelou Estimé Space, a conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dedicated, from now on, to the memory of the former first lady and first female ambassador of Haiti.

The ceremony was attended by relatives of the late Lucienne Heurtelou Estimé —including her daughter, Mrs. Régine Estimé—, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, the directors general Christian Toussaint and Dr. Guy Mary Louis, and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In her remarks, Minister Raina Forbin highlighted the career of this pioneer of Haitian diplomacy, who was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in Brussels in June 1959, becoming, on October 1, 1966, the first Haitian woman accredited as ambassador to a foreign government. "Lucienne Heurtelou Estimé not only opened a door for herself; she paved the way for generations of women who would follow her," she stated.

By designating this room as the "Lucienne Heurtelou Estimé Space," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship is carrying out an act of remembrance, recognition, and transmission. This reaffirms the commitment of the Government, led by His Excellency Mr. Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, to honor and celebrate the women who, through their courage and dedication, have enhanced our diplomacy and our country. Beyond this tribute, the Chancellor reaffirmed her commitment to promoting the role of women in diplomacy and in national and international institutions. "We must give them the visibility they deserve, support their ambitions, offer them the necessary opportunities, and trust them so that they dare to fully embrace their roles, develop their skills, and achieve success," she emphasized.

Speaking on behalf of her family, Mrs. Régine Estimé expressed her deep gratitude for this tribute. Referring to her mother's legacy, she emphasized her conviction that education and training are essential instruments of emancipation. "Everything is possible with a good education," she recalled, highlighting the struggle of her mother, the late Lucienne Heurtelou Estimé, for women's access to all professions, regardless of gender.

Through this initiative, the MAEC seeks to preserve the memory of the great figures of Haitian diplomacy and to transform the "Lucienne Heurtelou Estimé Space" into a place of dialogue, reflection and inspiration; a meeting point, moreover, for diplomats, public officials and personalities committed to the projection of Haiti.