Interview between Bolívar and Pétion: Beginning of an anti-imperialist brotherhood (+anniversary)

Published at: 02/01/2025 08:50 AM

On January 2, 1816, General Alexander Pétion received for the first time in Haiti the Liberator Simon Bolivar, to whom he promised his fullest collaboration in the expedition he was going to prepare in the Keys.

Petión made available to Bolívar more than 6,000 rifles with their bayonets, ammunition, lead, food, a complete printing press, the freight of some schooners and a significant sum of money, in addition to allowing Haitian citizens to enlist in the expedition.

Some time later, in a second meeting, Pétion promises Bolívar his help in recruiting volunteers and carrying out his liberation struggle. It was at that time that Bolívar asks “Should I let posterity know that Alexandre Pétion is the liberator of my Homeland?” , Pétion answers “no, promise me that you will abolish slavery wherever you command”.

President Pétion asked the Liberator not to name him or to openly thank him, hence the absence of any reference to the Haitian president when Bolívar spoke.

This meeting marked the beginning of a friendship marked by dreams of freedom and brotherhood, which has been strengthened since the arrival of the Bolivarian Revolution and Commander Hugo Chávez.

Mazo News Team