Born and raised in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, Patrick attended the Memorial School of Business Administration at the University of Florida and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He has always had a strong desire to contribute to the economic development of his beloved Haiti through volunteer work and humanitarian efforts, creating a link and providing a bridge between his people living abroad and those on the mainland.
Through a vision that began many years ago with his father’s dream and perseverance, he created and became the President of the FATIMA Group. Patrick also contributes to the community through volunteer work and humanitarian involvement. He is the Vice President of the CCIN Chamber of Commerce in Cap-Haïtien and the President of the OGDNH (Organization de Gestion de la Destination Nord Haïti).
His latest vision has focused on the plight of the fishermen of Cap Haitien. Therefore, he founded the Haiti Sailing Cup, which became not only a reality but a mission to help them and provide them with the means to improve their lives and their obsolete boats by supplying the necessary equipment that will allow them to venture deeper into the ocean for their fishing needs; thus giving them the opportunity to contribute and benefit from the country’s economic system. Through this organization, the Haiti Sailing Cup, the entire community benefits: fishermen with new sails and fishing accessories, sponsors showcasing their businesses, and the entire community participating in the numerous activities held in the city.
With a simple dream and vision, perseverance, determination, and a positive attitude, Patrick has been able to generate businesses that contribute to the economic system of his beloved city and has dedicated himself through volunteer and humanitarian work. The Haiti Sailing Cup will continue for many years thanks to the involvement of the fishermen, the support of our numerous donors, and the people of the community who have embraced this new effort.
Serge A. Boisette, a proud native of Cap-Haïtien, emigrated to the U.S. at a young age to further his studies, where he eventually earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and his Master’s in Health Services Administration from Florida International University and Barry University, respectively. Though he has developed his professional career in Miami, Florida, one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the United States, Serge has also maintained strong ties to his homeland, Haiti.
Due to his personal commitment to sustainable development, education, culture, and community, he has been involved in many non-profit events serving those efforts in organizations such as the Alfred Béliard Foundation Against Cancer, established to aid in cancer education, prevention, and patient support.
Serge has been involved with the Haiti Sailing Cup for three years and has enjoyed the experience of helping, leading, coordinating, structuring, and implementing his problem-solving skills for the benefit of the organization and the participating fishermen. “It’s been amazing so far,” according to Serge, who describes planning and organizing last year’s regatta as an “adrenaline rush” witnessing the excitement and joy of the fishermen throughout the process and in the distribution of the sails. “It gives a great sense of achievement, fulfillment, and satisfaction to see the numerous sails with their beautiful bright colors caressing the bay. It’s an awe-inspiring sight. The idea of helping someone in need brings that feeling of self-satisfaction.” He has firsthand witnessed the benefits that this organization is bringing not only to the fishermen who receive better sails and accessories but to businesses through exposure and increased sales, and to the community as a whole by unifying its people to engage them in beautifying their city. He looks forward to this year’s race and many more to come.
Kika, a young Haitian sailor from Port-au-Prince, lives and travels around the world with her partner Dan on their sailboat Uma, sharing their adventures through their YouTube channel (Sailing Uma).
Two years ago, Kika and Dan sailed to the beautiful waters of Haiti before continuing their journey to the Caribbean islands. The goal with their videos was to share with the world what the news typically doesn’t, the side of HAITI that deserves to be recognized and appreciated. After spending several months in Cap-Haïtien, that city quickly found a special place in their hearts.
With experience in architecture, Kika has been involved in some projects to help her country. But her passion for sailing and her love for the ocean led her to the unique opportunity to participate in the Haiti Sailing Cup.
“I believe the Haiti Sailing Cup is a catalytic project that has the potential to become something much bigger than just an event. It has the power to educate locals on how to care for their ocean, how to fish properly while keeping their reefs healthy, and in turn, attract tourists from around the world.”
In 2018, she reached out to her Sailing Uma followers and, with the support of hundreds of people from around the world, they were able to create TEAM UMA and provide sails and outboard motors to several other boats to help them get out on the water. She flew to Cap-Haïtien to film the event and shared it in a video on their YouTube channel.
“Helping once is good, but it’s the long-term commitment that really makes a difference. I feel honored to be a board member of such a great project, and Sailing Uma will proudly continue to support and consult on the regatta every year.”
