Fr Gerard Jean-Juste a gentle man, a liberation theologist who dedicated his life to fight for justice for Haitians in Haiti and the US died on Wednesday 27 May. Fr Jean-Juste was constantly harassed by the security forces and imprisoned by Gérard Latortue who, along with the US and France, were responsible for the overthrow of President Bertrand Aristide.

In December 2005, he was diagosed in the US with lymphocytic leukemia but in between his treatments he continued to move between Miami and Port-au-Prince where he was always met with a huge welcome.

I had the honour of meeting Fr Jean-Juste twice in Miami (once before my visit to Haiti and also on my return) at the Veye Yo - the center he opened for Haiti refugees in Little Haiti. He and everyone at the Veye Yo were so welcoming and respectful it was a truly humbling experience. I was unfortunate to miss him in Port-au-Prince due to the August 2007 hurricane and mess-ups with him trying to get to PAP and me trying to get back to Miami. Fr Gerry as he was known, held people together. Every week people would gather and whoever had something to say would stand and speak about their joys, their problems in Miami and in Haiti. Everyone would listen. I cannot imagine the sadness of the people of Little Haiti who were part of his life and they part of his. He will be terribly missed. I do not know how his people will manage.

In this video he explains his decision to start a soup kitchen in Haiti – ‘It was like a cry in my heart. I had to perform a miracle.’ He did!

Interview of Sister Lucy and Kevin Pina on Flashpoints radio - Thursday 28 May. [mp3">

Flashpoints Radio: Haitian community leader and fighter for justice Father Gerard Jean-Juste passes away, we'll hear from friends and colleagues who remember his life and legacy.

* This obituary first appeared in Black Looks.
* Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org/.