Haiti’s Grand Hôtel Oloffson, a Gothic gingerbread hotel that drew international attention and inspired books, was burned down by gangs this past weekend. The hotel, once a haven for artists, intellectuals, and politicians from Haiti and beyond, had been closed due to gang violence in recent years.
The hotel’s manager, Richard Morse, confirmed the fire on Monday, saying he suspected it wasn’t just another case of gang violence. Longtime residents and visitors, including Haitian-American singer Riva Précil and author Michael Deibert, mourned the loss of the beloved hotel, which had served as a presidential summer palace, U.S. Marine Corps Hospital, and even inspired Graham Greene’s novel “The Comedians.”
Isabelle Morse, Richard Morse’s daughter, described her father’s love for the hotel, saying it was his whole life. “It represented freedom, where people from all walks of life could come in and share that space,” she said.
Gangs have been raiding and seizing control of once peaceful communities in Haiti, with many hoping the hotel would reopen despite the violence. The destruction of the Oloffson is seen as symbolic of the destruction of Haiti’s history and culture.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/haiti-grand-hotel-oloffson-burned-down-gangs-bb08a45c646bf5bada9759721de1b342