The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING CARMELAU MONESTIME” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E965 on May 19, 2008.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING CARMELAU MONESTIME
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HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK
of florida
in the house of representatives
Monday, May 19, 2008
Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Carmelau Monestime and the 30th anniversary of the founding of the first created Haitian radio program in Creole language. The radio program, Express Publicite, has been led for three decades by the founder Mr. Monestime, who is the first radio personality of Haitian descent in South Florida. Mr. Monestime can be considered a communicator by nature.
Born in Gonaives, Haiti Mr. Monestime, began his education at the Institut Brothers of the Christian Instruction. He continued his studies at the Lycee Fabres Geffrrard College of the City. In 1957, he earned the position as head of the files section of the Department of Agriculture, in Haiti's natural resources and rural department. In 1964, he immigrated to New York and relocated to Miami, Florida in 1978.
Upon his arrival in Miami, Mr. Monestime immediately became dedicated to the Haitian-American community, and soon after opened Panoram Express Driving School, a Haitian driving school. In 1997, he joined co-founders Ferdinand Forte and Pierre Mendez to create Express Publicite.
Like the Haitian-American population throughout South Florida over the last three decades, Express Publicite has grown tremendously and popularized itself among listeners around the community. When first created, the Station had over 5,000 listeners--today, the Station has nearly 900,000 dedicated listeners throughout South Florida. Pertinent information such as current events and up-to-date news in both the United States and Haiti, which was previously transferred by word of mouth or distributed through flyers at community events, is now easily accessible on the air waves. Mr. Monestime is very well-respected by those in the radio industry and also by the thousands of fans that listen to him on a daily basis.
Through his many accomplishments and creation of Express Publicite, Mr. Monestime has paved the way for other Haitians in the radio industry by providing a voice for Haitian-Americans in radio. The Station was created as a center to share vital community information. All of these accomplishments have earned Mr. Monestime the title,
``Dean of Haitian Radio.''
Thus Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce today, along with the entire South Florida community, a resolution recognizing the rich history and accomplishments of this remarkable Station and its founder on the occasion of its 30 anniversary. I urge all the Members of this body to join us in congratulating Carmelau Monestime on Express Publicite's 30th anniversary.
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