[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 82 (Monday, May 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CARMELAU MONESTIME

                                 ______
                                 

                         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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