[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 84 (Monday, June 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE LATE FATHER GERARD JEAN-JUSTE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late 
Father Gerard Jean-Juste, a dedicated public servant, tireless 
community activist and one of south Florida's unsung heroes, who passed 
away on Sunday, May 24, 2009 in Miami, Florida. I will join his 
countless friends at his homegoing celebration on June 5, 2009 to be 
held at Miami's Notre Dame Catholic Church.
  Father Jean-Juste, a Roman Catholic priest, led a 30-year crusade on 
behalf of both Haitian Americans and his countrymen in Haiti. In that 
effort, Jean-Juste walked a fine, tense line between spiritual adviser 
and political leader. One of south Florida and Haiti's most high-
profile advocates, Father Jean-Juste symbolized the resilient and 
unyielding voice for those who were disenfranchised and bore the brunt 
of inequality of opportunity. Completely unselfish in his endeavors, he 
devoted himself as a community-builder and a catalyst par excellence. 
The authenticity of his stewardship on our behalf was defined by his 
utmost consecration to his calling as God's faithful servant, bringing 
laughter, hope and optimism to hundreds of ordinary folks and countless 
Haitian immigrants whose lives he deeply touched, never holding anyone 
at arm's length.
  For many years, Father Jean-Juste ranked among the most visible and 
outspoken advocates for human rights. In the 1980s, he spoke out 
against the Duvalier dictatorship in Haiti, and since then against what 
he assailed as unfair treatment of Haitians seeking refuge in America. 
As a remarkable pillar, as well as our community's friend and 
confidant, he will be an indelible reminder of the noble commitment and 
awesome power of community service on behalf of the less fortunate. His 
faith was deep and genuine, and his love for us was real and 
unforgettable.
  Indeed, Father Jean-Juste will be remembered and admired for his 
tireless, persistent and unwavering efforts on behalf of poor and 
marginalized people in south Florida. Many of my constituents' family 
and friends are in need of refuge, compassion and aid. Through his 
mission to put the cause of Haitian immigrants on the political 
forefront, Father Jean-Juste serves as the ideal role model for us to 
mold ourselves after.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and all the members of this esteemed 
legislative body to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life and 
accomplishments of Father Gerard Jean-Juste. Father Jean-Juste's life 
was a triumph and he was blessed with a loving family who took pleasure 
in every aspect of his life and his interests. I am honored to pay 
tribute to Father Jean-Juste for his invaluable services and tireless 
dedication to the south Florida and Haitian community. He will be 
missed by all who knew him, and I appreciate this opportunity to pay 
tribute to him before the United States House of Representatives.

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