Marjorie Alexandre Brunache, Counsel Minister for the General Consulate of Haiti in BostonMarjorie Alexandre Brunache, Counsel Minister for the General Consulate of Haiti in Boston, is the newest representative of the Haitian government in Boston. She was appointed to the position last fall and has served since Dec. 1, 2011. She succeeds Emmanuelle Dupiton and Gladys Joseph.
“What I want the community to know is we are here for them,” said Counsel Brunache. “We deliver so many important services, that outreach to educate the community on what we provide is key to our success.”
Brunache was born in Port-au-Prince. She was an attorney in Haiti and practiced family and commercial law there. She has counseled and served numerous ministries in the Haitian government – most recently ministry of foreign affairs.
“I was glad to find out that I would serve my government in this capacity, in Boston,” said Brunache. “I attended UMass Boston from 2008-2010, where I received a graduate degree in Conflict and Resolution. This city is a great place to further [one’s] education and raise a family.”
Brunache’s knowledge of the community has informed her initial outreach efforts. She’s visited several churches (including a recent visit to St. Mary’s in Lynn), attended numerous community gatherings and special events (including HAU’s Independence Day gala), and visited some detainees who await deportation in local prisions.
“On February 4, we went to a few of the large prisons in the state to visit some of the detained,” said Brunache. “They really appreciated our presence, as some are apprehensive of the deportation process and they feel that they’re forgotten. They need someone to explain what will happen and what they can expect when they arrive in Haiti.”
In addition to the community visits, Brunache wanted to make sure that the community knows the full scope of services offered at the general consulate.
“We provide travel documents including passports, visas for foreigners who visit Haiti and documentation for residency,” said Brunache. “We also provide mandated paperwork for Haitians who need to take care of business affairs in Haiti, whether it’s the purchase of homes or bank statements. We also help people who need their birth certificate or marriage license.”
The general consulate has also played a role in promoting Haitian arts and culture. Brunache says they work with artists to have rotating paintings shown at the consulate.
“We are very proud to support and promote local artists,” said Brunache. “As a matter of fact, we are hosting an exhibit at Boston City Hall this month, that goes through March 16. You can visit the 8th floor to see some wonderful art from great local Haitian artists.”
The consulate’s outreach has extended online as well.
“We want to meet the community where they are, so we have a Facebook page too! It’s Consulat General d’Haiti de Boston. Visit us there or come by our office in 545 Boylston Street, room 201 in Boston.”