Hibbert, Fernand

Fernand Hibbert is considered a pioneer of the Haitian novel. His works, full of satire and wit, sought to criticize the corrupt powers of the day while painting an accurate, often beautiful portrait of Haitian society at the start of the twentieth century. Born in Miragoane in 1873, Hibbert studied in Paris before teaching history and French literature at Lycee Petion. He had a successful diplomatic career as Minister of Foreign Relations and later Minister Plenipotentiary to Cuba, and was later Secretary of State for Public Education. He contributed to newspapers and literary reviews, wrote