Interview with Elizabeth Guérin

              Caribbean Diaspora Oral History Collection
Interview with Elizabeth Guerin
Miami, FL, February 4, 2016
Interview asm0344000014
Interviewed by Lucrèce Louisdhon-Louinis
Recorded by Javier Carrion
Outline by Reymond Sanchez
Length: 00:48:45
Interview with Elizabeth Guérin, a Haitian television host who started her TV and radio career at the age of eight. At fifteen, she acted in Woy Les Voilà, which was Haiti’s most popular radio soap opera. In this interview, she discusses her childhood in Haiti, the development of her painting and acting interests, as well as the artistic influence of her mother, Mona Guérin, a famous Haitian writer. She also talks about her children’s involvement in the arts and her experiences as a media personality in Haiti and Miami.
This interview forms part of the Caribbean Diaspora Oral History Collection of the University of Miami Libraries Special Collections.
This oral history expresses the views, memories and opinions of the interviewee. It does not represent the viewpoints of the University of Miami, its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. The University of Miami makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interview and expressly disclaims any liability therefor.
Copyright to this interview lies with the University of Miami. It may not be reproduced, retransmitted, published, distributed, or broadcast without the permission of the University of Miami Libraries Special Collections. For information about obtaining copies or to request permission to publish any part of this interview, please contact Special Collections at asc@miami.edu.
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INTERVIEW OUTLINE
- 00:00:11: Introduction
- 00:00:57: Tell us about your childhood, your family life, and where you started your schooling
- 00:05:27: What role did you play in that first tv show?
- 00:06:05: What was the first radio show about?
- 00:07:38: So you started the first bilingual program in Haiti?
- 00:09:20: There is a whole generation of people that talk about your first role. It was an amazing thing, that first soap opera.
- 00:11:54: When you came to the States what kind of work did you do here?
- 00:14:22: What is the name of your business?
- 00:15:50: I think what you are doing with your business is great and I think you have an amazing vision. What do you think?
- 00:17:32: You have made a lot of headways with your company if you have headquarters in Boston and Montreal. That type of success is the drive that our community needs.
- 00:20:07: How does it feel to be working alongside your daughter?
- 00:24:33: How is your daughter your boss sometimes?
- 00:26:52: So your friend’s nickname you the Haitian Oprah. Why is that?
- 00:31:35: So what about your artistic background?
- 00:34:01: Is there anything in the house that you have painted?
- 00:35:20: How would you like people to remember you?
- 00:37:01: From my own experiences it is not as efficient trying to work in Haiti. Many people just want money from you. And there are many people in this community that need help too just like you are doing right?
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- 00:40:50: The gratitude you get from the people you help is what keeps you going every day right?
- 00:41:22: We don’t know how we touch people’s lives so just coming in with a smile is enough for some people. Or just a simple compliment can help somebody. Do you agree?
- 00:43:15: Is there anything you would like to add?
- 00:47:40: Who do you admire the most besides your mother?
- 00:48:44: END OF INTERVIEW