05/21/2026
Duckens,
I sincerely wanted to write this message to you, with a great deal of respect and gratitude.
Thank you for everything you have given to Haiti throughout all these years. For more than a decade, you have worn this jersey with pride, courage, and loyalty. You gave your youth, your energy, your emotions, and your talent to our national team at a time when many others would have chosen a different path.
But you stayed.
You made an entire people vibrate with emotion. You gave us beautiful goals, unforgettable moments, and immense joy that many of us will never forget. Personally, I still remember that goal against Panama. I remember the screams, the tears of joy, and that incredible pride you made us feel.
Today, you are one of the greatest scorers in the history of the Haitian national team. Becoming Haiti’s second all-time leading scorer is not a small achievement. It is a permanent mark in the history of our football.
Unfortunately, social media sometimes gives too much space to ingratitude and unfair criticism. On behalf of all those who truly love and respect you, I wanted to apologize for some of the behavior and disrespect you sometimes receive online. Many of us absolutely do not think that way.
A large part of the Haitian people will remain eternally grateful to you.
Even today, as new players emerge in major European leagues, we will never forget what you did for Haiti when our national team received far less attention, far less recognition, and was sometimes even overlooked. You chose to defend this flag with honor, and that deserves respect.
For many of us, you are a true national hero. A hero of Haitian football.
And despite the criticism, please know that there are still countless people who proudly defend you. One day, when some people dared to say that you should not even go to the World Cup, I answered in Creole:
“Even if Duckens had died, they should still bring him back just to put him on the list of 26.”
Of course, it was simply a strong way of expressing how important your place is in the history of this national team.
Thank you again for everything, Duckens.
The dignified and grateful Haitian people will never forget you.
With respect and admiration,
Jean Moïse DESTIN