VIDEO: Beautiful Mom // a Tribute to the Life of Patricia Anne-Marie Berne (directed by Rachelle Salnave)

Remembering Patricia Anne Marie Berne


Born in Haiti on April 25th, 1950, Patricia Anne-Marie Berne had a colorful life. Raised mainly in France from the tender age of 9 years old, Patricia was highly influenced by the French way of life. Good food, fine wines and a pure affection for the beautiful nature of France landscapes she quickly learned how to appreciate what the good life was all about. During her teenage years she moved to the United States where she spent the rest of her life dedicating her time as a Special Education Intervention Advisor in the New York City Board of Education System. She was very well respected for her interventions in favor of children at risk of erroneous placements. She was a champion to many families of the New York West Side.

Patricia’s 20-year commitment to education was well interconnected with following her passion of cooking, decorating, designing and entertaining. She loved to charm her guests with fun tasty cuisines and connect stories behind each dish. Her love for children illuminated all around her as she took on a volunteering position at the Riverside Church near Columbia University as a Sunday school teacher. For many years, she touched the lives of the faithful families she coached, by using her creative techniques to demonstrate how amazingly real God is . . . and she did this in a child like manner.

Three years ago, Patricia was diagnosed with Liver/Colon cancer. Already at stage 4, she had strived to fight the disease every step of the way attempting medical and natural measures. On Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 8:50 am, Patricia passed away at the Hospice by the Sea, in Hollywood FL. She leaves behind her son, David Salnave, daughter- in- law, Violy Salnave, daughter, Rachelle Salnave and 4 grandchildren; Nadine Gardner, Kiara Gardner, Chelsea Salnave, and Caitlen Salnave.

VIDEO: The Haitian Guantánamo Bay Experience // The Legal Journey (directed by Rachelle Salnave)

This personal memoir is part of The Guantánamo Public Memory Project.

Mr. Ira J. Kurzban litigated over fifty federal cases concerning the rights of immigrants, including Jean v. Nelson, Commissioner v. Jean, and McNary v Haitian Refugee Center, Inc., all of which he argued before the United States Supreme Court. He has also litigated numerous cases under the Alien Tort Claims Act and the Torture Victim Protection Act, including obtaining a $500 million judgment against Jean-Claude Duvalier, the former dictator Haiti. He was one of the leading attorney's fighting for the civil liberty of Haitian's detained in Guantánamo.

“Guantánamo” has become an international symbol of torture, detention, national security, and conflict over America’s “War on Terror.” But this “state of exception” in Cuba has been opened – and closed—for more than a century before 9-11. Facilities for new uses are now being constructed. The 1903 lease with Cuba grants the US total jurisdiction over the bay until both countries agree to end the arrangement. For better or for worse, then, GTMO is open and available for any future administration to use – in the War on Terror or otherwise. How did we get here? What should happen next? Over 100 historians, artists, archivists, activists, and others came together to discuss and debate building a public memory around the US naval station at Guantánamo Bay. They explored the site’s long history and why it matters today more than ever.

VIDEO: Prestige Beer // A Beer that is so Special

By Rachelle Salnave

Prestige is the leading beer in Haiti. It's smooth taste makes it refreshing for everyone.

VIDEO: La Belle Vie: The Good Life (Teaser)

Rachelle Salnave, a Haitian video directer, documentary trailer titled 'La Belle Vie: The Good Life'.

This is a story about the other side of Haiti. . . the voices and images you do not see in the media, the images that remain hidden and a story that will invoke a dialogue about prejudice seldom discussed and often buried. . .

VIDEO: Viter Juste // The Father of Little Haiti

As part of a series of vignettes taken from the outtakes of the featured documentary, La Belle Vie: The Good Life filmmaker Rachelle Salnave talks to Miami Herald Journalist, Carl Juste about the legacy of his Father, Viter "Pere" Juste, the Father of Little Haiti.

Known as Pere Juste (Father Juste), Viter Juste was a pillar in the Haitian community in South Florida. Father Juste named Little Haiti, a well known neighborhood in Miami, Florida recognized for its enclave of Haitian culture and people. He was instrumental in fighting for the civil rights of Haitian immigrants and contributed to a cultural safe haven for many Haitians who risked their lives to come to America to find freedom.

DONATE: 'La Belle Vie: The Good Life' documentary film