In a powerful gesture of national recognition and strategic vision, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé traveled to the southern city of Les Cayes this Thursday to visit FRAGER Essential Oils, a flagship Haitian company producing and exporting high-quality vetiver oil to global markets. His visit to this resilient economic enterprise comes as the capital grapples with unprecedented insecurity and political unrest — a contrast that highlights the overlooked potential of Haiti’s productive provinces.

While much of the international focus remains on the chaos in Port-au-Prince, the Prime Minister’s tour served to underscore a different narrative: that Haiti is not broken. In rural areas and provinces, particularly the Grand Sud, communities continue to work, produce, and invest — often with little to no state support. FRAGER stands as a powerful symbol of that reality.

A Beacon of Economic Resilience

Founded over sixty years ago, FRAGER is one of Haiti’s most successful agro-industrial enterprises. Specializing in vetiver oil — a prized ingredient in high-end perfumes — the company exports its products to Europe, the United States, India, and China. Its operations sustain an entire rural economy, providing livelihoods for nearly 30,000 families through its network of vetiver growers and distilleries across the southern plains.

“Despite fear, Haiti hopes. Despite hardship, Haiti works.” declared Prime Minister Fils-Aimé as he stood alongside local workers and business leaders.
“As Prime Minister, my duty is to support the companies that keep this country alive. I will do everything in my power to guarantee their security, stability, and success.”

His words came as a breath of fresh air to a region that often feels left behind, ignored by central government policies and investment priorities. For the people of Les Cayes, the visit marked a rare moment of visibility and recognition.

A National Message Rooted in the Local

But this was more than a symbolic visit. The Prime Minister used the occasion to highlight his administration’s priorities: restoring national security, organizing credible elections, launching a constitutional referendum, and rebuilding the economy from the ground up — starting with the provinces.

“There are still Haitians — entrepreneurs, workers, and farmers — who believe in this country,” he stated.
“This visit is a message to them: You are not alone. The state sees you, values you, and stands with you.”

By placing FRAGER at the center of his southern tour, Fils-Aimé sent a broader message to the nation: that Haiti’s future does not lie only in the fate of its capital, but in the productivity, talent, and determination of its people — especially those outside the political spotlight.

Vetiver: Haiti’s Green Gold

Vetiver oil is often called “Haiti’s green gold.” The southern region is responsible for over 50% of global vetiver oil production, making it a cornerstone of the country’s export economy. And yet, many of the rural producers who form the backbone of this success remain marginalized — affected by poor roads, climate shocks, and lack of financial access.

FRAGER has managed to thrive despite those obstacles, offering not only jobs but also dignity and long-term investment in local communities. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé acknowledged this explicitly:

“FRAGER is proof that Haiti has the potential to compete globally. What we need now is to secure and scale up these efforts — to build an economy that serves the people and restores national pride.”

A Broader Vision for National Reconstruction

The Prime Minister’s presence at FRAGER is part of a wider strategy: repositioning the provinces as engines of economic recovery and democratic renewal. In recent weeks, he has called for broader participation in the electoral process and a constitutional overhaul — arguing that sustainable development is impossible without strong institutions.

“We will do everything necessary to create a secure, transparent environment where businesses can grow, young people can dream, and citizens can vote freely.”

While challenges remain daunting, the tone of the Prime Minister’s message was one of optimism grounded in realism. He acknowledged the suffering of the population but insisted on the need for concrete action over fatalism.

“The change we seek doesn’t begin in speeches. It begins in places like FRAGER — where people show up every day, produce with pride, and keep this country moving forward.”

Prime Minister Fils-Aimé’s visit to FRAGER was not just a tour — it was a statement of intent. In a time when national headlines are dominated by gang violence, institutional collapse, and mass migration, the government is choosing to highlight success, productivity, and hope.

The South, with its rooted communities and productive industries, is now being recognized as a key player in national recovery. And FRAGER, with its long history of resilience and excellence, stands as both a symbol and a blueprint for what is possible when local potential is met with political will.

Whether this visit marks the beginning of a real shift in development policy remains to be seen. But for one day at least, the fields of vetiver and the hum of distillation machinery in Les Cayes were at the heart of Haiti’s national conversation.