Haiti is a country that is rich in culture and history, but it faces numerous socioeconomic challenges such as poverty and political instability. Despite these struggles, Haiti also has some of the richest individuals in the Caribbean. In this article, we will highlight the top 7 wealthiest people in Haiti as of 2023.
7. Eric Jean Baptiste Net Worth – $500 million
Eric Jean Baptiste was a businessman who was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He attended college in Italy where he earned degrees in economics and business management before returning to Haiti to launch his own businesses.
Mr. Jean Baptiste was considered one of the wealthiest persons in Haiti. Eric Jean Baptiste net worth was $500 million. His company, Sun Auto, is one of the largest car dealerships in the nation.
In addition to running successful businesses, Eric Jean Baptiste was also involved in charitable work through his foundation which supports orphanages throughout Haiti.
Tragic Demise of Haitian Leader Eric Jean Baptiste
Back in October 2022, in Laboule 12, southeast of Haiti’s Port-au-Prince, armed groups killed Eric Jean Baptiste.
Eric Jean Baptiste was a prominent political figure. He was once a presidential candidate and secretary general of the RDNP party. He was fatally shot in Laboule. This area, once affluent, now falls under gang influence.
Eric Jean Baptiste, a moderate politician committed to change, tragically lost his life along with his bodyguard.
Though he managed to reach the hospital, Eric Jean Baptiste couldn’t survive his wounds and was declared dead by doctors shortly after.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent events shaking Haiti and keeping the capital under constant threat. The same area saw the murder and burning of former deputy Yvon Buissereth. Two journalists also fell victim to violence while reporting on insecurity in the region.
| Person Name: | Eric Jean Baptiste |
|---|---|
| Net Worth: | $500 million |
| Date of Birth: | Unknown |
| Place of Birth: | Port-au-Prince, Haiti |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Businessman |
6. Marc Antoine Acra Net Worth – $600 Million
Marc Antoine Acra is an entrepreneur who has built a fortune during his many years working as an industrialist in Textile manufacturing. He has become one of the highest paid Haitian business persons today with an estimated net worth of $600 million dollars.
After travelling to Asia during his academic career studying engineering at E.S.E.O., France school, Marc decided if he wanted to be different and contribute positively to society then textile manufacturing would be an effective way improve people’s personal wealth along with being able to help grow communities around them.
| Person Name: | Marc Antoine Acra |
|---|---|
| Net Worth: | $600 million |
| Date of Birth: | Unknown |
| Place of Birth: | Haiti |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Entrepreneur |
5. Eric Reginald Bolous Net Worth – $620 million
Born on January 21st 1961 from Greek father Constantine Bolous (late) and Sicilian mother Rosaria Cannuli (late), Eric Reginald Bolous spent his formative years in Athens, Greece where he attended Athens College Like many wealthy Haitian citizens with businesses abroad, Bolous spends half his year outside the island.
Today Eric Reginald Bolous worth over $620 million is thanks to both a string of investments and ventures that he founded across the globe including MedLink International in USA which became one of the leading health care syndicates in North America during the Covid19 pandemics. He has contributed heavily to health advancement and education through working with United Nations.
| Person Name: | Eric Reginald Bolous |
|---|---|
| Net Worth: | $620 million |
| Date of Birth: | January 21, 1961 |
| Place of Birth: | Haiti |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Businessman |
4. Jean Bertrand Aristide Net Worth – $800 million
Jean Bertrand Aristide is a former priest and politician who was president of Haiti two separate times from 1991-1996 and then again from 2001-2004. Jean Bertrand Aristide net worth is $800 million. He amassed this large fortune through smart investing and various business ventures. However it has not been confirmed how much this amount might rise up or fall down as days go by.
Aristide was known for his socialist policies which greatly benefited the poor population of Haiti but damaged relations with other countries around the world including United States who helped Aristide into power when he first became President.
| Jean Bertrand Aristide | |
|---|---|
| Net Worth: | $800 million |
| Date of Birth: | N/A |
| Place of Birth: | Haiti |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Former Priest and Politician |
3. Gregory Mevs Net Worth – $1 billion
Gregory Mevs is one of Haiti’s most successful businessmen , CEO at GB Group, who has built an empire in shipping, manufacturing, energy, and finance with a net worth over 1 billion dollars according to Forbes since 2022 estimates.
Mevs’ company GB Group controls some substantial slice of the Haitian economy since there are very few large conglomerates in Haiti however what makes GB Group even more astonishing recently they have shown less interest in expanding their business inside but taking lead towards advancing social causes such as education, clean drinks provisions
| Gregory Mevs | |
|---|---|
| Net Worth: | $1 billion |
| Date of Birth: | N/A |
| Place of Birth: | N/A |
| Gender: | N/A |
| Profession: | Businessman |
2. Gilbert Bigio Net Worth -$1.2billion
Gilbert Bigio is perhaps best known for being one of the wealthiest people in Haiti with a net worth over $1.2 billion. He was born in Haiti and co-founded GB Group along with Gregory Mevs. He has interests in several industries including shipping, manufacturing, and finance.
Mr. Bigio is also known for his philanthropic efforts through the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Bigio Foundation which supports education, healthcare, and environmental causes in Haiti. In recent years he has taken positions on global initiatives affecting humanitarian aid such as pandemic relief supplies.
| Gilbert Bigio | |
|---|---|
| Net Worth: | $1.2 billion |
| Date of Birth: | N/A |
| Place of Birth: | Haiti |
| Gender: | N/A |
| Profession: | Businessman |
1. Denis O’Brien Net Worth – $6.8 billion
Denis O’Brien is an Irish businessman. He stands atop the richest billionaires list in Haiti today according to Forbes 2023. His staggering net worth is $6.8 billion dollars.
O’Brien has had success across many different industries. The range of industries spans technology, media, telecoms, and more. These areas also include construction projects. All of this is managed through his consulting firm, Digicel Group. He established this firm in 2000, and he invested in the economies of various Caribbean nations. These investments led to the expansion of their infrastructure and the creation of new job opportunities.
| Denis O’Brien | |
|---|---|
| Net Worth: | $6.8 billion |
| Date of Birth: | N/A |
| Place of Birth: | N/A |
| Gender: | N/A |
| Profession: | Businessman |
Digicel’s hiring approach
Curious about Digicel’s hiring approach? In an Irish America Hall of Fame event, Chairman Denis O’Brien shared a unique insight. He mentioned, “I hate to say this, but in Digicel, we mainly hire culchies.” Despite today’s political correctness, O’Brien elaborated on the company’s innovative recruitment policy.
He explained, “Those who’ve worked on farms understand commerce and its essence.” O’Brien is a well-known figure on Shrewsbury Road. He highlighted the different experiences between farm life and urban upbringing. He favored the practical skills nurtured in rural settings.
Higher education didn’t find much favor with O’Brien either. He noted, “Formal education is quantitative, not qualitative.” This perspective comes from someone who attended High School, Rathgar, and University College Dublin.
The Top 7 Wealthiest People in Haiti by Net Worth in 2023: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these seven individuals have left their mark on the Haitian economy. Their ingenuity and entrepreneurship stand out. Their success stories can inspire future generations. Striving for excellence and positive contributions to society are crucial. Even amid ongoing challenges.
Throughout all the research for this article, we notice how wealthy individuals earn. We can see how they maintain their economic status.
While we delve into the strategies of the affluent, we must not overlook the reality faced by underprivileged communities. Many of them grapple with fundamental daily needs such as healthcare, education, access to clean water, and more.
As we explore the paths of success, let’s also reflect on how these lessons can be channeled to benefit those who lack the basic necessities. It’s an opportunity to bridge the gap and create a more fair society where everyone can thrive.
