Leon Laleau

Who was Leon Laleau?

Leon Laleau was a Haitian writer, politician, and diplomat. Laleau is still recognized "as one of the most brilliant writers of his time" He received several international awards, such as the Edgar Allan Poe Prize in 1962. He was also a member of the Ronsard Academy and the Académie Méditerranéenne.

Born in Port-au-Prince, Laleau held two degrees, one in law and another in letters and sciences. As a politician, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Education, Agriculture, and Public Works. He served in numerous diplomatic positions, such as Chief of Diplomatic Missions in Rome, London, Paris, Santiago, and Lima and Special Mission Ambassador to Panama, Cuba, the United Nations, and UNESCO. He was a signer of the 24 July 1934 accord which ended the United States' occupation of Haiti.