Mr. Varnel Dimanche, 1973 - 2010
Language Assistant (Haiti)
Varnel Dimanche, a national of Haiti, worked for the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) as a Language Assistant since 2005.
Varnel grew up in Les Cayes, Haiti. He did his studies there, earning diplomas in theology and English. In 2007, he started a programme in international relations at the Centre d’Etudes Diplomatiques et Internationales in Port-au-Prince.
According to a colleague, Varnel believed that becoming a diplomat would allow him to better serve his country. “He had big dreams and a very outgoing personality,” the colleague said.
Varnel spoke Creole, French, English, and Spanish, easily switching among all four languages. In MINUSTAH, he was assigned to the UN Police, translating documents and acting as an intermediary when dealing with the local police and people.
Although it was not his hometown, Varnel knew Portau- Prince well, serving as a guide for UN Police during patrols in the city, often working in the Cité Soleil neighbourhood. In 2004, Varnel served a similar function for the Multinational Interim Force (MIF) that preceded MINUSTAH, providing translation and guide services.
“He was always willing to assist the police officers and never complained about going on patrol,” said a friend from MINUSTAH. He added that Varnel had assisted in the arrest of many gang members in Cité Soleil. “Even when things were tough, he showed commitment and team work,” he said.
“He was a kind and gentle soul. Fun to be with, always ready to share a joke, he was the kind of person that would do anything to help someone in need,” he added.
Varnel is survived by his wife Eliatrice and their daughter Valentina Jouleicie, 2.