Pascal–Trouillot, Ertha (1943–)
Pascal–Trouillot, Ertha (1943–)
Ertha Pascal-Trouillot (b. 13 August 1943), provisional president of Haiti (13 March 1990–7 February 1991). A lawyer, Pascal-Trouillot served as a lower court judge, and in 1986 she was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court. Shortly after General Prosper Avril was forced out as de facto ruler, she was the only one among the twelve court judges who was acceptable or willing to become provisional president, as provided in the 1987 Constitution. When inaugurated, Pascal-Trouillot committed herself to oversee the preparation for a political campaign and national elections and "accepted this heavy task in the name of the Haitian woman." She remained in office—surviving one attempted coup—until the election (December 1990) and inauguration (February 1991) of Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide as president.
See alsoAristide, Jean-Bertrand; Haiti, Constitutions.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The New York Times, 13 and 14 March, 16 December 1990.
Additional Bibliography
N'Zengou-Tayo, Marie-José. "'Fanm Se Poto Mitan': Haitian Woman, the Pillar of Society." Feminist Review (Summer 1998): 118-142.
Opfell, Olga. Women Prime Ministers and Presidents. Jefferson: McFarland & Co., 1993.
Larman C. Wilson