Jean-Claude Duvalier was a Haitian politician, who served as the 32d President of the country, appointed President for Life after the death of his father, dictator François Duvalier on April 21, 1971 was overthrown in 1986.
Background
Duvalier, Jean-Claude was born on July 3, 1952 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Son of Francois and Simone (Ovide) Duvalier.
Education
He attended primary and secondary schools in the capital, and spent one year at the law school. Studied at Port-au-Prince University, 1970. Degree, University Haiti, 1970.
Career
On January 22, 1971, his ailing father made the announcement that Jean-Claude was to be his successor, a decision confirmed in a “plebiscite” held one month later, with a vote of 2,391,916 to 0 in favor. When François Duvalier died, Jean-Claude, then only 19 years old, became the nominal head of state. For a while, real power rested with his mother, Simone Ovide Duvalier, and, to a less extent, his sister, Marie-Denise.
Achievements
Connections
Married Michelle Bennett, May 1980 (div. 1990), they had 2 children.
Decorated grand collier de l'Ordre Jean-Jacques Dessalines le Grand, grand croix plaque or de l'Ordre Honneur et Merite, grand croix plaque or de l'Ordre Petion et Bolivar, grand cordon special de l'Ordre des Nuages Propices China, grand collier de l'Ordre de Saint-Denis de Zante, grand croix del'Ordre International du Bien Public France, grand cordon avec l'Etoile du Liberia du Tres Venere Ordre de Chevalerie des Pionniers du Liberia.
Decorated grand collier de l'Ordre Jean-Jacques Dessalines le Grand, grand croix plaque or de l'Ordre Honneur et Merite, grand croix plaque or de l'Ordre Petion et Bolivar, grand cordon special de l'Ordre des Nuages Propices China, grand collier de l'Ordre de Saint-Denis de Zante, grand croix del'Ordre International du Bien Public France, grand cordon avec l'Etoile du Liberia du Tres Venere Ordre de Chevalerie des Pionniers du Liberia.