Jean-claude Duvalier

EARLY LIFE

He was born in Port-au-Prince , and in April 1971, he assumed the presidency of Haiti at the age of 19 upon the death of his father, François Duvalier (nicknamed "Papa Doc"), becoming the world's youngest president.

TORTUGA FREEPORT

In 1971 , shortly before the death of "Papa Doc" Duvalier, Texas entrepreneur Don Pierson entered into a 99-year contract to develop a Freeport on the island of Tortuga . Following the death of his father and upon learning of a new multimillion dollar contract between the Freeport and Gulf Oil Corporation, Jean-Claude Duvalier expropriated the entire venture in 1974 , causing it to collapse.

POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC REPRESSION

He held on to power until February 7 , 1986 when, in response to three months of protest against the government's political and economic repression, fearing prosecution he fled the country and settled in France , although never officially being granted asylum. Duvalier had also taken several billions in swindled funds. In France, he lived a luxurious life - having a Villa in the hills of Cannes , two apartments in Paris , a Chateau , along with a Ferrari . Duvalier, however, lost almost $750 million due to a divorce from his wife, Michelle Duvalier , and now allegedly lives in very modest circumstances. {Link without Title}

EXILE AND ANNOUNCED RETURN

Following the ouster of president Jean-Bertrand Aristide in February 2004 , Duvalier announced his intention to return to Haiti. In 2004 he announced his intentions to run for president of Haiti in the 2006 Elections for the Party Of National Unity ; however, he did not become a candidate.

EXTERNAL LINKS

Haiti, 1.000 Gourdes, 1973, Jean Claude Duvalier

Exiled leader's money sought

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Jean-claude Duvalier