How can one solitary figure wield such chilling control over the entirety of Haiti? So potent is the influence of Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier that even the proclaimed world superpower hesitates to deploy its forces, seeking aid from nations afar to confront the grip of this gang leader. Jimmy’s dominance was so overwhelming that the Prime Minister of Haiti was compelled to step down as his gangs seized control of international airports, and police stations, and even liberated inmates from prisons. As Jimmy’s name spreads across the digital realm, reports of numerous massacres attributed to him raise unsettling questions: is Jimmy operating alone, or is he bolstered by shadowy benefactors financing his reign of terror in Haiti?
Enter Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier, formerly an esteemed police officer in Haiti, now the head of a gang federation known as the G9 Family and Allies. Frequently seen in public brandishing a firearm, Jimmy adorns himself with a chain bearing the Illuminati triangle, sparking rampant speculation online regarding his affiliations. Some speculate that Jimmy might be linked with the Illuminati, explaining his seemingly untouchable status. Adding to the intrigue, recent viral videos depict Jimmy’s gang members allegedly transforming into cannibals, consuming their adversaries after subjecting them to gruesome torments—earning Jimmy the moniker “Barbeque,” hinting at the horrifying possibility of his involvement in such atrocities.
Barbeque maintains close connections with Haiti’s influential political factions, particularly the Haitian Tèt Kale Party (PHTK) and law enforcement. Recently, he has openly challenged the Haitian government, demanding the resignation of interim President Ariel Henry, exploiting the power vacuum left by the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse and aligning with political elites formerly loyal to Moïse. In November 2017, he was implicated in an alleged anti-gang operation resulting in the extrajudicial killing of at least nine innocent civilians in the Grand Ravine neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.
Approximately a year later, in November 2018, allegations emerged that Barbecue, still serving as a police officer, orchestrated a horrendous massacre alongside seven gangs in the La Saline neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Witnesses claimed to have seen Barbecue coordinating with former government official Joseph Pierre Richard Duplan and other gang leaders during the brutal assault.
This event marked Haiti’s deadliest massacre in over a decade, resulting in the loss of at least 71 lives. Following this incident, Barbecue was dismissed from the police force, and authorities issued a warrant for his arrest.
Despite the warrant, Barbecue managed to evade capture and went on to participate in a harrowing four-day onslaught in November 2019, targeting the Bel-Air neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Alongside members of four gangs, Barbecue set numerous homes ablaze and claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals.
Leading up to these atrocities, Barbecue allegedly received support in the form of funds, weaponry, police attire, and government vehicles from high-ranking officials within Moïse’s administration.
These massacres, primarily directed at opposition strongholds across the capital city, served the interests of both senior state figures and Barbecue. The government could suppress dissenting areas while Barbecue solidified his position as the leader of the Delmas 6 gang.
In May 2020, Barbecue’s involvement was again implicated in further attacks within the capital, resulting in the destruction of numerous homes and the tragic deaths of residents through burning and gunfire. Prior to these events, Barbecue and his allied gang leaders reportedly convened a “preparatory meeting” to coordinate simultaneous assaults across various neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, as revealed by Haiti’s National Human Rights Defense Network (Réseau National de Défense des Droits de l’Homme).
The attacks served as an immediate precursor to the formation of the G9. Barbecue portrayed the gang alliance as a means to restore peace in Port-au-Prince. However, instead of achieving this goal, the coalition expanded its territorial control and provided politicians with a tool to suppress opposition.
In July 2021, Barbecue and the G9 encountered a pivotal moment following the assassination of their alleged political sponsor, Moïse, in his private residence.
According to a senior government official interviewed by InSight Crime, prior to Moïse’s assassination, 50% of the G9’s funding came from government sources, 30% from kidnappings, and 20% from extortion. However, following the assassination, government funding decreased by 30%.
In protest against Henry’s interim government and possibly to regain lost political and economic leverage, Barbecue led numerous blockades of Haiti’s largest oil terminal, Terminal Varreux, from October to November 2021 and again from September to November 2022. These blockades were part of Barbecue’s coordinated effort to limit fuel access throughout Haiti, thereby destabilizing the government. The resulting chaos and shortages underscored the considerable power amassed by Haiti’s gangs.
In October 2022, during one of the blockades, Barbecue became the target of UN Security Council sanctions, which included a one-year travel ban and an embargo on his economic activities. Previously, Barbecue had been subjected to US sanctions in 2020.
In August of 2023, amidst growing demands for a UN-backed security presence in Haiti, Barbecue made a solemn pledge: any mistreatment of Haitians by foreign forces would face staunch opposition. Just a month later, in September, he reiterated his call for the removal of Henry, leading a march through Port-au-Prince alongside heavily armed gang affiliates to demonstrate his influence.
Barbecue’s primary role within Haiti’s criminal realm revolves around leading the G9 coalition. He has often assumed the role of mediator to quell internal conflicts and has mobilized gangs for targeted assassinations. Acting as a liaison between the capital’s gangs and government officials, he is accused of orchestrating state-sanctioned massacres by uniting these factions.
The G9 member gangs predominantly focus on extortion, extracting “protection fees” from local businesses, street vendors, and public transport operators. They are also involved in kidnappings for ransom and occasionally seize control of public utilities like electricity and water, demanding payment for their services.
While the extent of their involvement is unclear, there are suspicions of G9’s participation in regional arms trafficking. Past instances suggest state authorities may have supplied gangs with weapons for specific operations, with Barbecue playing a pivotal role as an intermediary.
Barbecue’s operations primarily focus on neighborhoods throughout Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, though the exact extent of his reach remains uncertain due to the ever-shifting nature of Haiti’s gang dynamics.
The Lower Delmas neighborhood in Port-au-Prince has served as a stronghold for Barbecue and his Delmas 6 gang.
Over recent years, Barbecue’s influence has expanded alongside other gangs affiliated with the G9 coalition, with areas like Waf Jérémie emerging as strategic bases for their operations.
Barbecue has asserted control over various areas, including Belecourt, Chancerelles, Delmas, La Saline, Martissant, Pont-Rouge, and Fontamara within the capital.
Furthermore, the G9 coalition, led by Barbecue, has extended its control over the Cul-de-Sac plain, southwest of Croix-des-Bouquets, despite facing opposition from rival factions such as the 400 Mawozo. In a notable clash in April 2022, Barbecue’s forces successfully defended their territory during a
12-day gang war.
There are indications that the coalition plans to expand its influence beyond its current territories under Barbecue’s leadership.
Barbecue’s leadership within the G9 coalition has demonstrated its capability to assert control over significant territories and essential infrastructure. Moreover, their political connections extend to the upper echelons of the Haitian government, while Barbecue enjoys support from citizens across many Port-au-Prince neighborhoods, consolidating his position as a formidable figure in both criminal and political realms.
Despite attempts by the US government to intervene, including the proposition of deploying Kenyan police officers for peacekeeping, Barbecue and his associates remain undeterred. In fact, recent events, including the resignation of Haiti’s prime minister due to ongoing attacks orchestrated by Barbecue’s gangs, highlight their continued influence and resilience, prompting the US to evacuate its citizens from the region.
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