Philippe Derose

With two years of unsuccessful attempts of securing a position in the public office, Derose changed his strategy when he ran for city council for the third time in 1992.

After serving as Mayor of the Village of El Portal for one year, Derose voluntarily vacated his seat and was elected to the North Miami Beach City Council.

As a Councilman for the City of North Miami Beach, one of Derose's major platforms was the beautification of the community, especially the planting and healthy maintenance of trees, shrubs, and greenery.

Upon arrival in Haiti, a sad Derose looked at the unrecognizable places that once appeared familiar and noted, "What man took many years to build, was gone, wiped out in a matter of seconds."

Once the delegation reached the ravaged island-nation, they met with the central government in Haiti, consisting of Haitian and local officials including Parliament.

Also included in this delegation was Patrick Gaspard, the Director of the Office of Political Affairs for President Barack Obama's Administration, and Vice-President of the United States, Joe Biden.