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BiggerEconomists believe prolonging the border closure could force Haitians to cross into the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo.- Five days have passed since the closure of the Dominican-Haitian border, and economists are expressing concerns about the potential economic and humanitarian impact on both countries. Many believe that this measure could have severe consequences not only for the Dominican Republic but also for Haiti, possibly leading to an influx of Haitian citizens into the Dominican Republic.
Economist Andy Dauhajre believes that the Dominican Government’s decision to implement a “close or let the sea in” policy could potentially lead to the collapse of Haiti. This, in turn, might force Haitians to attempt to enter the Dominican Republic in larger numbers. Dauhajre explained, “There are many interests, and at the end of the day, where do we want the Haitians to be, on this side or that side? You can’t cause a sudden collapse; they already have a low standard of living. If my money becomes worthless because I have nothing to buy with it, what am I going to do? What has happened in all parts of the world is that if you don’t vote with your money, then you vote with your feet… what is voting with your feet? Well, I cross.”
Furthermore, Dauhajre pointed out that the border closure has led to an increase in prices for Haitians seeking to cross into the Dominican Republic, suggesting that someone is profiting from this situation.
Antonio Ciriaco, the dean of the Faculty of Economics at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), described the border closure as a “Lose-Lose” policy for both nations. He noted that although the Dominican Republic has greater economic stability, Haiti relies heavily on imports from its neighbor. Consequently, the closure could exacerbate poverty, food insecurity, and informality in Haiti, increasing pressure on the border.
Ciriaco also highlighted the economic impact, stating that the Dominican Republic is losing between 85 and 86 million dollars in exports to Haiti. Additionally, he mentioned the need for the government to subsidize livestock and poultry producers in the border provinces, which could cost three billion pesos if the closure continues for the next three months.
Hmm, no mention of the canal in this article. We cannot mention the closures without including the cause of the decision.
But now the President says the cause of the decision is to stop Dominican gang members entering the country and nothing to do with the canal .. It was in an article yesterday . Of course prohibition of anything leads to black markets and this will be no exception . I am sure that all the money lost on trade embargoes and having thousands of military men and women living in the frontier could have been more productively spent . For example build the town a dam away from the river or put a meter on the water wheel that is needed to lift the water from the river with a weekly limit .
The president has mentioned several reasons for the closure but he does not read them like a grocery list. I see different interviews where he mentions various reasons including the canal.
Wow, “Wow, “suggesting that someone is profiting from this situation”, is an understatement. Of course. people are profiting! There is a border mafia made of individuals, gangs, and officials on both sides of it making money on the illegal traffic. If the RD is really serious about a border closer, then close and seal it for God’s sake. Most of us know the mafias rule, the border will continue to be a mesh with large openings.
The economic loss is short-term and can be mitigated. The DR can export to other countries, there is no need to rely on just one market. A lot of those goods can also be consumed and sold domestically. In my opinion the border should stay shut and closed indefinitely until Haiti restores order and re-establishes a proper, functioning government.
Seal that border for eternity. Haiti can buy from other countries and/or invest in itself. DR can sell to other countries. There is no reason for any relations or trade between these two nations..