Icon Dominican border town resumes trade with Haiti, for now

Dajabon, Dom. Rep.- The local retailers association of Dajabon, the country’s biggest and most active border town, lifted the strike in effect since yesterday to protest the Haitian government’s ban on Dominican Republic poultry products, enacted citing concerns over alleged bird flu.

Tractor-trailers and other vehicles were allowed to cross into and out of Haiti since early Tuesday morning, while retailers’ association president Freddy Morillo said the shutdown was a success since it hobbled Dajabon’s market held on Mondays and Fridays.

Border Security (Cesfront) agents conducted normal patrols and vigilance since the early hours, after the 24-hour which also drew support from province senator Sonia Mateo, and Dajabón Mayor Miguel Jimenez.

Morillo said various authorities and sectors supported the shutdown against what he called Port-au-Prince’s abuse and blackmail, adding that subsequent protests could spread to other border towns.