Dominican President bans entry of former Haitian Prime Ministers and 37 others into national territory
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Haiti’s former prime ministers Laurent Lamothe and Evans Paul are among the 39 Haitian citizens barred from entering the Dominican Republic by order of President Luis Abinader. Other Haitian politicians, including former President Michel Martelly, Youri Latortue, and Senator Rony Célestin, have also been banned from entering the Dominican Republic, as well as Father Frantz Cole, who is accused of arms and ammunition trafficking.
The President of the Dominican Republic justified his decision by invoking Article 128 of the Constitution, which empowers him to prohibit the entry of foreigners into the national territory in the public interest. The measure was enacted through Article 15 of the General Law of Migration, which instructs migration authorities to prevent the entry of the 39 Haitians listed.
Some Haitian businessmen and politicians, such as Gilbert Bigio, who was sanctioned by Canada in November 2022 for allegedly supporting armed gangs financially and logistically, were not included in the ban. Former Senator Joseph Lambert and former Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant were also excluded from the immigration sanction.
The decision by the Dominican government to ban these individuals comes amid rising tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The assassination, which occurred at Moïse’s private residence, has resulted in widespread unrest and political turmoil in Haiti.
Good move!
The ban are not due to raising tension, but because these people are known to be engage in criminal activities, and are a threat to the Dominican Republic.
Will this ban be as effective as the efforts now to stop illegals from crossing? Doubt it !!!
This is a great move for the Dominican Republic. Allowing these gang leaders into the country will only serve to instigate the thousands of illegal aliens from Haiti already here. Next step is to secure the border and begin expedited deportation of every illegal alien back to their home country.
lol…lol..lol these are Haitian politicians and business people who hold US/Canadian passports and/or residences. These people have no use/need for DR. As for Bigio (look up Bigio Group) DR would never ban him a he owns businesses all over the region including Texaco in DR.