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BiggerHaiti does not care about the impact of the border closure ordered by the Dominican Republic
Haitians are enduring the consequences of the border closure imposed by the Dominican Republic in retaliation for the construction of an irrigation canal on the Massacre River. They are facing shortages of essential supplies, but their determination to complete the canal remains steadfast.
Over half of Haiti’s consumed goods originate from the Dominican Republic, making it the second-largest trading partner of the Dominican Republic. Haitians heavily rely on Dominican food products, as well as medicine and construction materials.
Since the border closure, shortages have become evident in public markets and Haitian households. Price gouging has become common due to extortion by armed gangs that demand extra money from transporters, ultimately increasing prices for consumers.
Haiti’s ongoing insecurity crisis, which has persisted for at least five years, has significantly impacted food security. Control of roads by kidnappers and extortionists has disrupted transportation, and armed gangs have encroached upon regions crucial for food production.
Dominican products like coconuts, banana figs, and eggs are scarce in Haitian markets, and their prices have doubled or even tripled in a matter of days. Some merchants and consumers have even begun to suspect that these products may be contaminated.
Smuggling has surged due to shortages. Dominican products, including rotten eggs, continue to enter Haiti illegally. Videos on social media depict people crossing uncontrolled border areas on foot to buy Dominican goods and sell them in Haitian markets.
Despite the challenges, some merchants remain resolute in their support for the irrigation canal project. They prioritize the canal’s completion over short-term losses and are determined to contribute to a project they believe will benefit their well-being.
Haitian citizens have united around the canal project, and slogans like “The canal will not stop” and “The canal or death” are prevalent. A campaign encouraging the consumption of local products has gained traction on social media.
This rare display of nationalism and unity has prompted a revaluation of local production. Some believe that if security improves, Haiti can achieve self-sufficiency and resist external exploitation.
While the border closure has caused economic challenges on both sides, it has not halted the canal project. The Dominican government has had to provide assistance to its affected merchants and producers.
Well done Haitians.
This is a really short sighted decision by abinader who got done reason tough that the DR was too important for Haiti… I’m the long run he did way more damage to the DR than Haiti… sure I’m the short term Haiti will suffer but not in the run because be real there is nothing that the DR sell to Haiti that they can not easily find somewhere else and Haiti is the only country whom the DR has a trade surplus…. so what will abinader do to guide the damage he’s done will be to hide behind the Dominican pride because what thing I noticed is that just like with black people if you talk about racism, no matter how bad to have done lot of people will praise you, in the DR, just talk about preserving the culture and you can run away with anything. If I was Haitian I would find other suppliers and boycott any Dominican products. Tout president is too arrogant
Bingo
Haiti should indeed promote its own production and become self-sufficient. The problem is, the canal unfortunately will not yield any benefits for them. This canal, once completed, will fall strictly into the hands of armed criminal gangs and corrupt Haitian politicians who will use the canal for their own personal benefit and not for the Haitian peasants. The Haitian people are being fooled into thinking that this canal is going to serve them. They are in for a rude awakening…
You have no idea about what is going on in Haiti. The canal is being built by the peasants and the people. Most Haitians want the border to remain closed.
Abinaider miscalculate the Haitian people. Haiti was the first black nation to gain independence from their masters. Haitians will take abuse from you, but one day there will be a revolt and that’s what DR is registering right now. Have a good time SLOW Minded Abibi and best wishes on the next election!
Way To Go Haitians People!
i believe that the impact would harm both countris because on the other hand the fact that is more easier to find countries that are looking to sell it not less true that the dominican republic are selling those products are a better obtions for haiti because theose products going to get there sonner and a lower prices