Robert said:Chiri, I know you have more experience in this area than 99% of the people on the planet, let along this board.
So...
How is that going to happen? How will the DR be involved in that process?
We all know that's the obvious solution, but how do you get to that stage?
The DR has plenty of it's own problems and I think the continuing burden of it's neighbors is just going to bring even more problems to the DR.
Problems that the DR is really not in a position to provide help with, let alone solve.
I'm not in favor of shooting people, but it would not surprise me in the least if the DR decided to close it's borders and take a strong arm stance.
Robert, I'll try to reply without breaching the DR1 DR-related golden rule. Haiti needs everything that the DR does, but in greater quantity and with absolute urgency. Both countries need accountable government that rules in the interest of the people and not just themselves and their elite cronies. Both would benefit from effective international investment as well as long-term development oriented rescue packages. Haiti and the DR also need fairer trading rules that take into account their limitations in the global economy, incentives to produce basic foodstuffs rather than rely on imports, strict environmental enforcement, and much more.
As for the Dominicans, they must take steps to make their army more effective in policing the borders. A 'strong-arm' stance to police your borders and control illegal immigration is not an unreasonable measure if it is done within the limits of international law. The problem is, as I mentioned in my previous post, that the army is corrupt and illegals will continue coming in as long as their passage can be bought.
The Dominican government can continue to raise the Haiti question on the international agenda, as an urgent priority for investment/development aid from the international community.
It is after all the market forces, the promise of employment that attracts the immigrants. If people decided they would employ just Dominicans in the sugar industry, construction, agriculture and domestic work, there would be no incentives for Haitians to come here. But we all know that will never happen. Dominicans just can't have it both ways. If individuals, businesses and the economy are benefitting from the cheap labour, it is pointless to complain about everything that goes with it. Perhaps there should be more rigid enforcement of labour laws, and heavier penalties for employers who employ illegal immigrants.
Ultimately, everyone agrees that it is not the DR's responsibility to take on the crushing burden of a poor country like Haiti. The DR has problems enough of its own.
It is possible to tackle this without descending into hate-filled ranting. The nationalist hysteria displayed by some of our friends here reminds me why I consider myself first and foremost a citizen of the world, who wishes to see all people, everywhere enjoying a decent life.
What after all are national differences? Accidents of birth, no more.