On 28 February, United States President George Bush cleared the way for the implementation of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement with respect to the DR and for other purposes. A White House press release dated 1 March 2007 carries the decision. US Ambassador in the DR Hans Hertell is scheduled to make the announcement locally today.
The American Chamber of Commerce in the DR issued a statement calling the proclamation "a new start, a start with clearly defined rules of the game that will enable businesses to compete more effectively in a global economy; a start when investors will have more certainty and confidence when making long-term investments; a start in which Dominican consumers will have more options and lower prices; a start where increased transparency will contribute to the strengthening of institutions and the rule of law."
That is all fine and dandy - but where does it say that under this Free Trade Agreement that it is allowing all foreigners to come to the DR and work. It mentions investors, competition in the global economy and competetive pricing for Dominican consumers. It does not state that all foreign investors in the DR should only employ foreigners to work in their business. It is opening up avenues for more employment for Dominicans as more investors discover the DR.
You live in Canada - so you know that Canada is also in a free-trade agreement with the US and Mexico. It does not give us the right to move to the US and work. In fact, a Canadian can not work in the US unless it is a job that is in shortage, or that is a specialized position, and lastly, that no American can or will do! Don't bother arguing this fact with me, as I know personally. It is the same for a US citizen that wants to come to Canada to work.
The free trade agreement has nothing to do with providing any foreigner the right to work at a job that a Dominican is willing and capable of doing.
What hypocrisy. From what I understand, it's okay for other Dominicans to go elsewhere to work and it's ok. However, if someone comes to your country to work it not? Marlie, please shed some light on this for me please
Well, let us put it this way. Take that up with the government. I do not know the process in Canada in regards to a Dominican and how they gain employment. I am not sure that they don't go through the stringent process similar to say, a US citizen. In that case, the job has to be listed up to 6 months with the HRDC offices, and upon no Canadian applying or qualifying for the job, then is granted a work visa for either 6 months or 1 year. As the end of this term nears, the job must be posted once again by the employer for the time period, and the process repeats itself. Again, do not argue this fact, I have lived this experience personally.
What I am saying is I do not know if this applies to a Dominican immigrant. Someone else may be able to shed some light on this. The government of Canada and the US make the rules - I just abide by them.
I am not trying to go into a debate with you or amarocorp. I have expressed my opinion, and that is that. I do not care, and will not, continue to go round and round with you on this. I personally do not care what you do once you choose to do it. I do care, however, about the Dominicans and their plight.
Marlie
