Haiti is almost paralyzed due to a transport strike following three days of violent protests due to an announced increase in fuel prices that was then not implemented. Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant chaired a meeting with representatives from parliament to evaluate the situation. At least three people died and several were injured in the violent clashes.
Many people are staying in their homes to avoid trouble and although airlines have resumed services to airports in the country, the situation remains tense and several embassies, such as the German, Canadian and Untied States remain closed with alerts to foreign citizens to stay in place.
The Ministry of Tourism has condemned attacks on hotels and other privately owned establishment and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has expressed its “deep concern” for the violence in Haiti.
To date, the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti is still calm despite the protests, according to media reports.
However, the president of the National Federation of Dominican Transport (Fenatrado), Ricardo de los Santos, has announced that there is no transport to Haiti, and that even though they have not had any reports of problems, there would not be land shipments of cargo to Haiti until the current situation is resolved and the security of the trucks and drivers is guaranteed.
The executive director of the Center for Export and Investment (CEI-RD), Marius De León said that although formal exports had been stopped, the bilateral markets are still functioning. He lamented the situation in Haiti.
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Listin Diario
Listin Diario
11 July 2018
