Why the Cocks Fight

This title is taken from a book about the relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, two radically different countries that share the same island. Their relationship is extremely poor, fueled by paranoia on both sides. Dominican treatment of Haitians ranges from callous to positively inhumane. Haitians continue to flock to the Dominican Republic to work in the cane fields, construction, and a variety of other jobs that Dominicans do not want....at least not at the rate Haitians are paid.

Just last week the Dominican President paid a visit to Port au Prince. This is a rare occasion indeed which was meant to relieve tensions, not long after several Haitians were killed along the border over a crime which they most likely had not committed. Resentment from Haitians in the capital city flared up figuratively and literally in the form of tire blockades. Dominican media has since been portraying Haiti as "anti-Dominican". This is a political issue...but it is also a development issue. The Dominican Republic would benefit from a stable neighbor, and Haiti could benefit from improve relations. The DR could sell Haiti electricity at a reasonable rate. Haiti could step up security along the very porous border. Shared industrial parks are an opportunity for collaboration but corrupt unions have done everything possible to see to it that these endeavors have failed.

It is my hope that once the furor dies down, Dominicans will realize a prosperous Haiti is in their best interests and in the best interest of the region.

Bryan Schaaf

Haiti Innovation