The worst way to spend US$30 million!

NALs · #1 03-27-2007, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR1 News March 27, 2007

US$30 million international campaign

International organizations reportedly are preparing to launch a US$30 million international campaign accusing the Dominican Republic of enslaving Haitians that work here and of denying Dominican nationality to Haitians that are born here, as reported in El Dia.

The month-long program is scheduled to kick off in France in May sponsored by Amnesty International, the office of Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoe and the artistic group Collectif 2004 Images.

El Dia explains that key figures behind the campaign are Catholic priests, Christopher Hartley, who is related to Spanish nobility and is close to the monarchs of Spain, and Pedro Ruquoy. Hartley was asked to leave the country when his superior Bishop Francisco Osoria expelled him from the diocese on occasion of uncovering Hartley's participation in criminal happenings, as reported in El Dia. Ruquoy left the country shortly after it was discovered that he irregularly served as the father to declare several children of illegal Haitian parents so these could get their Dominican birth certificates. Another key figure mentioned as part of the campaign is the Haitian activist in the DR, Sonia Pierre. Ambassador Radhames Batista, president of the National Border council recently stated that her real name is Solain Pie and that she received an irregular birth certificate as Sonia Pierre because her mother was the undocumented illegal resident Maria Pie. She was declared by Ramon Juan whose cedula No. 20888-23 was forged.

Recently, the Central Electoral Board ruled for the implementation of the Libro de Extranjeria that documents when a foreigner is born here. El Dia reports that the new registration document has been well received by the US Consulate, not so by international organizations that demand that all those born in the DR be granted Dominican citizenship.

In December 2005, the Supreme Court of Justice ruled that those born to parents without permanent residence or citizenship would not be Dominicans at birth.

Given the difficulties in stemming migration at the border, the DR every year receives thousands of new Haitian migrants. Over the years, the Dominican governments have done little to reduce the migration. As the problems in Haiti have increased, more and more Haitians cross the border. While Haitians were initially hired to work in sugar plantations, sugar harvests are being mechanized and today more Haitians are attracted by the many jobs available in construction and as gardeners, housekeepers and street sales. The Ministry of Superior Education reports that there are approximately 6,000 Haitians studying in Dominican universities, and public hospitals are heavily burdened by thousands of Haitian mothers that cross the border to give birth and receive free medical services.

What happens when foreigners and Dominican wannabes meddle in affairs of a country thats not theirs?

Stay tune on the "lets whip the DR into obedience" campaign.

-NALs

#2 03-27-2007, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NALs

What happens when foreigners and Dominican wannabes meddle in affairs of a country thats not theirs?
-NALs

Earth to NALs - the United Nations has been doing that for quite some time!

The argument that I would use wouldn't be based on that the international community has no right to make such claims as that type of defense is archaic and if Leonel tried to use such a defence it would only put him in the leagues of Castro, Chavez, and the current dictato.. uhem president of Zimbabwe.

No - what needs to be done is addressing these obviously biased obserservations with cold hard facts. I think if someone were to send an impartial committee here to do a real analysis of the situation that they would see the real truth of the matter.

aegap · #3 03-27-2007, 06:49 PM

They would get a much better return in their investmet if they'd spend that money on some economic empowerment progran within Haiti..

Exxtol · #4 03-27-2007, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aegap

They would get a much better return in their investmet if they'd spend that money on some economic empowerment progran within Haiti..

Agreed. Interesting to see how the int'l community continues to neglect and isolate Haiti (economically and socially), yet use the DR as a conduit for economic/social empowerment to the Haitian people.

The irony.

A.Hidalgo · #5 03-27-2007, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exxtol

Agreed. Interesting to see how the int'l community continues to neglect and isolate Haiti (economically and socially), yet use the DR as a conduit for economic/social empowerment to the Haitian people.

The irony.

I don't think there is neglect. Countries ranging from the US, the European Community and Canada have been giving aid to Haiti in the millions. Is all this aid helping...only time will tell. I do agree with aegap that aid that empowers Haiti is the ideal way.

USAID/Haiti: Strategic Plan

EUROPA - Development - Countries - Haiti

Canada boosts aid. | Business solutions from AllBusiness.com

jrf · #6 03-28-2007, 12:47 AM

If the Haitians had it together they would be a force to reckon with. I am amazed at how resourceful and resilient they are. The Haitianos I know in the RD and the few times I have been in Haiti I have always been impressed.

So much aid is getting to the country of Haiti but it seems that it is like throwing mud at a wall. Some of it will stick and how much of it is lining the pockets of those in charge.
Surely the amount of 'loss' must be assumed at high with not only the foods but the funds sent to Haiti.

The RD is a great place to try to ease the issues of the Haitians. 30 million is nothing compared to what is sent to Haiti and since the RD already has the infrastructure to handle so many issues - as crazy as some things are there in the RD.

Assistance to the Haitianos within the country to help them get on their feet would be a huge help.
And the Dominicanos are highly racist - so no say what will happen with this news and extra attention.

coho · #7 03-28-2007, 01:02 AM

Why don't you do some research before you spout off your BS reterect.

A.Hidalgo · #8 03-28-2007, 01:37 AM

I don't know if this is part of that 30 million, but a documentary is coming out called "The Price of Sugar" narrated by Paul Newman. Its basically about the Spanish priest Christopher Hartley who was kicked out of the Dominican Republic for his controversial support of Haitians. Also heard that a movie with Robert De Niro is in the works dealing with the Fanjul family operation of sugar cane.

The Dominican government better get ready to spend some good pesos to counter this slick onslaught because so far they have done a lousy job.

Trailer

coho · #9 03-28-2007, 01:46 AM

I've seen it.....what a pathetic third world country the DR comes across as...........if ever anyone should be accountable..it's the Fanjul family........slave merchants......

Tuan · #10 03-28-2007, 07:57 AM

Poor DR! They should have a problem like the 20 million illegal aliens that call themselves "reconquistadores" -- a movement that got sympathetic coverage all over LA, indluding in the DR!

I'll feel sorry for them the day anyone in the DR speaks out against the unending stream of abuse against the US from Amnesty and the UN HR Commission for the last 40 years. Horrendous tortures occur nonstop all over the world, including practically every LA police department, and all those instituitions can find time to do is complain about acts such as a jerky US soldier putting panties on the head of a POW. I'm waiting, DR.

Meanwhile, what goes around, comes around. I know they don't deserve the calumny received in this instance, but on the other hand their past glee at the smearing of the US tells me they really do deserve it!