Advance Bans in Haiti Impact Elías Piña Binational Market
- ELÍAS PIÑA,Dominican Republic (AP) — The once-bustling binational market in Elías Piña,a town on the western Dominican Republic border,is now subdued,reflecting fears of escalating violence in Haiti.
- Typically,the border gates open on Mondays and Fridays at 8 a.m., facilitating a significant flow of people entering the market to purchase goods destined for Haiti.though, recent events...
- Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez addressed the UN Security Council,highlighting the situation in Haiti as a severe threat to national security.
Haiti Violence Stalls Dominican Republic Border Market
ELÍAS PIÑA,Dominican Republic (AP) — The once-bustling binational market in Elías Piña,a town on the western Dominican Republic border,is now subdued,reflecting fears of escalating violence in Haiti. Criminal gangs are advancing near this crucial border crossing, disrupting trade and raising security concerns.
Typically,the border gates open on Mondays and Fridays at 8 a.m., facilitating a significant flow of people entering the market to purchase goods destined for Haiti.though, recent events have drastically altered this routine.
Security Concerns Mount
Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez addressed the UN Security Council,highlighting the situation in Haiti as a severe threat to national security. Álvarez noted that gang violence in Haiti resulted in over 5,600 deaths last year.
Álvarez reported that armed groups attacked Mirebalais, a community approximately 30 miles from Elías Piña, earlier this month. The Dominican Consulate headquarters was occupied, though staff had been evacuated beforehand. “Criminals have threatened to continue their march from Mirebalais to the Dominican border,” Álvarez stated.
Trade Suffers Drastic Decline
A military official monitoring the marketS operations told the AP that the number of trucks loaded with merchandise heading towards Port-au-Prince has plummeted from approximately 400 a month ago to around 40.
Jaime Peguero, a merchant selling goods such as cooking oil, corn, and detergent to Haitian customers, reported a staggering 90% drop in sales. “The gangs have taken over sectors close to the border, such as Mirebalais and Caobas,” Peguero explained to the AP.
“Haitians are afraid to come and buy because gang members seize their merchandise and hijack their trucks.Now, only locals from nearby areas come on foot. We no longer have the flow of Haitian merchants who used to come,” he added.
Currently, goods are primarily transported by motorcycle and smaller trucks into Haiti.
Increased Border Security
The Specialized Border Security Corps (Cesfront) of the Dominican Republic has increased surveillance in Elías Piña. Enhanced security measures are evident at the border crossing, where Haitian individuals entering Dominican territory are thoroughly checked for prohibited items.Patrols have also been intensified along the streets surrounding the binational market.
Personal Accounts of Fear and Hardship
Anthony Félix, a young Haitian merchant who travels from Cachimán, near Belladère, to sell clothing at the market, lamented the sharp decline in business. “I used to sell between 15,000 and 20,000 pesos, but right now, there is nothing,” Félix told the AP.
“People are only coming to look for food. Trucks no longer pass,and people are afraid to travel due to the armed gangs,which have already taken Mirebalais,” he added.
Félix expressed deep concern about the gangs’ potential advance: “If the gangs continue to advance, they are going to kill everyone. The only option is to run or die. Run to the mountains, if there is time. People are sleeping with one eye closed and the other open as of the gangs.”
Magaly Marcelina, a Haitian woman deported from the Dominican Republic after living there for 26 years, also sells clothing at the market. She described the plight of displaced families: “There are many people walking in the hills, with nowhere to go, sleeping around with small children,” referring to families fleeing the violence in Mirebalais.
“I am very afraid that the gangs will arrive in my city because they can find a pregnant woman and kill her,” Marcelina said.
Marcelina described the dire economic situation: “Before, we sold a lot, but there is no movement, and nothing is sold. Now, the owner pays me 300 pesos (5 dollars),” which is the money she uses to return to Haiti after a long day’s work.
Peguero, the merchant, expressed a mix of fear and hope: ”We are worried about whether they will arrive at the border gate, but God willing, these people will not approach anymore. You are always afraid, but we are assured here by the Army and the Border wall.”
Haiti Violence & The Dominican Republic Border Market: A Q&A
The escalating violence in Haiti is not only a humanitarian crisis but also has far-reaching economic consequences, particularly for the Dominican Republic. This Q&A delves into the impact of Haitian gang activity on the border market,drawing directly from the information provided in the
Understanding the Crisis
1. What is the main issue impacting the border market between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, according to the provided article?
According to the article, the core problem is the escalating violence in Haiti. This violence, fueled by criminal gangs, has directly impacted the once-vibrant binational market near the border town of Elías Piña in the Dominican Republic.
2. how has the routine of the border market been affected?
The article details that the border gates, wich typically open on Mondays and Fridays at 8 a.m. to facilitate trade, have been significantly impacted. The usual flow of people and goods has diminished dramatically as of security concerns and trade disruptions caused by the ongoing crisis in Haiti.
Examining the Security Threats
3.What specific events are cited as contributing to the security concerns?
The article highlights several key events. dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez cited gang violence in Haiti, resulting in over 5,600 deaths last year. The article also details an attack on Mirebalais, a community approximately 30 miles from the border, and the occupation of the Dominican Consulate headquarters.These events are directly linked by the article to the heightened security concerns.
4. What is the Dominican government’s perspective on the situation in haiti, as stated in the article?
the Dominican foreign Minister, Roberto Álvarez, clearly stated that the situation in Haiti is viewed as a “severe threat to national security,” as conveyed to the UN security Council. This indicates the seriousness with which the Dominican Republic views the crisis.
Investigating the Economic Impact
5. How has trade been affected at the border market?
Trade suffered a drastic decline. A military official reported a significant drop in the number of trucks transporting merchandise to Port-au-Prince, from around 400 a month ago to only about 40.This reveals that the impact on trade is considerable and vrey dramatic.
6. What specific examples of economic hardship are provided by merchants in the market?
Merchants like Jaime Peguero reported a staggering 90% drop in sales.Anthony Félix, another merchant, stated his sales have disappeared. Magaly Marcelina, a Haitian woman, stated her income has been reduced even further, she used to earn far more before. All these personal accounts reveal a stark impact on individuals’ incomes and livelihoods.
7. Why are Haitian merchants and customers no longer frequenting the market as they used to?
The article indicates the fear of violence is the main reason.The merchant Jaime Perguero explains that Haitian customers avoid the market because of fears of gang members seizing their goods, or hijacking their trucks. other sources,such as fellow merchants and those displaced by violence,also report that people are afraid to travel,which decreases demand at the market.
Analyzing the Human Cost
8.What are some of the specific fears and hardships experienced by Haitian individuals as described in the article?
The article provides several chilling accounts. Anthony Félix expresses fear for his life and that of his peers. Magaly Marcelina describes a community in turmoil, with families displaced and living in desperate conditions. She also describes economic insecurity and the fear of direct violence.
9. What steps have been taken to address the security situation at the border?
The Specialized Border Security Corps (Cesfront) of the Dominican republic has increased surveillance in Elías Piña,as detailed in the article. According to the information provided, security measures at the border crossing, including the inspection of individuals entering Dominican territory, have been enhanced.
In summary: The Impact
The article vividly portrays the devastating impact of the violence in Haiti on the Dominican Republic border market. The disruption to trade, the economic hardship, and the personal safety concerns of both merchants and customers serve as a testament to the interconnectedness of the two nations and the urgent need for a solution to the crisis in Haiti.
Please note: The article information is based solely on the provided