#2472: The other side of Haitian-Dominican relations (fwd)

[Robert Corbett <bcorbett@netcom.com>]

From: Yacine Khelladi <yacine@aacr.net>

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> DR1 Daily News — Monday, 21 February 2000
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> 6. The other side of Haitian-Dominican relations
> El Siglo newspaper highlighted in its Sunday, 20 February issue, a little known aspect of Haitian-DR relations. Haitian businessmen have invested over RD$1,000 million in the DR (more than US$62 million) since 1986.
> The report on Haitian investments in the DR points to companies such as Helados Nevada (ice cream), Frutina (flavored water), Agua Fonbella (potable water), Jugos Antillas (juice products), Bohio Agroindustrial (spices and condiments), Kawas Mercantil (exporting company), Remesadora Cam (remittances), Transporte Boulos, Mariesh Industries (free zone), Alpha General Assembly (free zone), West Eden Corporation (free zone), Tropical Airways (air service to Haiti) and Caribinter, Caribe Tours and Terrabus (both companies offer bus service).
> Journalist Leo Reyes says that Haitians have invested in hotels, cafeterias, clothing stores, footwear stores, and art galleries.
> Investment peaks can be traced back to political changes in Haiti. Peaks occurred at the fall of the Jean Claude Duvalier in 1986 and during the embargo imposed to secure the return of President Jean Bertrand Aristide.
> The report says that while the US$62 million number is but an estimate, it is a conservative one. It indicates that because of the Haitian reticence to talk to the press, real numbers are hard to come by. The Haitian Chamber of Commerce had no figures available. Furthermore, it is a common practice for Haitians to remain anonymous, using on-paper Dominican owners as a front for their operations in the DR. For the report, see http://www.elsiglord.com/enfoques/20/8.htm
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