Haiti and the Dominican Republic: Crossing The River

The geographic, historical, political, and social relationships between Haiti and the Dominican Republic have always been complicated.

The island of Hispaniola is shared by both countries, separated by a river. This geographic setting has always provoked conflicts between both Haitians and Dominicans, for Dominicans enjoy a larger, more fertile side of the island.

The tensions between both countries are also of historical magnitude. After obtaining its independence from Spain in 1821, the Dominican Republic was quickly invaded by Haiti. It was not until 1844 when Dominicans were able to overthrown the Haitian government and fight for the concepts under which the Dominican Republic was founded—God, Fatherland, and Liberty.

There is also a political aspect to the Haitian-Dominican relations. Under the rule of Dominican dictator Leonidas Trujillo from 1930-1960, thousands of illegal Haitians living in the Dominican Republic at the time were assassinated. Historians explain that in part, the massacre was urged by the conflicting histories between both countries, but also by Trujillo’s hatred toward black people. The Dominican Republic has apologized to Haiti in recent decades.

Having grown up in the Dominican Republic, I can personally testify to the social aspect of the conflict between both countries. Haitians are to Dominicans what low-wage Latino workers are to some Americans. They do the dirty jobs that Dominicans do not want to do. Moreover, the Dominican Republic has lost control of their border with Haiti, permitting the entrance of thousands of Haitians citizens to the Dominican Republic illegally.  

Although all these conflicts have existed, and still exist, Dominicans have forgotten about the differences between both countries and stretched out a helping hand to the neighboring country as it suffers its worst earthquake in history. I am really proud of my fellow Dominicans who have crossed the river that divides both countries, just to help those who most needed.  

Just like any other country and its conflicts, the Dominican Republic has diplomatic differences with Haiti for the reasons stated previously. However, the country also has a noble heart as it has demonstrated in the last few days. What happened in Haiti only shows us how short and unpredictable life is. Let's live it Minute by Minute.

Perhaps the earthquake could motivate a new start to the relationships of two countries that share a beautiful island—“positioned in the path of the sun/ native to the night/ placed in an unlikely archipelago of sugar and of rum.” (from poet Pedro Mir)

Today I have crossed the river.

I’m with Haiti…