标签： Dominican Republic

In a recent interview on the program *Esto no tiene nombre*, Rafael Alburquerque, a labor law expert and former Vice President of the Dominican Republic, denounced the unethical practices of certain employers who exploit Haitian workers and subsequently seek their deportation to evade paying labor benefits. Alburquerque labeled these actions as abusive and illegal, highlighting their detrimental impact on both the affected workers and the nation’s global reputation. He emphasized that such practices undermine the principles of legality, respect, and accountability that should govern labor relations. Alburquerque also addressed the 80-20 rule in Dominican labor law, which requires that at least 80% of a company’s workforce be Dominican. While exceptions are permitted for industries like construction and agriculture, he argued that the process for granting these exceptions should be managed by the Ministry of Labor in collaboration with employers, unions, and the National Migration Institute, rather than being solely at the discretion of the President. Furthermore, he called on the government to enhance oversight mechanisms to ensure that employers fulfill their obligations toward foreign workers. Alburquerque warned that failing to address these issues could lead to international complaints and damage the country’s standing. He concluded by stressing the importance of balancing national interests with the protection of human rights in the hiring of Haitian labor.

In a significant display of discontent, the Dajabón Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Association organized a large-scale protest outside City Hall, calling for stricter enforcement against Haitian drivers accused of operating illegally within Dominican territory. The demonstrators argued that undocumented foreign drivers are causing widespread chaos on local roads, leading to frequent traffic accidents involving motorcycles and three-wheelers. Eduardo Medina, president of the National Federation of Dominican Motorcycle Taxi Drivers in Dajabón, highlighted the unfair competition posed by Haitian drivers, who he claims are monopolizing motoconcho stops and jeopardizing the livelihoods of Dominican drivers. Medina emphasized that Dominican drivers face severe risks, including violence, if they attempt to operate in Haiti under similar conditions. The protesters voiced their support for Mayor Santiago Riverón’s efforts to regulate the movement of Haitian motorcycles in the municipality. Riverón reiterated the ongoing ban on Haitian triple-engine vehicles and stressed the importance of local drivers’ cooperation to enforce the regulation. Additionally, he announced that Dominican drivers would soon have access to new three-wheel motorcycles through the Promipyme program. The mayor firmly stated that municipal authorities would not yield to pressure from merchants or foreigners, insisting that Dajabón’s regulations must be upheld. Meanwhile, motoconcho drivers urged national authorities to take immediate action, warning that the illegal operations of Haitian drivers could deprive many Dominican families of their primary source of income.

In a tragic incident on Saturday night, a Haitian man identified only as ‘Blanco’ lost his life after being brutally attacked by a mob in the Gozuela area of Pepillo Salcedo municipality, Manzanillo. The incident occurred on a rice farm in the Santa María district, near the Dominican-Haitian border. According to the National Police’s Criminal Investigations Division (Dicrim) in Montecristi, the man allegedly attempted to rob a group of Haitians crossing into Dominican territory, which incited the violent response from the crowd. Dr. Rosibel Grullón, the medical examiner, confirmed that the victim succumbed to severe head trauma. Local residents revealed that the deceased had a reputation for targeting other migrants who used unofficial border crossings. Following the incident, judicial and police authorities transferred the body to the Padre Fantino Hospital morgue before sending it to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) in Santiago for an autopsy. Prosecutor Francis Alexander de Jesús Peña Sabés has initiated a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full details of the case and assign accountability.

In a significant development at the Codevi free trade zone, located near the Dominican Republic-Haiti border, hundreds of Haitian workers organized a peaceful demonstration to voice their opposition to the industrial park’s decision to withhold taxes at the request of the Haitian government. The protest, which unfolded without violence, prompted the evacuation of Dominican personnel from the area. In response, the National Police of the Dominican Republic heightened security measures on their side of the border to ensure stability and prevent any potential escalation. According to Goidy Reyes, a correspondent from RC Noticias, an urgent meeting has been scheduled to address the grievances and facilitate the swift return of workers to their jobs. The situation underscores the ongoing economic and political tensions between the two neighboring nations, particularly concerning labor rights and cross-border trade policies.

The picturesque municipality of Polo in Barahona is gearing up to host the 17th Organic Coffee Festival (FestiCafé 2025) from October 24 to 26. This annual event, deeply rooted in the region’s coffee-growing heritage, serves as a platform to celebrate organic coffee production, foster international partnerships, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. This year’s festival will spotlight innovation in coffee production, featuring exhibitions by local and international producers, thought-provoking keynote lectures, and expert panels on topics such as sustainability, market expansion, and technological advancements. The event aims to highlight the superior quality of Polo’s organic coffee, bolster its production chain, and enhance its global presence. Costa Rica has been invited as the guest country, while San José de Ocoa will be recognized as the special guest province, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among coffee-growing communities. FestiCafé 2025 will also pay tribute to the late Luisa Feliz (Mamá Gueda), a revered community leader and co-founder of the festival, through music and cultural performances that honor her enduring legacy. With support from the Presidency of the Republic, INDOCAFÉ, FEDA, and local institutions, the festival cements Polo and the Enriquillo region as a beacon of organic coffee, cultural richness, and sustainable development on both national and international stages.