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Silence by the Region in Response to Haitian Cleansing Next Door

The loud silence by the government of Barbados, traditional media and other actors to the deportation (‘cleansing’)  of Haitians from the Dominican Republic betrays why attempts at regional integration is a pipe dream. Yet again Haitians find themselves […] in an invidious position because they are of the Black race, or so it seems. In…

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Senator Maxine McClean, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Senator Maxine McClean, Minister of Foreign Affairs

The loud silence by the government of Barbados, traditional media and other actors to the deportation (‘cleansing’)  of Haitians from the Dominican Republic betrays why attempts at regional integration is a pipe dream. Yet again Haitians find themselves […] in an invidious position because they are of the Black race, or so it seems. In recent times silence by Caricom in response to injustices in Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis and a few others is a reminder of the supine nature of regional leadership. It is ironic to observe the Prime Minister of Bahamas is the current Chair of Caricom. The decision by the Bahamas government in the recent past to treat harshly with Haitian refuges (boat people) is well documented. There is no reason if Prime Minister Perry Christie domestic policy challenges that of wider Caricom why a one policy cannot be agreed on by the Caricom Secretariat. In fact Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxine McClean would be forgiven if she were to be very strident on how Haitians are being treated by the Dominican Republic.

One does not have to be a Caribbean history major  to appreciate the important role Haiti played in the emancipation of the slave trade in the region. Even if our knowledge of Haitian history is limited, surely from a humanitarian perspective, it is wrong to be silent while they are persecuted. How quickly many have forgotten January  10, 2010 when a devastating earthquake struck Haiti and the international world pledged financial and other support to rebuild Haiti. Many used the opportunity to enrich themselves and disrespect the proud Black country of Haiti.  Man used the opportunity to show ‘love’ for Haiti.

There is a feeling of anger which should overwhelm any Black human being when they observe how Haitians continue to be persecuted by others, even by their kind. If Barbadians and others possessed a fraction of the indomitable spirit of the Haitian people the region would be better for it. Barbados as a predominately Black country needs to lead on this issue even if our neighbours are reluctant to do so by their ignorance. What bona fides do we have as a region if we fail to represent the interest of our kind from next door?

Related Link:

The Dominican Republic is expected to begin deporting an estimated 500,000 undocumented immigrants after the deadline to file paperwork for adjustment of status expired on June 17. The specter of mass deportations has raised alarms about an unfolding humanitarian disaster. Yet the crisis has generated little international attention, much less condemnation from world leaders.

Stop mass deportation from the Dominican Republic to Haiti

83 responses to “Silence by the Region in Response to Haitian Cleansing Next Door”

  1. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Colonel Buggy June 20, 2015 at 11:42 PM

    The thing is that these EMERA people even had a bad reputation at home in Canada.
    So one must wonder what would have led McConney and Williams to actively encourage their purchase (actually it was a gift) of BL&P…..
    …unless of course you are correct about the unavailability of ‘suitably rite’ Bajans to whom this national asset could be passed on…
    LOL…
    so it was not only Money B’s father with this consideration….

    Surely they must have defended their actions publicly at some time…. or do we not have any REAL journalists around…?

  2. Exclaimer Avatar
    Exclaimer

    @ De Ingrunt Word June 21, 2015 at 9:08 AM,

    Man you does all the time disappoint me.

    @ Colonel Buggy

    https://www.isla-offshore.com/services/citizenship-grenada/

  3. MoneyBrain Avatar
    MoneyBrain

    Exclaimer wrote: The Guyanese and the Trinidadian Indians have been committing genocide against her Negro population for decades. The Caribbean remained silent.

    So are U seriously suggesting that Negroes in Guyana and Tdad are totally innocent in their interactions with E Indians???????????????? Pleeeez dont delude yourself!!!!!

  4. MoneyBrain Avatar
    MoneyBrain

    @Bushie
    Emera did NOT buy BL&P from Bajans, it was already owned by Americans. When it was first sold it was a shock to the “Insiders” that the foreigners demanded at least 15% returns versus much lower historical performance.(heard from the horse’s mouth).

    MB’s father negotiated with Trinis who paid a fair price BUT being very astute he would have gladly sold to Bajans at a higher price with better future prospects. He had no interest in racial divide or politics ONLY in a successful retirement and the profitable continuance and growth of the organisation. Interesting that no black Bajans were hurt in this process and indeed the growth since has led to bountiful jobs in several strata of the black population. At the time of sale several people in management positions, including a very senior Director, were non White.

  5. Exclaimer Avatar
    Exclaimer

    It would seem that there are many North American companies who are exploiting their Haitian workforce:

    Stealing from the Poor:Wage Theft in the Haitian Apparel Industry
    Worker Rights Consortium
    October 15, 2013
    WORKER RIGHTS

    http://www.workersrights.org/freports/WRC%20Haiti%20Minimum%20Wage%20Report%2010%2015%2013.pdf

    @ Money Brain,

    You are entitled to your views. Good day Sir.

  6. De Ingrunt Word Avatar
    De Ingrunt Word

    Exclaimer, that I disappoint you is ok.

    I would have disappointed myself if I did not ask you to reflect on rather one-sided frankly xenophobic and racist remarks. If you are going to lambast the East-Indians for their ruthless actions (genocide, really!!) then speak to the actions of Forbes Burnham as well.

    Surely, two wrongs never make one right but I rather be honest and look for real solutions than accuse one side of wrong-doings and act as if the other side are saints.

    We rightly condemn the rich land-owners in DR for their ruthless actions against the Haitians but as we look for answers and compromise from them we certainly have to seriously examine the Haitian infrastructure and find better solutions to overcome the similarly ruthless actions of Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier towards their own people which afflict and restrict them even to this day.

    So please proceed with your strident calls and if I am the only one to call them for what they are then it means you have a lot of admirers.

    As always I wish you and them very well and of course continue to make your points…often they are thought provokingly honest and objective.

  7. MoneyBrain Avatar
    MoneyBrain

    @Exclaimer

    My view is irrelevant BUT on what honest research basis and proof source do you make such accusations?

  8. Hopi Avatar
    Hopi

    Can CARICOM even save itself furthermore speak on the Haitian plight? CARICOM is fragmented and feckless at best. The sole true purpose of CARICOM is to condense the region in ONE hereby making the white controllers hold over you easy. The heads in this region are just ‘educated’ in the oppressor’s way of thinking and such behaviour can never change our enslaved conditions. Who make you think that you are not enslave when in truth and fact you are more enslaved that these stateless Haitians. The oppressor give you a few options and you actually believe that you have choices… but whose choices are they really? Real freedom is stepping outside the box in which he has imprisoned you either thru’ ‘education’ employment, geography, economics, class and definitely thru his RELIGION……Even his English language is a tool of enslavement.

    The enslavement is blatantly borne out on this same thread by coons who must always lump the sufferation of the Black family with this imposter ‘jew’ and his bogus holoCOST. Can a black man ‘enjoy’ his suffering without being molested by some concocted history of a fake people who are the entities behind the depreciation of the Black man ever since he came into contact with him.

    There’s no need for Haitians or Blacks wherever to be suffering like this. Within the worldwide Black community there’s enough for us all, but if you keep the Black mind fractionalised and addicted to this illusion of comfort he thinks he enjoys, there will always be suffering.

    We are blasted 2- bit hypocrites because we do business with the same entities which profit from the enslavement of these Haitians and other slaves all over. That’s why there’ll never be any change because we are part of the problem.

    Will Black folk stop feeding this monster and get off his grid? I don’t think so.

    Do we possess the fortitude to stand up to this beast?

    Its the illusion of this white devil’s trappings that keep us in a worse form of slavery than the stateless Haitians.

    So no form of blabbering be it formal or informal will change OUR condition.

    Has anyone ever stop to question why the Black man is still catching hell on his planet?

    In the US they’re killing Black men daily and when the loved ones have their their bodies opened, their vital organs are missing. Why, if he’s so inferior why do they need his vital organs?

    Whenever the secret orgs. meet for an initiation, they blindfold a black man, put him to sit in a chair in the center of a room and then inform the initiate that “THIS IS YOUR FATHER, HE MUST NEVER KNOW THAT AND IT IS YOUR DUTY TO KEEP HIM DOWN.”

    So maybe instead of going into the white man’s halls of ‘education’ and studying his segregated shit which you then use to keep his grid going, take time out and study yourself, because your enemy has studied you and knows exactly who you are.

    “MAN KNOW THYSELF”

    REAL BLACK MEN /(WOMEN) don’t need any white man’s degree to validate him. He doesn’t need to sit at any table and bargain with his enemy andd he would never set up a state where he’ll sign treaties with nor take orders from his enemies.

  9. De Ingrunt Word Avatar
    De Ingrunt Word

    @ Money Brain you asked, “on what honest research basis and proof source do you make such accusations?”

    I can’t speak for Exclaimer but I generally use the book ‘I Am Absolutely Right’ written by Soy Correcto the Spanish philosopher with a forward by Nicco Machiavelli the Italian historian, philosopher and political thinker.

    Only have a personal copy and it’s out of print now so can’t even direct you to a reference link.

    But a great book, perfect for blogging !!

  10. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    Bush Tea June 21, 2015 at 9:28 AM #
    Frank McConney , Light and Power Holdings, was more or less,the first casualty of EMERA’S take over.

  11. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Money B
    Emera did NOT buy BL&P from Bajans, it was already owned by Americans.
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    Americans owned about a 35% block….
    Bajans owned about 65%, including NIS with a relatively large block…

    Bajans owned it but like true Brass, were happy to allow it to be dominated by a minority foreign shareholder.
    Emera were ‘encouraged’ to buy into the local ownership after initially acquiring the US held block…

    @ Colonel B.
    …and if you were the new owners would you not quickly divorce yourself from big Judas….?
    …and keep little judas to do other needed dirty work….?

    Bajans will only realise the gravity of selling off the ‘engine room’ to pirates when the ship really hits rough seas…. It will be the Costa Concordia all over again…

  12. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @Bush Tea June 20, 2015 at 10:12 AM …”The Bible’s approach to solving a situation such as this was called ‘Tithing’ – where everyone was required to contribute 10% of their wealth to the development of the less fortunate…(NOT to a shiite church)”

    But, but, but I have been paying tithes to the Barbados government for decades (in fact more that tithes since I’ve been paying 20% of my income) but it hasn’t helped me. Now that I am old and grey I can’t get a cent out of NIS. So if we treat our own who have contributed (heavily) so; I don’t imagine that we will pay the Hatians any notice at all.

    Black people are not well loved by others unless we are giving those others free labour.

  13. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @Sargeant June 20, 2015 at 5:32 PM “Is it race or is it xenophobia and/or economics? I can’t dismiss race entirely but there are many Black people in the DR.”

    There are no black people in the DR.

    There are only white people

    And almost white people

    And somewhat white people.

    And not quite white people people who straighten their hair and bleach their skins and pass for white people.

    Why do yo think that they all hate the Haitians so?

    The Haitians remind them that they too were slavers or enslaved.

  14. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    Simple Simon June 21, 2015 at 8:06 PM #

    Black people are not well loved by others unless we are giving those others free labour.
    …………………………………………………………………………………………..
    We as a people have failed to recognise,and come to grips with this reality . We continue to court and kowtow to the same very people who spit in our faces,holding on to their coat tails, instead of closing ranks among ourselves and supporting each other. Our own state owned CBC TV at times ,appear to be a satellite of CCC TV.
    Check today’s newspaper. Bajans pump millions of dollars into Digicel, but Digicel cannot see it fit to “find a suitable local applicant’ for some run-of -the -mill sales job which was recently advertised. The relevant Ministries will accommodate them, and the Unions will KTFM shut.
    While the Dominican Republic is deporting Haitians, we in Barbados are importing Foreigners .(Caricom citizens excluded)

  15. Exclaimer Avatar
    Exclaimer

    This is an interesting read.

    ‘He came to see blackfellas!’ When Muhammad Ali visited Fitzroy

    His visit was barely documented or recorded but for those who met the boxer during his trip to Fitzroy the memories endure

    http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/15/when-muhammad-ali-visited-fitzroy

  16. David Avatar
    David

    An insight into how the world works.

     
    shared Office of the Special Advisor to the Government of Barbados‘s post.

     

    YOU REALLY CANNOT MAKE THIS STUFF UP!!

    Office of the Special Advisor to the Government of Barbados's photo.

    Office of the Special Advisor to the Government of Barbados added 4 new photos.

    YOU REALLY CANNOT make this stuff up!!

    So the EU Commission publishes its long awaited tax haven blacklist of uncooperative countries and both the Head of the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Tax Information Exchange Secretariat – Monica Bhatia and the Director of the OECD Center for Tax Policy Administration -Pascal Saint Amans promptly and publicly disagree with the findings on Barbados which are not in keeping with the only internationally agreed upon criteria in this area which has repeatedly confirmed that Barbados is neither a tax haven nor is it uncooperative. To complete the picture the EU representative in Barbados confirms that in at least two cases the information used by the Commission to justify its findings was at least five years out of date.

  17. David Avatar
    David

    A statement from Caricom:

    Caricom calls on Dominican Republic to halt deportation policy

  18. pieceuhderockyeahright Avatar
    pieceuhderockyeahright

    CARICOM speaks up.

    THREE YEARS LATER!! (the practice commenced in 2011 didn’t it?)

    Better late than never, I guess

  19. ac Avatar
    ac

    None of the Big countries like the great USA have the moral authority to criticize less condemn. the DR, this country like many in the Carribbean thave become economically depressed and anemic by policies implemented by the wealthy imperial nations of this world///policies which have strangled and have wrecked havoc throughout the Caribbean on these tiny island nations. The DR is now forced to make a radical “move” one that is tied to economics and which the big countries of this world refuse to acknowledge but would rather capitalize on this sad humanitarian crisis with political language to divide black against black and to marginalize ..better yet if these wealthy countries who now stand as the vanguard of morality had any moral decency they would using their power, wealth and political clout to open up dialogue and engage other nations asking to supply positive support in the form of humanitarian aid to the DR which would lessen the social and economic burdens which the DR is buried (under) and sufficient to say that these burdens havebgiven cause to the govt of the DR in having to make harsh and inhumane decision against the Hatian citizen, Sad as it is indeed DR might be guilty of a crime one of being unable to carry the economic and social load but a crime however which by all means the wealthy nations of this world must share.

  20. ac Avatar
    ac

    When on say A one also must say B.. by asking hard the Questions which connects to and forcing us to asked the burning questions if similar circumstance occurred in or backyard and the need for our own survival extinguishes the right and needs of others, ? the answers are hard and complicated
    It is always easy to cast blame especially when not having to walk in that shoe that is hurting however before casting blame one should look at the overall picture not only through the lenses of political tones and dictates and mutterings but one which brings focus with an overview to summarizes and expose where culpability lies/

    here is a view from the other side ..

    http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/opinion/2015/6/24/55496/Dominicans-under-fire-as-immigration-deadline-for-Haitians-is-set-to-expire

  21. ac Avatar
    ac

    If these wealthy nations are (so)interested in the plight of Haitians and poor nations. They would never have created(situation) and policies which force these poor nations to make erratic decisions that compromise the “wellbeing”of their citizenship.
    Furthermore they would get busy at the business of providing proper guidance and creating solutions of (prevention) before govts like the DR like blind men in the dark of night stumble and fall.
    Now in the name of hypocrisy and self righteous indignation these wealthy nations have alligned and position themselves to become judge ,jury,and executioner of poor nations that find there backs against the wall and having to make inhumane decisions for their survival

  22. ac Avatar
    ac

    Throw racism into the mix of these complicated isdues and all eyes become closed !ears become deaf!and irrationaliyy !misinformation wrapped in halftruths and hypocrisy take root all flowing from a well of deception with unsanitary message attached and tossed amongst these poor nations with cruel intentions to alter confuseand divid thepeople that are already buried under tge weught of soci-economic policies that were handed to be the the cure “all’and was the recomended medicine to pull them from the brinkof social upheaveal and politcal chaos.
    What these wealthy nations must do to avert crisis(es) like those in the DR is to encoursge meaningful dialogue with a respect to building bridges of encouragement while avoiding making the same tactical errors of racism to place blame

  23. ac Avatar
    ac

    Here we go again with the proverbial “boggeyman” racism knocking at the door and the powerful leaders of this world jumping into the fray in childlike fashion like children in a sandbox throwing sand in each others eyes, Where are the leaders those who are placed to govern . How can a crisis which calls on all to be their brothers/sisters keeper thin the DR becomes a reality where thousands of human lives would be left stateless and homeless.
    How can powerful nations those with the eyes and ears and capabilities to know what is happening in every corner of the world sit back and allow another grave injustice fall upon a black race ,
    Haven’t history nobody a lesson or it is an unacceptable truth one of racist attitudes and bigotry which keep these world powers distant and separated from the suffering of poor blacks,
    How is it that these powerful countries can send/spend billions of dollars to far off lands in the form of military might but cannot spend one waking moment to come to the aid of of averting a humanitarian disaster in the DR before it happens

  24. ac Avatar
    ac

    i have been hearing about all types of boycotts against the DR when history have shown and proven that these boycotts hurt only the poor and vulnerable.
    Yet again i have thrown my mind back to the Earth quake in Haiti which devastated the already poor country,causing thousands of people to flee their homeland to neighboring country DR. how then can any one logically expect that another poor country would be able to withstand and sustain an additional significant percentage of Haiti population (given) DR already disadvantage by having to deal with other social and economic problems of their own which have burden them for years. Like the earthquake that devastated Haiti the shock of having to deal with another wave of Haiti population would have been equally as devastating to the govt of the DR as the earthquake in Haiti
    i submit that this inhumane treatment lies in the bowels of socioeconomic problems that should have been dealt with in a swift and humanitarian manner by some the world greatest powers who not only have the political clout but the financial where with all to suppress these critical issues

  25. Anthony Avatar
    Anthony

  26. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    Lets wait and see what will transpire out of the Caricom Heads of Government Conference over this Haiti issue.

  27. ac Avatar
    ac

    The DR is Poor
    Haiti is Poor

    Why did the greatest country on earth the USA sat back and did nothing to prevent this catastrophe . DR and Haiti both countries are equally under developed Both countries are suffering equally financially and are in no position to help each other. what does the world expect from two neighboring poor island caught in a web of instability and insecurity to run to the aid of each other out ..How does that kind of logic work ? when nothing from nothing leaves nothing

  28. ac Avatar
    ac

    nothing can transpire ,this is a case of too little too late, what should have transpired should have and could have been done before this impending doom was brought about on the Haitian people seeking their right to sovereignty in a foreign land occur, Yes the mouths of Caricom should remain silent only opening up when necessary to give moral support, But as we all Know that None of these small islands a are in a position to accept a wave of Haitians to their shore and most likely than not the voices of the people would be loud and swift to say NO MORE<

  29. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    ac July 3, 2015 at 10:29 PM #

    The DR is Poor
    Haiti is Poor

    Why did the greatest country on earth the USA sat back and did nothing to prevent
    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
    You mean the same USA which had its bombers loaded up and in the air some years ago ,ready to lay down a devastating airstrike on this same poor country, calling it off at the last minute.

  30. ac Avatar
    ac

    Yes the same country, that has military might and can avail it at the drop of a pin has a moral obligation to the poor and down trodden, the Haitian people and DR both black countries are now caught up in a wave of division that would never heal when the great leaders of this world who knows all and sees have responded with silence. I have already stated in my earlier comments what should have been preventive measured applied to this political suicide to stop this disaster of fear and doom for the Haitian people , However in the meanwhile the great countries sit back and stoke the fires of political bedrock to divert attention away from their callous attitude towards the haitian people,

  31. Anthony Avatar
    Anthony

    http://news.yahoo.com/haitians-forced-dominican-republic-recall-racism-abuse-165221954.html

  32. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    It may also be in the best interests of those same countries, which are sitting back, for Haiti and DR to clash with each other, as has happened so often in the past in Central America. They would even supply both sides with military advisers and hardware.

  33. ac Avatar
    ac

    colonel buggy and what would that “best interest be ” please educate

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