by Trivan Annakarage
Due to vast ethnic variations in appearance, language differences, diverse religious beliefs and ideological distinctions of the human populous (amounting to 7.8 billion), the world has been partitioned by imaginary lines to form 195 sovereign nation-states and over 60 dependent territories. In addition to these factors, forceful migration conducted during the Colonial Era from the 15thcentury to 20th century, has also shaped the appearance of the global political map we see today. Hispaniola, the largest island in the Greater Antilles located in the Caribbean Sea is one such example, which is home to the people of the two nation-states; Dominican Republic and Haiti.
The larger eastern section of the island is the sovereign land of Dominican Republic while the relatively smaller western portion is under the sovereignty of the Republic of Haiti. The relationship between these two countries has always been at odds and this has led to insurmountable bloodshed throughout their disturbing colonial and post-colonial past. Unfortunately, tensions between the two countries persist even to this very day. Rivalry between these two nation-states is a result of colonialism and is based upon racial and linguistic divisions. Of its 14 million population 13.5% are considered white while 15.8% are regarded as black. Over 70.4% are recognized as people of mixed ethnicity that form the majority and the identity of Dominican Republic. In contrast, from the 13 million that reside in Haiti, more than 95% are considered black. Furthermore, the official language of Dominican Republic is Spanish while in Haiti it is Haitian Creole and French.
The Dominicans are passionate about their colonial past and associate themselves to be of Spanish ancestry despite the majority’s ancestors being descendants from Africa. Therefore, they prefer to maintain lighter skin complexions through cosmetic procedures. The Haitians on the other hand are resentful of their former colonial past and embrace their African ancestry while being loyal to collective Sub Saharan African culture. This mind-set thus prevent people from both sides to agree with one another to form one united nation-state on an island, which has a land area of only 76,192km2.
Even the former President of Dominican Republic, Rafael Trujillo would powder himself immensely before appearing in public to conceal his dark complexion and appear as a direct descendent from Europe. His belief in white supremacy trickled down to the common Dominican citizen where it stigmatized Dominicans as being fairer and elite while Haitian were labelled as darker and uncivilized. This led to the unfortunate Parsley Massacre of 1937 where over 23,000 Haitians residing in Dominican Republic were killed and to which Trujillo’s government was responsible. However over the years since the 19th century there have been various attempts to unite the entire island under one flag either through coercive or diplomatic means.
Christopher Columbus established the first colonial town in Hispaniola in 1494 and named it La Isabela, which later became the current capital of Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo. The town was named after the Spanish Queen Isabella I who financed his voyages to the new world. By 1550, the indigenous Taino people had become extinct because of disease, conflict and slavery to which the Spanish hold full responsibility. Two hundred years later, in 1697, the western part of the island (1/3rd of Hispaniola’s territory) was ceded by the Spanish Empire (under King Charles II) to the emerging power at the time; Kingdom of France (under King Louis XIV) as part of the Peace of Ryswick which ended the Nine Year’s War between France and the Grand Alliance. The latter included Great Britain, Holy Roman Empire, Dutch Republic and the Spanish Empire. These two colonial powers were responsible for the forceful migration of slaves from the African Continent to territories they governed in Hispaniola.
After establishing its domination in Hispaniola, the Spanish used the island as a base to expand into mainland North and South America in which they solidified Spanish rule over its vast territory. Therefore, Spanish Hispaniola lost its significance and not many slaves were brought to this colony. Over the years, remaining Spanish settlers would intermarry with the surviving indigenous Taino people and African slaves to form a more culturally mixed and tolerant society. However, the slaves in French Hispaniola experienced a much harsher reality. French Imperialist exploited the land. They brought in slaves multiple times more than Spain to their territorial possession and the aim was to make French Hispaniola a highly profitable sugar-producing colony. They aggressively spoiled the soil by planting the same crop year after year and created a group of very resentful, over-worked and abused slaves who eventually rebelled in 1791 (Haitian Revolution). As a result, Haiti became the second sovereign nation-state in the Western Hemisphere after the United States of America. This was a defining moment in world history because this was the first time a country was founded by Africans in the Western Hemisphere and not by Europeans.
Today, these two countries are divided over a number of issues. From the two nation-states, Dominican Republic is larger, fertile, politically stable and wealthier than its western neighbour. In contrast, throughout the 20th century Haiti has suffered (and continues to do so) in the hands of multiple ruthless dictators, corruption and poor economic policies. Therefore, poor quality of living standards has compelled Haitians to find job opportunities overseas. Since Haitian labour was cheaper, policy makers in Dominican Republic welcomed Haitian migrant workers into their territory. The men would be deployed to construction sites while the women were employed as domestic workers or minor staff at various public and private organizations.
Nevertheless, many Haitians are noted to be either directly or indirectly, linked to criminal activities in Dominican Republic. Over the years, this policy of welcoming Haitian migrant workers has resulted in the proliferation of Dominicans of Haitian decent. This situation has therefore given rise to a wave of Dominican nationalism followed by the discrimination against Dominicans of Haitian decent. In 2013 the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic issued a retroactive ruling where Dominican citizenship for descendants of Haitian migrant workers since 1929 were stripped off if they failed to provide legal documents. Due to being unable to provide such documents and because of constant hostility from Dominican nationalist, people from this community have decided to move into Haiti. However, the majority of these Dominicans of Haitian decent have never crossed the border before and do not even remotely associate themselves with Haiti.
The most destitute in this community are vulnerable to discrimination than those Dominican Haitians who have moved up the social echelons in Dominican society. During the second half of the 20th century, Dominican policy makers were seriously considering constructing a wall along the Dominican–Haitian border. Although it was a distant reality back then, the need for it is gaining wide popularity among Dominicans. Despite their rivalry, Dominican Republic was the first country that came to Haiti’s aid soon after the 2010 Haitian Earthquake. Nevertheless, analysts argue that the purpose of the Dominican humanitarian effort was a proactive measure taken by the Fernandez Government at the time to prevent an exodus of Haitian refugees crossing the border into DR’s territory. From an International Relations perspective, the significance of maintaining healthy relations with immediate neighbouring nation-states despite having disagreements on various issues remains vital.
Despite persisting resentment, on a broader sense, the incumbent leaders of both nation-states; President Luis Abinader of DR and President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti have agreed upon a healthy working relationship of not interfering in the domestic affairs of either and maintain cordial diplomatic relations though favourable economic ties. However, Haiti has a trade deficit close to US$ 800 million with DR thus ranking Haiti, among DR’s top 10 export markets. If relations are to improve, DR will have to encourage more imports from Haiti to help stabilize its neighbour’s economy, improve its GDP and increase quality of living standards.
This would lead to a lasting solution of preventing further illegal Haitian migration into DR. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on both countries. As a result, DR may not be able to support the Haitian economy as mentioned before. Increasing inequality among Dominicans and wide spread corruption within law enforcement agencies and DR becoming a hub for cocaine trafficking into South America were serious concerns which exacerbated due to Covid-19. Therefore, the immediate future of both countries on the island of Hispaniola remains rather bleak.
