Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de los Caballeros (Agenzia Fides) - The Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Santiago de los Caballeros (Dominican Republic), His Exc. Mons. Valentin Reynoso Hidalgo, M.S.C., criticized the situation that prevails in the border area between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and has invited the authorities of both countries to work together to achieve harmony and peaceful coexistence. The note sent to Fides recalls that the Bishop refers to the tension created on the border because few people get revenue through their commercial activities, without any control, which causes even violent reactions on behalf of the population in the area.
"In order to achieve harmony, it is necessary that both Haitian and Dominican authorities function well" said Mgr. Valentin Reynoso Hidalgo, urging the two governments to intervene.
This is what the Bishop said during the recent celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Altagrazia, Patroness of the Dominican Republic, which were held for a week in Dominican dioceses and parishes.
According to data collected by Fides, since the beginning of the year, there have been several clashes between small traders on the border between the two countries, due to the lack of control of the authorities on sales and marketing. Haitians abducted several staff of the Dominican Consulate in the Haitian town of Anse-a-Pitre on January 2, as a protest because the Dominican government had imprisoned some Haitian fishermen found to be fishing in the waters of the border. The case was resolved in 48 hours, but the tension on the border continues. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 28/01/2015)
