"Haitians Are On Their Own in the Dominican Republic," Says Misiane Bespin

PHOTO: Dominican Soldiers at Haiti-Dominican Border

When asked how she sees life for Haitians living in the Dominican Republic today, Misiane said things were already hard before, but they've gotten much worse in recent years--especially since Luis Abinader became president.

She explained that before President Abinader took office, it was at least somewhat possible for undocumented Haitians to try and get legal papers. But now, she says, it's practically impossible.

Yes, the government had given work permits to some Haitians at one point, but then they shut the process down and stopped renewing those permits. Now, even if you had a legal card and it expired, you're treated the same as someone who never had any papers at all.

"If your work permit expired and you're waiting for a renewal, you're considered illegal. If your residency card expired and hasn't been renewed yet, you're illegal too. You're lumped in the same group as those who were never documented," she said.

Misiane went on to say the mistreatment of Haitians in the Dominican Republic is nothing new, but the situation has reached a whole new level, especially because of the current crisis in Haiti.

"In the Dominican Republic," she said, "politicians use the Haitian issue as part of their campaigns. Whenever elections are coming, they start talking about Haitians to gain popularity. And today, it's worse than ever. Because of what's happening in Haiti, they treat us like a threat to their country. They say we are a danger to their sovereignty. That's why life for Haitians here has become so hard."

Journalist Guerrier Henry asked Misiane Bespin if the situation in the Dominican Republic is targeting a specific group of Haitians or if all Haitians are being affected.

She answered that at one time, there were certain categories of Haitians who were not affected--maybe those with more money or legal status. But right now, she says, all Haitians in the Dominican Republic are being affected because what's happening is part of a larger anti-Haitian movement.

"They say Haitians are a threat to Dominican sovereignty," Misiane said.

She added that many Haitians don't truly understand what that word sovereignty means. "Because of the way we were educated," she explained, "Haitians often hear the word souvren (sovereignty) and think it's just a normal word, like any other. They don't realize how serious it is. But to Dominicans, that word means everything."

Misiane believes that when a country feels its sovereignty is being threatened, people become willing to do anything to defend it--even if it means pushing others out or creating harsh policies. And that's exactly what Haitians are living through right now in the Dominican Republic.

Misiane Bespin continued explaining that when a country feels its sovereignty is threatened, it is ready to take extreme measures. "You are ready to pick up a weapon if necessary," she said, "or do whatever it takes to remove anything you see as a threat to your sovereignty."

She said that in the past, not all Haitians were treated the same way in the Dominican Republic. Haitians who worked in the tourism sector or those studying at universities were usually respected by Dominicans. The Haitians who faced the worst treatment were usually the ones working in construction or doing domestic work--jobs seen as lower status. But today, Misiane said, Dominicans look at all Haitians the same way--with suspicion and discrimination--no matter who you are.

She added something even stronger: "If you are a Haitian who has a child born in the Dominican Republic, that child is being raised against you, against Haiti. Because in Dominican schools, they teach an anti-Haitian mindset from a very young age."

Misiane then raised a serious question: "Right now, is there even a real reason for Haiti to have an embassy in the Dominican Republic? Or for the Dominican Republic to have an embassy in Haiti?"

She explained that for over two years now, Dominican authorities have not been allowing Haitians to legally enter their country. They are not issuing visas to Haitians. They have shut down their air borders to Haitians. If you are Haitian and want to enter the Dominican Republic legally, you need to have an American passport, a Canadian passport, a French passport--or a visa from one of these countries. Without that, you are simply not welcome.

Journalist Guerrier Henry added that even if you have a visa from one of those countries, entry is not guaranteed, but it improves your chances.

Misiane Bespin made it clear: "I don't want people to think that Haitians don't want to legalize themselves in the Dominican Republic. That's not true at all," she said.

She was responding to a question from journalist Guerrier Henry, who asked if there are any groups or organizations trying to help Haitians in this difficult situation.

Misiane answered that there are indeed people making efforts. She said, "I have some coworkers, and together we try to find ways to assist Haitians however we can." But she also pointed out that they are working without any real support from Haitian authorities.

"Unfortunately, we don't get any help from the Haitian government or from the Haitian embassy in the Dominican Republic," she explained. (Nou pa jwenn sipo otorite Haitienne yo au niveau de la diplomasie haitienne en Pep. Dom.)

At one point, journalist Guerrier Henry cut off Misiane Bespin to make an important point. He told her bluntly:

"You don't need to count on the Haitian government. Look at what we are living through right now. Today, when we think about it, nine presidents, we have to realize--we are on our own."

Guerrier Henry also sent a clear message to all Haitians living in the Dominican Republic:

"Never depend on the Haitian government. You are under the control of just one government--the Dominican government. They are the ones planning how to put you on a bus and send you back to Haiti. Don't waste your time thinking about the Haitian embassy or the Haitian government. Focus on your reality."

We, at the Haitian Internet Newsletter, took the time to transcribe this interview because we want Haitians living abroad, especially those in North America and other parts of the diaspora, to understand the truth:

The Haitian government we talk about doesn't really exist.
It doesn't exist for the Haitian people living inside Haiti, and it surely doesn't exist for Haitians trying to survive in a foreign land like the Dominican Republic.

There is a an old Haitian saying:

"Chak koukou klere pou je w"
(Every owl must light its own way).

Today, Haitians are living this reality live and in full color.

As for the poorest, most abandoned Haitians, it is sad to say this:

"Mal sele k ap foule!"

The people who are being paid to lead us, Ohhh.. Danm... I don't even know how to complete that sentence.

Read more: Dominican Republic, Dominican-Haitian relations, Haitians in the Dominican Republic, Dominican Mass Deportation to Haiti, Dominican Republic, Immigration, Haitian Newsletter Articles

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