Lecture Notes: Haiti and the Dominican Republic - A Tale of Two Nations

Introduction

• The lecture focuses on the stark differences between Haiti and the Dominican Republic (DR), two countries sharing the same island.
• Key statistical contrasts:
  • Infant mortality: Haitians are 2.5 times more likely to die as infants.
  • Economic disparity: Haitians are almost ten times poorer.
  • Life expectancy: Significantly shorter in Haiti.
• The journey begins at the border, exploring how two nations on one island can be so different.

Cross-Border Trading

• Women in southern Haiti prepare for a boat journey to trade goods in the DR.
• The journey is arduous and involves informal international trade due to geographical obstacles (mountain ranges).
• Haitians face delays at the border, allowing Dominicans to set up market stalls first.

Historical Context

• The island was first colonized by Spain in the 1490s, followed by France.
• The island was split into French-controlled Saint-Domingue and Spanish-controlled Santo Domingo.
• French exploitation led to soil degradation and a society with a rebellious slave population.
• Spanish colonization involved less exploitation, integration with local populations, leading to a more mixed and sustainable society.

Independence and its Aftermath

• Haiti declared independence in the early 1800s, becoming the first black republic.
• Independence came without a governmental framework, and the land was depleted.
• Haiti faced global isolation, with the U.S. and France imposing crippling debts, hampering development.
• Internal corruption and lack of investment in institutions further hindered progress.

Modern Discrimination and Racism

• Anti-Haitian sentiment is prevalent in the DR, now enshrined in legislation.
• 2010: DR constitution changed to deny citizenship to those born to undocumented immigrants.
• 2013: High court ruling retroactively applied, affecting over 200,000 people, rendering them stateless.
• Racism affects how Haitians are treated and the policy towards them in the DR.

Environmental and Economic Contrasts

• Post-colonial Haiti continued practices that degraded the land.
• Clear contrasts in the environment: Lush jungles in the DR vs. eroded hillsides in Haiti.
• Similar discriminatory dynamics observed in northern border markets, involving bribes and discrimination.

Conclusion

• The lecture highlights how policies have historically and currently disadvantaged Haiti.
• The repercussions of colonial and modern racist policies continue to impact Haitians today.

Acknowledgements

• Sponsored by Lululemon, promoting their ABC pants suitable for various activities.