Anton Edmunds, a respected Washington, DC based Caribbean expert posted a recent opinion piece in regional newspapers on whether there exists a system of state sanctioned trade abuse by the Dominican Republic against Haiti. Edmunds touches on the fact that while there is much attention placed on the issue of Haitian’s born in the Dominican Republic facing challenges associated with citizenship, an ongoing issue exists that allows the near free movement of goods, notably eggs and poultry, across the border and into Haiti.
“At issue is whether there are effective border controls in place to allow the government of Haiti to raise tax revenue and ensure the entry of goods and products that meet global standards”, Edmunds commented. “Also of concern is whether the government of the Dominican Republic is encouraging what some would call, the effective dumping of product into the Haitian market through illegal border crossings within it’s territory”, he continued.
The piece explores the fact that there is a nascent egg and poultry industry in Haiti, with Caribbean investors that is being challenged by unfair practices, and that at risk is also the livelihood of the Haitian small farmer. “The situation appears to challenge the credibility of many and whether Haiti is truly open for investment”, Edmunds concluded.
Edmunds’ most recent piece is posted on the blog www.onthecaribbean.com, where other pieces on Cuba, Drugs and Security in the Caribbean and Tourism can also be found. Edmunds tweets @theedmundsgroup.com and can be reached at anton@theedmundsgroup.com. His corporate website is www.theedmundsgroup.com.
About The Edmunds Group International, LLC
The Edmunds Group International (TEG) is a consulting firm that provides strategic advice to businesses, governments and organizations in and focused on emerging markets. TEG has especially deep knowledge and experience in the Caribbean Basin region and offers clients what the larger firms can’t – a commitment to excellence fueled by nimbleness, responsiveness and access in this nuanced marketplace.
