Dominican Republic - Haiti Observer Blog

Haitian American Sugar Company, SA (HASCO) was one of the largest refineries in Haiti. It operated from 1912 to 1987, making it the country's oldest sugar refinery at that time. HASCO was an American business venture aimed at producing and selling sugar and other sweet products in Haiti, as well as in the United States. It was owned by Charles Steinham, Franck Copay and John Christie, who registered the company with $5 million in capital.

HASCO's operation in Haiti was not always smooth. As a matter of fact, it was affected by a political turmoil in the country in 1915. Like other American businesses in the country, HASCO reeled from the effects of the country's political challenges. Such challenges posed danger to foreign ventures in the country and it was believed to have been the cause of the U.S. marine invasion in 1915. The U.S. occupation lasted for 19 years.

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It was reported that a group of residents in the Municipality of El Penon in the Dominican Republic has mounted street protest against Haitians living in the region due to the cholera outbreak in the neighboring country of Haiti.
Last Saturday, Dominican protestors burned tires on the streets and prevented normal day to day activities in the municipality of Penon by blocking streets, throwing rocks and bottles, demanding that all Haitians leave El Penon.

The fear by the Dominicans came as a result of a Haitian who was diagnosed with the cholera epidemic in the country. Wilma Louwes who is Haitian was treated for cholera in a hospital in the Dominican Republic and released in good health. However, according to haitilibre.com, "He was denied access to the apartment he rented with his girlfriend for 3 years, apartment located at 46, Julia Pena street in San Martín sector of Higuey. "

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Haiti and the Dominican Republic are neighbors, sharing the beautiful island of Ispanola. The two countries also share a long history built on mutual distrust and resentment.

On the one part, Haiti has not always been the victim in its relationship with the Dominican Republic. From 1822 until 1824, Haiti occupied the Dominican Republic. Although it was a brief period of occupation, however, the period was marked by brutal dictatorship and violent uprisings.

On the other hand, in 1937, between 12,000 and 25,000 Haitians living along the border were slaughtered by Dominican armed forces.

Recently, the influx of Haitian migrants to the Dominican Republics does not settle very well with many Dominicans. Ongoing acts of violence are frequently erupting between Haitians living in the Dominican Republics and the locals. The bad feelings never really abated. Anti-Haitian violence had reached fever pitch: Haitian migrants were routinely lynched, burned, and beheaded in the Dominican Republic.

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