A United Dominican Republic & Haiti Would Be A Caribbean Dream.
Both Haiti and The Dominican Republic (DR) are home to two of the biggest populations in the Caribbean.
In fact, the top three Caribbean populations are: Haiti (11,906,095), The Dominican Republic (11,520,487) and Cuba (10,937,203).
What does this simple, most basic insight, show us? That, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are hugely important to the economic health, of the Caribbean as a whole. Both of these economies thriving and connected to the rest of the Caribbean or Caricom, is ideal.
Then chances are the wider regional economy of the Caribbean (or Caricom economy) would benefit substantially, from the health of those two economies.
Simply put, a divided Dominican Republic and Haiti, is the worse case scenario for both of those two islands, as well as the Caribbean as a whole.
Arguably, in this context, the Caribbean dream is for the economies of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, to work towards joint prosperity and integration. Less for any altruistic reasons or even neighborly love and more because it is in their mutual, best interests.
Increased prosperity and collaboration in and between the DR and Haiti. Means the rest of the Caribbean has a better chance of selling their goods and services, in these markets.
Both Caricom and Caricom citizens would be well served by exerting their influence to encourage collaboration between these two countries.
Economic prosperity hopefully, is the name of the new game that will help both countries move past, past pains.
Why Competitive Advantage and Collaboration Go Hand In Hand.
One of the most fundamental concepts that defines economic activity, is the notion of competitive advantage.
This term basically refers to the fact that like people, every country is unique and will therefore have a competitive advantage over every other country in some particular way.
This then means that it is ideal for every country to specialise in their area of competitive advantage. So that they can make as much money from their area of expertise. This money can then be used to purchase necessary products or services from other countries, who also are simultaneously profiting from specialising in their areas of competitive advantages.
Therefore, in an ideal world, specialization and collaboration are supposed to work hand in hand. As companies/countries export (i.e. sell produce or services) in their areas of competitive advantage. Thereby amassing the most profit possible. Whilst also importing from countries that specialize in their areas of competitive advantage. Thereby ensuring that countries are importing, the highest quality of goods and services.
The fact that Haiti and the Dominican Republic share an island means that from an economic standpoint, collaboration makes the most sense. This is because the transportation costs are low and again, their strengths are different.
Some of Haiti’s competitive advantages include: competitve labor costs, agriculture, light manufacturing and services are also areas of competitive advantage for Haiti. Furthermore, Haitian culture and potentially tourism are other areas, of Haitian competitive advantage.
Haiti’s Situation Is Complex.
Moreover, with Haiti struggling with issues of security, particularly when it comes to gang violence, as well as issues of governance in general. It’s fair to say that the question of Haiti in general, is a complex one. Security, is an essential part of a healthy society.
However, one simple straightforward truth when it comes to Haiti and Haitians is clear. Haiti the state can afford to fail however for Haitians, success is the only option.
In other words as a bare minimum, if Haiti fails, it only makes the success of Haitians more important.
As far as is humanly possible, gang controlled areas are to be avoided at all costs. Ideally, success must be attained within Haiti.
Failing that, Haitians have to do find a way to legally migrate and/or find refuge in places like Canada, or other places that are pro refugee. Haitian media, must do all they can to ensure that Haitians worldwide are well informed about their best interests at home and abroad.
Haiti And The Dominican Republic Revisited.
Clearly, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, quite literally have bad blood between one another.
However, the past is a place that no sane, wise, or even ambitious, person can live. The reality is that collaboration is the only way either country can ever maximise its opportunities.
Speaking of each country maximising its opportunities. No third party, or other country, is going to be as concerned about the DR (Dominican Republic) or Haiti, as these islands themselves. War, aggression, is only an expense, that ensures that the progress in both countries is delayed.
More than anything else, the real first step that needs to happen between Haiti and the DR is conversation. Conversation between politicial representatives and between the citizens of both countries.
As long as Haitians are only speaking amongst Haitians about progress whilst Dominicans do the same. Meaningful change will be limited. If Dominicans feel wronged about something Haitians have done. It is time Dominicans say as much to Haitians. Moreover, if Dominicans really want to achieve economic progress, in the shortest time possible. They need to realise that Haitians, are actually best placed to help them do this.
Similarly, if Haitians are aware of where they may have fallen short in the past, apologies need to be made. Haiti and the DR is just like the Caribbean as a whole, full of potential and resources that other countries wish were their own. However, if potential is to turn into maximum productivity. The two neigboring countries will need to have meaningful dialogue. Dialogue, is the key that will unlock the full potential of both islands, whilst also promoting more stability between them and eventually collaboration.
Haiti is going nowhere, neither is the DR. These two countries share an island. Blood has been spilt on both sides but however, eventually, life does have to go on.
However, it can go on in a way that honors the blood that’s been spilt on both sides of the border. Perhaps, Haiti and the DR finding a way forward honors both the dead, by ensuring no more blood will be spilt as well as the living.
Giving Dominicans and Haitians their best shot at making the most money, whilst wasting the least money, by working together. This is the win/win that will benefit, The DR, Haiti and the Caribbean as a whole.
It takes real leaders, to get people to put there focus on where it needs to be, the present.
The developed nations after World War Two, (in a war that obviously involved it’s fair share of blood shed). (World War Two, was the deadliest War ever, approximately 70 million people died). Decided that war was too costly, to risk happening again.
Subsequently, after World War Two, two notable things happened. The US devised and executed the Marshall Plan, to rejuvenate Europe’s economies, that were destroyed by War.
Secondly, economic integration was championed as a way of promoting peace and interdependence.
The million dollar, rhetorical question is, if the “developed countries” can look past the bloodshed and instead at economic integration. What is to stop two neighboring countries from doing the same?
Compromise, discussion, planning, bargaining are the means by which the DR and Haiti can aspire to make as much as money as possible.
What else are we supposed to be doing? Surely this, is the most important consideration, of all involved?
Finally, despite the past, we’d bet that the DR would be able to create something amazing.
If they were, to work together.
