Former Haitian senator asserts that the Dominican Republic’s stance fosters unity within Haiti

Santo Domingo.- Jacques Sauveur Jean, one of the individuals sanctioned by the Dominican Republic for his role in supporting the construction of the canal on the Masacre River, has commented on the ongoing dispute. He believes that the closure of the border and the cancellation of visas for Haitians by the Dominican president have awakened a strong determination among the Haitian people to continue supporting the construction of the canal.

According to Sauveur Jean, the canal project was initially proposed during the presidency of Joseph Michel Martelly (2011-2016) and later entrusted to Jovenel Moïse. It is of great importance as its goal is to irrigate the Maribaroux Plain. If successful, this project could potentially reduce imports and access to cheap Haitian labor, posing a threat to the Dominican Republic.

Sauveur Jean also highlighted that the current Haitian administration is taking a stronger stance in favor of the canal project. Prime Minister Ariel Henry defended the construction of the water canal and emphasized Haiti’s sovereign right to use its binational water resources. During the 78th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Henry affirmed this position, challenging the Dominican president’s claim that the canal project was a “private initiative.”

This dispute over the construction of the canal continues to be a source of tension and debate between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, with different perspectives on its potential impacts and legality.