Truckers block road to Dominican Republic

Workers World, 20 November 1997

According to a report in Haiti Progress newspaper, the Haitian truckers who travel between Haiti and the Dominican Republic blocked the main route between the two countries from Oct. 26 through Oct. 30.

They were protesting the brutality of custom agents toward Haitian drivers, the high cost of custom duties, and the discrimination of both country’s customs against Haitians.

Duclos Benisoit, president of the National Association of Truckers, said his association has been protesting for over three months with no results. That’s why they set up blockades with the help of local residents.

Joaquin Florian, a member of the Dominican truckers union, supported the Haitian drivers. He said citizens of both countries faced high duties, but that Haitians were targeted for heavier payments.