On Friday, the Dominican Republic and Haiti reopened with limitations and a rigorous sanitary protocol, the traditional binational market of Dajabón (which is held on Mondays and Fridays), closed for more than 8 months due to Covid-19.

Upon the announcement of this reopening, thousands of Haitians converged on this commercial hub, which provides food and essential items to different regions of northern Haiti, is of great economic importance for the areas borders of the two countries.

The entry of Haitian buyers and sellers was made in accordance with the sanitary protocol established by the authorities of the two countries. Haitians entered the queues and at the border gates, their temperature was taken, they had to use masks, wash their hands and maintain a physical distance.

Despite the fact that hundreds of Haitians managed to enter Dajabón for supplies, more than 1,000 others gathered on the banks of the Massacre River and near the gate on the Haitian side, trying to enter en masse to source essential items that are scarce in their country. However, entry was limited and many were unable to enter as they wished which caused discontent.

According to the Dominican Ministry of Public Health, in order to avoid the presence of too many people at the same time in the market, a limited number of people was authorized, 35 health supervisors ensured compliance with sanitary rules, specifying that for all the people leaving the market, as many people were allowed to enter, in order to avoid the mess and the risk of the virus spreading.

Freddy Morill, President of the United Federation of Mercnants of Dajabón, recalled that this was a pilot phase, "The influx is limited because there are restrictions, very strict rules. We have to avoid overcrowding if we are to keep the market open." He believes the risk of spreading the virus "will be minimal" if participants meet established standards.

Note that despite the reopening of the market, the border continues to be closed on the side of the Dominican Republic which since last March only allows the passage of goods and the exit of Haitians who wish to return to their country.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32173-haiti-economy-bilateral-negotiation-on-the-reopening-of-the-dajabon-market.html

SL/ HaitiLibre