Santo Domingo. – The Minister of Industry and Commerce affirmed Thursday that particular benefits could be behind the priest Christopher Hartley Sartorius’ allegation that Dominican Republic’s sugar industry workers are mistreated.
Manuel Garcia Arevalo said the priest’s second last name, Sartorius, is linked to sugar interests which in his view would benefit if the Dominican Republic is stripped of its U.S. sugar quota.
“The most jeopardized would be the mills workers themselves if somehow the current preferential sugar quota conditions are forfeited and taken to other countries where in fact the Sartorius family perhaps has interests,” the official said.
Speaking in the American Chamber of Commerce’s (Ancham-DR) monthly luncheon, Garcia discarded Hartley’s allegation of forced and child labor in the contrary’s cane fields and sugar mills, and noted that on the contrary, have higher wages than in other Central America nations.
From: Dominican Republic, calle A.Portes
What a lot of nonsense from both people .the priest and the minister. There are two points in the sugar business here . The first relates to the atrocious conditions and pay that the sugar field workers endure ..and the second is exactly how much of the profit of the sugar companies , especially la Romana central stays in the DR and how much goes to the parent company in Florida .
MY view is that the sugar barons pay the bare minimum to the sugar workers and that they take as much profit from the DR as they can,
I saw that last year that la Romana central paid 6 million dollars as bonuses ..but their profit increase was huge , millions of dollars so the bonuses were but a pittance ....and in the meantime all the residents of La Romana must endure the black smoke from the factory chimney stacks going into the shops and homes and the company will do nothing .
From: Dominican Republic
Ricardolito..
Well put.. Profits before all...
Written by: zooma, 26 Apr 2012 10:15 AM
From: United States
Go to the cane fields, observe; research and read; and then make your own judgement as who is telling the truth.
My having occasion to see first hand the conditions in the cane fields, I would be leaning on the side of the priest.
The "top official" has blinders on.
The rest of the story..... The Vicini Liuberes brothers, Dominican plantation owners, feel they have been defamed by the priest ,and the official is siding(?) with them. However, because the controversy extended to the US, the US Court of Appeals in Boston offered an opinion their (the brothers) positions had influence over the favorable outcomes in decisions of the treatment of workers. They had to show, in the court of appeals, that misleading statements on the part of the priest were untrue, but, rather they were more interested in a campaign of public relations. ie: as the "top official" demonstrates in this article.
Written by: BASTA, 26 Apr 2012 10:19 AM
From: Dominican Republic, =Ghetto/Legalize Drugs/Free abortions for all
zooma,=*
Ricardolito=*
Written by: josean, 26 Apr 2012 11:21 AM
From: United States, Fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia; Guillermo Moreno President 2016
"where "in fact" the Sartorius family "perhaps" has interests,” the official said.
Isn't "IN FACT" contradicted by "PERHAPS?"
Operative word to cover the lie PERHAPS!
Simple conclusion; Purple Goverment Offical = LIES priest has more Credibilty!
Written by: RoyStone, 26 Apr 2012 11:25 AM
From: Australia
The sugar company's only duty is to their share-holders and hence their customers. It is up to the government and the unions to ensure fair pay and conditions, and the protection of the environment.
I am not sure if they make huge profits as some suggest. My impression is the sugar industry is in decline here.
Since the country is so dependent on imported fuel, perhaps there should be greater emphasis on developing bio-fuel from sugar-cane anyway?
From: Cuba, La Havana, Que Viva La Revolucion
Roy,
Very good point on Bio fuels but the problem is that they could not profit as much on Bio fules like they do on imported fules.
Hell Hugo is giving the stuff away and they don't even pay him with black beans. What a joke this country is.
Written by: RoyStone, 26 Apr 2012 12:34 PM
From: Australia
Absolutely, elBuscoon,
but this fool's paradise can't go on forever. When you don't pay your bills or service your loans, you eventually run out of creditors, and have to find a job.
From: Dominican Republic, calle A.Portes
Roy are you crazy ,,the sugar industry has , over the past 5 years enjoyed record high prices on the international markets and the fields are now increasing not decreasing ,Further to that , and it has been reported here in DT , last year , new contracts with new clients were made in Europe . The prices are mow off the top but historically are very high ,We are a relatively small producer ,,,nothing as huge as Brazil because we do not have the land ,,but there has been much extra land cleared here for additiona crops ,,we are not in decline..quite the opposite , we are increasing , Thank good ness we do not rely quite as heavily on the sugar industry for national income
Written by: josean, 26 Apr 2012 1:07 PM
From: United States, Fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia; Guillermo Moreno President 2016
The following sound like pretty resonable demads to me!
26 April 2012, 08: 05 AM
"Jesuits allege violation of rights of the “bracero” in DR"
SANTO DOMINGO.-The Bonó of Santo Domingo Center, run by the Jesuits, denounced the violation of the rights of the bracero in the Dominican Republic and demanded the Government improve the working conditions in that sector.
"A day laborer cannot cover their minimum needs with an income below the 129 pesos (2.50 euros) per day", the institution expressed in a statement, which denounced that sowing and cutting the cane in the country is carried out in "conditions of exploitation" and days are, sometimes, twelve hours for seven days a week.”
The Agency issued its statement before the opening of an investigation by the Department of Labor of United States, which sent a delegation to Dominican Republic to inquire about complaints made by the priest Christopher Hartley.
continued:
Written by: josean, 26 Apr 2012 1:08 PM
From: United States, Fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia; Guillermo Moreno President 2016
The priest is currently out of the Dominican Republic but worked there from 1997 to 2006 in the parish of San José de los Llanos, in the Eastern Province of San Pedro de Macoris, between the "bateyes" (villages nestled in the middle of the sugar plantations).
The priest has disclosed for years complaints about the treatment of large companies to mostly Haitian workers engaged in cutting sugar cane.
They have been accusations of trafficking in persons, child labor, racial discrimination and lack of health care, as well as exploitation, fraud and labor abuses.
A delegation from the Office of trade and labor (OTA) Department of Labor Affairs of us undertakes the evaluation visit, provided for in the free trade agreement between Central America, Dominican Republic and United States (DR-Cafta).
continued:
Written by: josean, 26 Apr 2012 1:14 PM
From: United States, Fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia; Guillermo Moreno President 2016
Center Bonó also highlighted the progressive weakening or disappearance of trade unions due to coercive strategies of some employers, that makes it difficult, in his view, workers "demand respect for their rights".
The Agency, in particular, drew attention to hundreds of "elderly who devoted his youth and life to the sugar industry and now expect only death in the bateyes, the majority of whom do not have drinking water and health services".
"The Center proposed to the Dominican authorities to take action to ensure compliance with the law and equality, take control of monitoring the situation in the sector via their Ministry of Labor, impose sanctions "against abusive employers," the granting of pensions to the workers and the improvement of their wages."
Just simple human dignity if you ask me!
From: Dominican Republic, calle A.Portes
I do not believe all that stuff ,there is no reason why the sugar companies would want to traffic in persons, engage child labour or commit fraud but the living conditions are totally appalling as are the health conditions ,,What I find even more degrading are the charitable foundations set up in the USA with tax advantages by the sugar barons to assist people many of which they have put in these appalling conditions .The wives and daughters of the sugar baron smiling like cheshire cats as the poor people bow to them after receiving a pittance ..We need a new Wilberforce.
Written by: RoyStone, 26 Apr 2012 1:58 PM
From: Australia
Ricky, if things are so rosy, why have some sugar-mills closed down?
Written by: RoyStone, 26 Apr 2012 2:02 PM
From: Australia
Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is the bateys were set up by the sugar companies as temporary quarters for seasonal workers during the cane-cutting season. They were not meant to bring their wives, start families and live there permanently.
Written by: josean, 26 Apr 2012 2:07 PM
From: United States, Fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia; Guillermo Moreno President 2016
"The wives and daughters of the sugar baron smiling like cheshire cats as the poor people bow to them after receiving a pittance"
My God (sorry Roy) Little Ricky has become a Bolshevik a real comrade Lenin!
Written by: walnut, 26 Apr 2012 2:10 PM
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
Ricardo
You are spot on with the sugar baron description.
I have had a front row seat for some of charitable events at CdC.
They are all suck ups and but kissers.
Every weekend, another gala with golf, champagne, filet, Barcelo and Montecristos.
Being so disgusted by the obnoxious spoiled behavior of the rich and famous, I cursed them all with the statement.... "the humble will be exalted and the exalted will be humbled."
Then flipped them the finger and said "adios".
They could care less about anyone.
Most rich Dominicans are blind to the misery of most of the population.
Just observe the enormous waste of money on the farce of an election.
How many kids would that feed? How many water purification systems could be put in these bateys?
Written by: zooma, 27 Apr 2012 8:02 AM
From: United States
The sugar companies duties may be to its stock holders but it is lacking in regard to the welfare and lives of its laborers. In some legal circles it is a criminal act under the charge of depraved indifference. The lack of concern on the part of the companies is what the priest is exposing whether one agrees or not with the manner of how he is doing it.
The real offense, other than that alleged against the laborers, is the government's turning its back on their plight by inaction. It could be reasonably surmised by this behavior gov't officials are in the pockets of the sugar barons ......and the government could be as culpable as the barons. However, it holds itself immune from prosecution.
This is why the priest has brought this case to the court of world opinion and why the sugar barons and the government are squirming under the global magnifying glass.
Written by: RoyStone, 27 Apr 2012 10:10 AM
From: Australia
Good points, zooma
Written by: zooma, 27 Apr 2012 5:28 PM
From: United States
By law the 8 hour daily wage for a field worker is RD $127. You can figure out the rest.
Written by: josean, 28 Apr 2012 8:33 AM
From: United States, Fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia; Guillermo Moreno President 2016
Folks this group that is constantly SPAMNG DT, netetrader.com, has contact email listed as ioffershoe@gmail.com.
I think we should all write them an email expressing our displeasure with their advertising tactic.
If they want to advertise fine, just contact DT and pay for it!
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MY view is that the sugar barons pay the bare minimum to the sugar workers and that they take as much profit from the DR as they can,
I saw that last year that la Romana central paid 6 million dollars as bonuses ..but their profit increase was huge , millions of dollars so the bonuses were but a pittance ....and in the meantime all the residents of La Romana must endure the black smoke from the factory chimney stacks going into the shops and homes and the company will do nothing .
Well put.. Profits before all...
Go to the cane fields, observe; research and read; and then make your own judgement as who is telling the truth.
My having occasion to see first hand the conditions in the cane fields, I would be leaning on the side of the priest.
The "top official" has blinders on.
The rest of the story..... The Vicini Liuberes brothers, Dominican plantation owners, feel they have been defamed by the priest ,and the official is siding(?) with them. However, because the controversy extended to the US, the US Court of Appeals in Boston offered an opinion their (the brothers) positions had influence over the favorable outcomes in decisions of the treatment of workers. They had to show, in the court of appeals, that misleading statements on the part of the priest were untrue, but, rather they were more interested in a campaign of public relations. ie: as the "top official" demonstrates in this article.
Ricardolito=*
"where "in fact" the Sartorius family "perhaps" has interests,” the official said.
Isn't "IN FACT" contradicted by "PERHAPS?"
Operative word to cover the lie PERHAPS!
Simple conclusion; Purple Goverment Offical = LIES priest has more Credibilty!
I am not sure if they make huge profits as some suggest. My impression is the sugar industry is in decline here.
Since the country is so dependent on imported fuel, perhaps there should be greater emphasis on developing bio-fuel from sugar-cane anyway?
Very good point on Bio fuels but the problem is that they could not profit as much on Bio fules like they do on imported fules.
Hell Hugo is giving the stuff away and they don't even pay him with black beans. What a joke this country is.
but this fool's paradise can't go on forever. When you don't pay your bills or service your loans, you eventually run out of creditors, and have to find a job.
The following sound like pretty resonable demads to me!
26 April 2012, 08: 05 AM
"Jesuits allege violation of rights of the “bracero” in DR"
SANTO DOMINGO.-The Bonó of Santo Domingo Center, run by the Jesuits, denounced the violation of the rights of the bracero in the Dominican Republic and demanded the Government improve the working conditions in that sector.
"A day laborer cannot cover their minimum needs with an income below the 129 pesos (2.50 euros) per day", the institution expressed in a statement, which denounced that sowing and cutting the cane in the country is carried out in "conditions of exploitation" and days are, sometimes, twelve hours for seven days a week.”
The Agency issued its statement before the opening of an investigation by the Department of Labor of United States, which sent a delegation to Dominican Republic to inquire about complaints made by the priest Christopher Hartley.
continued:
The priest is currently out of the Dominican Republic but worked there from 1997 to 2006 in the parish of San José de los Llanos, in the Eastern Province of San Pedro de Macoris, between the "bateyes" (villages nestled in the middle of the sugar plantations).
The priest has disclosed for years complaints about the treatment of large companies to mostly Haitian workers engaged in cutting sugar cane.
They have been accusations of trafficking in persons, child labor, racial discrimination and lack of health care, as well as exploitation, fraud and labor abuses.
A delegation from the Office of trade and labor (OTA) Department of Labor Affairs of us undertakes the evaluation visit, provided for in the free trade agreement between Central America, Dominican Republic and United States (DR-Cafta).
continued:
Center Bonó also highlighted the progressive weakening or disappearance of trade unions due to coercive strategies of some employers, that makes it difficult, in his view, workers "demand respect for their rights".
The Agency, in particular, drew attention to hundreds of "elderly who devoted his youth and life to the sugar industry and now expect only death in the bateyes, the majority of whom do not have drinking water and health services".
"The Center proposed to the Dominican authorities to take action to ensure compliance with the law and equality, take control of monitoring the situation in the sector via their Ministry of Labor, impose sanctions "against abusive employers," the granting of pensions to the workers and the improvement of their wages."
Just simple human dignity if you ask me!
"The wives and daughters of the sugar baron smiling like cheshire cats as the poor people bow to them after receiving a pittance"
My God (sorry Roy) Little Ricky has become a Bolshevik a real comrade Lenin!
You are spot on with the sugar baron description.
I have had a front row seat for some of charitable events at CdC.
They are all suck ups and but kissers.
Every weekend, another gala with golf, champagne, filet, Barcelo and Montecristos.
Being so disgusted by the obnoxious spoiled behavior of the rich and famous, I cursed them all with the statement.... "the humble will be exalted and the exalted will be humbled."
Then flipped them the finger and said "adios".
They could care less about anyone.
Most rich Dominicans are blind to the misery of most of the population.
Just observe the enormous waste of money on the farce of an election.
How many kids would that feed? How many water purification systems could be put in these bateys?
The sugar companies duties may be to its stock holders but it is lacking in regard to the welfare and lives of its laborers. In some legal circles it is a criminal act under the charge of depraved indifference. The lack of concern on the part of the companies is what the priest is exposing whether one agrees or not with the manner of how he is doing it.
The real offense, other than that alleged against the laborers, is the government's turning its back on their plight by inaction. It could be reasonably surmised by this behavior gov't officials are in the pockets of the sugar barons ......and the government could be as culpable as the barons. However, it holds itself immune from prosecution.
This is why the priest has brought this case to the court of world opinion and why the sugar barons and the government are squirming under the global magnifying glass.
By law the 8 hour daily wage for a field worker is RD $127. You can figure out the rest.
Folks this group that is constantly SPAMNG DT, netetrader.com, has contact email listed as ioffershoe@gmail.com.
I think we should all write them an email expressing our displeasure with their advertising tactic.
If they want to advertise fine, just contact DT and pay for it!