One Haitian dead, dozens hurt at Lake Enriquillo construction protest

Jimani, Dominican Republic.- One Haitian died and dozens were hurt Saturday when workers at the Boca de Cachón (west) housing project demanded payment.

Local media report that Charles Rony, 28, died and his body taken to the morgue at Barahona’s hospital.

The fatality occurred when some 400 undocumented Haitian construction workers confronted members of the military in charge of security at the Government housing project being built for the inhabitants displaced by Lake Enriquillo’s encroachment.

The Haitian nationals were joined by Dominican workers from the area to protest, after they were informed of more delays on salaries owed as far back as November.

During the protest, Haitian workers burned one of the campsites of the contractors, one of the houses being built and destroyed part of the outer fence.

Arrests

Army chief of staff Rubén Dario Paulino and Police chief Manuel Castro said around 40 people are being held, mostly Haitians, who will be charged with attacking soldiers, agents and border guards.