Haiti retains Dominican Republic trucks as ties wither

Santiago.- Some 27 tractor trailers and other trucks loaded with goods from the Dominican Republic are being held by Haiti’s Customs Agency, a move that has riled Dominican drivers and will likely mar the already tense ties between the Hispaniola neighbors.

Haiti authorities ordered Dominicans truck drivers to return to their country, but retained the vehicles, claiming that they are already registered by Customs.

Interviewed on TV in Santiago the head of the truckers union (Fenatrado) said Dominican 27 trucks are being held in Ouanaminthe, northeast Haiti, by the country’s Customs.

Blas Peralta said in the towns of Ouanaminthe and Cap Haitien protests are expected for tomorrow Friday.

The truckers said Haiti police ordered them to cross into Dominican territory as quickly as possible to avert reprisals as the tense situation between the two countries continues into its third week, which flared after a Haitian national was found hanged in a park in the country’s second biggest city.

Peralta cautioned Dominicans drivers against to crossing into Haiti territory until the situation returns to normal.