This is a very positive and welcomed step for Haiti's development. Both our nations can benefit greatly from improved accessibility and increased commerce.

Haiti will be one of the few nations still receiving large funds for developmental concerns from the EU coffers. Most of the rest will need to use market solutions for their developmental needs.

Prosperity in Haiti will be the only way to stem the eastward push to gain better opportunities. As Dominicans, we should all be in favor of Haiti getting and hopefully using these sources to foster a more prosperous future for her people. The worse outcome for the DR is a continuation of the recent state of Haiti.

Right on, Atabey! If we and the world can push hard enough to prosper Haiti, everyone wins. Haitians will stay on their side, and we won't be burdened. At least that's the plan.
The huge problem here is, though, the apathy and detached attitude the world has for our neighbour, to the detriment of our own prosperity and sovereignty.

Frankly, I don't see how the status quo can be changed in the next hundred years. We will continue to have to support and be burdened for that long a time. They won't help themselves, they can't. They know less about running a country, than we do.

If the trend continues unabated, we might as well erased the border and unified the Island. I mean right now the border is unguarded and easily breached. How will we possibly control the flow when things get worse for Haiti?--And it will--that's almost a certainty. How will we cope? We'll have to take over their government by default. We'll have to learn Patois and rename our island "Le grand Haiti".

As a Haitian I loved this "They know less about running a country, than we do." and laughed in agreement. Its not simply a question of ignorance about running a country, which is DEFINITELY a factor. There are plenty of brilliant Haitians with a lot of will to do good, who do know how to run a country. However few dare do it in Haiti because to do things the right way or advocate for them to be done right can be a dangerous business in Haiti; these tasks require a level of administrative stability from the state and to demand that can cost you your life. Some sectors of the society benefit financially from this instability and its lack of regulation (i.e. ~market monopolies, drug transit). Also, our political, economic, social, and intellectual elites are collectively irresponsible and remain powerless so long as they aren't collectively making better choices for the society. The fact that certain decisions are NOT being taken is in and of itself a choice of indifference.

I heard somewhere that the kids of a lot of former Trujillistas were denied entry into some universities after his fall. A group of the ex officials, I think around 10 or 12, got together, pulled out their checkbooks, and each wrote checks for a million bucks or something like that to start their own university. That is utterly inconceivable of any sector of the Haitian elite after Duvalier fell in 86. This is one of the many differences between our elites.

I heard somewhere that the kids of a lot of former Trujillistas were denied entry into some universities after his fall. A group of the ex officials, I think around 10 or 12, got together, pulled out their checkbooks, and each wrote checks for a million bucks or something like that to start their own university. That is utterly inconceivable of any sector of the Haitian elite after Duvalier fell in 86. This is the difference between our elites.

Kiskeyaman ... I have been considering investing in Haiti, this road announcement is helpful for commercial purposes .... lets hope additional highway upgrades continue to materialize ...

Well said, Mr. Arkadian. " There are plenty of brilliant Haitians with a lot of will to do good, who do know how to run a country"

Totally agree with potential for much better governing. But the inertia afflicting both our governments, prevents any progress at all, concerning our mutual democratic, financial, and social interests from breaking bad and getting ahead.

"However few dare do it in Haiti because to do things the right way, or advocate for them to be done right, can be a dangerous business in Haiti."

No question. This is why paralysis of progress sets in! No well qualified, well-intentioned individual can make a difference, but, by force..... Do we need a revolution? Is there a viable alternative? Something has to happen, something MUST happen.

A society can only be pushed so far. What has happened in Libya, Egypt, and now Syria is a natural consequence of oppression. Will this happen in your nation to allow freedom and prosperity to flourish? I can only hope!

>>Do we need a revolution?
Yes, in the case of DR. No, in the case of Haiti.

>>Is there a viable alternative?
Haiti needs to be totally controlled by a group of other nations for over 100 years or as long as it takes. Haitians need to give up on that pride and realize that's the only alternative for obvious reasons -constantly resonated here in DT. Few months ago, Generoso had a nice topic dedicated to that very subject in the forums...

I'm ready and willing to give up my USA comfort seat and bring the little experience that I've acquired over the years to Haiti. For me and others to do that, some security must be in place. The way I see it, only other nations can bring it. We can only ...hope.

Haiti need to carved into 3 north. West south. With power sharing governments with the history Of corruption one government will slow the progress. It work in the past petion in the south Henry in the north

The Haitians in charge could hire Felix Bautista, Diandino Pena, or Modesto as experts so the road will cost 4 times its budget and instant billionaires will be made.

Progress cana't be stopped.

Tender the contract on the open market and let the best deal win ...