New York.– People are opting for more unforgettable holidays but some countries can be risky even for the most adventurous travelers. Forbes has compiled a list of the most dangerous destinations.
Somalia
This Horn of Africa country has been in the grip of warlords for the last decade, fighting for control of drug and weapon trafficking rights. Risks include military clashes, kidnapping, landmines and pirates.
Iraq
Military action, collateral damage, insurgency and suicide bombings are daily occurrences in the country. Security experts say unstable areas include Baghdad and stretch from Tikrit in the north to Hillah in the south and from Mandali in the east to Ramadi in the west.
Afghanistan
Even though the ruling Taliban regime was officially ousted in Afghanistan in 2001, attacks from those still loyal to it and to al Qaeda continue. Military personnel and civilians are killed by improvised explosive devices daily.
Haiti
Sharing the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with top vacation destination Dominican Republic, Haiti, the western hemisphere`s poorest country, is plagued by civil unrest, police corruption and readily available firearms.
Pakistan
The country, which borders Afghanistan, suffers from ongoing geopolitical turmoil. Bomb attacks and rioting between Shia and Sunni Muslim communities are a threat. In December 2007, opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated during a suicide bombing after months of strife over delayed elections.
Sudan
Despite a peace agreement in 2005, areas of extreme danger due to battles between government troops and militias and local insurgent groups dot the country. Areas to avoid completely include the western region of Darfur, Ethiopian and Eritrean border regions and all of southern Sudan.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
A civil war that formally ended in 2003 still affects the country. As Rwandan and Ugandan troops pulled out of DRC towards the end of the war, rival militias have been fighting each other to fill the power vacuum this created. Crime is rampant in major cities and security conditions can fluctuate drastically even within minor distances.
Lebanon
Culminating in the 2005 assassination of Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, Lebanon is split by pro- and anti-Syrian forces vying for control of the government. Other risks include military battles in the south with neighboring Israel and civil unrest.
Zimbabwe
Anti-western sentiment prominently expressed by officials, out-of-control inflation and oppression employed by the government to silence dissenting voices are common in Zimbabwe.
Palestinian Territories
The region is caught in a brutal tug-of-war between pro-Fatah and pro-Hamas factions. Political and military battles with Israel, especially in the Gaza Strip, have made the security situation in this territory very unstable. Poverty and chronic violence add to the instability.
From: United States, Port Washington, LI (New York)
Haiti????? Really?????
Written by: ny4life, 26 Jan 2008 11:21 AM
From: United States, New York, NY
Haiti has to turn it around in order to progress!
Written by: Edward, 26 Jan 2008 11:41 AM
From: United States, Leominster, Massachusetts
Haiti improved 8 spots in development last year so hopefully things are changing.
Written by: ny4life, 26 Jan 2008 11:52 AM
From: United States, New York, NY
Edward, eso es buenas noticias mi hermano. Que asi siga para el benficio de todos.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 12:20 PM
From: United States
I'm sorry. I don't agree. I just got back from Haiti less than 3 weeks ago. Haiti has its issue don't misunderstand me but some of the news is truly an exaggeration. Every time I go to Haiti the plane is full of Americans and other foreigners that go to work. If I listened to all the negative press, I would have never gone. I've been going the last 5 years and never had any security problems. I've been there when the riots began before and after Aristide was removed. Like anywhere in the world, you avoid problem areas. The slums of Port-au-Prince is not the place to be when there is political unrest. They are working to decentralize the capital to increase tourism. Many of Haiti's beaches can compare to any other hot spot in the Caribbean and they are safe. You have to get outside of the capital. Many people are reporting things and have never even stepped foot in Haiti. I'm not ignoring Haiti has issues but find someone that has a positive view and they can tell you where to go.
From: Haiti
The is nothing another scare tactic and bias. Shouldn't the report indicating that MINUSTAH are there doing nothing that they were intially suppose to do "peacekeeping". And us being labelled the poorest country in the western hemisphere is also bias. Cap-Haitien,Jacmel, Aux Cayes are very safe to travel to. I wonder were they get this statistics from. And there are countries not on the list that have conflicts that have been causing the innocent to immigrate as well. Basta!!!!!!
Written by: rusure, 26 Jan 2008 12:32 PM
From: United States
Coming from the Dominican Republic, i am not surprised at all of their labeling of Haiti among the 10 most dangerous countries. Aren't the Dominicans the ones putting some Haitians on forced labors? Making them work 12-16 hours a day in the Bateys? Aren't they the one killing and treating them like dogs?
Written by: ny4life, 26 Jan 2008 12:56 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
Jabao,
I'm sure Haiti is better than what people report. However, the world doesn't want to help Haiti get better. It's sad.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 1:04 PM
From: United States
Jabao,
That is true. The world doesn't want to help a lot of countries get better. Everything is by design. Are you Dominican? It wouldn't take much to get Haiti out of the problems it has. Haiti's problem is from the previous leaders that raped the country of it's wealth and the selfish elite. It's sad for any country to have some funds and refuse to use it for their own people. Real sad! Just look at Africa.
Written by: ny4life, 26 Jan 2008 1:26 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
Amoree, are you Haitian?
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 1:35 PM
From: United States
No I am not. Neither am I Dominican. No Caribbean roots.
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 2:03 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
rusure (are you male or female?) don't blame us dominicans for the brutal treatment that the haitians get on the bateys. FYI, almost all the sugar factories on the country are on foreign hands (mainly american and guatemalan), the only exception to the rule being the Vicini family (and these ones are of Italian extraction), so if you want to complain somewhere for that treatment, go to your congress and plead your democrats and republicans not to accept bribes by the Fanjul brothers for turning a blind eye on the situation. Also, you need ti know that: 1- The great majority of the haitians on the DR are OUTSIDE the bateys, some of them going as far as making fortunes over here, and 2- The majority of the haitians in the DR are staying here willingly, because this country, even though having the lowest wages on LA, is giving them jobs, some health attention and food, things that they can't get on their own country because it's still recovering after the effects of the 2004 coup d'etat.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 2:36 PM
From: United States
Lautaro,
Children who were born in DR with illegal parents are not getting the same benefits as Dominican children. They won't even give them a birth certificate. Sure the opportunities are somewhat better for some Haitians but not all. The fact that your daily newspapers and tv shows display the hatred for Haitians and their presence in DR make it easy to form negative opinions. I try to remain neutral because not all Dominicans are like that. I've seen busloads of Haitians right there in Santo Domingo loaded up with deportees like cattle. I've seen the batayes and have witnessed discrimination from Dominicans just as poor and "Black" as the Haitians. Some parts of Santo Domingo look no different than parts of Port-au-Prince. As far as safety is concerned, DR has plenty of noticeable crime. If you're really against wrong, make a stand. It's not about Dominican or Haitian. It's about human injustice. Unfortunately, being Haitian comes w/ an instant stereotype that's hard to fight.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 2:45 PM
From: United States
And one more thing Lautaro, where did you get the information that most Haitians in DR are outside of the batayes? And have you ever been to Haiti? If you don't have education whether in Haiti, DR, or anywhere else...your chances are slim to none..
Your comment about the sugar industry is true. But if you think America is going to stop doing anything to ruin their conveniences.... think again. I'm American. Most Americans have never been to a third world country so they have no idea of what really goes on and shamefully said don't really care.
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 2:51 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
Because I live here and have gone to every single corner of the country are the reasons for my making that claim, amoree. You just have to take a walk on Santo Domingo and Santiago (which are larger than any batey) and you'll come to that realization pretty quickly, my friend.
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 2:57 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
(cont..) you only have to check out ALL the construction projects over the country, amoree, and you'll find that, in all of them, the workers are haitians in a 95% proportion, this holds true also in the plantations of cocoa, coffee and other agricultural branches. For your information, I don't hold any grudge against any of them, on the contrary, I have befriended many of them which live and work over my sector, over the Winston Churchill avenue one of the most comercial and posh sectors of the city (so much for the appartheid allegations) and also have been one of their defenders on this forum and many of the posters over here can vouch for me, it's just that it annoys me when someone claims lightly that ALL the dominican population is hunting haitians like dogs, when reality shows that they have intermingled pretty well with the rest of the population, also, for your information, on the Hipo government the deportations were even more massive than in any of Leonel's governments.
From: United States, Port Washington, LI (New York)
JE JE MINUSHTAH is helping Haiti and somebody is complaining that They are not doing their job by the book.
JABAO: I think that even If God himself place foot in Haiti you will never appreciate his goodwill act.
"PATIENCE AND PATIENCE"
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 3:04 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
(cont...) In fact, even though there's no love lost between the PLD governments and myself, even I can't fail to recognize that if there's one government that have helped the haitians more on this country it has been this one. In no other government the haitian workers has been employed more, their pregnant and sick people more attended to and their children and college students given more educational help than on this administration. Nothwithstanding all this benefits, on this period has been the one were the country has been attacked the most on the international level for these people's sake. I wonder, what's the reason behind all this?
From: United States, Port Washington, LI (New York)
Today is Juan Pablo Duarte's day, God bless him 1,000 time for the freedom and legacy that We have.
To all Haitians: respect his memory and stop talking BS, the other day somebody said He was to blame for Haitians to be slaves.
Written by: ny4life, 26 Jan 2008 3:18 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
DR is not be blamed for the Haitian plight. EU in particularly is at fault. The DR is getting funds to Haiti to help them as well as establishing EPA deals for Haiti. Working together with bigger powers for the benefit of the island is the way to go. That is now happening. DR is helping. It can't do it alone but it's helping.
From: United States, Port Washington, LI (New York)
To lautaro: very good comments and sense, You want to know why?? eventhough Dominican Republic is helping Haiti some much and still HAITIANS feel and want more, more and more.
Reason is simple They want and feel is right to take over our country because that's how They
are teached in school, They think They deserve what We got right now, is this correct??
Once again HAITIANS need to help themselves instead of waiting a miracle to happen, They have to be realistic and stop living in the past.
Everybody is against DR (UN, HAITI, Sonia Pierre, FRANCE) WHY??? They are the victims and We Dominicans are Evil.
We have to stand up and fight for our rights and stop being politically correct, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH...............today is Juan Pablo Duarte's day
Written by: ny4life, 26 Jan 2008 3:42 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
Tranquilo manito. DR is for DR.
Written by: , 26 Jan 2008 3:51 PM
From:
Rubirosa, now you are adding drama to this forum. Lautaro, you are right, one can not say that all Dominicans are prejudicial against the Haitians, however the basis of this discussion is the stereotyped labeled that has been applied against Haiti and its people. It's unjust by placing Haiti among the 10 most dangerous destinations. As Amoree mentioned, American Airlines flights are always filled with foreigners going to Haiti, and when you go to all the beautiful beaches, you'll see members of the MINUSTAH having a good time, buying lands, building homes, etc...if it were that bad why would they want to install themselves and roam our streets freely like that?
Rubirosa, Haitians work hard and are honest, by stating that all they want is to take more and more, goes again to prove your hatred and prejudicial attitude toward them. BUT I AGREE, HAITIANS NEED TO STOP BEING PASSIVE AND TAKE THEIR FUTURE IN THEIR OWN HANDS. ..and no, i am not Haitian.
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 4:16 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
I guess it's inevitable to stop this stereotyping from arising from time to time, considering that much of the press of the current times is based on sensationalism, which feeds itself on ridiculing the efforts of some nations to be succesful in their day to day struggle, and from ignoring at the same time the forces or groups of interest at work that have hindered the resolution of these tragedies.
From: United States, Spring Valley, NY
Another biased and racial attack aimed at keeping the Haitian state in poverty and crushing the optimism that the people have. this type of behavior by the media is dangerous and simply disgusting.
From: United States
to Lautaro;
Your comments have enlighten me a lot. I did not know that the sugar plantation were owned by foreigners. That is interesting. Over all, your comments are really good. I still remember the story of one of our best president (according to some people) Trujillo. He was importing anything (Jews, chinese, japanese, lituanian, europeans) but black so he could whiten the dominican society. I am glad that the attitude is changing little by little. I also have to say that we are both in need of help to fight poverty, and drug problems that want to keep us (Haiti and D.R.) down.
Hopefully that can change in the next 10 years for good!
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 6:39 PM
From: United States
Lautaro,
If you go back and read what I wrote,,, I never said "All Dominicans".. I was explaining to you how one might easily think negative about Dominicans. But Bahamians have an issue with Haitians coming there too. And I'm lost on the apartheid comment. Unless something has changed in the last few months, illegal children can't go to school.
Also, Lautaro but there is a documentary out called "The Price of Sugar"..find a way to see it..If this is your only info about DR then you'll see why I said it's easy to think that way.
JRRubirosa, you need to quit it! Everyone in their right minds wants equal treatment whether on home soil or foreign.
And the "nameless one" I agree, Haitians need to be more responsible for themselves. But where do you start when over 40% of the population is illerate, 70% live below the poverty level, and education is not free. Any suggestions? For those who care, you have to do what you can for those who want to bring about change.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 6:49 PM
From: United States
This is so true.. @ Lautaro and Jabao....
But in today's society.. we may never see fair.. we that know what is right must continue to do right for the sake of right (or righteousness)
You guys have a great day! Be safe...
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 6:52 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
If you haven't been paying attention, amoree, then you need to start doing so now, because, from what I know, illegal children CAN go to school on the DR. This was established last year by a presidential decree which ordered the Secretary of Education to allow children of undocumented haitian inmigrants to attend dominican public schools (I don't know if this also holds over private schools, but then, one could not be surprised if it's not, because private schools in the DR, as in the rest of LA, is a domain of the wealthy). There was a case of a headmaster in eastern SD who didn't want to obey the order but the courts forced him to comply. As for my apartheid stab, I was only trying to know if you were one of the believers of the obvious lie that claims that the bateyeros can't leave their towns, which I see is the case. If that would have been the case, then many of them would have died from hunger, seeing as how the current zafras are not as extended as they were before (cont...)
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 6:57 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
(cont...) and when the zafra is over, the cane cutters remain unemployed. How do you suppose this people maintain themselves, then? By mana from heaven? Obviously they have to migrate to cities like Santiago or Santo Domingo and employ themselves in the construction industry or work as chiriperos if they want to survive.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 7:07 PM
From: United States
Lautaro,
I'm not in here to fight. I'm not Dominican or Haitian. OK. and no I didn't believe they are being made to stay on the batayes. You live there. I just visit. I only know what I read and have seen for myself. I'm not trying to get your pants in a knot. I commented based on Haiti being in the top 10 worst places from Dominican media. I didn't read a group of Dominicans contradicting the article. That's why I did. I got to Haiti frequently.. So if we're fboth for justice then aren't we on the same side? I'm willing to hear the truth and learn what I didn't know before. OK?
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 7:07 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
I haven't actually seen the "Price of Sugar" but, from what I have heard and read, it's narrative in made is such a way that someone that is not better informed could asume that the entire dominican nation might be allied with the sugar barons, something that is an obvious falsehood. Also, if the allegations of apartheid were to be true, do you think that the hospitals would attend the inmigrants pregnant women? or, would you think that their children would be permitted to attend the public schools or respected and posh universities like PUCMM?
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 7:18 PM
From: United States
Well Lautaro, I've seen the movie and it's bias on both ends.. One would think that Haiti is in civil war and most Dominicans practice discrimination. Neither are true. But the batayes are nothing to be proud of either.
The reason I asked about the Haitian population was for a History class.. People want to see statistics.. not one person saying they been all over the DR. It's actually a good thing to have to prove that most Haitians are not on the batayes.. It expels wrong classification.. don't you think.
I will check out the change about the education. That's a good thing!!!!
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 7:25 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
I excuse myself if I may have been somewhat rude, amoree, but it's just that it's almost unavoidable for me to get annoyed when people out there don't understand that, first and foremost, no matter what outward appearances might tell, the DR is still an undeveloped and in many ways backward country, second, that it's doing everything it can to deal with it's overloaded migrational problem and third, that it's a total act of injustice to attack this country as bitterly as it has been done when the same countries at the head of the denounciations are the ones which are the main culprits of Haiti's postrated economical situation, and the ones that, not matter what they might say on the contrary, are not willing to deal with their respective migrational problems (which are merely nuissances compared with the DR's case) the same way they're demanding the DR to meet its own.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 7:33 PM
From: United States
Lautaro,
I couldn't agree more....
We just wont say any names.. but there are plenty of hypocrites...
I have to start going to the batayes later this year. I just want to see the women and children there get education and healthcare.. I hate to see anyone being mistreated no matter where you come from.. Haiti was my first mission trip so it has a soft spot in my heart. Surely you can understand that.. smile.. Thanks!
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 7:37 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
At your service any time, my friend. Just one final bit of info: Did you know that last year, those wealthy countries that I mentioned agreed to condone the external debts of Honduras, Nicaragua and Bolivia but "conveniently" left Haiti out of the deal? Hmmm....Not that three countries mentioned didn't deserve it, but then, I wonder about the reason behind this omission. :-(
From: Haiti
Lautaro, I have to agree that the average Euldis & Beli dominican aren't responsible for the sugar industry rather americans & other foreingors, and dominican elites have benefited. DR has helped poor haitians & has given many jobs because they are harder workers and paid lesser than an average dominican thus a huge profit for dominican elites. So, one hand washes the other..dominicans elites make a big profit and haitians immigrants that work in the labor force make a few bucks. Now from my own observation haitians are no way slaves in the DR rather face discrimination and racism depending on what class they are categorised in. Hey I can say dominicans have been better to the haitian state more so than the so called friends of haiti. MINUSTAH are on vacation and Haiti was better off b4 Aristides one way ticket out. A democratic elected head of state was suggested to step down. Haiti has its problem but top 10 most dangerous country in the world..someone had too much to drink....
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 8:10 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
And if you look closer, mr. jabao, you'll find that some bigwigs behind that media are allied with the economic groups responsible for the lack of resolution of the conflicts plaguing all those places, specially with the so called "merchants of the death" of the weapon's industry.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 8:11 PM
From: United States
LOL @ Jabao!
Lautaro, I didn't know that. But I'm not surprised. As I said it's by design.. It all makes me want to vomit!
From: United States, Spring Valley, NY
You know whats makes this article worse "you guys"....They put Haiti on the list of top ten dangerous countries, and put a picture of people enjoying a beautiful day at the beach. :)
From: United States, Port Washington, LI (New York)
To jemesouviens: don't cry to us "guys" but those who place Haiti in this position (obviuosly not Dominicans) whoever did the study (go and find out) send them your concerns and grievances.
From: Haiti
Neg lakay se pa blague non. The message conveyed here is very bias and does not do haiti any justice. It's always the same thing..the poorest country in the western hemisphere and telling others how rambo the streets are.. I guess these people think haiti is Cite Soleil...It's carnaval time in haiti and Im sure many people will be attending and having fun. Lautaro, Im starting to get tired of these amigos of haiti defending them from the evil dominicans...I guess you guys are el cuco...lol.. Now Sonia Pierre and other dominican of haitian descent should be heard and the cases of dominicans of haitian descent denied birth certificate must be addressed(civil rights). If you go to all the top schools in the DR I gaurantee you that haitians are an the top of there classes. Out all places France held this campaign..gotta be kidding me..are they serious?
From: United States, Spring Valley, NY
to:JRRubirosa,
I cry to no one sir......Im just making a point.
From: United States
to JRRubirosa...lol
You are funny!
From: Haiti
Jemesouviens, dont bother addressing this character. He doesn't understand what's going on and too indulge in the propaganda..the haitians are coming....neg sa fou anpil wi..lap pale anpil tintin..Rubi should not you be learning creole? We are taking over soon...oh boy this guy meter is going to go off the richter scale. I don't mind giving you online classes.. sak pase
Written by: Jander, 26 Jan 2008 10:13 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Haiti has a total external debt of 1.4 billion dollars. 45% of this debt was accumulated under the Duvalier dictatorship. [3] In April, Haiti was added to the World Bank and IMF's highly indebted poor country initiative (HIPC) following the election of new president Rene Preval. However, the country will not qualify for debt cancellation from the IMF and World Bank until 2009 at the earliest.
Jubilee USA has called for the immediate cancellation of Haiti's debt to multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, IMF, and the previously excluded lender, the Inter-American Development Bank, based on the argument that this debt is unjust (under a legal term called odious debt) and that Haiti could better use the funds going towards debt service for education, health care, and basic infrastructure. [5]
Written by: Lautaro, 26 Jan 2008 10:32 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
I don't doubt it at all (about the resourcefulness of hatian students), mr. jabao, because the drive to succeed in them is stronger. They not only have the pressure to succeed in order to have a better life than the one their fathers had, but also, they have to make a point on a society that is currently holding a lot of stereotypes and scorn against them.
From: Haiti
As jemesouviens mentioned its funny that they place haiti in the top ten dangerous destinations and then put a picture of a beautiful beach! LOL. Haiti doesn't merit to be in the list on a real note. I know of many countries that should be on that list before haiti gets on. Jamaica isn't exactly well known for visitor safety & kingston remains murder capital. El salvador and honduras are practically the gang capitals of the americas and liberia and sierra leone definetly have huge problems. Kenya is in a very volatile state right now and it is very dangerous and so is myanmar (burma). When it comes to haiti the slums is what the media centers on day in and day out. The violent slums of PAP (cite soleil) are not even 10% of what haiti really has to offer. The country is slowly progressing and things are much much better than in 04. The media have to give haiti a chance. And trust me...an economically prosperous and stable haiti can only benefit both haiti and the dominican republic.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 10:52 PM
From: United States
Well said Haykick.. good neutral point
From: United States
HAYkickyouintheSHIN, you are right.
But like a very important and Holy book says: "don't believe and repeat anything you hear (or read), it may not be totally true or any true at all"
From: United States, Port Washington, LI (New York)
JR Rubirosa: Let's celebrate today Juan Pablo Duarte's day instead of crying about Haiti being placed in the top 10 most dangerous places.
Instead get your own newspaper and blog to express your concerns, frustrations and never ending complaining to the world about how bad or rated are You when in reality You never
take responsability for your own actions.
to make a simple example: If I am a drugaddict and somebody tell me plain and simple how bad and messed up I'm going to end up and at the end happens Who is supposed to be blame for my own actions Me or the person that gave me the advice.
Haiti has so many revolutions , presidents and ups and downs but at the end HAITIANS always find more comfortable and easy to degrade, blame and make stories about actions that They are the ones in managing.
EX: so many Haitians in this blog always disrespect, spit and curse(IN A NICE WAY) Dominican Republic, amazing thing is if us (DOMINICANS) wouldn't provide for them "WHO WILL"
From: Haiti
JRRubirosa how can you expect me to not comment on haiti when the article is about haiti?!? I'm making a point on the article. I'm trying not to meddle in the many arguments that happen on here but its bound to happen when ppl say nonsensical things like what you just said. Nobody said haiti didn't have problems because it sure does. But how can the media, outsiders, some dominicans, etc. expect haiti to improve its image when all it portrays is the negativity? We're not saying the media should hide anything but when only the bad is shown it burns that perception into one's head. Notice I speak about the article & I don't ramble on about topics that have no relevance to the article. Yes its duarte's birthday & I respect that as a holiday for dominicans. However I am not dominican so go celebrate on an article that deals with juan pablo duarte. Besides, its better to not generalize me as one of those haitians that start trouble because I don't start it. Peace & Prosperity to Hispaniola.
Written by: amoree, 26 Jan 2008 11:46 PM
From: United States
JRRubirosa,
Do you need a hug or something. Most of these people are not Haitians...I dont think you were voted to speak on behalf of the entire DR. No one is against DR... give it a rest.
Written by: Jander, 27 Jan 2008 12:05 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Forbes is in the business of selling magazines and listing fortune 500 companies and the richest people in the world. But Haiti should not be listed in the top 10.
It's the tour operators that need to be convinced and all it takes is a few bad reviews and Haiti has a bad name.
I think Jamaica is as dangerous but they keep the tourist out of the slums and in the protected resorts. Haiti needs to attract a big developer and mimic what Jamaica does. This would surely boost the economy and break the stereotype.
They need to counter this article with something like this.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/15/news/haiti.phpFrom: United States
Amoree, u mentioned how children born in the DR to haitian parents r not given the same benefits, etc. Try to understand that it is very easy for a haitian to cross the border. As it is, many haitian women go to the DR to give birth (they are not denied in hospitals; in fact many hospitals work mostly w/ haitian patients) because of the somewhat better conditions. These are benefits that come from taxes paid mostly by dominicans and legal residents. Now imagine giving these children any and all benefits that a dominican born of legal dominican parents are given including citizenship. Can you imagine how much more Haitian women would cross the border just to give birth? This would increase the infant rate mortality, the poverty level (since now they wld b officially dominican and the responsibility of the DR gov). As cliche as it may sound, the DR is a developing country and cannot afford millions of [more] poor ppl (regardless of nationality) entering the country.
Written by: lovingit, 27 Jan 2008 3:38 AM
From: United States, Delaware
From: United States, Port Washington, LI (New York)
To Lovingit: thanks for stopping the crying and self inflicting wounds, finally the haitians will calm down and drink their babhancourt in peace.
I was concerned that some people might post some messages about commiting suicide because "Forbes" messed up their lifes and their feelings teeling them the truth.
"Peace and Peace"
Written by: amoree, 27 Jan 2008 1:10 PM
From: United States
El Mayimbe,
I understand. And yes DR is developing. I've seen some places in Santo Domingo that look like parts of Port-au-Prince. Regardless, DR has a pretty decent tourism industry. As an American who is familiar with both countries and the issues between the two, I wanted to bring a little light into the situation. I think if both countries could get passed some of their issues, what a great way to boost each others tourism. I'm thankful when I came to Santo Domingo there were wonderfully friendly Dominican tour guides that spoke of the wonders and beauty of Haiti and weren't threatened to tell visitors about Haiti and even take them across the border to see for themselves. Many Haitians feel the same way about DR.
LOVINGIT- it sounds to me that both parties could be easily offended. Haitians for that ridiculous list and Dominicans feel like they're always being blammed for Haiti's issue. Forbes was on the list to be contacted next.
From: Haiti
Amoree, thank you for your interest in both countries and yes you will find dominicans that will tell you positive things about Haiti and I,myself, have told foreignors the positives of the DR. We have one of the best advantages for tourism two different cultures/languages on the same island along with the history of both countries and of course the best beaches. Mayimbe issues need to be address regarding the issues you've mention but haitians are also a big factor of the development of the DR. Better relations will benefit both countries and more revenue for the mass to make a decent living. The character didnt realize that not one haitian poster here blamed the dominicans for this bias obstacles. I can teach you english as well. BTW, its Barbancourt. I suggest you lay off of it. Geez, do you know anything about haiti?
Written by: Lautaro, 27 Jan 2008 4:39 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
I'm surprised that on their "Every-country-is-bad-we're-the-judges-of-the-world" attitude, the people in Forbes magazine didn't include Colombia with its 60 year old civil war, daily hijackings, bombings, drug gang wars, etc. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Colombia or the colombian people, but then, it's very easy for us on any country belonging to Hispaniola (Haiti/DR) to get bitter about this, considering that the majority of the weapons and drugs that are currently flooding the streets and countryside of our beautiful island are coming from that very place, transforming this island in a de-facto outpost of the drug trade on its way to the US. If Forbes wants to play judge of the world, then it has to try to do it in a fair manner. As Duarte would say "Be fair on the first place if you want to truly be happy"
From: Haiti
Lautaro you hit the nail right on the head. I actually forgot about Colombia. FARC and ELN have terrorized the country for decades and decades and its been dangerous to visit there since the 60s yet they're never even mentioned. And a large part of the decay and crime in our island is due to the drug trade and the colombians dropping kilos of cocaine on our secluded beaches night in and night out. As for lovingit nobody on here blamed dominicans for the article. Why is it that ppl like you are so defensive? We have the right to comment on the article for god's sake.
Written by: Lautaro, 27 Jan 2008 6:44 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
And you have all the right in the world to demand that mr. kick in th shin. In matters like fighting the drug trade, the binational cooperation is a neccesary and crucial thing, considering the kind of skill that those criminal groups have shown in infiltrating our societies. As things are standing right now, with the US occupied in fighting its war against terror, the island has been left virtually defenseless against the kind of threat posed by those drug trading groups. We only have each other to cover our common backs.
From: Haiti
very much the truth.
Written by: kmnupe, 28 Jan 2008 1:20 PM
From: United States, NYC
It's funny to me that Haiti is on that list when most of the country is quiet. Why isn't the United States on that list?
Violent crimes everyday, drugs and guns everywhere, corruption is rampant, children molested and kidnapped everyday, women raped constantly, violent jails. Should I go on.
Hypocrites.
From: United States, Port Washington, LI (New York)
Why so many people are dramatizing so much about this issue, it is what is TRUTH, SIMPLE AND PRACTICAL.
Once again HAITIANS have to go the extra mile, prove themselves and be positive about their country at the end will be good for DR and Haiti.
But always humans beings regarding race, religion or nationality prove wrong when things are
going the right way.
Talking never solves anything at all but ACTIONS AND SOLUTIONS....................
Trying to find a SCAPEGOAT is good in a short tern solution but at the end is not productive
all races regarding the alienation at the end if they want to achieve CIVILIZATION must always
change, improve and show to the "planet earth" who they are.
TALKING is simple and without any meanings................
I'm sure Haiti is better than what people report. However, the world doesn't want to help Haiti get better. It's sad.
That is true. The world doesn't want to help a lot of countries get better. Everything is by design. Are you Dominican? It wouldn't take much to get Haiti out of the problems it has. Haiti's problem is from the previous leaders that raped the country of it's wealth and the selfish elite. It's sad for any country to have some funds and refuse to use it for their own people. Real sad! Just look at Africa.
Children who were born in DR with illegal parents are not getting the same benefits as Dominican children. They won't even give them a birth certificate. Sure the opportunities are somewhat better for some Haitians but not all. The fact that your daily newspapers and tv shows display the hatred for Haitians and their presence in DR make it easy to form negative opinions. I try to remain neutral because not all Dominicans are like that. I've seen busloads of Haitians right there in Santo Domingo loaded up with deportees like cattle. I've seen the batayes and have witnessed discrimination from Dominicans just as poor and "Black" as the Haitians. Some parts of Santo Domingo look no different than parts of Port-au-Prince. As far as safety is concerned, DR has plenty of noticeable crime. If you're really against wrong, make a stand. It's not about Dominican or Haitian. It's about human injustice. Unfortunately, being Haitian comes w/ an instant stereotype that's hard to fight.
Your comment about the sugar industry is true. But if you think America is going to stop doing anything to ruin their conveniences.... think again. I'm American. Most Americans have never been to a third world country so they have no idea of what really goes on and shamefully said don't really care.
JABAO: I think that even If God himself place foot in Haiti you will never appreciate his goodwill act.
"PATIENCE AND PATIENCE"
To all Haitians: respect his memory and stop talking BS, the other day somebody said He was to blame for Haitians to be slaves.
Reason is simple They want and feel is right to take over our country because that's how They
are teached in school, They think They deserve what We got right now, is this correct??
Once again HAITIANS need to help themselves instead of waiting a miracle to happen, They have to be realistic and stop living in the past.
Everybody is against DR (UN, HAITI, Sonia Pierre, FRANCE) WHY??? They are the victims and We Dominicans are Evil.
We have to stand up and fight for our rights and stop being politically correct, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH...............today is Juan Pablo Duarte's day
Rubirosa, Haitians work hard and are honest, by stating that all they want is to take more and more, goes again to prove your hatred and prejudicial attitude toward them. BUT I AGREE, HAITIANS NEED TO STOP BEING PASSIVE AND TAKE THEIR FUTURE IN THEIR OWN HANDS. ..and no, i am not Haitian.
Your comments have enlighten me a lot. I did not know that the sugar plantation were owned by foreigners. That is interesting. Over all, your comments are really good. I still remember the story of one of our best president (according to some people) Trujillo. He was importing anything (Jews, chinese, japanese, lituanian, europeans) but black so he could whiten the dominican society. I am glad that the attitude is changing little by little. I also have to say that we are both in need of help to fight poverty, and drug problems that want to keep us (Haiti and D.R.) down.
Hopefully that can change in the next 10 years for good!
If you go back and read what I wrote,,, I never said "All Dominicans".. I was explaining to you how one might easily think negative about Dominicans. But Bahamians have an issue with Haitians coming there too. And I'm lost on the apartheid comment. Unless something has changed in the last few months, illegal children can't go to school.
Also, Lautaro but there is a documentary out called "The Price of Sugar"..find a way to see it..If this is your only info about DR then you'll see why I said it's easy to think that way.
JRRubirosa, you need to quit it! Everyone in their right minds wants equal treatment whether on home soil or foreign.
And the "nameless one" I agree, Haitians need to be more responsible for themselves. But where do you start when over 40% of the population is illerate, 70% live below the poverty level, and education is not free. Any suggestions? For those who care, you have to do what you can for those who want to bring about change.
But in today's society.. we may never see fair.. we that know what is right must continue to do right for the sake of right (or righteousness)
You guys have a great day! Be safe...
I'm not in here to fight. I'm not Dominican or Haitian. OK. and no I didn't believe they are being made to stay on the batayes. You live there. I just visit. I only know what I read and have seen for myself. I'm not trying to get your pants in a knot. I commented based on Haiti being in the top 10 worst places from Dominican media. I didn't read a group of Dominicans contradicting the article. That's why I did. I got to Haiti frequently.. So if we're fboth for justice then aren't we on the same side? I'm willing to hear the truth and learn what I didn't know before. OK?
The reason I asked about the Haitian population was for a History class.. People want to see statistics.. not one person saying they been all over the DR. It's actually a good thing to have to prove that most Haitians are not on the batayes.. It expels wrong classification.. don't you think.
I will check out the change about the education. That's a good thing!!!!
I couldn't agree more....
We just wont say any names.. but there are plenty of hypocrites...
I have to start going to the batayes later this year. I just want to see the women and children there get education and healthcare.. I hate to see anyone being mistreated no matter where you come from.. Haiti was my first mission trip so it has a soft spot in my heart. Surely you can understand that.. smile.. Thanks!
Lautaro, I didn't know that. But I'm not surprised. As I said it's by design.. It all makes me want to vomit!
I cry to no one sir......Im just making a point.
You are funny!
Jubilee USA has called for the immediate cancellation of Haiti's debt to multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, IMF, and the previously excluded lender, the Inter-American Development Bank, based on the argument that this debt is unjust (under a legal term called odious debt) and that Haiti could better use the funds going towards debt service for education, health care, and basic infrastructure. [5]
But like a very important and Holy book says: "don't believe and repeat anything you hear (or read), it may not be totally true or any true at all"
Instead get your own newspaper and blog to express your concerns, frustrations and never ending complaining to the world about how bad or rated are You when in reality You never
take responsability for your own actions.
to make a simple example: If I am a drugaddict and somebody tell me plain and simple how bad and messed up I'm going to end up and at the end happens Who is supposed to be blame for my own actions Me or the person that gave me the advice.
Haiti has so many revolutions , presidents and ups and downs but at the end HAITIANS always find more comfortable and easy to degrade, blame and make stories about actions that They are the ones in managing.
EX: so many Haitians in this blog always disrespect, spit and curse(IN A NICE WAY) Dominican Republic, amazing thing is if us (DOMINICANS) wouldn't provide for them "WHO WILL"
Do you need a hug or something. Most of these people are not Haitians...I dont think you were voted to speak on behalf of the entire DR. No one is against DR... give it a rest.
It's the tour operators that need to be convinced and all it takes is a few bad reviews and Haiti has a bad name.
I think Jamaica is as dangerous but they keep the tourist out of the slums and in the protected resorts. Haiti needs to attract a big developer and mimic what Jamaica does. This would surely boost the economy and break the stereotype.
They need to counter this article with something like this.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/15/news/haiti.php
Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/16/....-forbeslife-cx_rr_0117travel.html
Yahoo:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/travel_picks_danger_dc
SAME ARTICLE
I was concerned that some people might post some messages about commiting suicide because "Forbes" messed up their lifes and their feelings teeling them the truth.
"Peace and Peace"
I understand. And yes DR is developing. I've seen some places in Santo Domingo that look like parts of Port-au-Prince. Regardless, DR has a pretty decent tourism industry. As an American who is familiar with both countries and the issues between the two, I wanted to bring a little light into the situation. I think if both countries could get passed some of their issues, what a great way to boost each others tourism. I'm thankful when I came to Santo Domingo there were wonderfully friendly Dominican tour guides that spoke of the wonders and beauty of Haiti and weren't threatened to tell visitors about Haiti and even take them across the border to see for themselves. Many Haitians feel the same way about DR.
LOVINGIT- it sounds to me that both parties could be easily offended. Haitians for that ridiculous list and Dominicans feel like they're always being blammed for Haiti's issue. Forbes was on the list to be contacted next.
Violent crimes everyday, drugs and guns everywhere, corruption is rampant, children molested and kidnapped everyday, women raped constantly, violent jails. Should I go on.
Hypocrites.
Once again HAITIANS have to go the extra mile, prove themselves and be positive about their country at the end will be good for DR and Haiti.
But always humans beings regarding race, religion or nationality prove wrong when things are
going the right way.
Talking never solves anything at all but ACTIONS AND SOLUTIONS....................
Trying to find a SCAPEGOAT is good in a short tern solution but at the end is not productive
all races regarding the alienation at the end if they want to achieve CIVILIZATION must always
change, improve and show to the "planet earth" who they are.
TALKING is simple and without any meanings................