Blinken's Dominican Republic Visit Targets Economy and Haiti's Crisis

The US Secretary of State and the Dominican Republic's leader held private discussions on Friday, covering human rights, economic growth, and regional security. However, the crisis in Haiti was the primary focus. Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, visited the Dominican Republic after a stop in Haiti to support a UN-backed mission led by Kenya to combat gang violence.

Focus on Haiti's Crisis

During his visit, Blinken met with Dominican President Luis Abinader to discuss concerns about Haiti. Abinader expressed worries about the lack of resources for the mission and mentioned that thousands of inmates had escaped from Haiti's two largest prisons earlier this year due to gang raids. This crisis has led to a surge in migrants entering the Dominican Republic, overwhelming local schools and hospitals.

Abinader's administration has faced criticism for its treatment of Haitian migrants and those born in the Dominican Republic to Haitian parents. The government has largely closed its airspace to Haiti and is constructing a border wall between the two countries. Despite these measures, both leaders are working towards normalising relations between their nations.

US Support and Investments

Blinken announced an additional USD 45 million in humanitarian aid for Haiti on Thursday. He also supported creating a UN peacekeeping operation to secure funding and resources for combating gangs and restoring security in Haiti. Blinken emphasised that security is crucial for progress in Haiti, stating, "The foundation for progress in Haiti has to be security." He added that this must be controlled by authorities and the Haitian people, not gangs.

The US Secretary of State highlighted some improvements in Haiti following the arrival of nearly 400 Kenyan police officers who have been working to curb gang control in Port-au-Prince. Blinken noted that these efforts are essential for establishing stability and security in the region.

Economic Growth Initiatives

Blinken also praised the Dominican Republic's economic growth, noting it has the largest economy in the Caribbean and one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America. To further boost this growth, he announced a USD 3 million investment via USAID aimed at improving workforce training and building industrial parks in the country.

Blinken stated, "We have a strong interest in trying to help Haiti succeed," reflecting the US commitment to supporting its neighbour through various initiatives. This investment is expected to enhance economic prosperity and create more opportunities for the Dominican Republic's workforce.

Blinken is scheduled to return to the US late Friday after concluding his visit. His discussions with President Abinader underscore the importance of regional cooperation and support in addressing shared challenges.