The leaders of the neighborhood committee of San José Las Minas (Santiago, Dominican Republic) began early this morning, the evacuation of the Haitians living in their neighborhood, as reported by José Consuegra, President of the residents committee.

Consuegra has stated that more than 100 Haitian citizens have been evacuated (escorted by the hand of the Dominicans) of the neighborhood and that 400 others who lived in this area have left voluntarily during the last week "without having to use force" he clarified. He also said that some 150 Haitian students living in the neighborhood will stay because they "do not contribute to the deterioration of the host community and do not contravene to the rules of life of the neighborhood committee."

Alejandro Rodriguez, the Committee Secretary of San Jose Las Minas, said that if the Haitians went to other community like Lindo, Gurabo or Avenue Yapura Dumit, they will be expelled because of overcrowding in these neighborhoods and the neighborhood rules, indicating that these neighborhoods had considered necessary to take identical measures for the benefit of the Dominican community.

It is to be noted that even if the evictions so far have not caused any serious incidents, they are conducted completely illegaly. Last month, some residents of Santiago (San José and Cristo Rey among others), threatened to take action if the government does not repatriated to their country, the Haitian illegal.

Following these tense situations, the General José Francisco Gil Ramirez had warned the Dominican population to act within the law, reminding them that only the competent authorities, armed forces and immigration, can make such expulsions.

Some sectors of civil society have expressed their concerns about the large number of Haitians living illegally in Santiago and who are under threat of eviction by the citizens committees or by the armed forces and immigration officials. All fear that these situations turn to confrontation, raising fears the worst.

HL/ HaitiLibre