December 23, 2024
On Friday August 23, 2024 Haitian Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille visited the town of Ouanaminthe near the Dominican Republic border to closely evaluate the recently constructed canal on the Massacre River, a project that has sparked intense discussions due to its impact on cross-border relations with the Dominican Republic.
This visit is part of a broader tour in Northern Haiti, which began the previous day in Cap-Haïtien. The Prime Minister leads a delegation composed of government officials and diplomatic representatives. The mission’s objective is to examine local infrastructure and explore the economic and tourism potential of the Northern and North-Eastern departments.
Upon arriving in Ouanaminthe, the Prime Minister stated: “I am here to see with my own eyes, listen to local concerns, and understand the issues related to this project.” The canal construction, intended to irrigate the region’s agricultural lands, has raised tensions with the Dominican Republic, which is concerned about the impact on its own water supply since the Massacre River plays a crucial role for farmers on both sides of the border.
A Project in the Spotlight
The canal project has highlighted the complex challenges of managing shared natural resources between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Negotiations have taken place, although they have been marked by mutual accusations of violations of international agreements on the use of transboundary resources. Haitian authorities firmly support the project, arguing that it is essential for revitalizing local agriculture and strengthening the regional economy.
Despite diplomatic efforts to ease tensions, the canal issue remains a point of friction between the two nations. Garry Conille’s visit, part of a broader regional development strategy, aims not only to assess the canal’s impact but also to strengthen cooperation between local actors and the central government.
Regional Development: A Government Priority
The Prime Minister’s tour in the northern part of the country, running from August 22 to 24, focuses on strengthening infrastructure and economic initiatives in this strategic region. Upon his arrival in Cap-Haïtien, Dr. Conille emphasized the importance of this mission: “The North is a priority in our integrated development plan. We are here to collaborate with local authorities and find solutions together to the challenges facing the region.”
In addition to visiting the Massacre River canal, the Prime Minister plans stops at several key sites, including the José Marti Center, the Justinien Hospital, and the Caracol Industrial Park. These visits aim to assess infrastructure needs and bolster support for local initiatives.