PRESIDENT OF THE DOMINCAN REPUBLIC LEONEL FERNANDEZ

By Adriana Ramos

Today, Leonel Fernandez, President of the Dominican Republic was the Guest of Honor in a conference, host by the CHP, University of Miami.

This was an special event, not only because it include several organizations as Chamber of Commerce of The City of Coral Gables or CAMACOL (Latin Chamber of Commerce of Latin America), or by the International Banker Associations, just to mention some.

It shows that “Miami” is the main door for investors that are interested in doing business in Latin America President Leonel Fernandez, talks to the auditorium passionate about how history in Dominican Republic, have overcome the Dictators, as Rafael Leónidas Trujillo to become a true democratic Country. “Changes have not been smooth”, he said, “but truly have been a direct factor for the modernization for to the Hispaniola”.

He mention the importance of the relations between the US and Dominican Republic, “We are economic partners” he said, with DR-CAFTA (The Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement) free trade agreement regulated by International Law and not by US Law. Speak also, of the commitment from the Dominicans to keep doing business with the US and keep his stable economic growth like the last years.

The President included Social Security, Health Care, Technology and Agriculture and Cultural enrichment to the local Universities. Global Warming was also mention in the agenda, the commitment to used bio-technology and investment in the areas to develop research to use the better tools to used alternative gas.

After almost and hour and a half President Fernandez finish the speech. Everyone in the large ballroom was ready for the open questions, it started as normal as any other auditorium with a President, many thank you messages, instead of questions, but after a couple of them a student raise her hand and ask what everyone was thinking of.

What is the position from Dominican Republic with the immigrants from Haiti?

President Fernandez turn quickly down to the audience, “I need help to answer this question, Mr. Prime Minister of Haiti, Jacques-Édouard Alexis is here with us. Prime Minister, would you kindly come to the podium to answer it?”

The Prime Minister Jacques-Édouard Alexis come to him, and take a deep breath and without hesitate he ask “Please, who ask that question?” the young student stand up. The Minister in a deep voice, make a serious expression and says “Lady, let’s make something clear, Dominican Republic and Haiti are friendly countries this kind of question are rude propaganda to create problems between friendly partners”, and continues in frenetic voice “This are just movements that main interest is to separate us”.
He finishes his lecture and President Fernandez thanks him and the audience.

The conference finish, not clearing how immigration and cultural differences between Haiti and Dominican Republic can improve this important issue, a complicate and delicate as theme.