CROKEL

"You asked if I was okay,"  I say, my voice quivering as I look at the reflection in the damaged mirror on the wall. The face peering back at me is tired, burdened by the weight of a life spent in constant fear, but steadfast, willing to live another day in a world that appears to work against me at every turn. The question stays in my mind, echoing through the empty hallways of my thoughts. How can I be okay when every step outside my house feels like a risk to my life? The streets of Santo Domingo, once brimming with life and opportunity, have become a war for survival. Every corner I turn, every alley I pass, I am haunted by the constant worry of being stopped, questioned, and harassed by the same people I am supposed to protect. The uniformed officers, long a symbol of security, have evolved into predators, circling like vultures, ready to pounce on the slightest sign of weakness. Their hard, unfeeling eyes search for hints of weakness as if they can smell my fear. The...

Dominican Republic eases work permits for Venezuelans amid diplomatic crisis and intensifies crackdown on Haitians. In a dramatic policy shift, the Dominican Republic has relaxed work permit requirements for Venezuelan citizens with expired papers. This measure, announced by President Luis Abinader on Monday, is in direct response to the predicament of Venezuelans who are unable to renew their passports owing to the suspension of consular services by Venezuelan officials. While this decision has received considerable attention, it comes amid rising tension and controversy about the Dominican Republic's response to Haitian migrants. Context & Background. The diplomatic crisis between Venezuela and the international community has escalated, with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ordering the deportation of consular and diplomatic staff from many nations. This has left many Venezuelans trapped, unable to renew their expired passports. In response to this humanitarian crisis, the...

  Plantain sellers urge the Dominican government to lift the export ban to Haiti. Dajabón, DR - Plantain sellers in the border market are urging the Dominican government to ease the ban on shipping plantains to Haiti. These merchants believe that the plantains accessible at the border market are of third-grade quality, which is specifically desired by Haitian buyers due to their distinct quality preferences. The merchants claim that the present limitations, imposed on the orders of Agriculture Minister Limbert Cruz, have resulted in considerable seizures of agricultural items acquired by foreigners at the border. Soldiers are confiscating these goods, causing significant losses for the shopkeepers. This strict regulation has sparked widespread frustration among individuals who rely on cross-border trading for a living. One businessman, who asked to remain nameless, expressed common sentiments: "The Dominican government is blatantly disregarding the needs of our neighbors. We have ...

As tensions increase in the Caribbean, the shadow of history looms over Haiti once more. The United States, which has already intervened in Haitian affairs with devastating consequences, is on the verge of launching its third invasion of the troubled island. This concept has provoked passionate debate over the necessity, implications, and morality of such an action. The US intervention in Haiti has been tumultuous, with a complex interplay of geopolitics, humanitarian concerns, and strategic goals. The most enduring episode in this saga is perhaps the horrible US occupation of Haiti, which lasted from 1915 until 1934. The occupation, ostensibly undertaken to restore order and stability to a country torn apart by political upheaval and economic insecurity, left a legacy of oppression, exploitation, and hatred among the Haitian people. More recently, the United States made headlines for its strong involvement in Haiti in 2004. Following a coup that toppled President Jean-Bertrand Aristid...

In the ongoing story of Haiti's volatile political landscape, an unusual inversion of roles has emerged. Instead of the typical suspects, the so-called Commonwealth countries, particularly those in CARICOM, have entered the fray. But before this surprising twist, let's step back and look at the bigger picture. Haiti, the first black country to declare independence in 1804, has a long history of political unrest, corruption, gang violence, and food hardship. Deeply entrenched for decades, these issues have come to represent the nation's struggle for freedom and sovereignty. But this is where the story takes a tragic turn. Some Haitians claim that the price of their hard-fought liberation is being paid not just in internal struggle but also in external manipulation. They throw accusing fingers at Western countries, claiming that imperialist ghosts from the past still haunt the country's power corridors. The recent involvement of Commonwealth countries and CARICOM in Haiti...

  The recent creation of Haiti's Presidential Council has prompted interest and speculation among both people and observers. However, a closer look exposes the crucial importance of such an organization in resolving serious national challenges and promoting much-needed development inside the country. First and foremost, forming the Presidential Council is a proactive strategy for resolving Haiti's current challenges. The council's platform for facilitating a national conversation process provides a unique chance to bring together varied perspectives and experiences to address challenges ranging from political instability to socioeconomic inequality. The council's focus on constitutional amendment highlights its critical role in determining the future direction of Haiti's governance structure. The importance of substantial constitutional reforms cannot be emphasized in a country where political turmoil has frequently hampered progress. By leading efforts to implement...