Tuesday, May 1, 2012

ARTICLE - D.R. - HAITI DIASPORA DAY

PRESENCE IN DOMINICAN SPURS LAUNCH OF HAITI DIASPORA DAY
(Dominican Today) -

Santo Domingo - Because the Haitian diaspora’s presence in the Dominican Republic dates back to the 19th century, the solidarity of the Dominicans with the Haitians after the quake of January 2012, and because the Dominican Republic has the second highest number of Haitian immigrants, the Zile Foundation launched National Haitian Diaspora Day, “A dynamic community in a solidarity nation.”

“Today (April 23) is a day in which we recognize the Haitian diaspora’s contribution in several countries and give visibility to the contribution of our compatriots to the countries where they have emigrated,” said Zile Foundation president and Haiti ex-consul Edwin Paraison.

He said that with the launch in the Dominican Republic, “we expect to have a similar activity every year, which is going to help bolster ties between Dominicans and Haitians, who arrive in this society, which is hospitable, and where people show solidarity when they receive our compatriots.”

Around 4.0 million Haitians live in more than 20 countries, and sent US$2.1 billion back home in 2011, to become the main source of economic assistance, Paraison said. The activity was attended by Dominican and Haitian diplomats, political and business leaders.

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