Dominican Mayor Demands End to Haitian Goods Import Fees

Jimaní Mayor Calls for End to Border Fees, Citing Economic Hardship Jimaní, Dominican Republic – The mayor of Jimaní, Laureano Santana, has called on the director of the Dominican Migration Agency, Vice Admiral Lee Ballester, to lift recently imposed entry fees for goods entering the country from neighboring Haiti. Mayor Santana argues that the fees are creating significant economic hardship in the border region, disrupting the flow of goods and impacting local businesses. "This fee is causing serious problems for our binational market," Santana stated in an interview featured in a recent video report. "For months, merchants were struggling, even resorting to bicycles to transport their goods. We're asking that the market be allowed to flow freely." The video shows long lines of trucks carrying goods from Haiti, stalled at the border crossing. The situation highlights the economic interdependence between the two countries and the potential for disruption when trade is restricted. Santana's plea underscores the need for careful consideration of the impact of border policies on local economies.