This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
Export processing zones aren't new in Haiti. Choosing the best sites are prioritized. Professor Laurent Dubois calls developing industrial parks a "tired" idea, saying:
"The way I see it, in a deep, long, historical way, Haiti was founded by ex-slaves who overthrew a plantation system and people keep trying to get them to return to some form of plantation.""There have been cycles of (these) type project(s), where the idea is that foreign investment will modernize the country. But things have gotten progressively worse for Haitians."
A local bank manager called developing a garment maquiladora zone a last resort idea. Free land, slave wages, extensive infrastructure development, and other investment incentives lured Sai-A. In return, it's spending a modest amount.
Environmentalists were shocked that the company would anchor a giant industrial park. Before Haiti's quake, they designated Caracol Bay to become the country's first marine protected site.
Development imperils conservation. Haiti's government chose the site. Washington's heavy hand made the difference. It has valued soil and water resources. It's ideal for farming.
Environmental impact studies weren't done. After the fact, concerns were raised. It was too late. Caracol's mayor Colas worries that his city will become another Cite Soleil slum.
He added that he feels like he's being used. Signing ceremony attendees stop by City Hall, he said. They greet him, but there's no relationship or involvement in planning or deals signed. Foreigners know more about what's going on than he does, he complained.
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
3
3
2
