Boston Mayor Holds Special meeting to Clarify Position on Haitian-Dominican situation.
By Alberto Vasallo, III –
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh held a special meeting Friday afternoon with members of the local Latino media to clarify his position on the on-going Haiti-Dominican Republic immigration crisis.
“To be clear, I do not support a boycott of Dominican Republic, although I do stand in solidarity with the Haitian community in a call for humanitarian treatment as immigration laws are being currently enforced in the Dominican Republic.”
The Mayor said he felt he needed to clarify his position in the wake of escalating emotions on both sides of the controversy after a tense scene on Thursday in front of the Dominican Consulate’s office on St James Street in Boston.
Nearly 150 Haitian-Americans who marched from Boston City Hall to protest the Dominican Republic’s enforcement of a controversial immigration policy were met by several hundred Dominican protesters who expressed their frustration on how the media has covered the growing situation and how the nation and its citizens have been portrayed.
Several Haitian-American leaders across the nation, including former Massachusetts State Rep and current State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry (both of Haitian descent) have called for a boycott and have asked that citizens of Boston reconsider any vacation plans they have to the Dominican Republic until the Dominican government reverses its current policies.
Many local Dominicans have echoed a growing sentiment that US elected officials who have publicly come out denouncing the actions of the Caribbean nation are “very misinformed and falling victim to a defamation campaign against our government and people”, said David Suazo, a local tv show host who has been vocal on his show and social media.
“My main goal is to work together with both the Haitian and Dominican communities of Boston so we can find common ground rather than to be divisive”, added Walsh.
During the meeting the Mayor reiterated his admiration and respect for the Dominican community of Boston and acknowledged it’s contributions and importance to the city.
“I plan on being at the Dominican Flag raising ceremony as well as the Dominican Festival parade and I know I will be asked to continue to clarify that I am not for a boycott of any kind”, admitted Walsh.
Cambridge Vice Mayor Dominican-American Dennis Benzan, who filed an ordinance in Cambridge denouncing the actions of the Dominican government, has also come out publicly saying he was not in favor of a boycott on the Dominican Republic, pointing out that it would adversely affect the lowest-paid people in the Dominican economy, including Haitians.
For Dominican-American Edward Martinez, a local tv show host who was born and raised in Boston, it was crucial that Mayor Walsh clear his position.
“Yes, it is important for my Mayor to clarify the boycott rumors because DR is a poor country as it is, and any kind of boycott would offend people, like myself, who have family that would really be affected. It just wouldn’t be right,” explained Martinez.
Mayor Walsh also committed to facilitating positive dialogue opportunities between both communities in an effort to send a message of unity rather than divisiveness.
“Please help me get the word out, we need to be together on this”, added Walsh.
Also representing the Mayor’s administration was Alejandra St Guillen, Executive Director of The New Bostonians Office, Tony Barros, advisor to the Mayor and Felix G. Arroyo, Commissioner of Health and Human Services for the City of Boston.
