A cab driver knows the answer
The same island, the same climate and that’s where the similarities end. Haiti had a GDP of just USD 37.7 billion in 2024. In the neighboring country, things are looking up in the Dominican Republic. GDP in 2024 was USD 315.2 billion. Haiti is generally regarded as a failed state, while on the other side of the island, over 10 million visitors bring valuable foreign currency into the country year after year.
I spend two days in the Republic of Mexico on a secret mission, so to speak. An outrageously cheap flight ticket enables me to attend a very important appointment in Santo Domingo.
I ask my first cab driver a question that has been on my mind for years. What is the difference between Haiti on one side of the island and the Dominican Republic on the other?
My chauffeur is not at a loss for an answer. He says: “In Haiti, the majority of the population (*) practises pagan voodoo rites and other forms of magic and spiritualism. Here in the Dominican Republic, faith in God plays a paramount role. This is one of the reasons why the Bible is depicted in the center of our flag!” (* > 70 % according to Wikipedia)
The next morning, I quickly eat my breakfast before heading back to the airport. On the street, state officials and a few uniformed men march past my café. They play the anthem in the nearby square and a few speeches follow.
The speaker talks about God and the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. I am completely perplexed. “Is this a religious event?” I ask the lady at the till. She shakes her head. “No, no. This is an official event organized by the city council for the national holiday the day after tomorrow!”
A friendly cab driver takes me to Las Américas airport. A nice chat in his clean car. I feel completely safe and take some nice memories home with me. Let’s see when I can give another talk about Diospi Suyana here. Dominican Republic? Anytime again! – Haiti? Better not. I would be afraid for life and limb! /KDJ
