Lee Ballester warns of the need to restrict open access in frontier markets
Dajabón.- The Director General of Migration, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, ARD, warned of the need to restrict open access to the national territory of Haitian nationals who participate in border markets, to guarantee security and order with regard to immigration control.
The head of the agency that regulates the entry, stay and exit of people into the country explained that border markets were originally closed sites, but that over time they became too small for the accumulation of activities carried out and that now, with the plan for the organization and expansion of these binational structures arranged by President Luis Abinader, migration control mechanisms must be established, "always taking into account that the harmonious functioning of commerce must be guaranteed, which is the engine of the development of the areas."
The official and high-ranking military officer was here with the official commission that will restructure the commercial areas, which met with local representatives, in a space of participation to listen to the concrete, feasible and adjusted proposals for the improvement of the border market of Dajabón.
Lee Ballester emphasized that the project will modernize the road system, commercial structures, and install technological equipment that will serve to maintain greater control over the flow of immigrants.
For his part, the Director of Border Development, Ramón Pérez Tejada, stated that the reconstruction of the border markets includes Pedernales, Jimaní, Elías Piña and Dajabón and that discussions are being held with the sectors involved to come up with the best proposals in this regard.
Erick Dorrejo, from the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, was also present at the meeting. He said that the studies from the Government's side are already available, and that they are only looking to fine-tune them with the consensus of all parties.
The mayor of Dajabón, Santiago Riverón, explained that what is being proposed on this occasion has always been his intention, since he had proposed it to the President of the Republic after hearing the clamor of the people.
On the side of the merchants, representing the business sector, Quilderes Taveras asked that all parties agree with this intention of President Abinader, since it is vital for the development of the area.
The event was also attended by Generals José Rodríguez Coste, Director of Cesfront; Brigadier General Luis Alberto Coronado, in charge of border wall security; Senator Ney Rodríguez, Governor Severina Gil, and Edward Vélez, in charge of Industry and Commerce in the area; and Gibelys Colón, President of the Council's Chapter House, among other personalities.
Communications Department