Santiago Riverón sparks controversy over his statements regarding Haitian workers in Dajabón
The mayor of Dajabón, Santiago Riverón, is at the center of public opinion after making controversial statements about the Haitian community that resides and works in the border municipality. During his appearance on the program Panorama de la Mañana, the municipal official addressed his stance regarding the hiring of foreigners for cleaning services.
Riverón stated that Haitian labor is used for garbage collection due to an alleged refusal by Dominican citizens to perform such work functions. When questioned about his particular view of this population, the mayor asserted that his stance does not stem from personal hatred, but from a rejection of the customs of the citizens of the neighboring country.
There are people who think that Riverón hates Haitians. We do not hate Haitians. We hate the customs that Haitians have.
Santiago Riverón, Mayor of Dajabón
Concern about the migration situation
Beyond municipal duties, the mayor took the opportunity to reaffirm his concern regarding the current migratory situation in the Dominican Republic. Riverón expressed his unease at the possibility of the country experiencing instability scenarios similar to those currently affecting Haiti, thus justifying his firm stance on border control.
These statements come at a time of intense national debate over the impact of Haitian migration on key sectors such as construction, agriculture, and public services. The Riverón administration in Dajabón has maintained constant vigilance over the migratory flow, a topic that continues to be one of the main pillars of the political agenda in the border area.
