How much damage can words really do?
In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, six words after a soccer match unleashed long-simmering tensions. The conflict goes beyond sports. It’s about politics, economics, and history.
In the game, Haiti beat the Dominican Republic four to one. Haiti’s star player, Wilson Isidor, shouted in celebration.
“L’Hispaniola c’est Haiti (Hispaniola is Haiti)!” he cheered to the crowds in Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic. “This is Haiti!”
The words spread far and wide. Dominican Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz banned Haiti’s team from his nation. He also accused Haitian fans of damaging the stadium.
To outside ears, Isidor’s remarks may sound inoffensive. But for many Dominicans, they sparked outrage.
Haiti and the Dominican Republican share the island of Hispaniola. They also share a complex, bloody history. In the 16th century, France controlled Hispaniola. Enslaved people on the island led a revolution. In 1804, they gained their independence. They formed the Republic of Haiti. Forty years later, the eastern half of Haiti had its own revolution. It became the Dominican Republic.
Isidor’s comments came at a particularly tense time. The soccer match fell one day before the 89th anniversary of the Parsley Massacre. On that day, Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo ordered the killing of thousands of Haitians.
Presidential candidates in the Dominican Republic seized on the soccer incident. Some promised harsher crackdowns on immigration from Haiti. One candidate even said he would enslave Haitian immigrants.
Despite their proximity, life looks much different in these two nations. The Dominican Republic has a growing economy. Haiti is currently the poorest country in the Americas, and armed gangs control much of the nation. Gangs even took over Haiti’s main soccer stadium, forcing its team to practice elsewhere. Many Haitians seek to escape to the Dominican Republic.
Dominican officials say their country can’t sustain the growing number of immigrants. Authorities there have even deported Dominican-born people of Haitian descent. Prejudices run deep.
We can pray for peace between these nations and for the safety of people in Haiti. Hasty words can open old wounds. But God can bring healing even where it seems impossible.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. — Proverbs 12:18
