Raha
The Bahamas and Haiti Trade Relations
Why is The Bahamas more willing to have diplomatic relations with Haiti in the 21st century? How does negotiations and economic relations between Haiti and The Bahamas benefit both countries?
As one of the richest countries in the Caribbean, The Bahamas has had a dynamic political relation with Haiti regarding massive immigration of Haitians to The Bahamas since the 1950s. Due to the concerning economic conditions in Haiti, many Haitians migrate to The Bahamas to seek jobs and “during this period there had been little socioeconomics difference between Haiti and The Bahamas resulting in trading between merchants from the island of Tortuga (northernmost point in Haiti) and Inagua (southernmost point in The Bahamas)” (Perry, 5) which initiated the economic relations between the two nations. Eventually, the two countries developed economic relations to promote and protect their investment in various agriculture and textile industries. Despite Haiti’s legacy as the first independent black nation, Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The government of Haiti has gained international attention due to its disastrous earthquakes and hurricanes, however this does not mean international recognition and improvement of international relations for Haiti. In contrast, The Bahamas is member of many international trade organizations, which gives them a higher standing in international diplomacy.Despite the differences in the economy of the two countries, there are major demographic and geographic similarities. In terms of demographics, the majority of the population in both countries identify as Black and they are proud of their African descent. Geographically, both countries are islands located in the Caribbean Sea and face similar environmental catastrophes. Haiti is mostly consisted of mountains while The Bahamas is mostly under a few meters above the sea-level. Due to this geographical difference, Haiti has better soil for growing its agriculture and The Bahamas can greatly benefit from importing the products from Haiti. Not only The Bahamas would have a neighboring country as a trade partner to fulfill its need for agricultural products but also, by improving the living conditions of Haitians, the economic cooperation between the two countries would eventually resolve the issue of mass immigration of Haitians to The Bahamas.
