Possible Discussion Questions on the Dominican Sugar Industry Many of the workers in the bateyes are of Haitian descent. But, they were born in the Dominican Republic. On top of that, they don’t receive acknowledgment from the Dominican government. What should be the requirements for being a member of a certain nation and what rights does that entail? How do the Haitian migrants change or affect Dominican culture? What does it mean to be a Dominican batey? If there is a lack of local workers willing to take on manual labor, such as working cane, should it be legal to allow immigrants to do the work? Should these immigrants have the same rights as locals? In the Dominican Republic, there is discrimination against Haitians. This is often referred to as anti-Haitianism. Is this based on the fact that they are immigrants to the country or based on the fact that they are darker? How would you compare this to the struggle with Latino immigrants in the United States? Moroccan immigrants in Spain? Burmese immigrants in Thailand? Etc. Observe the disparity between the batey town of San Pedro the Macoris and the high-end resorts along the coast. What ways do you see to mediate this growing gap? How many products do you consume on a daily basis that contain sugar? How does understanding the process required to make it change your view of it? How do living conditions in bateyes, where many sugar cane workers and sugar mill workers of Haitian descent reside, compare to those in other parts of the Dominican Republic? What are the main factors contributing to these differences, and what can be done to address disparities in living standards? Discuss the role of government officials in overseeing the sugar cane industry and ensuring the protection of human rights for all workers, including those of Haitian descent. What policies and regulations should be implemented to prevent forced labor and improve working conditions in sugar cane plantations and mills? Explore the historical context of sugar plantations in the Dominican Republic and their impact on the migration patterns of Haitian immigrants and migrants. How has the modern form of the sugar industry evolved, and what challenges persist in terms of labor rights and citizenship for workers of Haitian descent? Investigate the influence of sugar imports on the Dominican economy and the job market for cane cutters and other workers in the sugar cane industry. How do international trade dynamics affect local communities, particularly those in bateyes, and what strategies can be adopted to promote economic stability and growth? Analyze the educational opportunities available to children living in bateyes, where many sugar cane workers’ families reside. How does limited access to education impact the lives and future prospects of these children, and what initiatives can be implemented to improve educational outcomes in batey communities? Haitians and Citizens of Haitian Descent Haitians are people from Haiti or their descendants. Most of them are the descendants of Africans who freed themselves from slavery in a place called Saint-Domingue. Some Haitians also have ancestors from Europe, especially France. While most Haitians trace their roots back to Africa, a few have ancestors from the Levant, a region in the Middle East, who came to Haiti during World War I and World War II All About Sugar Cane Fields Sugarcane is a tall grass that grows in warm places like India and Southeast Asia. It’s used to make sugar, which comes from the thick stalks of the plant. Sugarcane is a big deal worldwide, especially in Brazil where a lot of it is grown. Most of the sugar we use comes from sugarcane. People use sugar for lots of things, like making sweet treats and drinks, preserving food, and even making alcohol and fuel. Sugarcane isn’t just for sugar, though. In some places, people eat the young parts of the plant, and it’s also used to make things like pens and mats. Sugarcane has been around for a long time, and people have been using it for thousands of years. It spread to different parts of the world a long time ago, and eventually, it became a big business, especially in places like the Caribbean and South America. But sadly, the history of sugarcane also involves some people being forced to work on sugarcane farms, which caused big migrations of people. About the Bateyes In the Dominican Republic, there are communities known as Bateyes. Here, many people of Haitian descent live. These communities are often near sugar cane fields. The Dominican sugar industry employs many of these Haitian workers. These workers, often called sugarcane cutters, work long days in the fields and at the sugar mills. Life in the Bateyes can be tough. Living conditions are often poor. For example, there are often houses made of simple materials like wood and dirt floors. Many Bateye residents lack basic services like running water and electricity. Access to health care and education can be limited. Forced labor is often a problem. The Dominican government and private companies in the sugar industry are aware of these challenges. But improving the lives of Bateye residents is a complex issue. Many workers of Haitian descent lack legal status and Dominican citizenship. This limits their access to services and their rights as citizens. Migrant workers often bring their families, amplifying the generational plight of these sugar production workers. Despite these difficulties, the sugar industry is important to the Dominican economy. Many families rely on the income from sugarcane work. But, there are concerns about forced labor and human rights abuses in the industry. Efforts are underway to improve conditions for sugarcane workers continue. Life in the Bateyes reflects the intertwined histories and cultures of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This special place highlights ongoing issues of poverty, inequality, and discrimination globally.