HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

March 1, 2010. Government Warning Issued for Dominican Republic

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State

U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo issued the following Warden Message on February 26:

The U.S. Embassy is transmitting the following Warden Message to alert Americans to occasional violence directed at vehicular traffic traveling to and from Haiti.

U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Haiti through the Dominican Republic have reported incidents of violence near the Haitian border on route 44 between Barahona and Jaquimeyes. Reports indicate that a group of persons attired in paramilitary clothing placed tires in the middle of the road and set them on fire to form a makeshift blockade, forcing passing vehicles to slow down or stop. Armed gunmen fired shots and threw rocks at vehicles that failed to stop for the blockade. Additionally, in at least one incident, men with guns and machetes briefly detained American citizens traveling through the area.

The U.S. Embassy would like to remind American citizens traveling in the Dominican Republic within an hour of the Haitian border to be aware of these reports and to exercise extreme caution in possibly volatile areas. Citizens should check local news reports, U.S. Embassy Warden Messages, and travel advisories before embarking on a trip to the areas near the border with Haiti. Citizens are also reminded to travel in groups during daylight hours and use caution at all times. Drivers who encounter roadblocks are encouraged to stop a significant distance away, drive in reverse or turn around, and drive to the nearest town to report the blockade to local authorities. Drivers should do their best to leave the danger zone and get to safety.