Bahamas–Haiti relations


The Bahamas–Haiti relations refer to the diplomatic relations between The Bahamas and Republic of Haiti. Bahamas maintains an embassy in Port Au Prince and Haiti maintains an embassy in Nassau.

History

Bilateral ties started in the 20th century when Haiti sent its first consul to The Bahamas and have since shared a close and strong bond due to similar demographics and history. In 2013, Antonio Rodrique represented Haiti as the Ambassador to The Bahamas. Both nations are a part of Caribbean Community with The Bahamas joining in 1983 and Haiti joining in 2002.

Bilateral trade

In 2014, the Agriculture Minister of The Bahamas, Renward Wells, visited The Haiti to discuss marketing Haitian Food Products in the country along with visiting several universities, Banana and Mango farms. The minister discussed with Haitian government officials on the progress of Haiti's food products meeting international health standards. In 2018, Haitian President Jovenel Moise and Bahamas Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis, met in Port Au Prince to discuss several issues involving trade, illegal immigration, agriculture and further relations. A trade deal was argued at the meeting, allowing Nassau to buy Fruits and Vegetables from Haiti in exchange for stemming illegal immigration from Haiti.

Illegal immigration

Relations were strained as of recently due to the ongoing illegal immigration of Haitians to The Bahamas. Thousands of Haitians flee Haiti for The Bahamas using makeshift rafts creating problems for the Island. Haiti has discussed plans to establish a document center at their embassy in Nassau to keep track of the illegals in The Bahamas. It is estimated there are 80,000 Haitians in The Bahamas, a nation of only 350,000 people. Many Haitians on the island work in menial jobs such as gardening, construction work and other labor-intensive jobs.