Results Released of First Phase of Bi-national Program: “Fwontyè Nou – Our Frontier “

The Embassy of the United States in the Dominican Republic and the Pan-American Foundation for Development (PADF/FUPAD) released the results of the first phase of the bi-national program “”Fwontyè Nou – Our Frontier.”

This has created a new spirit of border cooperation which has generated more interest and dynamism in bi-national collaboration.

“Fwontyè Nou – Our Frontier” is an initiative financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) which is now in its fifth year working along the Dominican Haitian border.

Throughout the project in the years between 2003 and 2008, the USAID offered technical assistance and training to strengthen the 45 community groups on both sides of the border, benefitting more than 100,000 people through agricultural development programs, employment generation and strengthening and broadening infrastructure and social services. This has created a new spirit of border cooperation which has generated more interest and dynamism in bi-national collaboration. The program has also strengthened civil society and encouraged people to carry out and complete projects together, fomenting links, friendships and cooperation between the two countries.

The results of the program and lessons learned over the five years were presented at the closing workshop of the program. Participants discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the area and the fact that it is a source of development and bi-national commerce.

As part of the workshop, various institutions rendered their reports on their experiences along the border. The organizations included the Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA), the Dominican Network of Border Organizations and various other entities that participated in the project. PADF/FUPAD together with the Organization of American States OAS) expressed its gratitude to the people and to the United States government for its singular commitment throughout the five years that this program functioned through the support of the USAID.

Recognition of the President

By the same token, OAS Ambassador and resident in the DR, Paul Durand, recognized the important support shown by Dominican President Leonel Fernández and his government for the vision and leadership they displayed in relation to the importance of viewing the border as an island of development. To express that gratitude, Mr. Durand gave President Fernández the “Our Frontier to Merit” award which was received by Dr. César Pina Toribio, representing President Fernández.

Ambassador Durand added that this project created a new model of bi-national cooperation through the public and private alliances that are relevant for other countries interested in turning their frontiers into areas of cooperation beneficial for the neediest people on both sides of the border.

On the other hand, the OAS announced that it will provide new funds through PADF/FUPAD to continue the implementation of this successful and innovative initiative. It is soliciting donor support from other friendly countries and agencies to carry out this effort.

Results Released of First Phase of Bi-national Program: “Fwontyè Nou – Our Frontier ”

Results Released of First Phase of Bi-national Program: “Fwontyè Nou – Our Frontier ” .

Results Released of First Phase of Bi-national Program: “Fwontyè Nou – Our Frontier ” =