The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

A MASS exodus of Haitians from the Bahamas has been predicted after $20 billion of precious metals was discovered in the impoverished country.

The prediction comes from Antonio Rodrigue, Haitian Ambassador to the Bahamas, after exploratory drilling found valuable metals like gold and silver deep below the tropical ridges in Haiti's northeastern mountains.

A mining company is drilling around the clock to determine how to get those metals out. The figure of $20 billion has already been put on their potential value.

Mr Rodrigue said this discovery not only means Haitians will stop leaving the country but also that those who have left will return in massive numbers.

“Regarding those who come to the Bahamas, the problem is they do not have jobs and are looking for a better way to feed and clothe their families,” he said.

“If something substantial comes from the discovery of the gold and copper, Haitians will definitely return home. They will go back to be with their families because they will finally be in a position to take care of them. They will no longer have to stay in the Bahamas.

“I’m not just meaning the ones who are illegal. Illegals, legals, citizens, residents and Bahamian Haitians will all go back home. I spoke with many Haitians when the president came to visit and they all say the same thing. They are just waiting until the country gets better and they go back. Their goal is not to stay in the Bahamas if Haiti is doing better. Once they get jobs, they will leave, I guarantee that.”

The Ambassador said Haiti would not reap the benefits for a long time.

“Everyone is very excited about this news. Imagine that can be created. However, it could be years before anything happens. There are still studies to be conducted, inspections to be done and then the digging. So , we will not start to see these benefits right away. We are still in the early stages. There is still a long road ahead before we see something substantial from that discovery. But that $20 billion will go a long way in rebuilding our economy,” he said.

Three firms are considering mining in Haiti, but so far only SOMINE has full concessions to take the metals out of the mountains. Those permits, for 31 square miles, were negotiated in 1996 under President Rene Preval and require the firm to hire Haitians whenever possible.

In exchange for minimal permit fees, SOMINE committed to spend $2.25 million in the first two years. In addition, it will pay $1.8 million after a feasibility study, according to the contract.

This means Haitians should get $1 out of every $2 of profits, compared with about $1 out of $3 that most countries get from mining firms.