Dominican Pres. Discusses Baseball

President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernandez knew what his crowd wanted when he spoke to a packed ARCO Forum at the Institute of Politics Friday afternoon.

Baseball.

Fernandez could barely get out the words, "There is a young man in a Red Sox uniform named Pedro Martinez," before applause from about 300 people drowned him out.

And he went on to boast of his country's status as the largest exporter of major league baseball players to the United States, pointing out that more than 70 or so professional baseball players from the Caribbean nation play in this country.

But then Fernandez switched gears and spoke of the Dominican Republic's complicated political history, from the 15th century when it was the first colony in the New World to its current incarnation under his leadership.

"The country has been transitioning economically, culturally and socially," Fernandez said of the switch from a sugar-dependent economy to one based on tourism and telecommunications.

He went on to outline the three goals he set when he was elected to office in 1996.

"We must achieve democratic consolidation, continue to sustain economic growth and we must implement social reform," Fernandez said.

Fernandez said the Dominican Republic has improved in many areas, allowing his administration to come closer to its aims.

But although Fernandez spoke glowingly of low inflation rates and new jobs, he conceded that the Dominican Republic still has work to do.

"Nevertheless, deep social problems remain," Fernandez said. "These improvements have not equally benefited all sectors."

He added that the Dominican Republic also needs to concentrate on fixing trade imbalances and obtaining more foreign investment.

The question and answer portion of the event forced Fernandez to discuss more than professional sports and history, particularly the status of Haitians in the Dominican Republic.

Fernandez denied that Haitians have a lower position in his country but said that integration would be impossible.

"I think we have made great efforts to improve the relationship between the two countries, but political integration is almost impossible because it is renunciation to sovereignty," Fernandez said.

"Some Dominicans have a negative attitude toward Haitians," Fernandez said, responding to questions about racial inequality. "There is a new generation changing such perceptions. We say in the Dominican Republic, 'All of us have the black behind our ears.'"

He also discussed the education system in the Dominican Republic, especially the need for bilingual programs in schools.

"You need to train youngsters to learn the English language," Fernandez said. "The Internet--it's in English. Networking--it's in English."

Many audience members said Fernandez' speech only proved satisfying when he abandoned the baseball theme and addressed more substantive issues.

"It was typical politician. We want to reform society. Blah, blah, blah," said Jason A. Williams '03.