[Music] Thank You Music

The video starts with music playing in the background.

Arrival in the Dominican Republic

• Arrived in the Dominican Republic in September 1997.

• Had no idea about the challenges that would be faced.

• Confronted with a magnitude of difficulties.

Documenting Conditions on Sugar Plantations

• Father Christopher Hartley's parish is centered around the town of Losianos.

• He visits sugar plantations and tiny villages known as Bates.

• Took three months to gather courage to go into the sugar cane fields.

• Begins documenting what he sees on the plantations.

Appalling Conditions and Extreme Poverty

• Father Christopher gradually learns more about the situation.

• Discovers extreme poverty, lack of access to water, food, healthcare, and infrastructure.

• Haitian workers are under armed guard and not allowed to leave the plantations.

Low Wages and Vouchers for Food

• Workers make less than 90 cents a day.

• Instead of cash, they receive vouchers for high-priced food at company stores.

Vicini Family and Sugar Industry

• The Vicini family owns most of the plantations in Father Christopher's parish.

• They are one of the wealthiest families in the country with interests beyond sugar, including banking and media.

Haitian-Dominican Relations

• Haiti is one of the most dysfunctional countries in terms of poverty and violence.

• Haitians see Dominican Republic as a promise for survival due to its relative stability.

Recruitment of Haitians by Buscones

• Approximately 30,000 men from Haiti are recruited by buscones every harvest season.

• Father Christopher receives a tip-off about the buscones' activities.

Vicini Family's Privacy

• The Vicini family keeps a low profile and rarely appears in public or media.

• They declined to be interviewed for the film.

Conclusion

• Father Christopher is on his way to the Haitian border with Father Pedro Rukwa to investigate how sugar companies bring Haitians into the country.

Overall Summary

The video starts with music playing in the background. Father Christopher Hartley arrived in the Dominican Republic in September 1997, unaware of the challenges he would face. He documents appalling conditions and extreme poverty on sugar plantations, where Haitian workers are under armed guard. These workers earn less than 90 cents a day and receive vouchers instead of cash for food at company stores. The Vicini family, who owns most of the plantations, is one of the wealthiest families in the country. Haitians see the Dominican Republic as a promise for survival due to its relative stability compared to Haiti. Buscones recruit approximately 30,000 men from Haiti every harvest season. The Vicini family maintains privacy and declined an interview for this film. Father Christopher investigates their activities at the Haitian border with Father Pedro Rukwa.

Timestamps are provided when available to help locate specific parts of the video for further study or reference purposes.

New Section

The government's complicity in human trafficking is evident as the priests reach the Army Post near the frontier foreign.

Government Complicity in Human Trafficking

• The government's involvement in human trafficking becomes apparent as the priests arrive at the Army Post near the frontier.

• Haitians are made to wait at the border camp until they can be shipped to plantations.

• The man responsible for directing the shipment of Haitians to the Victini cane fields is named Mary Tay.

• People have been lured across the border with promises of good jobs, and some have even paid Mary Tay's men to bring them here.

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The harsh conditions faced by Haitian workers on Dominican Republic plantations.

Harsh Conditions on Plantations

• Workers brought across the border are stripped of their identity documents and become stateless and illegal, subject to arrest everywhere except on the plantation.

• Workers are kept in barracks where they are crammed together, with armed guards preventing them from escaping at night.

• The company running the plantation exercises absolute authority over workers' lives, creating a quasi-slavery situation.

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Living conditions and malnutrition among Haitians in Dominican Republic.

Living Conditions and Malnutrition

• As many as a million Haitians live in Dominican Republic, with a significant number residing in pate.

• Many people rely on sugar cane for their calories but suffer from malnutrition due to their limited diet.

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The impact of the sugar industry on Haitian workers and American consumers.

Impact of Sugar Industry

• Most of the sugar produced ends up in the United States, where it is processed and consumed.

• American families may be unaware of the human cost behind the sugar they use daily.

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Violence, disappearances, and a hidden cemetery on Dominican Republic plantations.

Violence and Hidden Cemetery

• Many people fear for their lives or their loved ones if they speak out against the violence perpetrated by plantation owners.

• A hidden cemetery on the Vicini plantation serves as a burial ground for those who have disappeared.

• The case linking physical violence to specific individuals is challenging due to lack of evidence and reluctance from authorities.

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In this section, Father Christopher describes the pressure he faced from the Vicini family and his determination to enter the seminary despite their attempts to dissuade him.

Facing Pressure from the Vicini Family

• The Vicini family repeatedly tried to pressure Father Christopher not to enter the seminary.

• The Spanish Embassy and American Embassy were concerned about what would happen if he was stopped or forbidden from entering.

• Despite their efforts, Father Christopher remained determined to pursue his calling.

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Father Christopher recounts an incident where he was asked to give a blessing but ended up delivering a powerful speech criticizing the living conditions in the Dominican Republic.

Unexpected Speech at Batego Theater

• Father Christopher was asked to give an invocation for President Fernandez's political activity at Batego Theater.

• What was supposed to be a simple blessing turned into a five-page speech criticizing the horrible living conditions in the country.

• Despite his initial fear, Father Christopher courageously delivered the speech.

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The publicity surrounding Father Christopher's speech led to discussions between the Vicini family and the church. Eventually, a death threat emerged.

Discussions with the Church

• The Vicini family engaged in discussions with a committee that included priests, bishops, and lawyers from the church for three years.

• These discussions were prompted by public attention following Father Christopher's speech.

Death Threat

• Following these discussions, a death threat was directed towards Father Christopher.

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Father Christopher's upbringing is contrasted with his current situation as he confronts challenges. His strong personality and rebellious nature are highlighted.

Upbringing and Personality

• Mother Pilar comes from the Spanish aristocracy, while Father Christopher's father's family founded Hartley's Jam.

• Father Christopher was known for his strong personality and physical strength.

• He was competitive in sports and had a rebellious streak.

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Father Christopher shares the story of his vocation and how he felt called to become a priest.

A Life-Changing Experience

• At 15 years old, Father Christopher had an experience that changed his life.

• Sitting on the edge of his bed, he realized he was unhappy for no reason and felt God's love.

• He decided to give his whole life to God and follow Him.

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Father Christopher discusses the challenges faced by his mother when he expressed his desire to enter the seminary.

Mother's Reaction

• When Father Christopher told his mother about wanting to go to the seminary, she initially laughed, thinking it was a joke.

• However, she realized he was serious when she saw the determination in his eyes.

• It was difficult for her as there were no negative connotations associated with being a priest, unlike other career choices.

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Despite coming from an exclusive and privileged background, Father Christopher entered the seminary without any doubts about his decision.

Choosing Priesthood over Privilege

• Growing up in an exclusive and privileged society may have seemed like throwing away a promising future.

• However, Father Christopher has never doubted his decision to enter the seminary for almost 30 years.

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After encountering images of Mother Teresa's work with the poor in Calcutta, Father Christopher felt called to dedicate himself to serving others.

Encounter with Mother Teresa

• Father Christopher received a book about Mother Teresa from his father, which depicted the misery of the streets of Calcutta.

• Seeing these images, he felt a strong desire to spend his life doing similar work.

• He met Mother Teresa for the first time in 1977 and volunteered to work in one of her shelters.

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Father Christopher shares an emotional story about caring for a dying man under Mother Teresa's guidance.

Caring for the Dying

• Father Christopher was instructed by Mother Teresa to take care of a dying man brought from a gutter.

• Despite being forced to leave for lunch, he was worried that the man would not survive until his return.

• When he came back, the man was barely alive and expressed his anticipation of Father Christopher's presence before passing away.

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This section focuses on the fear and hatred of Haitians in Dominican society, acts of violence against Haitians, and the establishment of feeding centers for Haitians in need.

Fear and Hatred of Haitians

• Fear and hatred towards Haitians has long been a part of Dominican society.

• Acts of violence against Haitians are frequently reported in the media.

• Many Haitians seek refuge in bate Paloma as it is one of the few places they feel safe.

Establishing Feeding Centers

• In 2001, feeding centers were established to provide meals for those in need.

• Initially, there were no proper facilities, but with support from the Spanish government, a compound was built in bate Paloma.

• Over 450 children are currently being fed every day from Monday to Friday.

Confrontations and Threats (0:40:00 - 0:46:54)

• Father Christopher faced opposition from sugarcane companies who tried to remove him forcefully.

• The military was involved, but with community support, they eventually backed down.

• Father Christopher received threats and was warned about potential harm to himself and his colleagues.

Workers' Rights (0:43:21 - 0:44:30)

• Father Christopher emphasized workers' rights to strike based on church teachings.

• Strikes were organized in multiple bates, leading to negotiations with plantation owners regarding wages.

Challenges Faced (0:45:05 - 0:48.51)

• Droughts and fires were blamed on Father Christopher by his enemies.

• He remained determined despite threats and continued working towards helping the community.

Housing Efforts (0.48.36 - 0.50.06)

• The Dominican government provided funding for new houses in bate Gautier.

• While some houses were given to Haitians, there were complaints of unfairness towards locals.

Conclusion

• Father Christopher reflects on his experiences with fear but states that it has not changed his determination.

The summary is based solely on the transcript and does not include any additional information.

The Turmoil and Media Attention

This section highlights the attention Father Christopher's Parish attracts from the media in the United States and Europe. Dominican reporters cover the story, and Father Christopher is under attack for defending Haitian cane workers.

• The turmoil at Father Christopher's Parish gains media attention in the United States and Europe.

• Dominican reporters cover the story.

• Father Christopher is physically assaulted for defending Haitian cane workers.

• Amnesty International starts a campaign in his defense.

• Despite letters from human rights groups, the Secretary of the Interior and police refuse to take the complaint seriously.

• Father Pedro meets with the secretary but is ridiculed in front of the press, indicating that priests advocating for Haitians will not be protected by the government.

Pressure on Father Christopher

This section discusses how pressure has been exerted on Father Christopher and those who support him to back off from advocating for change.

• The sugarcane industry tries to pressure Father Christopher and his supporters to back off.

• It would be sad if he compromised his ideals, as he is known as an "All or Nothing" person who stands true to his beliefs.

Lack of Support from Dominican Media

This section highlights how the Dominican media rarely supports Haitians, with Consuelo desperadel being one of few voices speaking up.

• The Dominican media rarely supports Haitians.

• Consuelo desperadel, a prominent figure in Dominican media, speaks her mind despite facing accusations and a smearing campaign against her character.

• Bishop ozoria publicly states his support for Father Christopher despite pressure from Vicini.

Limited Coverage of Father Christopher's Comments

This section mentions that Father Christopher's comments rarely make it to the Dominican news.

• Father Christopher's comments rarely make it to the Dominican news.

• There are accusations and limited coverage of his work.

Father Christopher's Parish and Villages

This section provides an overview of Father Christopher's parish, which covers a large area with multiple villages.

• Father Christopher has a parish covering 700 square miles with 60 villages and Bates.

• He travels to different villages every afternoon to celebrate Holy Mass.

• American doctors are brought in to help Dominican parishioners in El mangito, where rates of AIDS, tuberculosis, infant mortality, and skin diseases are high.

• Basic life-saving interventions are not reaching the people who need them the most.

Limited Aid for Haitian Cane Workers

This section highlights the lack of outside aid for Haitian cane workers in Father Christopher's Parish.

• Besides the help provided by the church, there is almost no outside aid for Haitian cane workers in this Parish.

• Only three Peace Corps volunteers work in the vastacini plantations.

• There is little interaction between Juan Bautista Vicini and Father Christopher.

Tragic Conditions and Lack of Treatment

This section discusses the tragic conditions faced by people in the region and how few life-saving interventions reach them.

• The region faces high rates of tuberculosis, maternal mortality, infant mortality, malnutrition, and skin diseases.

• Simple and cheap treatments exist but are not reaching those who need them most.

The Challenges of Change

In this section, Father Christopher discusses the challenges of implementing change and highlights the importance of focusing on smaller, achievable goals rather than trying to change the entire system at once. He also mentions that Father Christopher can come off as proud and brash, but his commitment to the rights of the people is unwavering.

Implementing Change

• Father Christopher emphasizes that it is easier to approach authorities with smaller requests, such as starting a garden or obtaining seeds, rather than attempting to change the entire system.

• He acknowledges that issues like vaccines and workers' rights are complex and believes that everyone has some rights, but he remains committed to fighting for the rights of those living in poverty.

Father Christopher's Character

• Father Christopher may come off as proud and brash at times, but at his core, he is humble and driven by a desire to change the system that perpetuates poverty while benefiting billion-dollar companies.

Trapped without Papers

This section explores how not having proper documentation keeps people trapped in their current circumstances. It highlights how individuals without papers face constant scrutiny when traveling within the country and are often detained for weeks before being deported back to Haiti.

Consequences of Lack of Papers

• People without proper documentation face significant challenges when trying to move around. They are frequently stopped on public transportation and imprisoned for extended periods before being sent back across the border.

• This lack of mobility keeps individuals trapped in their current location, limiting their opportunities for a better life.

The Administrator's Role

This section focuses on Mr. Ricardo Hernandez, the administrator responsible for overseeing operations from the Bates (living quarters) to the Sugar Mill. It highlights his role in ensuring that the workers brought from Haiti remain within the system and do not escape.

Mr. Ricardo Hernandez

• Mr. Ricardo Hernandez is responsible for approximately 25,000 to 30,000 people living and working under his care.

• His main responsibility is to ensure that the workers brought across the border into the Sugar Mill and Bates never leave, as significant investments have been made to bring them there.

Father Christopher's Relationship with Mr. Ricardo Hernandez

This section explores Father Christopher's relationship with Mr. Ricardo Hernandez, highlighting their conflicting interests and how Father Christopher's actions interfere with Mr. Hernandez's business operations.

Conflicting Interests

• Father Christopher has had multiple interactions with Mr. Ricardo Hernandez, who strongly dislikes anyone interfering with his business.

• While Father Christopher would be celebrated if he only focused on celebrating Mass, he actively works against the system to protect the rights of the workers.

Organizing for Rights

This section discusses how Father Christopher and the church's lawyers have organized the bete dwellers (workers living in Bates) to stand up for their rights.

Organizing for Rights

• Father Christopher and the church's lawyers have been instrumental in organizing bete dwellers to advocate for their rights.

• Through collective action, they have achieved some concessions from Vicini, indicating progress in their fight for better conditions.

Freedom of Movement

This section highlights how improved conditions have allowed workers to enjoy freedom of movement and encourages unhappy workers to leave if they desire.

Improved Conditions

• One significant change is that workers now have more freedom of movement.

• Unhappy workers are encouraged to leave if they are dissatisfied with their current situation.

Campaign against Father Christopher

This section focuses on the town of Lucianos, where the campaign to have Father Christopher expelled from the country is centered.

Campaign against Father Christopher

• Lucianos has become the center of a campaign by Vicini to have Father Christopher expelled from the country.

• The company's efforts to remove him indicate that improved conditions for workers may only be temporary as long as he remains present.

Threats and Departure of Father Pedro Rookwa

This section discusses how threats and lack of protection forced Father Pedro Rookwa, a colleague of Father Christopher, to abandon his mission and leave the country.

Departure of Father Pedro Rookwa

• After 30 years of working with Haitian cane cutters and facing death threats, Father Pedro was forced to leave his mission due to inadequate protection.

• His departure highlights the dangers faced by those who advocate for workers' rights in this context.

Threats and Future Uncertainty

This section explores how Vicini makes it clear to Haitians that improved conditions will only remain as long as Father Christopher is present. It also mentions that protests against him are increasing.

Future Uncertainty

• Vicini repeatedly emphasizes that conditions are only favorable because Father Christopher is present.

• They warn that once he is gone, they will remind everyone who is in charge, suggesting potential regression in workers' rights.

• Protests against Father Christopher continue to mount, indicating growing tensions between different parties involved.

Importance of Leadership and Presence

In this section, Father Christopher emphasizes the importance of his presence and leadership in supporting the workers and their fight for better conditions.

Leadership and Presence

• Father Christopher believes it is crucial for him to be present to provide leadership and support to the workers.

• He acknowledges that he cannot simply leave the battle to his parishioners but must actively participate in advocating for their rights.

Feeling Inadequate and Lonely

The speaker discusses feeling inadequate as a man and experiencing loneliness.

Struggling with Inadequacy and Loneliness

• The speaker expresses feeling inadequate in what he's trying to do as a man.

• He describes the struggle as being very lonely.

Demonstrations and Confrontation

Demonstrations are planned, and there is a possibility of a violent confrontation.

Massive Demonstration Planned

• A massive demonstration is planned for the streets of Losianos.

• There is a high possibility of a violent confrontation.

Rally with Consuelo Desperado

A rally takes place with Consuelo Desperado at the center.

Rally with Television Host

• Consuelo Desperado, a television host, is at the center of the rally.

• Supporters gather in the church, including Dominican supporters.

Protests Outside

Protests assemble outside while missions arrive to support Father Christopher.

Protests Assemble Outside

• Protesters assemble outside the church where the rally is taking place.

• Missions arrive from the Bates to support Father Christopher.

Standing Firm Against Pressure

Father Christopher reflects on standing firm against pressure and not giving in.

Standing Firm Against Pressure

• Father Christopher contemplates what it would mean if he gave in.

• He believes that taking even one step back would make him a fraud.

Support from the Community

Father Christopher expresses gratitude for the support and backing of the community.

Gratitude for Community Support

• Father Christopher finds it meaningful to see the support and backing of the community.

• He believes that if the community had backed his accusers, he would not have survived.

Johnny's Situation and Attacks on Father Christopher

Johnny faces eviction, and attacks on Father Christopher continue.

Johnny's Eviction Threatened

• Johnny has been fired and threatened with eviction from his home.

• Without legal status, he is unable to go elsewhere to make a living.

Attacks on Father Christopher Continue

• The attacks on Father Christopher persist despite the challenges faced by others.

Solidarity with the People

Father Christopher expresses his commitment to solidarity with the people.

Commitment to Solidarity

• Father Christopher states that he has come to live in solidarity with his people.

• He wishes for whatever happens to them to happen to him as well.

Miami Arrival

The speaker mentions being in Miami.

Arriving in Miami

• The speaker mentions being in Miami but does not provide further details.