Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail 12.1K Cassandre Jacques, a model representing San Juan in the Miss World Dominican Republic 2024 pageant, recently withdrew from the competition following a surge of racially charged criticism over her Haitian heritage. Jacques, also celebrated as First Princess in the 2023 International Coffee Pageant, faced backlash after her press debut, with critics claiming she was unfit to represent the Dominican Republic due to her ancestry. Historically, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, both once part of Hispaniola and colonized by France, have been separated by a complex legacy of racial and social injustices. The Dominican side largely identifies with a lighter-skinned population, descended from French settlers and historically oppressed Haitians, while Haiti, following its independence in 1804, embraced a Black identity despite ongoing racial struggles. Despite being neighbors, the two nations’ shared history has been marred by socio-political and racial divides that continue to surface in issues of identity. More Articles You Would Love This Week’s African Fashion Inspiration; Broaden Your Wardrobe With Styles Nigerian Fashion Label Needle Point Presents The ‘Bibs & Bows’ Collection In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jacques explained her decision to leave the competition. “After deep reflection, I’ve chosen to step away, a decision that was not made lightly.” She went on to thank her supporters and affirmed that her withdrawal marked “the beginning of new dreams and opportunities, which I’m ready to embrace with the same passion.” Jacques’s story has reignited discussions about race, nationalism, and identity, with her supporters calling for broader acceptance of diversity in representation. Her withdrawal highlights ongoing challenges for Haitians and Dominican-Haitians who strive to bridge cultural gaps in a deeply divided society. 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