Haiti and Guyana have each contracted Carlos Trujillo’s lobbying firm, Continental Strategy, to enhance their relations with the U.S. Haiti’s contract, worth $35,000 monthly, aims to improve recovery efforts and trade, while Guyana has a $50,000 monthly deal focused on securing favorable export conditions. Critics argue Haiti lacks clarity on its lobbying goals, further complicating its political transition amid ongoing challenges.
Haiti’s government has engaged Carlos Trujillo, a notable figure from Donald Trump’s administration, as a lobbyist. Trujillo’s Continental Strategy firm has entered into a significant contract, worth $35,000 per month for one year, to advocate for Haiti’s transition government. The firm aims to support recovery initiatives, boost the country’s profile in the U.S., and enhance trade and investment opportunities.
The agreement was formalized by Prime Minister Alix-Dider Fils-Aimé on February 7 and filed shortly before Haiti’s key vote in a U.N. resolution concerning Russia’s actions in Ukraine. On the same registration date, Trujillo also registered to lobby on behalf of Guyana, which is navigating territorial disputes with Venezuela. Guyana’s agreement stipulates a $50,000 monthly fee for six months.
Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana’s Vice President, indicated the importance of U.S. engagement for maintaining favorable trade conditions for Caribbean nations. He stressed the necessity of understanding how lobbyists will align with Guyana’s long-term trade objectives. In contrast, Haiti’s government has not disclosed its goals or how it intends to engage with the lobbying firm amidst significant challenges.
Critics like Sauveur Pierre Étienne, a former presidential candidate, claim that clarity, accountability, and strategic objectives are lacking in this new lobbying initiative. Étienne emphasized the need for specific issues, such as enhancing Haiti’s security capabilities, to be prioritized in engagements with lobbyists.
Julio Volcy, a civic leader, echoed these sentiments, questioning the transitional government’s legitimacy and effectiveness, indicating a risk that their political ambitions may overshadow genuine governance initiatives.: “Signs of internal conflict show they can’t be trusted to lead the country in the right direction”.
Amidst an ongoing political crisis characterized by gang violence and high levels of instability, the transitional authorities in Haiti struggle to establish a functional democracy. As the situation deteriorates, the transitional council, under the leadership of Fritz Alphonse Jean, faces pressing challenges, including significant internal divisions that undermine efforts to organize elections.
The hiring of lobbyists by Haiti and Guyana highlights the complexities both nations face in securing U.S. support amidst differing political and economic challenges. While Guyana appears to have a clearer agenda with its lobbyists, Haiti’s transitional government lacks transparency in its objectives. This disparity raises concerns about the effectiveness of Haiti’s lobbying strategy amid internal turmoil and calls for more accountable governance.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
