Haiti and Guyana Hire Same Lobbying Firm Amid Political Turmoil

Haiti has contracted the lobbying firm Continental Strategy, led by Carlos Trujillo, to aid its transition government with lobbying efforts at $35,000 monthly. Guyana has signed a similar contract at $50,000 monthly amid territorial disputes. However, concerns arise regarding the clarity of objectives from Haiti’s authorities and the implications of these lobbying efforts in the context of ongoing political turmoil.

The Haitian government has recently engaged the lobbying firm Continental Strategy, led by Carlos Trujillo, a former Republican congressman and ambassador. Trujillo’s firm will receive $35,000 monthly for a year to assist Haiti’s transition government in several key areas, such as enhancing its presence in the United States and boosting trade and investment. Activities will include lobbying, informational material dissemination, and engaging U.S. policymakers.

The contract was signed by Prime Minister Alix-Dider Fils-Aimé on February 7, 2023, and filed shortly after Haiti voted against a European resolution criticizing Russia at the United Nations. Additionally, Trujillo registered his firm to lobby for Guyana, which is also seeking support amidst its territorial disputes with Venezuela. Guyana’s contract is worth $50,000 per month for six months, signaling its strategic engagement with Washington.

Former Guyanese president and current vice president, Bharrat Jagdeo, highlighted the necessity of maintaining favorable trade relations with the United States, underscoring the importance of the lobbying effort. The Haitian government, however, has not publicly outlined its objectives or strategies related to the lobbying initiative, raising concerns among local political figures such as Sauveur Pierre Étienne.

Étienne emphasized the need for clarity regarding the engagement with lobbyists, advocating for specific objectives such as lifting embargoes on arms for security forces. He expressed skepticism about the current Haitian leadership’s willingness to prioritize national security and noted that without clear directives, the lobbying efforts may serve the government’s own interests instead.

Furthermore, Julio Volcy, a pastor involved in civil society, voiced doubts about the transitional government’s intentions behind hiring lobbyists. He indicated that the environment of conflict and leadership instability calls into question the legitimacy of any lobbying arrangement. The prime minister’s office has not provided insights into the lobbying goals, as the political situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate.

Haiti’s political state remains precarious, with the transitional council struggling amidst internal conflicts and a lack of resolve regarding security and democratic restoration. Recent developments have led to over one million internally displaced persons in Haiti, and substantial doubt persists over the feasibility of conducting elections by November or instating a new president in February 2026.

Key U.S. policy decisions, including the reduction of legal protections for Haitian immigrants and cuts to foreign aid, have exacerbated challenges for the embattled nation without much response from the U.S. administration. The ongoing turmoil in Haiti significantly complicates the current and future political landscape, making the role of lobbying firms crucial yet contentious during this transitional phase.

In summary, the Haitian government has enlisted the Continental Strategy lobbying firm to help navigate its complex political and economic challenges in the United States. As Haiti grapples with a significant lack of clarity regarding its objectives and the implications of its lobbying efforts, concerns from local leaders highlight the internal struggles and necessity for a focused strategy. Concurrently, Guyana’s involvement with the same lobbying firm reflects its own need for support amid territorial disputes. The overall political instability in Haiti, characterized by increased gang violence and internal divisions, raises significant questions about the effectiveness and intentions of these lobbying initiatives.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com