Haiti has contracted the lobbying firm Continental Strategy, led by Carlos Trujillo, to bolster its presence in the U.S. for $35,000 monthly. While the firm aims to improve trade and security relations, the Haitian government has not specified its objectives. Meanwhile, Guyana has hired the same firm for $50,000 monthly. Tensions regarding governance and effectiveness shape reactions to these lobbying efforts amid ongoing chaos in Haiti.
The Haitian government has engaged Carlos Trujillo, a former Republican congressman and Trump’s ambassador to the Organization of American States, through his lobbying firm Continental Strategy. This firm will receive a monthly fee of $35,000 over one year to lobby for Haiti’s transition government. Their objective is to enhance Haiti’s visibility in the U.S., boost trade and investment, and assist in improving the financial sector. Activities will encompass outreach to U.S. policymakers and dissemination of informational materials.
The lobbying contract was formalized on February 7 by Prime Minister Alix-Dider Fils-Aimé and filed on February 24, coinciding with Haiti’s alignment with the U.S. and Russia against a United Nations resolution regarding the Ukraine war. Trujillo simultaneously registered as a lobbyist for Guyana, which is engaged in territorial disputes with Venezuela, under a $50,000-a-month contract for six months. Guyana’s former president, Bharrat Jagdeo, explained the need for U.S. engagement to secure favorable trading conditions, emphasizing historical privileges the Caribbean country has enjoyed.
Unlike Guyana, Haiti has not publicly clarified its objectives for hiring Trujillo’s firm. Concerns about governance led former presidential candidate Sauveur Pierre Étienne to express skepticism about the current administration’s capability to effectively use lobbyists. He insisted on the necessity for clear directives, particularly regarding security issues and military support against gangs. Pastor Julio Volcy echoed this sentiment, suggesting any contract for a lobbying firm should be scrutinized, questioning whether the current transitional government’s actions truly address the urgent needs of Haitians.
Despite Haiti’s transient leadership structure and the challenges it faces, sources indicate that Trujillo’s primary goal will focus on re-engaging the U.S. government to create a conducive environment for future elections, intended to enhance security in the nation. The political situation has deteriorated significantly, with rampant gang violence leading to mass displacement and undermining efforts to restore order.
Haiti’s political transition, initiated to stabilize the country, has instead bred corruption and infighting, resulting in an ineffective leadership unable to manage the crisis effectively. The upcoming leadership change may offer little hope as the ongoing issues plague the nation’s future, with elections increasingly unlikely in the near term. Furthermore, actions taken by the U.S. administration, such as rescinding legal protections for Haitians in the U.S. and cutting assistance, contribute to the country’s ongoing turmoil.
In summary, Haiti has contracted a lobbying firm to secure U.S. support, while concerns prevail regarding the government’s effectiveness and objectives. Guyana’s approach, in contrast, demonstrates clearer engagement strategies with the U.S. Amid significant internal challenges, Haiti’s transitional governance has faced criticism for its inability to restore order or address pressing societal issues. The future political landscape remains uncertain, particularly with heightened security crises undermining electoral processes.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
