Haiti and Guyana Engage Same Lobbying Firm Amid Political Trials

Haiti and Guyana have both contracted Continental Strategy for lobbying services. Haiti’s agreement, worth $35,000 monthly, seeks to enhance recovery efforts and U.S. engagement, while Guyana’s, costing $50,000 monthly, aims at strengthening its trade relations amidst tensions with Venezuela. Critiques of the Haitian government’s transparency and governance highlight the complexities surrounding these contracts amid deteriorating security in Haiti.

Haiti’s government has engaged the lobbying firm Continental Strategy, headed by Carlos Trujillo, a former Republican congressman and Trump campaign member, to aid its efforts in Washington, D.C. They have entered into a one-year contract valued at $35,000 per month to assist Haiti’s transitional government with recovery efforts, U.S. trade, investment, and improvements in the financial sector. The contract was formalized by Prime Minister Alix-Dider Fils-Aimé on February 7, just as Haiti aligned with the U.S. and Russia in a UN vote against a resolution condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Simultaneously, Trujillo’s firm has also been hired by Guyana, an oil-rich nation in South America, which has contracted the firm for $50,000 a month over six months. This decision was spurred by increasing tensions with Venezuela and the need for the Caribbean nation to maintain favorable trade relations with the U.S. Former Guyanese president Bharrat Jagdeo emphasized the importance of engaging the U.S. government to secure beneficial trade terms, reflecting the proactive steps Guyana is taking.

Contrarily, the Haitian government has not publicly defined its objectives for hiring lobbyists. Critiques have arisen from individuals such as Sauveur Pierre Étienne, who asserts that governmental responsibility is lacking, noting the necessity for transparency regarding what Haiti seeks from this lobbying venture. He advocated for clear communication between lobbyists and the government, especially regarding security issues and military support.

Julio Volcy, a member of Haiti’s civil society, echoed the support for hiring lobbyists but raised concerns regarding the current transitional government’s capability and trustworthiness. He remarked on the need for scrutiny of any contracts, given the government’s failure to deliver real improvements in citizens’ lives.

As Haiti’s political stability wanes, with significant internal conflicts and increasing gang dominance, the landscape is dire. The ongoing tumult since the transitional council’s formation underscores the inability to foster a secure environment or conduct elections. With the arrival of new leadership, challenges persist as widespread insecurity indicates that the expected electoral processes may not occur timely.

The engagements of both Haiti and Guyana with the same lobbying firm highlight different political strategies amid their respective crises. Haiti’s agreement with Continental Strategy remains ambiguous regarding its intended outcomes, while Guyana seeks to strengthen ties with the U.S. given its geopolitical pressures. Meanwhile, concerns about governance and trust plague Haiti’s transitional leadership, raising questions about the efficacy of lobbying without a clear agenda. The deteriorating conditions in Haiti further complicate the situation, underscoring the urgency for effective governance and international engagement amidst growing instability.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com