Haiti has hired lobbyist Carlos Trujillo to improve its U.S. relations through a $35,000 monthly contract. Simultaneously, Guyana has engaged the same firm for $50,000 a month to navigate its territorial challenges. While Guyana’s intentions are clear, Haiti’s government remains vague about its objectives amidst a backdrop of political instability and potential U.S. aid cuts.
The Haitian government has engaged lobbying services from Carlos Trujillo, a former Republican congressman and ambassador, through his firm, Continental Strategy. This contract is valued at $35,000 per month for one year and aims to enhance Haiti’s visibility in the United States, stimulate trade, and improve the country’s financial sector. The firm will engage in lobbying and informational campaigns to advance these goals.
Trujillo formalized this contract with Haiti’s transition government on February 7. Coincidentally, this date marks Haiti’s support against a European-led resolution condemning Russia at the United Nations. Additionally, on the same day, Trujillo also registered his firm as a lobbyist for Guyana, another nation facing challenges related to territorial disputes.
Guyana has secured a $50,000 monthly contract with Continental Strategy for six months, seeking to strengthen diplomatic ties with the U.S. According to former Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, maintaining a favorable trade environment with the U.S. is crucial for Caribbean nations, including Guyana, as they navigate their geopolitical landscape.
While Guyana’s government articulates its objectives for hiring lobbyists, Haiti’s government has not shared its intentions. Concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of lobbying due to the Haitian government’s lack of transparency on the goals of Trujillo’s engagement amid a precarious political climate and the looming threat of U.S. aid cuts.
Former presidential candidate Sauveur Pierre Étienne criticized Haiti’s leadership and emphasized the need for clarity on the lobbying efforts. He pointed out that the government must strategically engage with the lobbyist, especially regarding national security and military support to combat gang violence.
Members of Haiti’s civil society, including pastor Julio Volcy, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of hiring lobbyists without demonstrable improvements for the Haitian populace. They argue that the current government appears more focused on acquiring power than addressing pressing national issues such as security and political stability.
Haiti’s ongoing political turmoil has not resulted in significant progress since the formation of the Transitional Presidential Council amid escalating gang violence and internal strife. With Haiti struggling under severe security challenges, political analysts indicate that elections planned for November 2023 are becoming implausible, and the transition might not fulfill its obligations, leading to growing public demands for change.
Furthermore, the U.S. administration has remained silent regarding the future of U.S. assistance and the transitional government’s ability to govern effectively. Haitians face the rollback of legal protections and reductions in foreign aid, compounding the country’s woes as civil unrest continues to escalate.
The engagement of Carlos Trujillo’s lobbying firm by both Haiti and Guyana highlights their individual pursuits to enhance foreign relations and security in a challenging political landscape. While Guyana has articulated clear objectives for its lobbying efforts, Haiti’s ambiguity raises concerns about the efficacy of its strategies amidst ongoing internal turmoil and diminishing U.S. support. The situation emphasizes the urgency for both governments to define their priorities and foster transparency to address pressing national issues effectively.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
