Haiti and Guyana have both hired Continental Strategy for lobbying in Washington, with Haiti’s contract focused on recovery and trade, while Guyana seeks favorable trade relations amid territorial disputes. Haiti faces critiques over unclear lobbying objectives, while both countries are navigating significant political and security challenges.
Haiti and Guyana have engaged the same lobbying firm, Continental Strategy, for assistance in Washington. Haiti’s contract, led by Carlos Trujillo, a former Republican congressman, is for $35,000 a month over one year, aimed at enhancing recovery efforts, increasing U.S. trade, and improving financial sectors. Trujillo’s firm filed this contract with the Department of Justice shortly after Haiti voted alongside the U.S. against a UN resolution condemning Russia regarding the Ukraine war.
Simultaneously, Trujillo registered Continental Strategy as a lobbyist for oil-rich Guyana with a contract of $50,000 a month for six months. The Guayanese government, represented by Foreign Ministry officials, seeks to maintain favorable trade relations and clarify international support due to ongoing territorial disputes with Venezuela. The former president, now vice president, outlined the need for ongoing U.S. engagement in trade.
Haiti’s officials, however, have not articulated a strategic direction for their lobbying efforts. Criticism has emerged from various quarters, including political figures like Sauveur Pierre Étienne, who emphasized the need for clarity on how the lobbying firm will address Haiti’s security and diplomatic priorities. Concerns include whether lobbyists can secure U.S. military support and how they will navigate the complexities of national instability.
Further skepticism comes from civil society leaders like Julio Volcy, who argue that any lobbying deal should be scrutinized or rescinded due to the ineffective governance failing to produce results for Haitians. The lack of transparency regarding the lobbying objectives has been highlighted, with calls for accountability in how decisions are made.
Haiti is currently in a dire security situation as gangs exert control, massively displacing over a million people. The transitional government was established a year ago to restore order but has since struggled with corruption, internal conflict, and gang violence. The political paralysis means elections set for November remain unlikely and prolongs uncertainty over Haiti’s governance.
Both Haiti and Guyana are employing lobbying strategies to advance their interests in the U.S., but their approaches reflect starkly different political landscapes and objectives. While Guyana’s government is clear about enhancing trade relations, Haiti faces criticism for a lack of transparency in the goals behind its lobbying efforts. As Haiti grapples with severe internal challenges and instability, the effectiveness of its lobbying endeavors and ability to create a secure environment for elections remain in question.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
