Guyana’s Ali administration has contracted consultancy firm Continental Strategy, led by Carlos Trujillo, for $50,000 per month to navigate U.S. policies under Trump. The six-month contract will focus on securing support for Guyana’s territorial dispute with Venezuela, while also addressing deportees and sanctions related to Cuban missions. Trujillo’s extensive political background will aid in advocating for Guyana’s interests in Washington.
The Ali administration of Guyana has retained a consultancy firm led by Carlos Trujillo, amid rising concerns about the Trump administration’s policies affecting the Caribbean. A contract was signed on December 13, 2024, under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act, with Elisabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming Guyana’s commitment. This agreement, effective from December 16, 2024, for a six-month period, stipulates a monthly payment of $50,000 to the firm.
The contractual agreement allows for extensions at the client’s request, subject to satisfactory performance. Additionally, the firm will charge monthly for engagement-related expenditures and will require prior written approval for costs exceeding $15,000. Trujillo, who previously served as U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States, has a history of providing strategic advice to the Trump administration regarding Latin American politics.
Georgetown aims to secure Washington’s support concerning its territorial dispute with Venezuela, especially following increasing Venezuelan military aggressiveness. Notably, a March 1st incident involving Venezuelan naval vessels prompted a strong statement from the U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, reaffirming support for Guyana’s territorial integrity regarding the longstanding arbitral ruling from 1899.
Furthermore, Georgetown is likely to address issues concerning deportees and potential sanctions against officials involved in Cuban medical missions, which the U.S. has labeled as human trafficking. Continental Strategy emphasizes their capability in representing clients in various governmental aspects, leveraging extensive experience and established connections within policymaking.
Carlos Trujillo has also played significant roles in Florida politics, having served in the state legislature for eight years, including as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, overseeing a substantial budget. His appointments and nominations under the Trump administration reflect his influential position in shaping U.S.-Latin America relations.
In summary, the Guyanese government has engaged a strategic consultancy to navigate U.S. policies under the Trump administration. The agreement focuses on ensuring support for Guyana amid potential Venezuelan threats while also seeking to influence U.S. domestic policy regarding deportations and medical missions. Trujillo’s extensive political experience positions him to effectively extend Guyana’s interests in Washington, further emphasizing the importance of international relations for national sovereignty.
Original Source: nycaribnews.com
