Haiti’s government has formalized a contract with Roger Stone’s firm, Drake Ventures LLC, for a monthly payment of $65,000 to advocate for the country before the U.S. government. This arrangement, which spans one year, could total $780,000 if fully executed.
Details of the Contract
The agreement, initiated on September 2, outlines that payments for the first three months are due in quarterly installments amounting to $195,000. While the contract was filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, specific details on whether the initial payment has been made were not disclosed in the filing.
Per the contract, Drake Ventures is tasked with “issue advocacy on behalf of Haiti” and will collaborate directly with Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Raina Forbin. However, the contract does not specify the U.S. officials, agencies, or members of Congress Stone is intended to lobby, nor does it identify particular issues or policy goals the Haitian government aims to achieve through this engagement.
This contract is set to automatically renew for additional one-year terms unless either party provides a 30-day notice for termination, with its initial duration concluding on September 2, 2027.
The decision to hire Stone has attracted criticism within Haiti. André Michel, an attorney and leader within the Coalition of Republican Forces, labeled the agreement “an absolute scandal,” citing concerns over the high costs involved for a nation facing significant economic challenges. Michel expressed that the expenditure represents a misuse of public funds.
Roger Stone is known for his extensive career in Republican politics, serving as a confidant of former President Donald Trump. He was previously convicted in 2019 on multiple charges stemming from a congressional investigation related to Russian interference in the 2016 election. Following a federal sentence, his prison term was subsequently commuted by Trump, and he received a full pardon shortly thereafter.
This engagement with Stone represents only part of Haiti’s broader outreach strategy, as the government has also partnered with other figures connected to Trump’s administration. Notably, Vectus Global, a company led by Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, has signed a substantial contract for security operations in Haiti, indicating a trend of utilizing individuals with ties to U.S. political figures.
Why It Matters
The engagement of a politically connected figure such as Roger Stone reflects Haiti’s strategy in navigating its political and security challenges through high-profile lobbying efforts. It raises questions about the impacts of such financial agreements on the country’s socio-economic conditions and potential diplomatic relationships with the U.S.
