WYCLEF JEAN - WYCLEF JOINS CLINTON FOR HAITI TOUR

WYCLEF JOINS CLINTON FOR HAITI TOUR

Rapper WYCLEF JEAN is touring his native Haiti with former U.S. president BILL CLINTON in a bid to raise international awareness about the poverty-stricken country.
The Fugees star, who arrived in Haiti on Wednesday (11Mar09), was invited to join the four-day fact finding mission by Clinton and the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
More than one million people have been displaced by the various natural disasters that have struck the nation in recent years, worsening the conditions for the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
The U.N. Security Council delegation met with Haiti's president Rene Preval and top government officials to discuss the country's struggles and come up with ways to attract international attention and aid.
And Jean is grateful to be given the opportunity to voice his opinions on a topic so close to his heart.
He says, "I was honoured to show my support when they asked me to join them on this important humanitarian trip which also gave them the opportunity to experience the beauty underneath the devastation my country and its people have had to face.
"It’s crucial for me to do all I can to raise awareness and help Haiti get through this tough time.”
Jean recently announced plans to build a school in Haiti in conjunction with his charitable organisation, the Yele Center.