More than three hours after the famous list was made public by the CEP, I am still amazed about how much Mr. Wyclef Jean was able to make the entire world watch, write and follow the "election" process of Haiti! This is particularly amazing for me because until the earthquake of January 12th, many didn't know who was Haiti's President. As a matter of fact, I didn't know or hear anything when Preval, Haiti's current president was elected.
When the rumors started flying around about Wyclef's candidacy, I knew I would support him because I was one of those people who used to say "Wyclef for President" way before the earthquake even happened. Then all of these articles about money and Yéle started to surface. It would hurt to read them, because Wyclef is my joy, pride and role model. He is that guy who came from nothing to being Wyclef Jean that the entire world knows and talks about. Once I realized that the people who were the quickest to call him a thief were some who are also cashing in in the name of Haiti and "bigging" up themselves for "saving Haiti" without seeing any result; when I look at how Wyclef's NGO was the only one run by a Haitian getting donations and international media attention, that they believe should have gone to them; when I read his explanation, when I remember that he started Yéle with his OWN money, I forgave him, hoped nothing else surfaced and supported him 100%. I refuse to be one of those self-destructive Haitians who joined voices with others to swing mud at him. You may not support the man, but it made no sense to tarnish his reputation for every little petty things. He is not a saint. But he probably was the cleanest candidate on the list!
Wyclef didn't win tonight. But I believe history was made. I will be able to tell my children that in 2010, Wyclef Jean made the entire globe talk about Haiti's elections and shed light on how dirty and unfair the process is. He energized the youth in Haiti, had the diaspora fired up and ready to go vote, and showed the "intellectuals" that they are miserable failures, since they have been there for decades and have managed to make everything worse. The January 12th earthquake has proven that Haiti's so called "intellectual" class are failures and they no longer belong in the leadership team of the country. They failed to make any kind of impression after the earthquake and seven months later, Millions - if not Billions later, they still fail to regulate the organizations who flooded the country and demand them to employ Haitians to get them back up on their feet instead of waiting on a hand to come feed them.
Wyclef's short run also helped many struggling writers, contributors and ex-celebrities get back on the limelight. They all came out of nowhere and all of a sudden, they had this "deep love and interest" in Haiti. When it comes to SOME of those "contributors" and "journalists', I am sure their work in Haiti is already over and will be on the first plane to wherever the next juicy story is. Their sole purpose for being in Haiti or writing refurbished articles about Wyclef was to get attention and twitter followers. Haiti's elections would not be so talked about if Wyclef was not a candidate. I hope they'd prove me wrong, but I am positive that I will not see one article about Haiti's elections until they are over. Unless, of course, Wyclef decides to keep the heat on, somehow. I am not sure how he can do that but I know he can.
I am sure Wyclef can still help the youth of Haiti stay focus, energized, calm and inspired to do good. Wyclef is still powerful enough to do just about everything he wanted to do as a president. One thing that I am hoping he will focus on is creating jobs for these young men who believe in him so much. Although, THEY only see them as weed-smokers and rejects, I believe they can be used efficiently for the betterment of themselves and Haiti. Jobs, jobs, jobs! Put them to work because "an idle mind/hand is the devil's playground". keep them busy, give them a way to earn a paycheck and we will see a change in our people and country. This will not happen overnight and I am not naive to think that they will all give up certain ways that they acquired over the years of misery they were subjected to, but we have to give hope and take a chance on them. When they catch a boat to other islands, or even to DR, they contribute greatly to the economy, pay taxes etc... So, I believe it is possible to change the image that we all have of the youth of Haiti. Wyclef could be that role model; that someone they will listen to, look up to and the one who can bring jobs to Haiti even if he is not President.
After recovering from tonight's deception, I am hoping that Wyclef will continue to represent, and work for Haiti. Continue to be the subject of my pride and make my heart swells every time you take the stage to either perform or talk on behalf of the voiceless.
Stay true to yourself, generous, kind and the beautiful person that you are. You are an authentic Haitian, like my dad told me yesterday on the phone.
May God continue to Bless You beyond measure! I was called an "ignorant" for supporting you, but I will definitely support you again should you decide to run in 2015.
When the rumors started flying around about Wyclef's candidacy, I knew I would support him because I was one of those people who used to say "Wyclef for President" way before the earthquake even happened. Then all of these articles about money and Yéle started to surface. It would hurt to read them, because Wyclef is my joy, pride and role model. He is that guy who came from nothing to being Wyclef Jean that the entire world knows and talks about. Once I realized that the people who were the quickest to call him a thief were some who are also cashing in in the name of Haiti and "bigging" up themselves for "saving Haiti" without seeing any result; when I look at how Wyclef's NGO was the only one run by a Haitian getting donations and international media attention, that they believe should have gone to them; when I read his explanation, when I remember that he started Yéle with his OWN money, I forgave him, hoped nothing else surfaced and supported him 100%. I refuse to be one of those self-destructive Haitians who joined voices with others to swing mud at him. You may not support the man, but it made no sense to tarnish his reputation for every little petty things. He is not a saint. But he probably was the cleanest candidate on the list!
Wyclef didn't win tonight. But I believe history was made. I will be able to tell my children that in 2010, Wyclef Jean made the entire globe talk about Haiti's elections and shed light on how dirty and unfair the process is. He energized the youth in Haiti, had the diaspora fired up and ready to go vote, and showed the "intellectuals" that they are miserable failures, since they have been there for decades and have managed to make everything worse. The January 12th earthquake has proven that Haiti's so called "intellectual" class are failures and they no longer belong in the leadership team of the country. They failed to make any kind of impression after the earthquake and seven months later, Millions - if not Billions later, they still fail to regulate the organizations who flooded the country and demand them to employ Haitians to get them back up on their feet instead of waiting on a hand to come feed them.
Wyclef's short run also helped many struggling writers, contributors and ex-celebrities get back on the limelight. They all came out of nowhere and all of a sudden, they had this "deep love and interest" in Haiti. When it comes to SOME of those "contributors" and "journalists', I am sure their work in Haiti is already over and will be on the first plane to wherever the next juicy story is. Their sole purpose for being in Haiti or writing refurbished articles about Wyclef was to get attention and twitter followers. Haiti's elections would not be so talked about if Wyclef was not a candidate. I hope they'd prove me wrong, but I am positive that I will not see one article about Haiti's elections until they are over. Unless, of course, Wyclef decides to keep the heat on, somehow. I am not sure how he can do that but I know he can.
I am sure Wyclef can still help the youth of Haiti stay focus, energized, calm and inspired to do good. Wyclef is still powerful enough to do just about everything he wanted to do as a president. One thing that I am hoping he will focus on is creating jobs for these young men who believe in him so much. Although, THEY only see them as weed-smokers and rejects, I believe they can be used efficiently for the betterment of themselves and Haiti. Jobs, jobs, jobs! Put them to work because "an idle mind/hand is the devil's playground". keep them busy, give them a way to earn a paycheck and we will see a change in our people and country. This will not happen overnight and I am not naive to think that they will all give up certain ways that they acquired over the years of misery they were subjected to, but we have to give hope and take a chance on them. When they catch a boat to other islands, or even to DR, they contribute greatly to the economy, pay taxes etc... So, I believe it is possible to change the image that we all have of the youth of Haiti. Wyclef could be that role model; that someone they will listen to, look up to and the one who can bring jobs to Haiti even if he is not President.
After recovering from tonight's deception, I am hoping that Wyclef will continue to represent, and work for Haiti. Continue to be the subject of my pride and make my heart swells every time you take the stage to either perform or talk on behalf of the voiceless.
Stay true to yourself, generous, kind and the beautiful person that you are. You are an authentic Haitian, like my dad told me yesterday on the phone.
May God continue to Bless You beyond measure! I was called an "ignorant" for supporting you, but I will definitely support you again should you decide to run in 2015.
Your post is heartfelt and sincere. It is difficult to argue the points you've made about Wyclef. My personal assessment is that Wyclef the person should not be confused with Wyclef the artist because he has to have an image due to his career as an artist. Second, the community should really acknowledge the fact that many were reluctant to embrace their Haitian heritage. Wyclef came along and it was alright to be Haitian for many. Not need for denial, he was our voice for quite a while now.
ReplyDeleteAs for the candidacy, I did not feel that Wyclef was a suitable candidate merely for the fact that Haiti needs a model to follow. Where is the structure? Wyclef is an international celebrity so he is an easy target, but what about some of the others who made the list? When will we as a people begin to think about establishing a reliable system in Haiti?
In a country where the majority are illiterate and there is a need for educatiopnal reform, are we sure that we want to allow unqualified candidates to give the youth false hope? Wyclef is an exception and not the norm - had it not ben for his international acclaim, we wouldn't have these discussions. The youth need to see educated and articulate leaders run their country, but who also have a genuine ionterest in their well-being and future. The older geneartion must allow fresh faces to step up to the plate. I am not anti-Wyclef. I am however, against arbitrary candidates who manipulate the uneducated masses into believing that they are on their side and have their best interests at heart. Maybe that is not Wyclef's position, but being patriotic also means acknowledging your boundaries. For me, it's not about speaking French, it is about reestablishing a Haiti where EVERYONE respects the process of gaining a place as a true leader, for a country where that has been lost. Wyclef made his statement so now let us allow him to do what he has promised.
(Cont'd from previous)
ReplyDeleteI find it offensive to abase and berate someone because he/she is not the ideal that we have in mind. Si li pa kalifye, li pa kalifye. Nou pa bezwen rayi li konsa. Anik konnen pou kimoun nap pwal vote nan eleksyon 2010 la.
We need neoteric ideas, modern concepts that do not dilute our heritage; leaders with a genuine interest in the overall state of Haiti; and a plethora of social reconstruct in the country. Again, to join the modern world, our leaders must be articulate, prepared, and ready to represent us as a real nation without ridicule.
Running a country is no small task, as we may know or have forgotten. Wyclef is not the problem. The real problem is that anyone can become a candidate. More baffling than that is the fact that they are likely to make it. As I said, what about structure and respect for the presidency - which entails respect for the flag and country?
I hope this discourse can continue in a respectful and intelligent manner. Thanks for sharing and breaking the ice!
Dear ****, Very thoughtful and elaborate comment. Although we disagree on Wyclef, I like the way you voice your opinion.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
ReplyDeletehope Clef will be there 2015.
ReplyDelete