Rapper/producer
Wyclef Jean has a new achievement to add to his list of accomplishments.The
Grammy-winning lyricist was appointed roving ambassador of his native Haiti on
Wednesday (Jan. 3) by the country’s President Rene Preval.Jean,
who is credited with successfully lobbying the US Congress for passage of a trade
bill that is expected to help create textile manufacturing jobs in Haiti, will
use his new position to promote the country’s troubled image abroad, according
to government officials, who labeled the entertainer as a model for youth, the
pride of allHaitians
and "our best asset to promote the country’s image around the world and to
help attract foreign investors."The
Fugees member is currently slated to join Preval on a three-day visit to Jamaica.Noted
for his active support of Haiti, Jean has demonstrated his Haitian pride on several
occasions. He has been seen wearing the Haitian flag on his clothing at public
events in addition to creating a foundation to provide aid and assistance for
residents."We
wish we could have several Wyclefs as roving ambassadors because the country could
have gained so much," Foreign Affairs Minister Renald Clerisme told Reuters
in an interview.The
appointment comes on the heels of Jean’s recent Grammy nomination for best
pop collaboration with Shakira for the hit song “Hips Don’t Lie.”
