By M&C News Jan 4, 2007, 18:40 GMT
Haiti President Rene Preval has chosen hip-hop/reggae star Wyclef Jean to be named a roving ambassador for Haiti, according to an announcement made by Foreign Affairs Minister Reynald Clerisme on Thursday.
Wyclef Jean - amfAR New York Benefit - Pierre Hotel © Janet Mayer / Photorazzi
As an ambassador, Jean (who is a Haitian citizen living in the United States and is 34) duties will include promoting development in Haiti and representing the nation when he attends various events around the world.
Jean received the title with hope that his presence will help Haiti’s image – that is commonly seen as a country struggling following the violence that accompanied a rebellion in 2004 and its poor economic status.
"We have so much to recover from with our bad reputation. With Wyclef, we can gain a lot," Clerisme said in a statement.
Jean already supports the country through his efforts with his Yele Haiti foundation – which helps to promote arts, education and sports in an effort to bring more work and development to the country.
The singer/songwriter left the country at the age of 9 and moved to the United States. He became a icon in music through his groundbreaking work with The Fugees and later through his solo projects and musical collaborations.
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