People News

Wyclef Jean vows to help Haiti

Jan 13, 2010, 13:04 GMT

US musician Wyclef Jean EPA/Sara Johannessen

Wyclef Jean has vowed to help Haiti recover from its recent earthquake.

The 'Gone Till November' rapper - who was born in Haitian city Croix-des-Bouquets - has pleaded for help for the Caribbean nation after it experienced its worst national disaster for over 200 years yesterday (12.01.10).

Last night, he said: "Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced."

Wyclef has always taken a very hands-on approach to looking after his home nation, and started the Yele Haiti Foundation to raise relief funds for the area following Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

Thousands are feared dead following yesterday's earthquake in the capital city - which is home to over two million people. As well as general destruction, a hospital in the city's wealthy area of Petionville is also believed to have collapsed.

Wyclef has urged the "international community" to help the nation in any way possible.

He said: "Over two million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now. President Obama has already said that the US stands 'ready to assist' the Haitian people. The US Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible."