Morning to all my fans around the world. It’s your boy Wyclef, aka the Preacher’s son, aka James Bond. LOL. You might be asking, why Bond? Well, yesterday I came back from Haiti in an Air Force plane with President Clinton. I can’t give you too much info about the plane. That’s classified. But I can tell you there’s a phone line directly from the plane to the White House. While we were 35,000 thousand feet in the air! Now dats kool! LOL.
OK, on a more serious note, the former President asked me to go on this trip with him among his delegation – along with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. I was happy to see Paul Farmer! Please, if you don’t know who Paul Farmer is, check him out here. He has been doing great work in Haiti. After you research his name, we will have a more in-depth conversation about him.
Wyclef Jean, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former U.S. President Bill Clinton in Haiti.
Back to the trip. When we got to Haiti, we went to one of the slums in Port Au Prince called Cite Soliel. The former President has been coming to Haiti for 35 years. He has seen the change, over and over, through the years. Yele Haiti has a program where we feed kids in the schools. It was great to see all these kids eating. Everytime I see these kids, I know that I am one of them and I know that my mission in life is to help as many as I can.
Wyclef Jean, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former U.S. President Bill Clinton in a school in Haiti.
We were in and out because the former President had a lot of other important places to visit and matters to attend to. But while we were there, we were in the bubble! That means heavy Secret Service protecting the President – surrounding him 24/7. I was in the bubble too! Clef bond! LOL.
Later that night, we went to the White House in Haiti to see President Preval; a small dinner hosted by the President. In that dinner, President Preval talked about how investment is what the country needs. When I was given a chance to speak to the room, the first point I made was that I did not want to be the President of Haiti. The whole room lit up with laughter and cheered. I know that these rumors are circulating. It is not my wish, but the people’s wish. I am clear on my mission for Haiti. Like Bob Marley before me, who put Jamaica on the map; I will put Haiti on the map!
At that dinner, I also talked about dual-citizenship. If you want to understand more about this, please read my old blog posting about “Being the Next President of Haiti”. I also talked about the 30,000 Haitians that are rumored to be deported back to Haiti from Miami I told the President that we need to talk to President Obama to help us with this matter.
So as you can see, your gem has been busy!! But never too busy for you. I would like to say that after reading ALL your comments this week – I am inspired! I would ask if each one can teach one, and get more people to read and write and share ideas.
I leave you with my words of wisdom for the day: If dreams can come true, then it’s OK to dream. But for the dream to manifest into reality, you must wake up from the dream.
WYCLEF
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Clef, it’s ur boy Carel. I’m really happy that u came to Haiti with this delegation. What are you doing for the country is priceless. You don’t have to be a president to bring hope in our heart and make every single haitian proud of their flag and believe in change and a better future. There’s so much to do and we haitian do believe that dreams come true. Kenbe la frèm!!
When one feels troubled and burdened down, the sight of children in need who you help to feed, is surely medicine for your soul. Wow! I am humbled by your devotion not just abroad, but to come back and share with us your personal world of philanthropy. What a window into your soul…you are surely one in a Million! signing out…
Agent99
James Bond! bon bagay baby!!! (good stuff)
I’ve always been a fan of former president Clinton and this re-inforces the admiration I have for him even more…and you Clef! you already know what’s up when it comes to my admiration for you (lol) It’s a beautiful thing what you guys are doing! you talk about us inspiring you? well you inspire me to want to do better everyday, how cool is that?!.
Welcome back. Glad to know that you now have a clear idea of what your calling is, which is that of putting Haiti on the map same as Bob Marley did for Jamaica…and baby boy, you’re doing a mighty great job at that so far. May God continue to bless you, protect you, grant you continued focus and wisdom to carry on the journey. Know that you are appreciated.
I’m trying to create a magazine with my blog title. I wanted to know if it was possible to do an interview for my magazine about the Yele Foundation? So, sorry if this seems spammy.
“Think quick, what should I do? What did double 0-7 do? I pulled a bomb from my shoe”
What kind of investments did President Preval mention?
Anything specific, or was it general?
Investment in agricultural infrastructure?
Health care?
Utilities?
Transportation?
Housing?
Manufacturing and trade?
Hey Clef! It’s your girl R to the D to the N!!!
In addition to my prior post, just wanted to also stress on the statement you made below:
“I also talked about the 30,000 Haitians that are rumored to be deported back to Haiti from Miami I told the President that we need to talk to President Obama to help us with this matter.”
I am glad discussions are in place with the Haitian president on finding a real solution going forward with the new Obama administration, in order to help solve this Ordeal. This issue has become a real sore point between the U.S. and Haiti, that’s already struggling with overcrowded prisons, a weak police force and increased instability due to recent surges in crime sprees.
I am one who also believe in people entering the country legally, but in instances where parents are being separated from their children because they simply lack proper documentations, something has got to give. Another deportation practice that I also feel is not fair to Haiti, is when the U.S want to deport hardened criminals who grew up here back to Haiti, not only they grew up here, but they also learned their trade in America…if these people have no family in Haiti, do not speak the language too well, will most likely not get any jobs, what else does anybody expect them to do but to continue to do crimes…that practice in my opinion is not fair to this empoverished nation and can only cripple the country further with the influx of hardened criminals on it’s shore. Both governments need to work real hard at finding a permanent solution to this ever growing problem.
Had to come back and comment on DREAMS now that my lil Hero worship is out the way….lol, I can get back to my undying need for intellectual stimulation. Nice to be able to do that with one person….Gee.
Hey, don’t be sleepin on Dreams. After all, one can dream in an awakened state….thus Meditation, this is the stuff that shapes destinies. If the Shepherd boy had not had the dream about the treasure, he would not have realized his Personal Legend. Yes, he had to awaken from that dream to make it happen, however the Dream is very important here. So, one getting ‘Closer’ to ones Dreams is not indicative of a state of sleep or unconscious activity, it simply states the Dream sets the tone for the activity to be done in the awakened or conscious state…..SEEN!
I think your quest to put Haiti on the map is going swimmingly! Your mission is impressive and inspiring. You are the Haitian Bono!!!
Wyclef man I love your blog. Your love and lust lost made me think alot. It is awesome to see that there are still people who are willing to do things because they are right and not for fame. Keep it up man. Check out my blog some time post every monday. http://matthewisbrilliant.blogspot.com/
God be with us all.
“Word up, take trips on Air Force One,
only to bring the homeless with no sneaks Air Force Ones.”
I heard that line on Intro to Creole 101 today, and it made me stop washing the dishes for a second… a quote came to mind:
“…And as an Emcee you will study verbal magic,
but watch what you say cause you’ll attract it,
Control your subconscious magnet
from pulling in havoc…”
-KRS-ONE “The Emcee”
Speaking of the Teacha, I thought this was relevant to your words of wisdom today:
“There’s a difference between dreaming and visualizing”
-KRS-ONE, “Woke Up”
This is amazing, amazing work, Wyclef! There are a slew of celebrities out there with charities and only a tiny percentage actually filters into the REAL CAUSE of the charity itself. But with you I do believe that you are completely sincere in all the time, work, dedication, and money that you have placed on yours.
In my opinion and you have already stated this, I don’t think you should ever run for president. That is when your complete and utter intention for real change in your country will become tarnished and incriminated against. This is just my humble opinion.
Whatever we can do as a people aside from giving loads of money to your charity, please let us know. I have followed Yele’s work and have turned a ton of people onto it and it’s cause. I hope that helps a bit, even if it isn’t a lot of money that I can donate to the cause.
In regards to your words of wisdom, I agree 1001% that in order for your dreams to come true, YOU MUST WAKE UP! Gosh Wyclef, you are just so introspective; you take the thoughts right out of my mind. I say this about ‘dreams’… dreams equals hope and hope is a very dangerous thing sometimes. People can hope and hope all day and still never ever live the life that they have ‘hoped and dreamed’ of… Hence my agreement in WAKING UP from DREAMING! I believe your dream is the catalyst but to catapult it into reality, one must TRULY and UTTERLY ‘wake up’ and do the work…
MY WIFE just had a baby girl !!! Our 2nd and last healthy child!!! 7lbs 9oz, 20 1/4 inches long! Born FRIDAY THE 13th at 8:45 am! MY DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE!!! If only me and Clef were great friends!
LAUGH AND SMILE, FOR ALL IS WELL !!!
CHRIS, (DC/MD)
i’ll be gone till November!
Sak pasé Wyclef
Félicitation, Wyclef aux yeux des Haïtiens qui vivent à l’extérieur d’Haïti et en Haïti ce que tu as accomplis jusqu’à présent est extrêmement important pour notre communauté (Haïtien dans le monde) car l’être humain oubli très vite. Continue ton bon travail en général.
Bravo Wyclef,
Have been following your work at Yele since inception. Have seen the good deeds when I visit Haiti. Agree still much to do. My spirit journey has guided me to Haiti over a decade ago, my work yet to be completed. Early on, signs of your role for this great nation. Haiti can and will show the world the way. Have visited your Dads church. Michele Montas is aware of my dreams. Paul Farmer as well. Are we being called? I believe so. Would welcome discussion. My e-mail is jompbonnet@yahoo.com. Peace, Jean-Paul Bonnet
great to read your words of wisdom
I want to thank you for represent this beautiful country named Haiti. I want to tell you today, the only way Haiti can have a chance for change is to have some one like you as the PRESIDENT because you are for the people. You don’t need to be President Clef.
Hey Wyclef,
In reading your blog I notice that lots of people write about how much they admire your work but they don’t write about how much money they have contributed to Yele. Please people, $20 or so dollars feeds a lot of kids! Go to the Yele website and send in $10 or $20, that’s the price of a movie or a few coffees at Starbucks.
Although I am not Haitian, Haiti has been a sore spot for me for many years. As a black-American, I know the role the U.S. has played in Haitian political affairs and I know our hands are not clean.
Having said that, I think that in the past 20 years most of the problems with many black-led countries begins with leadership. Haiti needs committed, trustworthy and unselfish leadership – and not just for one term but for generations. That’s why the education component of your charity is such a good idea. Hopefully some of the children being educated through Yele will grow up to be the next president of Haiti and with committed leadership will put the country back on track.
Haitians are sent back to Haiti because Haiti has no political clout with the U.S. It doesn’t have oil or other resources that the U.S. can exploit. So if Haiti can’t offer the U.S. anything (but its people) the U.S. has no need for Haiti. That’s cold but that’s the truth. Even though when Haitians come to the U.S. they are one of the most motivated groups of immigrants. They take advantage of the educational opportunities like no other immigrants and over time work their way up the social ladder to become assets to their adopted country.
Africa, of course, is a prime example of bad leadership. If many of those countries had moral, trustworthy and committed leadership their citizens would be in much better shape. They have the natural resources but leadership that thinks everything belongs to them alone and the people should get nothing. This has got to stop because the U.S. and the European coutries are growing tired of this foolishness – even if they have sowed the seeds of it many years before. They are no longer going to “throw good money after bad.”
Since I discovered your charity last year, I have contributed every opportunity I can. Whenever I have some extra money, I send $30 or so. I try to allocate the money to something different each time, either reforestation, feeding, schools, etc. I try to spread it around – even if it is just a little money. I know that for some in Haiti $30 goes a long, long way.
The U.S./Obama administration is in a sticky situation with regards to deportation. As you know, illegal and legal immigration are hot topics in the U.S. Some people believe that if you are given the opportunity to live in the U.S. you should be grateful and stay out of trouble. When they see a criminal being deported they have very little simpathy, (no matter the reason or the crime), no matter what the conditions in the country they are being sent to. I’m not saying that’s right, I’m just saying that’s the way a lot of people think.
However, I believe to send Haitians back to Haiti now is just beyond criminal. The people here are helping so many people back home – but again – Haitians have no political clout so the U.S. does not listen to their voice. And the American people are screaming about immigration, illegal immigration, crime, crowded schools, lack of jobs, etc.
I wrote on your Myspace about an incredible new form of housing that I think would go very well in Haiti. Please check out this site http://www.static.monolithic.com. This company builds hurricane-proof dome housing that is catching on in tropical locations. At one time they had a test community of Ecoshell dome houses in Haiti but had to abandon the project because of the political strife. I think it would be incredible if you would check out their site. Maybe these houses are something that could be built in Haiti. The dome houses are incredibly easy to build and could become a money-making business for someone in Haiti. They don’t require wood for building so they save trees, are termite and bug proof, and again, can withstand a hurricane. The fact that so many people lose their homes to hurricanes each year is one of the prime reasons that the people are continually poor – because they have to replace everything over and over again, including their shelter. These dome houses would prevent that and allow the people to live in greater comfort and with less fear of losing everything.
Love your work, keep pushing for Haiti. I will keep sending in my contributions. Haiti needs our love and support,