Wyclef takes on the Haters

Yesterday Wyclef  Jean, a famous Haitian Rap/R&B artist, gave a press conference to contest accusations that His organization YELE HAITI misappropriated donations.  An emotional Jean vehemently denied any wrongdoing on the part of the non-profit which he founded. Questions remain, but the facts will speak for themselves. Yele Haiti has received a significant amount of money in the last few days due to the disaster in Haiti and an active participatory role of  the Haitian Diaspora. The future will tell if YELE is on the up and up. This holds true for all NGOs operating in Haiti. The hundreds of millions already invested in the past went like water through sand,. disappearing with not much to show for it. There must be a high level of on the ground accountability for all organizations in Haiti.  Money will continue to disappear  as long as the system allows it. It is up to us to see that this is no longer the case. Some participants in the online web chat connected to the press conference expressed outrage at the presence of combat troops  sent by the US and others.  I know that these troops are needed now for security of the relief effort. I also know that the Haitian Police force is not currently capable of maintaining order in the country. Troops are essential now but the highest priority of the rebuilding effort is should be to shore up the national police force so that troops on the ground can be released to perform non-police duties, or be withdrawn altogether, as the needs of the situation dictate. I want to take a moment and express my gratitude to all the nations of the world who responded with so much compassion towards the people of Haiti. Thank you for all that you have done and are continuing to do.