A leader with a strong political will and stance is what is needed...
After reading through the posts in the thread, and a link in the Daily News, I am not sure Wyclef Jean could swing it. As much as I like the fact that he's involved in the country and interested in becoming more than just someone who 'contributes' from the Diaspora, he would be too green in the political arena.
Based on some of the thoughts in the thread:
In my opinion, popularity with the masses is important but not as important as his would be challenge to get Haiti up and running as a functional independent nation which would take any president decades to achieve. However, slowly chipping away at some short term attainable goals will lay the foundation for the long term sustainable ones. This is not impossible but the president to be has to work with a viable plan and not go into the role with an empty plate. Yes, he will be guided by external political forces but s/he has to have an outline / strategy for the rebirth of Haiti. Let's face it this nation is virtually starting from scratch so everything from education, to employment creation, health care etc needs to be addressed and a plan designed to implement over time.
I hope the fact that people like him or whoever does not mean a president will be elected based on such criteria. Popularity helps to a certain extent and is needed but I hope it's not popularity equivalent to a presidency fuelled by 'charisma' which is not unfamiliar to Latin America. A charismatic leader is not what Haiti needs in my opinion. I like the idea of the possible future president being from the Haitian Diaspora because he should be void of the Haitian homegrown corrupt political culture per se thus bringing a different mindset to the arena or simply this is his dream to lead his country one day and it can be done. Bottom line is I don't think this nation can nosedive any further. The situation is dismal. The reality tells the tale. The people need to rise up and so does the next would be leader. I am glad Wyclef Jean is concerned about the country beyond his current interests but I think some political experience is definitely needed if he has a chance at succeeding meaning being elected and being successful over time.
I think other more renowned Haitians from the Diaspora need to rise up to the forefront as well. They do not have to run for presidency but they certainly need to play a more active role in moving Haiti forward. Sending money and supporting certain organizations is not enough. With complacency nothing will change and as a result the people will remain in 'survival mode' to the end of time. It will take a collaborate effort to get Haiti (somewhat) functional again.
President Wyclef Jean? Former Fugee singer considers running for president of quake-ravaged Haiti
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Education beats poverty. Invest in it to make
the world a better place- MP.
rule #1 start teaching english in kindergarden.
#2 speaking french is not a profession neither an art. That weapon is a killer to the masses.
bonne journee, je drois aller travailler maintenant.
Can you explain what you mean by your point #2 about speaking French. Are you saying/ implying that because only a small percentage i.e. the elite Haitians speak French thus the general masses are excluded? If so, I think the population should learn French since it's the hierarchy language of Creole. By learning French they definitely would identify with
'la francophonie' which would only be a plus to any Haitian.
