When I heard that Wyclef Jean is running for president of Haiti, my immediate response was great. Some of my friends and associates think I have lost my mind. “Are you for real,” they bellowed. Yes, I replied, why not. Haiti was the first Black nation to become independent in 1804, yet Haiti is still the poorest country in the western hemisphere. I believe it is way past due for Haiti to join the twenty-first century and find ways to help its citizens.
The reasons behind my thinking Wyclef is a good choice for president are based on pure logic. It has been two hundred and six years since Haiti became a free nation, but very little change has occurred. A young celebrity like Wyclef would bring the necessary clout that would help bring much needed tourism to Haiti. Many other third world country’s economies are based on mainly tourism.
I think Wyclef would get the support of many other countries to help turn things around in Haiti. As I speak, celebrities such as Sean Penn, Matt Damon, and Angelina Jolie have made numerous trips to Haiti. Other celebrities would follow suit. Their clout would stir much needed interest, and hopefully builders would want to open resorts in Haiti. Haiti is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. I could actually see Haiti booming with tourism just like Mexico and Jamaica.
Wyclef could put a delegation together that would be responsible for building roads, schools, hospitals, and many more important improvements to the infrastructure. He could easily seek the help of other countries to help bring these goals into a reality; more importantly, he can hire Haitians living in Haiti so the people have a way to bring in some income.
Lastly, I think it is of vital importance that Wyclef come up with a viable plan to decrease the number of kidnappings in Haiti. This is very important because not too many tourists would visit Haiti if this situation was not dealt with. No one is foolish enough to subject themselves to being kidnapped, especially in a third world country.
I am known for being too much of an optimist, but I think it is better to have a positive outlook than to have a negative and gloomy disposition. Why wallow in negativity? Life is too short; I tend to see the glass as half full instead of half empty.