Wyclef Jean Fights Tears at Yele Haiti Press Conference

As people continue to question Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti foundation, the former Fugees member told reporters that while he made mistakes he didn't take any money.

"Yele's books are open and transparent, and we have been a clean bill of heath by an external auditor every year since we started," Jean said in a press conference on Monday. "On the books, it looks as though there was benefit, but there was not. It was done with the intent to do anything other than efficient."

As Spinner previously reported, the Smoking Gun published reports last week questioning the charity's finances. According to the site, Jean and his partner were paid for various administrative and production expenses. While Yele Haiti has so far raised over $2 million since the 7.0 earthquake that hit the country last week, Jean's fundraising efforts may be threatened because of the allegations.

"The Haitian on the ground of course are going to suffering, frustrated, violent," Jean said while fighting back tears. "I tell them I do not cry for myself that I cry for them."

However, the heated debate isn't stopping Jean from moving forward with his plans to help. He has called for an "exodus" from the capital city and asked for assistance in constructing massive tent communities to serve as a refuge for earthquake victims. "We need to migrate at least two million people in different parts outside of Port-au-Prince," he said. "And I give you my word. If I tell them to go, they will go. But they need somewhere to go to." Check out the video of the press conference below.

Source:spinner.com/

Peres thanks Israel's rescue team in Haiti

President places phone call to members of Israeli aid delegation at field hospital they set up in Port-au-Prince to express his appreciation. 'You are people's defense force,' he says

Ynet Published: 01.19.10, 18:15 / Israel News




A presidential word of gratitude. Members of the Israeli search and rescue delegation to Haiti, which setup a field hospital in the devastated country and also registered a number of successful rescue operations in Port-au-Prince, received a phone call from President Shimon Peres Tuesday afternoon in a show of thanks.



Peres said, "You have saved lives and brought life. I speak on behalf of the entire nation who thanks you for your dedication, your capability, and your volunteerism, for bringing relief to the victims and pride to the country."

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In a conversation with the head of the Israeli delegation Brig. Gen. Shalom Ben-Arieh that was broadcast over the field hospital's public announcement system to all the soldiers, doctors, and rescue team members, the president said, "The terrible disaster that has befallen Haiti, an earthquake that has shaken hearts around the world, that left us crying and helpless called for superior and purposeful volunteerism. You responded to this call out of sensitivity, attention, and concern for every little girl and every man."



Peres lavished praises on the Israeli team's actions. "The entire nation is watching you every day with a crying heart and deep concern. You have brought the IDF's capability to its pinnacle. It is not only the Israeli defense force, but the people's defense force. It does not matter where disaster strikes, you are the first and the best organized to help.

This disaster is a disaster, and I thank you for manifesting the humanity of the IDF. Your volunteerism against showed the beautiful spirit of the IDF, which is humane. If one soul can be saved, the military is called into action."



The president, who concluded his conversation with the words "thank you," said, "I speak with much emotion. We are watching you from afar everyday and feel so close and so real. I know that you will do everything possible in order to continue saving lives and bringing hope to an impossible situation and a disaster unlike any other."

Source:ynetnews.com/

Thai Cabinet Approves Donation, Rice To Help Haiti Quake Victims

BANGKOK, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Cabinet on Tuesday gave a greenlight to provide US$100,000 to quake-hit Haiti, and will also send 20,000 tonnes of rice to help victims there following estimates that two million people urgently need food aid, according to Thai News Agency.




Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting that the additional aid was approved after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs donated an initial grant of US$20,000 last week.



The foreign ministry earlier sought Cabinet approval of medium-term financial assistance to Haiti as the Thai law does not allow the ministry itself to approve any budget over US$30,000.



The premier said 20,000 tonnes of rice will also be sent there. After detailed discussions with the United Nations, Thailand will also send a medical team into the devastated area.



"Those who want to help the quake victims can donate through Krung Thai Bank, Government House Branch, account number 0057-65-7 or call hotline telephone number 1111," said Abhisit.



The premier added that a donation centre to help Haitians will be set up near Makkawanrangsan Bridge from January 20 though February 3, open every day.



Abhisit assigned Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Veerachai Veerametheekul to coordinate with the foreign ministry in providing help the quake-hit people in Haiti.



Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya earlier said that the ministry is consulting with agencies concerned to provide assistance to benefit a spectrum of victims, and that he has asked the Mexican government to help procure and deliver supplies in need on behalf of the Thai government to affected Haitians with Thailand's financial assistance.



The foreign ministry reported that eight Thais living in Haiti were safe after a 7.0 magnitude quake hit southern Haiti last Tuesday killing some 50,000 people and affected some two million people. There are fears that the death toll could reach 200,000.

Source:bernama.com/

Wyclef defends his Yele Haiti Foundation, but admits mistakes

His country facing a veritable apocalypse, Wyclef Jean took time out Monday to make an impassioned plea for help and yet another emotional defense of his charitable motives.

Days after The Smoking Gun posted financial records suggesting his Yéle Haiti Foundation may have enriched the former Fugee, Wyclef reiterated remarks from this weekend and insisted that all donations were going directly to help his homeland.



"Have I made mistakes? Yes," Jean said a press conference Monday. "Did I use Yéle money for personal gains? Absolutely not. The books are open. We have a clean bill of health from an auditor."



The 37-year-old musician and his organization have been at the forefront of relief efforts in Haiti, rallying support from politicians and Hollywood bigwigs like George Clooney.



"We went inside the belly of the beast", Jean said. "I was the one carrying the little girls to the morgue. In reality, my people are dying. I have to go back for relief. I do not cry for myself, I cry for them."



Because the destruction is so severe, Jean called for a mass exodus from the capital.



"I am asking the world to move 2 million people out of Port-au-Prince," Jean said. "If I ask them to leave they will leave. We need to keep Haiti alive."



Meanwhile, celebrities are continuing to rally relief support for Haiti, with John Travolta, Bette Midler, Usher and Josh Duhamel among the latest to pitch in.



Travolta is planning to personall fly aid into Haiti.



"I have arranged for a plane to take down some volunteer ministers and some supplies and some medics," Travolta told Entertainment Tonight. "My church has also arranged for 80 medics and 33 volunteers to go down. I hope that inspires others as well. It's needed."



Duhamel, meanwhile, is participating in a two-mile beach run in Santa Monica on Jan. 23 that will benefit earthquake victims.



"If you're like me, you've seen the pain and suffering going on in Haiti right now, and really feel the need to help, to physically help-to actually DO SOMETHING, " Duhamel tweeted Monday. "Well, I think we can!"



The run will be used as a fund-raising vehicle for the American Red Cross. Those interested can RSVP at youthrun4haiti.com.



Usher has partnered up with the United Nations Foundation to send aid, encouraging young people worldwide to join in.



"If only 1 percent of the world's youth population raised $5 each, we could raise $150 million to support the United Nation's relief efforts," he said in a statement.



Amassed donations for Usher's initiative can be sent via www.ushersnewlook.org or by texting "CERF" to 90999 to donate $5 to the cause.



Finally, Midler announced that she will collect monetary donations from fans at her Las Vegas show match the amount she receives up until her final performance of The Showgirl Must Go On at Caesars Palace on Jan. 31.



Thus far, Midler has raised $38,742.62 for Doctors Without Borders.

Source:postzambia.com/