19 May, 2009
NEW YORK, May 18th. – Bill Clinton, former president of the United States, has been named United Nations’ Special Envoy to Haiti to help rebuild the impoverished nation post numerous natural disasters and food shortages that have brought the population further to a state of extreme poverty.
Clinton told The Miami Herald in a statement, “It is an honor to accept the secretary-general’s invitation to become special envoy to Haiti. Last year’s natural disasters took a great toll, but Haiti’s government and people have the determination and ability to `build back better,’ not just to repair the damage done but to lay the foundations for the long-term sustainable development that has eluded them for so long.” Clinton and U.S. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the hurricane ravaged country two months ago to raise attention for Haiti’s rebuilding program following a year of storms. Four back-to-back storms left nearly 800 dead and caused nearly $1 billion in damages, the Herald said.
Clinton’s foundation has been active in Haiti for years, working on issues such as health care, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and restoring the environment.
Clinton has been involved with Haiti since his first term as president, when he used the threat of force to pressure military coup leaders into restoring ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
In 2005, President Bill Clinton endorsed the humanitarian work of the Batey Relief Alliance and made an emotional plea asking for disaster relief support for the organization, after Hurricane Jeanne ravaged Haiti killing 4000 people and leaving a path of destruction. Click HERE to view video. The Batey Relief Alliance implements projects that benefit both the populations of Haiti as well as the Dominican Republic.
