PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Wyclef Jean has stepped down as leader of the embattled aid group he founded as he prepares to formally declare his candidacy for the Haitian presidency. The singer released a statement that he was resigning the chairmanship of Yele Haiti effective immediately yesterday. The Brooklyn, New York-raised entertainer was headed to his native Haiti and was expected to officially file his election papers yesterday afternoon at the provisional electoral council in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. “I am not stepping down in my commitment to Haiti. On the contrary, regardless of what path I take next, one thing is certain: My focus on helping Haiti turn a new corner will only grow stronger,” Jean said in the statement. Jean helped found Yele Haiti five years ago to raise money and build awareness of the myriad problems in his impoverished homeland. It has raised $9 million in the wake of the January 12 earthquake. But Yele came under criticism when post-quake scrutiny revealed alleged improprieties including that it had paid Jean to perform at fund-raising events and bought advertising air time from a television station he co-owns. Jean tearfully defended the organisation in a news conference. (AP)
