At an official ceremony at the Hotel Karibe this Thursday, May 27, 2021, Mr. Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti, appointed artists Jean Jean Roosevelt and Roosevelt Saillant dit BIC as “National Goodwill Ambassadors”. In the presence of the press, executives of the organization, children and other personalities, these artists and UNICEF representatives initialed the letters of appointment for a period of two (2) years.
This is not a favor granted to these artists who have just been named “national goodwill ambassadors” by UNICEF, recalls Mrs. Aldine Parissot who officiated as Master of Ceremonies. In her words of welcome, she described Jean Jean Roosevelt and BIC as two talented artists who, even before being appointed ambassadors, defended the cause of children through their musical texts.
In his speech, Mr Bruno Maes expressed his pride at having been able to honor two worthy sons of Haiti.
“It is an honor for me and for UNICEF Haiti to have you at our side to promote children’s rights,” said the UNICEF Representative in Haiti.
Mr. Maes believes in the ability of the new ambassadors to speak directly to policy-makers, donors, communities, parents and family members, asking them to ensure that children’s rights are respected, in their best interests.
“The two (2) monuments of Haitian music that we are honoring today, can use their talents and notoriety to plead the cause of children and to accompany UNICEF but also the Government of Haiti to guarantee every child, the right to health, education, access to water, hygiene and sanitation, protection and equal opportunities”, he continued?
The ambassadors each received a kit containing service materials from the representatives. In turn, they thanked UNICEF for having chosen them. The new ambassadors promise to continue the work they have been doing for ages. They will make the cause of children their own.
Ms Jean Gough, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, made no secret of her delight in her short speech. She said she was delighted to have these two artists on board. She recalled that through their songs, these artists have rendered enormous services to their communities. She also hopes that this collaboration will spread and last for a very long time.
The audience was treated to a performance by the artists. With his guitar, Jean Jean Roosevelt, helped by the audience, performed the song “Pourquoi a-t-on grandi”. The artist recalls that this song had given him a huge boost to win the prize at the Francophonie games in Nice in 2013.
For their part, BIC chose to perform the song “Mesi manman” to the delight of mothers as a prelude to Mother’s Day. Despite the barriers imposed by the second wave of covid-19, the audience had a great time.
Created on December 11, 1946, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is the UN body that promotes children’s rights worldwide.
