Wyclef Jean has been appointed as Haiti’s newest goodwill ambassador by the country’s president Rene Preval. The former Fugees member, an outspoken supporter and native of the island nation, was issued a red diplomatic passport during a ceremony in New York on Thursday (October 18). According to the Miami Herald, Clef’s uncle, Raymond Joseph—who happens to be the Haitian ambassador to the U.S.—performed the honors. In addition to the hundreds of fans who turned out to show their support, also in attendance were Russell Simmons and Miami City Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones. “I promise never to make you ashamed,” he told the crowd. “Life has changed for the rapper. If it were not for hip hop I would not be standing here tonight.”