KOMPA! MAGAZINE

[kompamagazine]

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YOURI CHEVRI is well known in HMI circles from his Djakout Mizik to Barikad Crew days among other things. Now, he is targeting higher goals with him running for the position of Mayor of Port-au-Prince.

KOMPA MAGAZINE speaks to him to get his views on many issues regarding the move. READ the interview below.
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1) Youri, from music to POLITICS.  Why did you make the jump/leap?
YOURI: I think this is just a natural progression of the work I have been accomplishing for the past fifteen years. To a certain point, music is not too far from politics, so it doesn’t really feel like a jump or a leap, but more so like the continuation of a path.

The connection between music and politics has been seen in many cultures. Music influences political movements and rituals and, sometimes, general audiences relate to music on a political level. Music can even express anti-establishment or protest themes like anti-war songs for instance.

My contribution to the Haitian music industry has always had much deeper motivations. Therefore, my work in music has long felt more like a long-term social project. My involvement has always been with the ulterior motive of impacting the lives of people; whether it’s been about denouncing realities or promoting change, it’s all been for the bettering of society, shaping ideas and ideologies to unite the people. So in that sense, it all ties in together for me.


2) What makes you think that you are qualified to take on this big task?  Tell the people why.
YOURI: Before answering that question, we need to define the top qualities of a good politician.

First and foremost, the best quality of a politician is honesty. A faithful and effective politician is trustworthy and reliable. He must capture the essence of truth, display sincerity, candor and must practice what he preaches. He makes decisions and accepts responsibility for his actions and his words. The same is true in his dealing with his people. He makes promises and keeps those promises. He is thus, somebody that people may rely upon. He relentlessly strives to help people. 
A good and responsible politician will have unfaltering high regard for morality, law abiding with no tendencies to corrupt even a single cent. The greatest strength of good politicians is deriving joy in serving people and respecting the taxpayers’ money.

From my point of view, a good politician’s qualities must backed by skills, experiences, intelligence, and integrity. That being said, I believe that I have these qualities and, most of all, an infinite love for this country. Not just the oligarchic 3 per centers, but the majority that constitute the soul of this little island. With that I’m highly motivated and dedicated to their cause. I am known as a very strong-minded person. When I set out to accomplish something, you best believe I will not stop until I reach my goal.


3) Do you feel that you hold an advantage over other possible candidates because you are well known in music circles? In other word, you are already a very public figure.
YOURI: "Yes it’s true I’m a very public figure and I am very well known in the music industry and the local cultural circles. But I think my real big advantage is not being a public figure; but rather being a credible figure. It’s about perspiring integrity and inspiring trust. I benefit from a significant popular support because I symbolize hope and, moreover, new ways of doing politics in this country.

I believe the citizens are tired of the traditional political system in which politicians lack popular legitimacy; it has clearly failed to satisfy their needs. They are looking for new leaders who understand their issues and will work with them to provide solutions to those.

The world is facing tough challenges, the countries are facing tough realities and the cities aren’t exempt. That requires creative solutions and new ways of thinking (which there is an obvious and imperative need for).

Over the past three decades the developing world has seen increasing transfer of political and economic power towards the local governments. Decentralization has become an important element of participatory democracy and, along with privatization and deregulation, now represents a substantial diminution of the authority of national governments over economic policy.

Leaders must understand these emerging themes and concepts, in theory and application and have the capacity to identify and gather the right resources in order to provide adequate results.
This is what I intend to do as Mayor and my biggest advantage over my contenders.

4) Is this some sort of a trend continuing in terms of HMI personalities jumping into politics? Do many see it as a way out in terms of making their financial situation better; or do you believe all of them that run is for the love of the country?
YOURI: 

I think the trend is more about breaking the norm than it is about music personalities. It’s not only visible in Haiti but rather everywhere around the world. I believe it translates that way here, because music is a predominant art with great power in our culture and artists are held close and dear to the hearts of the population. Let’s not forget that any politician like any artist needs to be relatable and identifiable.

This century has introduced a great concept of globalization, which has in turn separated us from past static norms. Everything is possible. However, we shouldn’t forget that some things are simply imperative. The ally from which politicians arise is not the important thing to worry about. What really counts is their competency to do the job that they wish to obtain.

There will always be people that are ill-intentioned; such is the world we live in. We are human and therefore naturally flawed. Ulterior motives can easily cloud judgments and actions. Everyone isn’t as genuine as they claim but let’s not generalize the question on both sides of the coin.

Let’s rather judge competency, ability, credibility and integrity. Let’s seek those qualities in the leaders that we choose for a brighter future.

5) Do you think that there are those in Haitian society who might thumb their noses at you simply because you were or are associated with a musical group? In other words, do you think there is STILL a stigma from conservative families about people associated with Music...the same way older generations used to say SE VAGABOND KI NAN AFE MIZIK?
YOURI: Honestly, I don’t know. I never really cared what people have had to say about me. I’ve learned that in this life you have to find your strength in those that love and support you, and that’s how I live day in and day out.



6) IF you become the mayor of Port au Prince, can you restore iconic places like Champ de Mars and Bicentenaire to what they used to be before...let's say 30 years ago?  How will you do that?
YOURI: Well, I think the case of Port-au-Prince is a bit more complex and a real leader must have a broader vision than just restoring iconic places.
Port-au-Prince is a large and rapidly growing city with a staggering amount of poverty. By 1996, Haiti was part of the countries with the most concentrated population on Earth, and the vast majority of that population lived in Port-au-Prince. When the earthquake struck on January 12, 2010, there were approximately 2.7 million people living in the city, with an average of 75,000 new migrants arriving every year. About 85% of those migrants moved into informal or illegal housing settlements. Hundreds of thousands of people therefore lived wherever they were able to find space; usually this was on steep hillsides or in flood-prone ravines.

Now, there are many reasons why the slums of Port-au-Prince were built the way they were; one important reason involves the legal landscape onto which the structures were constructed. The land tenure system of the city thus provides one example of how Port-au-Prince residents are rendered more vulnerable to the effects of natural catastrophes through government actions.

Therefore, I think restoring iconic places in Port-au-Prince should be the ladder part of a larger urbanization plan that will look at the bigger picture and provide integrated solutions to a number of important issues that simply can no longer be ignored.


7) In your opinion; what is the most important thing on your agenda that NEEDS to be taken care of in Port au Prince?  Tell us why?
YOURI: There is so much that needs to be taken care of and so much to do in Port-au-Prince. I am not an expert but I believe rebuilding the city will be a tough haul. Major establishments— the Presidential palace, the national cathedral —rest toppled. Countless homes, stores, office buildings and churches have been destroyed but never been rebuilt. Yet many urban planners, architects and developers see a silver lining in the near-total destruction of the once beautiful city.

Port-au-Prince’s new authority will have to toe the line between public and private collaboration, and balance the growing desire to build lasting, disaster-proof infrastructure for the future with the urgent socio-economic needs of today.

However, it will certainly require specific expertise and community involvement in order to decipher what needs to be done first.

The kidnapping problem in the capital.  If it is still a problem....how can you resolve it?

YOURI: The rate has dramatically decreased in comparison to a couple years ago. As mayor of the city, I will have to work closely with the National Police Force, to provide security for my constituents, and regain an atmosphere of safety for all. I will also work closely with my voters, asking them to stay vigilant and cooperate with the forces but moreover with the help of partners, and the support of the central government, provide income generating activities which will allow better living conditions for all.



9) The streets are crowded with people trying to make a living on the sidewalks.  While you can't blame them from trying to make a living; there is no doubt that it is a problem in terms of LIFE IN PORT-AU-PRINCE.  The same goes for all the motorcycles and cars causing lots of traffic.  How do you plan to fix that issue?
YOURI: There are a lot of problems in Port-au-Prince that need to be properly addressed. Urban issues have become increasingly important than ever before. There is a direct relation between population demands, gradual migration from rural areas and large-scale infrastructure development. Thus, there is increasing concentration of assets in the urban areas. This population and asset concentration exposes the urban areas to rapidly increasing pressure. Fast expanding cities in poor countries are flawed with poor public service delivery, traffic congestion and perverse spatial urban forms.

First, I think local authorities must consider revamping urban land-use (zoning) regulations to create market-based solutions to the infrastructure challenge. It is also imperative that the underlying issues of poor governance be addressed before any reforms can be fully implemented.

Lastly, as I mentioned earlier, with the help of partners, and the support of the central government, providing income generating activities will undoubtedly allow better living conditions for all. But still all these issues need to be properly addressed by experts and discussed within the community before attempting any immediate solutions. 



10) Do you expect to win the vote for mayor of Port au Prince?  Why?
YOURI: Of course I do! I wouldn’t get into this race if I had the slightest doubt. The citizens of Port-au-Prince need change and they deserve it. Their votes in my favor will show their true feelings about the way their city has been managed so far and emphasize the new direction they wish to embark in. They have continuously asked for change and that is exactly what I will bring."

KM!
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