Meet Haiti’s New President

On Thursday afternoon, May 12, I got a call to get to Haiti for an assignment that included covering  charismatic pop star-turned-president Michel Martelly’s inauguration. He  took over the country on Saturday, May 14, 2011, promising to rebuild its earthquake-devastated capital, develop the long-neglected countryside and build a modern army.

The 50-year-old performer known to Haitians as “Sweet Micky” was swept to power in a March 20 presidential runoff by Haitians tired of past leaders who failed to provide even basic services, such as decent roads, water and electricity in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country.

Martelly was sworn in during a power outage in front of dozens of dignitaries including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, the U.N.’s special envoy to Haiti, and Edmond Mulet, head of the U.N. mission that has maintained order in Haiti since 2004.

Newly minted President Michel Martelly leaves his swearing in ceremony and heads to the national palace.

Martelly waives to a throng of supporters as he leaves his swearing in ceremony and heads to the national palace.

The inaugural begins under sunny skies and in front of the dramatic backdrop of the ruined national palace.

One of the main buildings of the destroyed national palace.

A portico that once had a mirrored ceiling now lies in ruins, reflecting the damage beneath it.

A drape waves in the breeze at the national palace.

Haitians outside the palace gates record Martelly’s speech.

Haitian President Michel Martelly leaves his inaugural activities, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, May 14, 2011.

I was able to follow Martelly from his swearing in ceremony all the way through his public inauguration at the destroyed national palace, getting nice access the entire way. Shot with Nikon D3.