Wyclef Jean calls for continued help in his native Haiti

Haitian-born rapper Wyclef Jean has urged fans not to forget about the earthquake-ravaged country now that its plight has disappeared from the headlines, insisting the island is still in desperate need of help.

Tropical Storm Isaac whipped through the low-lying Caribbean nation over the weekend (25-26Aug12), causing at least four deaths and thousands of evacuations.

And now the Hips Don't Lie hitmaker has penned an opinion piece for CNN.com, asking readers to keep Haiti, which is still reeling from a devastating 2010 earthquake, in their prayers as locals pick up the pieces and fight for continued recovery efforts in the area, which has largely dropped off the media's radar.

In an article, he wrote, "I watched in horror as Tropical Storm Isaac marched toward Haiti. Almost every news channel covered the story and the potential damage...

"As we face this latest... disaster, however, I find myself asking an uncomfortable question: Where has Haiti been in the national and international news? After the devastating earthquake in 2010, the people of the world opened up their hearts, minds, and wallets and pledged help to Haiti... but lately there's been next to nothing...

"This week, Haiti has returned once again to the national and international consciousness. This time, let's not forget... that things don't change unless we remain active and continue to bring attention to the causes we believe in... The hardest part is always rebuilding - and Haiti cannot effectively rebuild if she doesn't get the attention she deserves."