| RENE:
 I would like to begin by stating that Karizma is well and stronger than ever. We have two excellent young keyboard players, and the band’s original congas player will be with the group. I preferred to handle the band business internally; Emmanuel was already replaced before he left. In fact, Karizma will be live at Labadie Manoir with Dola on Saturday, September 22…
I wanted to bring a little clarity regarding Emanuel delicate situation. There is absolutely no truth to the allegations that I did not help out with the passport situation. I was not Haiti when Emmanuel lost his passport. However, I was very concerned when I learned about his situation; I asked a couple band members and a mutual friend (by the name of Sherly) to obtain information on how to secure a new Haitian passport… Sherly spoke/told Emmanuel exactly what he needed to do in order to quickly obtain his passport. Unfortunately, Emmanuel neglected all her advices and did not to act on it. Five days later, I arrived in Haiti and I took all the necessary steps to help Emmanuel. I have receipts from DGI and Haitians Immigration officials where I initiated the process to get a new Haitian passport, and I was told that it would take over a month to get a new Haitian passport… We were pressing for time, and we were scheduled to play in Orlando on Friday August 18. I elected to spend additional money via what is referred to “Demacher” in Haiti hoping to speed up the process.
I have receipts and witnesses to back up my side of the story. My personality would not permit me to denigrate a former player, but I want set up the record straight. It was very difficult to get Emmanuel too corporate with me and my other delegates. I practically had to force him to give me all the documents requested by Immigration officials.
I prefer not to talk about a player personal business, but Emmanuel never seemed to be in the right state of mind whenever he is under the influence. I am a strict disciplinarian; I always advocate no smoking or drinking when a player is under karizma’s clock. However, Emmanuel does what he pleases in his room. Emmanuel is an adult; I cannot control what he does or any other player on their personal time. I was infuriated with a particular incident when I was waiting for Emmanuel at the hotel lobby; he was supposed to bring me his birth certificate to take to immigration. Instead, Emmanuel was in shorts and shirtless minutes after the fact. I was perplexed, I could not understand how you can neglect something so important, and proceed to focus on other things rather than do what you are supposed to do.
Two days prior to Karizma’s departure to Orlando, it was seemed impossible that he would not be able to travel with us back to states. I did whatever that was asked of me, but I am not a miracle worker. The day we left for the airport, my associate took Emmanuel to the Haitian embassy as the last attempt but, they were told that he would have to wait… I asked my associate to come to the Airport with Emmanuel. I spoke to an immigration officer, who informed that Emmanuel could possible travel on an expired passport. Unfortunately, Emmanuel failed again to have his most recent expired passport. He was unable to travel with the band due to the fact that particular passport had expired 7 years ago.
I had no choice but to honor the contract in Orlando, and Fort Myers. Before I left, I made arrangements with the American Airlines’ employee so that Emmanuel can travel to the states as soon as he acquired his new passport. I have the tickets number if I have to produce it, I certainly will do that. I also made arrangements for Emmanuel to stay with my associates in Haiti. When I arrived in Orlando, I placed a phone call to a close affiliate who was in position to speed up the passport process. Nearly 30 minutes later, my associate in Haiti called to inform me that the passport was found by an employee at the Hotel in Emmanuel’s room.
I was relieved that Emmanuel had found his passport; I called American Airlines to get him a seat on the next plane. I was told everything was booked that he won’t be able to travel on the ticket until September 5th… I also called Delta and Canadian Airlines, but there was no space available as well. I was in touch with Emmanuel wife throughout the process, and she also told that she could not find a seat on American Airlines. Surprisingly, when I landed in New York, I received a text from Emmanuel’s wife that she elected to buy him a new ticket from United Airlines. I take my responsibility very seriously, I sent money to Emmanuel as requested in Canada.
Before you reach any conclusions, please bear in mind under the circumstances which Emmanuel claimed that he lost his passport. According to Emmanuel, he had the passport in his pocket when he lost it at Plage Publique after a Karizma life performance at Festi Bikini. All in the all the passport was never lost, and it was located in Emmanuel’s room. It has been scientifically proven that the used of control substance does alter the human mind. That being said, I wish to thank Emmanuel for his services with Karizma. I wish him success .
As far the tour being a disaster, there is no truth to that effect. We had a couple of set back with the Nu Look and Carimi party being cancelled for reasons beyond my control. It is the nature of the business, and I have to accept that. I was in position to pay all members of the band after the tour in Haiti and Florida. I invite you to see the pictures posted online, including Karizma/Gabel at Rendezvous 33.
I preferred not to respond to unfound personal allegations at this time, however I have plenty of evidence to shed light on the subject of a former Karizma member claiming that Emmery and I “ tale cheke fanm” in Haiti. I am a business oriented individual, I have absolutely no time for nonsense. No one man is above the band, including me.
Epi rest la pou bal…#Na’l Pou 2. |
