Haiti president defends first 2 years in office

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) – Haiti’s President Michel Martelly is defending his record since taking office of the impoverished Caribbean nation two years ago.

The former pop star points to his introduction of a tuition-free school project and social protection programs. Martelly also says his government has brought tourists back to the one-time tropical getaway.

Martelly was an entertainer known as “Sweet Micky” before he turned to politics. He won in a runoff in an election that was marred with irregularities.

A Tuesday night event marking the second anniversary of Martelly’s inauguration has brought thousands of supporters to a plaza in front of where the National Palace stood before it collapsed in the 2010 earthquake.