Rev. Jesse Jackson Calls For US Government Intervention In Haiti Food Crisis

Port-au-Prince, Haiti (AHN)-As the food riots continue in Haiti, the Reverend Jesse Jackson says the U.S. government has a moral responsibility to provide food, water and security to Haiti.

"It's painful and yet it's embarrassing, a nation such as ours, so great, so able, so blessed, to no let it happen on our watch... We as America have some obligation and some need to address the Haitian crisis, and we ought to," said Jackson as he delivered a speech for the congregation of the 93rd Street Community Church in northwest Miami.

Soaring prices of food, particularly the staple rice, triggered massive food riots and protests in Haiti since last week, which has killed six already. A six-pound of rice sells for US$4 already in Haiti, where 80 percent of the people live on less than $2 USD a day.

Jackson was joined by Jean Robert La Fortune, president of Haitian American grassroots coalition; elected officials, community activists and ministers during the rally for Haiti

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek already flew to Port-au-Prince, where he plans to meet with Haitian business officials and President Rene Preval to discuss the impact of the food crisis on Haiti's 8.5 million citizens.