NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC):

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been exploring the possibility of providing financial aid to Haiti as that country grapples with a food crisis.

CARICOM Chairman and Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said the regional body has initiated talks with President René Préval on the possibility of sending financial assistance to help the government provide some relief for citizens of the Caribbean's poorest country.

Launched campaign

That news came as United States Congressional representatives demand immediate debt relief for Haiti and the release of millions of dollars in food aid to help ease the French-speaking Caribbean nation's struggle with soaring food prices.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have launched a campaign to raise awareness about the Haitian situation, citing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in relative proximity to the US.

The escalating food crisis resulted in riots in the capital last week and the subsequent ousting of the country's prime minister.

Use influence

"We need all hands on deck,'' insisted New York Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks at a press briefing on Wednesday, along with other lawmakers and civil rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson.

Lawmakers said that although Haiti has been allotted US$96 million as part of the United Nations World Food Programme, only US$13 million has been released so far.

Legislators called on the US Treasury Department to use its influence with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank so that Haiti can bypass a US$48.7 million payment due to multilateral lending agencies this year.