Letter-33: “Shocking – Mud Cakes are Staple Diet in Haiti!”

1. This refers to the article “Food Crisis Pushes Them Toward Starvation” (The Hindu, July 30, 2008 - http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2008073055201100.htm&date=2008/07/30/&prd=th&’). It is shocking to see that the people of Haiti are heading for starvation in the next six to 12 months and that mud cakes have become the staple diet for many families. While the global oil and food crisis is the main reason for the present state of affairs, it is also because of the country’s IMF-dictated policy. To get an IMF loan in 1986, Haiti had to import rice and other agricultural products. Local rice farmers went bankrupt. Today, although food is available, most people cannot afford to buy it. It is the responsibility of the global community to intervene to resolve the crisis in Haiti. The situation the country finds itself in is also a lesson for developing countries including India. They should think twice before allowing the import of food and other commodities without encouraging local production. – S.M.Wasiullah, Hyderabad.

2. I read with shock and disbelief that the people of Haiti eat mud cakes. Such instances of acute human suffering should serve as an eye-opener to us and strengthen our resolve to prevent the wastage of food. - M.Vidya, Hyderabad.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, (“Letters to the Editor”), August 1, 2008.

Detailed articles on “Haiti” and “Starvation” from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiti

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starvation

Grateful thanks to Mr.S.M.Wasiullah, Ms M Vidya, The Hindu and Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.