The cries over the so-called "food crisis", with a mix of shortages and sharp increases on widely consumed commodities, are coming from across the Caribbean region as part of an expanding international challenge.

Riots have erupted over food shortages and constantly hiked prices for basic items in various parts of the world, including Haiti in the Caribbean, as well as sparking daring robberies of food trucks in, of all CARICOM states, Trinidad and Tobago.

Former Jamaica Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, recognised as an elder statesman of the Caribbean Community, has recently cautioned against the spectre of open warfare if the global food crisis is not speedily considered by the industrialised nations, the international financial institutions and the United Nations.

In addressing last week's meeting in Antigua of the G-77 Group of countries, Patterson spoke of potential upheavals in this and other regions of the developing world and gave this sombre warning: "If you think we are immune from (food) riots, which could escalate into revolutions, please think again . . . ."

The situation clearly requires governing and opposition political parties, as well as the private sector and labour movement, to engage in serious dialogue for short and medium-term solutions, instead of becoming emotionally involved in the old blame-game exercises with their spin doctors busying themselves.

New governments in CARICOM, such as in Barbados, Jamaica and Belize, find themselves very much on the defensive in articulating their policies and programmes as their opponents keep reminding them of election manifestos and promises during the recent campaigns that resulted in changed administrations.

In fairness, the global food crisis and cost of living problems have seriously worsened in the post-elections phase in our own region that has long been a net importer of food, and now finds itself in the growing predicament of having to cope with constantly rising fuel bills and related spiralling consequences.

For his part, Prime Minister David Thompson is now promising to come forward with a "multidisciplinary approach" in responding to the prevailing cost of living problems. It is to be assumed that he intends to do so with the benefit of ideas/suggestions that the business sector and the trade unions may have to offer.

If there has been a period within recent years when what constitutes the structured 'social partners' in this country – government, private sector and organised labour – should be eager to share ideas in the national interest, then now is the time.Those suffering the most from the rising cost of living are waiting for some meaninful relief. The waiting should not be too long.