Caribbean Report 11-05-1990

Abstract

The Third Special ACP Ministerial Conference on Sugar concluded in London with representatives agreeing to intensify the pressure in Europe for the continued protection in sugar export. A five-year price freeze and an impending two percent cut in sugar prices pose a serious threat to ACP producers. The concern of the Caribbean sugar producers has heightened in light of the proposed takeover of the parent company of British sugar by Tate and Lyle Sugars and the news that Tate and Lyle has also developed a new artificial sweetener. Secondly, the UK proposals to influence the structure of Europe’s banana market in 1992 are drawing the attention of banana producers. In the Caribbean, the banana producing countries view the British proposals as ultimately leading to a reduction in the price of bananas. Following the Financial News, the two main opposition leaders in the Dominican Republic accuse the present administration of preventing free and fair process at next Wednesday’s general elections. The report ends with the Stories of Caribbean interest appearing in the British press.