Headlines:
| Samuda travels to Guyana to stave off rice row |
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| Friday, 09 May 2008 | |
Commerce Minister Karl Samuda is to travel to Guyana Friday to stave off a row over Jamaica's plans
to import rice from outside the region.As was reported earlier this week, Jamaica's decision to apply for a waiver of the Common External Tarrif (CET) on rice has sparked outrage in Guyana. Two weeks ago, Mr. Samuda announced that Jamaica would seek a waiver of the CET to import 30,000 tons of rice to satisfy the local market. Guyana has opposed the application on the basis that it can adequately meet Jamaica's demand for the commodity. Mr. Samuda told RJR News that he will be seeking to justify Jamaica's decision to import rice from the United States. "Understandably Guyana has objected to our application for suspension of the CET and we'll be going to justify our case ... to make them understand the imperative nature of this problem that we face," said Mr. Samuda. |