Guyana seeks new management for sugar industry

Guyana is expelling managers of its sugar industry in hopes of boosting production.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud says the South American country is ending a 19-year contract with Britain-based Booker Tate. The government blames strikes and poor crop management, as well as heavy rainfall, for a decline in production.

Booker Tate did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company helped manage Guyana's state-owned company Guysuco, which runs all eight of the country's sugar estates.

Persaud said Thursday that Guyana produced 226,000 tons (205,000 metric tons) of sugar last year despite a projected 315,000 tons (290,000 metric tons).

Guyana is the Caribbean's largest sugar-producing nation.