The sugar industry of the Caribbean community (CARICOM): An overview

The sugar industry in the Caribbean is steeped in history dating back to the 17th century. It is by far the largest agricultural enterprise in the region, generating some 125,000 jobs in direct and indirect employment, out of a population of 6 million. At its peak in 1965, the industry produced 1.35 million tonnes of sugar. In 2003, the production was down to over 710,000 tonnes. This paper describes the structure of the sugar industry in the Caribbean countries (Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, St. Kitts Nevis and Belize) and critically reviews the factors (e.g. world price of sugar) and forces (e.g. international trade negotiations), that have shaped and will be shaping the industry in the foreseeable future.