Guyana seeks help from private sector

Guyana is turning to the private sector for help in dealing with what is expected to be a prolonged drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon.



Weather forecasters say the drought could last until the first quarter of next year.



It\'s feared that more than 5,000 acres of rice could be destroyed because of the water shortage, and Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud has appealed to the private sector for help.



Rice farmers have already asked the government to provide support to the rice-growing sector.



They have been complaining that their rice fields are could die because of the water shortage.