High growth rates for Belize, Suriname

Belize and Suriname are projected to experience the highest rates of economic growth among CARICOM member countries next year.



The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) says it expects overall CARICOM growth to be just 1.4 per cent.



Preliminary figures suggest that Belize will experience growth of six per cent this year, followed closely by Suriname at 5.5 per cent.



Of the others, only the economies of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are projected to grow at two per cent or above.



The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean St.ates nations are grouped together at 1.5 percent.



The Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica could stagnate with expansion predicted to be a mere 0.5 per cent.



ECLAC is not forecasting any recessions.