ST JOHNS, Antigua (AP):

Caribbean officials say a rice dispute between Jamaica and Guyana will be mediated by the two countries' leaders, Bruce Golding and Bharrat Jagdeo, respectively, after regional talks in Antigua failed.

Kenneth Baugh, Jamaica's foreign affairs minister, said on Sunday that Jamaica wanted to import more United States rice to supplement grain from Guyana. To do so, it needs a waiver from restrictions imposed by the Caribbean Community economic bloc.

Last year, a rice shortfall from Guyana forced Jamaica to buy about 15,400 metric tons from the US. This year, Guyana insists it has enough rice for Jamaica.

Suriname, which also produces and exports rice, indicated its ability to supply to Jamaica, but is prepared to agree to the suspension of the common external tariff as a special consideration of Jamaica's emergency needs.