The tropical storm passed over the islands last week before it was upgraded to a hurricane and moved on to Cuba.

According to Wibdeco, Dominica and Grenada escaped relatively unscathed whereas St Lucia and St Vincent are estimated to have lost some 40 per cent and 35 per cent respectively of their banana crops.

Large banana valleys of Cul De Sac, Roseau and Mabouya were hardest hit in St Lucia by localised winds gusting at up to 65 miles an hour.

Because of the fragmented nature of the production base a more detailed assessment of losses is not yet available. However, Wibdeco expects production recovery to be quick with the industry back to normal during the first quarter of 2003.

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