LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN: Devastating floods in several Caribbean countries due to hurricanes have caused loss of life and serious damage to infrastructure and crops. In Haiti, tropical storm Jeanne caused loss of some 3�000 lives and extensive damage to infrastructure in Artibonite and North-West regions. By contrast, prolonged dry spells reduced the main season cereal production in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. Elsewhere, prospects are generally favourable, although dry weather conditions could lead to yield reductions in the main wheat producing South American countries.