Fourteen entities have submitted bids for the five sugar factories and cane lands slated to be divested by the Government.

Among the bidders is Infinity Bio-Energy, the Brazilian firm, which has renewed its interest in the island's sugar assets.

Infinity had previously been selected to purchase the assets but its inability to raise the money by the January 31 extended deadline caused the Government to abort that transaction and reopen the divestment process.

New bidders were given one month, ending March 13, to submit proposals and yesterday Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton announced that a number of entities had expressed an interest.

"Arising from this process, some 14 proposals were received from local and international interests, relating to parts or all of the packages up for divestment," Tufton said in a release.

"The prospective investors are now carrying out their due diligence, and the Sugar Negotiating Team has been mandated by Cabinet to engage in negotiations with these entities, with a view to concluding the divestment as soon as possible," Tufton added.

While Tufton did not name the entities which have expressed interest, The Gleaner understands that the list includes Infinity and one other Brazilian firm, a company out of China, and at least three entities now operating locally.