Fernadina Shrimp Gravy (Florida Cooking)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon plus 1 cup water

2 ounces salt pork -- diced

1/2 cup minced onion

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1/2 cup diced celery

1 1/2 pounds shrimp -- shelled, cleaned, -

if large -- cut in-

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper

2 cups hot cooked rice