Officials believe that drug abuse and the production of locally-grown marijuana is increasing.
This has been a contentious issue because marijuana provides such a large part of the island's income, but a large eradication drive sponsored by the US and conducted by troops from five eastern Caribbean islands has wrought economic ruin on the island's principal crop. Moreover, with the threat to the banana market, it is feared more people may turn to marijuana cultivation. There has been marked political tension in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since the general election in June 1998, in which the former government of Sir James Mitchell gained a majority of seats but the opposition garnered a majority of the popular vote. The opposition sought fresh elections to no avail. The full set of risk pointers for this region are available only through subscription.