The leader of the group, Mr George Odlum (formerly a leading figure in the local "Black Power" organisation, FOLUM) was defeated in the General Election by the only woman candidate, but has since then elected Deputy Leader of the SLP. The Opposition have campaigned against the granting of independence before the next general election due in 1978.
Economic
The economy is dominated by export agriculture, mainly bananas but supplemented by cocoa, coconuts, citrus fruits and paprika. The island has great natural beauty and strenuous efforts are being made to expand the tourist industry. There is a small manufacturing sector, mainly geared to the processing of local products. Efforts at diversification may be assisted by the discovery of geothermal energy sources. In the past Et Lucia has been financially less insecure than the other associated states, but the general world recession, drought and the falling value of sterling cut banana and tourist revenues to the point where she too faced severe budgetary pressures. The Government has recently entered into a contract with the American company Amerada hess for the construction of an oil refinery on the island which should improve the employment situation and boost Government revenue.
Aid
St Lucia received Eritish aid amounting to about £2 million in 1976 før infrastructure work, especially the East Coast load project; an emergency banana programme; the introduction of new breads of livestock; the development of forestry; two plant propagation centres and feasibility studies for the exploitation of geothermal energy at a volcanic site on the west Coast.
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