Economic
4. The sugar industry which was once the mainstay of the economy, collapsed in 1971. The only major industry is an oil refinery.
(West Indies Oil Company), the products of which accounted for nearly EC$48 million out of total domestic exports of EC$50 million in 1973. However, because of continuing high losses the refinery was "mothballed" in early 1976. The Government have now acquired it with a view to bringing it back on stream.
5. The state relies heavily on the tourist industry which is the most developed in the Associated States. The soil and climate suit livestock rearing and cotton production and these two fields have development potential though probably not to any significant scale. Fruit and vegetable production could also be improved and projects aimed at producing both for export and for local consumption are in hand. The frequency of serious drought is a major problem.
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