Dates of last and next legislative elections:  2001/2006

Head of state: H.M. Queen Elizabeth II

AT THE LAST ELECTION

In 2001, 17 years of NDP rule ended with a crushing electoral defeat. The leader of the long-term opposition ULP, Ralph Gonsalves, became prime minister. He has launched a number of initiatives aimed at modernizing the economy and government, and restructuring the banana industry. Ties to the UK remain, though republicanism is strong.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004