The political outlook for the region is broadly stable, but there are risks posed in some jurisdictions by weak mandates and difficult policy choices. The single-seat majority held by Grenada’s government makes it vulnerable. The government of Suriname, led by Ronald Venetiaan, is an unwieldy seven-party alliance. Desi Bouterse, a former military dictator of Suriname, is due to face murder charges and political stability could be undermined. A general election will take place on September 3rd in Jamaica. Elections in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados are expected to be called early. In Belize elections due by June 2008 are likely to lead to a change of government. High public debt levels will keep many governments under pressure. The pace of regional growth will slow, mainly reflecting declines in the sugar and banana industries. Prospects for mining and financial services are more positive.