On Barbados, Simon examines the contrast between the very rich's opulent beach houses and the relative poor local dwellings. On nearby, poorer, yet soil-rich St.Vincent, he visits the local farmers' cannabis plantation on the volcanic slopes and their prime minister, considering legalization of the 'soft' drug. In Venezuela, he finds a rich oil-country under terrible government can fall deeper into misery, over the Colombian border, a major smuggle route, that a former guerrilla battleground can rehabilitate.

• Simon Reeve