MAINTENANCE OF GOVERNMENT HOUSES
1. The Head of the Development Division of ODM in the Caribbean has raised the problems some Governore in that area have in the upkeep and maintenance of Government Houses.
2. Colonial Regulation 281 in Part II of Colonial Regulations provides that the Government House, together with its stables, garages, outbuildings, fences and other appurtenances, shall be kept in substantial repair throughout at the cost of the Territory. The rooms shall be painted and papered (when necessary) and furnished at the public expense. Plate and table or ents to a moderate and reasonable amount, together with crockery, glass, cutlery and kitchen utensils, shall also be provided at the cost of the Territory.
3. The policy set out in Colonial Regulation 281 has been adhered to consistently. The only known exceptions have been where aid funds have been provided to bring Government Housesi do a reasonable standard prior to a royal visit (e.g. BVI and Seychelles) or, in case of Anguilla, where a new house was built and equipped with ṇid funds for HK Commissioner when Anguilla reverted to Dependent Territory type status,
4.
The Governor of a Dependent Territory is in a unique position of authority and responsibility. He has the task of drawing together all the threads of the legislature, the executive and the public service. He represents his Territory in all important affairs and he occupies a social position of unique dignity and eminence, In many Dependencies he has bee2. saddled with a Government House, large, old and decrepit which is costly to maintain. The constant need to approach local politicians for patty sums of money to maintain Governmont Houses is a source of embarrasment to Governors in some Dependent Territories and can undo much of the work he has put into gaining the confidence of those politicians. This is particularly so in those Dependent Territories which are, to a considerable extent, budget-aided and where, in the words of one Governor "a coat of varnish on a chair deprives a school child of milk”.
5.
Dependent Territory Governments can reasonably be expected to make modest but adequate provision in the annual estimates to cover the cost in Government House of the following items:
Staff wages and uniforms
Utilities (electricity, water, etc) Telephones
Grounds Incidentals,