konš
McD
ANGUILLA
BELIZE
BERMUDA
*
WIAD
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
CAYMAN ISLANDS
NOTES ON DEPENDENT TERRITORIES
Present Constitution and Prospects for Independence
Ministerial constitution introduced after elections in-March 1976. Island will continue formally to be part of the Associated State of St Kitts-Nevis- Anguilla until St Kitts-Nevis, achieves independence,
or unless previously separated
Guatemala.
Advanced Ministerial Constitution. Only obstacle to independence lies in the territorial claim of
Further attempts are being made to resolve the claim by regotiations but no date can. yet be postulated for independence.
There have been no formal constitutional changes since the 1973 amendments to the 1968 Constitution and no further advance short of independence is possible. However this is now being seriously considered by the governing United Bermuda Party and the issue may be put to referendum.
June New Constitution to come into force in 1977. No
A local pressures for independence but a desire to i proceed to internal self-government and remain at that stage indefinitely.
"Member"-type constitution. No obstacle to self- government except the apparent wishes of the people to retain their links with the UK. While the robe election campaign was fought inter alia on the maintenance of the constitutional status quo it is however thought that the ambitious of the new political leaders may provide more fruitful ground for constitutional advance.
Considerations affecting Aid
Folicy
Grant-aided.
Unlikely to
become economically viable.
Not grant-aided. viable economy.
Fotentially
Economically viable: receives no aid and no aid policy cuestions arise.
Grant-aided. Should become economically viable within
the next decade.
Not grant-aided. High GNP. Near economic viability. Independence Fossible if people so wish, but dependent status gives confidence to investors and financiers.
GGD
2 Dec 1976
CONFIDENTIAL