STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
JOB DESCRIPTION
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
APPENDIX 2
BACKGROUND
1. The territory covers an area of 58 square miles with a population of about 10,500. The main island is Tortola with its capital Road Town.
CONSTITUTION
2.
The present constitution came into force in 1977, and provides for Executive and Legislative Councils as follows:
Executive Council
Chief Minister
2 Ministers Attorney General
Legislative Council
Speaker
9 Elected Members
1 Ex-officio Member
(the Attorney-General)
The Financial
The Governor presides at meetings of Executive Council. Secretary ceases to be a member of the Executive and Legislative Councils as the finance portfolio has been assigned to a Minister. The voting age has been reduced from 21 to 18.
3.
The Governor continues to have reserve powers in matters relating to external affairs, defence, internal security and the public service, but no longer over finance, although HMG retain substantial control through grant-in-aid. The Governor, in Her Majesty's name assents or refuses to assent to Bills, or may reserve them for signification of Her Majesty's pleasure. Where his
special responsibilities are involved, the Governor may declare any Bill or Motion to have effect as if it had been passed by Legislative Council.
RESOURCES
4. The main products are live-stock, fish, bananas, vegetables, coconuts and sugar cane. Industry is extremely limited and is largely in support of the building trade and tourism. The import- ance of tourism is growing.
5. The 1978 Estimates provide for a revenue of US$ 7.78 million and an expenditure of US$7.89 million, the deficit being met by grant in aid. The BVI Government have agreed on a timetable for the elimination of grant in aid by the end of 1979. The 1977-78 Development Aid Programme provides for expenditure of about £0.80 million but is forecast to reduce considerably in coming years.
6. There are no British or local Defence Forces. There is a Police Force of 62 men. The Civil Service is about 500 (including 13 British financed expatriates in technical posts). A Public Service Commission advises the Governor on appointments to public offices and the exercise of disciplinary control.
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
17...