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continuing revenue for the Bahamas. The land development problems (Anegada in BVI for instance) could have been largely avoided had sufficient capital been made available for local government develop- ments at the onset of the boom. The history is one of too little action too late and too many reports. There has been no cohesive plan or executed action to introduce small industry and agriculture by way of on-going schemes and proper training. There have been small inputs of TCs etc but this has been on such a small scale as to be of little assistance.
(iii) Political. The lack of political personalities and understanding may well be traced to the lack of economic prosperity and the migratory pattern. Moreover, whilst the islands have had Governors and expatriate staff to administer the territory they have not had Political Advisers. There is probably an element of "them" and "us" induced by the presence of a heavyweight expatriate team in a situation where many of the members of the executive arm of government are uneducated. Bermuda is probably the exception because its economic prosperity has attracted sufficient heavyweights to stay and make an effective government.
(iv) Conclusion. I believe that this general review shows that basically these islands have had little stimulus from HMG to go independent. There is little economic prosperity for three out of the five islands on which to base any independence at all. It is not difficult to link a lack of desire for independence with such an economic situation. They have drifted and could drift along in their present state for a considerable period of time. In turn we will find it increasingly difficult not to allow greater internal independence. That would mean moving towards the Associated States formula which has proved so difficult for us. There is, of course, the moral issue of casting these islands off without regard to their desire to be tied to us. However, I believe the ties are unnatural. These islands have to assume many of the UK's obligations and are expected to assist the UK as regards the UK interests. This has led and must inevitably lead to a retardation of their growth. There is the view that their "beachcomber" way of life should be allowed to continue. On the other hand, no-one can say with certainty that we can go on protecting them for ever. I believe we have as much responsibility to make them capable of an independent existence as we have to protect them. Since we cannot guarantee protection for ever then I believe we should adopt your suggestion and move them towards independence.
PROPOSALS FOR INDEPENDENCE
4.
I believe, as you do, that the key to the problem lies in the economic situation. Political growth is stimulated by economic well being.
Bermuda is the classic example out of these five territories. The question is how do we reverse the economic trend. I believe that the answer lies in massive capital and manpower input before independence. This answer also recognises our failings in the past in this respect.
5. If the economic situation is to be reversed, I believe that there is a need for integrated teams to go in and build up local industry to make it viable. The areas for economic growth are fisheries, tourism, agriculture, basic engineering, woodwork, local art and,as stimulus, tax havenry.
(The islanders are basically not ready for intricate technology yet.) The teams that go in should
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