RESTRICTED
HNT 012/1
30 MAY 1979
NOTES OF A MEETING HELD AT THE FORLIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
ON MONDAY 21 WAY, 197
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLAND CONSTITUTIONAL ADVANCE
Present:
The Hon JAG J McCartney Chief Minister,
Turks and Caicos
The Hon C maguire
Minister for Tourism
and Development Turks and Caicos
Mr P C Duff W.I.A.D.
FCO
Mr G J C Pirnie W..A D FCO
21
-
ne had
The Chief Minister opened the meeting by saying that not discussed the question of constitutional advance with A Opposition. Regardless of his conversations with them he wonted full internal self gove nment
by
January next year. pointed out that when ISG is granted the Governor suill retunS responsibility for certain things such as the Police and incornal security. He also explained that ISG was
was not a
in it
age
which consitutions could rest for long but that it was gran as part of a package that led inevitably to independence win a period of at most twelve months. The Chief Minister explaince he was not so much interested in internal security but that he want some say over appointments in the Public Service.
2.
ü
Mr Duff explained that Belize, for example, has had ISG for 15 years and yet the Governor
still controls the Public Service He saw no reason, however, why the territory should not have Statutory Commission to advise the Governor Public Service, as in Anguilla.
on appointments 70 Che Ministers here would not surrendering authority for the Police.
agree
3.
In reply to a question about the Opposition's views on constitutional progress Mr Maguire said that the Opposition had suc they would agree to changes in the constitution only when they were in power.
4.
In an effort to clarify the position of the Turks and Caico. Government Mr Duif asked if the Chief Minister would confirm that his objective was full 1SG which entailed removing from the Governor his reserve powers for Police, Public Service and that the TCG wished to occupy this position
Internal Security and four or five years prior to full independence. confirmed that
The Chief Ninsisten this was SO. Mr Duff said that this would not offer. Ministers here, particularly in view of the recent
be
/publicity