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ANNEX A
D
CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES
BACKGROUND
Anguilla (Population 6,500)
1. Formerly part of the Associated State of St Kitts/Nevis/ Anguilla, but formally separated at the end of 1980 or early 1981 and now reverted to dependent territory; the Government
of St Kitts/Nevis did not object. Independence not an issue; Constitution provides for ministerial system of Government with the Governor retaining the usual reserve powers.
Belize (Population 144,000)
2. Internal self-government but Governor retains some reserved
powers. Independence hampered by Guatemala's claim. Negotiations are in train; the content is confidential. HMG anxious for settle-
ment but must have consent of Belizeans.
Bermuda (Population 57,300)
3. Constitution very advanced although short of internal self- government; Governor retains standard reserved powers. 1979 White Paper concluded independence not the wish of most Bermudians; it was not an issue at the election on 9 December 1980.
British Virgin Islands (Population 11,000)
4.
Constitution provides for Ministerial system of Government with the Governor retaining the usual reserved powers. No wish for independence. Present Government opposed to it.
Cayman Islands (Population: 17,340)
5. Not very advanced constitutionally in comparison with state of development. Has a membership, or embryo Ministerial, system. Cayman Islanders believe their present constitution is well suited to their circumstances and resist moves towards independence.
Falkland Islands (Population 1,800)
6. Governor has full powers, but there are Executive and Legis- lative Councils. Overriding political issue is dispute with
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/Argentina