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Secretary of State
VISIT TO WEST INDIES
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11/5
I visited the Turks & Caicos Islands, Belize, Montserrat, Dominica and Anguilla between 26 April and 7 May. The time spent in each country was necessarily brief, but I was able to achieve my aim of seeing at first hand the problems they face and the assistance given by British aid. I had a series of useful meetings with the governments of the various countries.
2.
Everyone I met, both Governments and Oppositions, expressed their whole-hearted support for our action over the Falkland Islands. All were well aware of the implications for their own situations, most particularly Belize.
Turks & Caicos
3.
These islands are probably ready to move to independence in the not too distant future, once their economy is satisfactory and budgetary aid is no longer necessary.
Meanwhile, the Turks & Caicos Government would appreciate the chance to comment on the candidates proposed for the impending appointments of Governor and Attorney General before these are publicly announced. This, I understand, has not been the practice in the past; but it seems sensible in this day and age.
4. I visited the site of the Club Mediterranee project (much criticised by the Select Committee), and also used the partially- completed airport at Providenciales. The Government and Ministers already see signs of private development attracted by this which should prove of enormous value to the whole complex of islands. The Government is keen in the long term to develop the Caicos Islands by linking them with causeways and a road.
5.
I listened patiently to a long list of petty complaints from the Opposition, few of which merit any investigation.
/Belize