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Bermuda
This
North of the Caribbean is Bermuda, the oldest British
dependency with the oldest Parliament outside Westminster. largely self-governing and prosperous territory has a very advanced constitution with the Governor retaining only standard reserved powers. A Bermudian White Paper in 1979 concluded that independence was not the wish of the majority of the people of Bermuda. It will be for the Bermudian Government to decide when
to move towards independence. The first step in this direction
would probably be for them to hold a referendum to determine the
extent of popular support.
St Helena and Dependencies
In contrast, the territory of St Helena and Dependencies, with few natural resources and an isolated geographical location, are not economically viable. The inhabitants of St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. (Ascension having no indigenous population), have shown no interest in independence and in view of the economic situation independence is not at present a feasible proposition.
Pitcairn Group of Islands
Pitcairn, with a population of around 50 people, is our last remaining dependency in the Pacific region. Because of its
size and remoteness, again independence is not feasible.
Gibraltar
During the 270 years since Gibraltar was ceded to Britain
under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht, she has become a firmly established dependent territory with her own people, institutions and way of life. The people of Gibraltar clearly
wish to retain their links with Britain and this Government
stands firmly by the assurances about the future status of Gibraltar which are enshrined in the preamble to the Territory's Constitution. Like successive Governments over the past 15
years, this Government has continued to honour the principle of