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(b)
Bermuda: Constitution very advanced although short
of full internal self-government; Governor retains standard reserved powers. 1979 White Paper
concluded independence not the wish of most
Bermudians; but moves are likely in 1983. First
step would be a referendum, outcome uncertain.
If principle approved, independence would not
come until late 1984/early 1985.
(c) British Antarctic Territory: No indigenous
population. BAT is administered by a High
Commissioner resident in the Falkland Islands.
(d) British Indian Ocean Territory: No permanent
population. Former plantation contract workers and
their families, who were semi-migrants, moved to
Mauritius; process completed 1973. Territory
administered by Her Majesty's Commissioner for
BIOT, who is Head of the East African Department of
FCO.
(e)
British Virgin Islands: Advanced form of
Ministerial system of Government with the Governor retaining the usual reserved powers. No present indication of wish for independence.
(f) Cayman Islands: A membership, or embryo
Ministerial, system. Cayman islanders believe
present constitution well suited to circumstances
and resist moves towards independence.
(g) Falkland Islands: Civil Commissioner has full
powers, but there are Executive and Legislative Councils. Overriding political issue is dispute with Argentina. Islanders resist Argentine claim to sovereignty; want to remain British. No pressure for independence.
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