CONFIDENTIAL
New economic (though probably not political) links with Jamaica might be forged in 1962, on Jamaica's independence, the Cayman Islands interceded with the British Government to retain their links with the Crown, and as a result became a separate Crown colony. Subject to satisfactory political and constitutional developments independence might be achievable in ten years.
VI ANGUILLA
General
Main Imports
Total Imports
Main Foreign Currency
Earners
Total Foreign Currency
Earnings
Main Industries
Foodstuffs, Raw Materials,
Manufactured Goods
- N/A
-
Tourism, Conch, Lobster
- N/A
- Fishing, Tourism, Salt Production,
Boat Building
UK Aid (1985/86)
Capital
T.C.
£1.2m
£0.2m
Economic
1. Since 1825 Anguilla has been closely, but unwillingly,
associated with St Kitts. It was not until 1980 that Anguilla
separated and became a separate UK dependent territory. Because of low rainfall and poor soil agricultural development is
limited. Some staple crops are grown for local consumption. Fishing is carried out inshore and out on the reefs, and lobsters
are exported live to neighbouring islands. Some salt is produced by natural evaporation. The boat-building industry continues on
a small scale but is flourishing. Tourism however remains the main revenue earner and the opening of new international standard
hotels recently has boosted the number of visitors.
2. Anguilla came out of budgetary aid in 1984 but would have returned in 1985 had not the ODA agreed to compensate the
territory for the non-receipt of anticipated back profits from the Eastern Caribbean Currency Association, through a special
CONFIDENTIAL