TNAG-0597-FCO40-744-Future-of-Dependent-Territories-territorial-studies-1977 — Page 141

CODE 18-77

SS.10/76

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference.

12

RECORD OF A CONFERENCE OF CARIBEHAN GOVERNORS OF DEPINDENT TERRITORIES AND HM COMISSIONER, ANJUIȚIA, HELD IN THE BRITISH DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, BARBADOS

INTRODUCTION

1.

21-RECEIVEDRİN 197' REGISTRY No. 51

1 JUN 1717

HKG 025/1

After welcoming everyone Mr Stanley suggested that the Conference should address itself to four main issues:-

a) was independence for the Caribbean islands a realistic objective?

b) if so, how should we set about it; what administrative reforms and constitutional change should we go for?

c) were our arrangements for internal security and reinforcement of the civil power adequate?

d) if we can agree our political objectives how should we then best deploy our official aid programme: can we improve our aid procedures so as to get better value for money spent?

TERRITORIAL REVIEWS

2.

OAGS briefly described conditions and problems in their own territories:

Anguilla

The priorities were separation from St Kitts and economic survival The island was small and one major investment could dominate is- land life. It would be difficult to attract back the considerable talent working overseas (perhaps another 6,000). A political link with St Martin might be possible, particularly if tourism were developed. Greater scope for emigration would be one of the attractions of independence but there were very few others.

BVI

The rate of growth in the economy was slowing up and unemployment had increased but tourism was holding up well. A survey of recent school leavers should produce some significant lessons. There were no proper parties and politics was a personal power game. It had taken five years of argument before the present constitution could be agreed and there was no wish for further advance. However rigorously we urged them towards independence the islanders would resist the stick and ignore the carrot.

Cayman Islands

The possibility of an oil terminal and moped assembly plant would broaden the base of a fragile economy dependent on tourism and tax havenry. The people were suspicious of newfangled constitu- tions. In practice it would be hard to stand still under the present Member system and if so, effective control by the UK Government through the Governor would gradually wither.

CONFIDINI TAL

It was

/becoming