TNAG-0597-FCO40-744-Future-of-Dependent-Territories-territorial-studies-1977 — Page 85

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SOLOMON ISLANDS

TUVALU

TURKS AND CAICOS

ISLANDS

CONFIDENTIAL

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Present Constitution and Prospects for Independence

Internal self-government was introduced on 2 January 1976. The 38 elected members of the Legislative Assembly choose a Chief Minister who in turn selects his Council of 8 Ministers. The Constitution is being further amended to increase the number of Ministers to 10 and to recognise the Opposition and Independent groups. The Governor retains responsibility for defence, external affairs and internal security but in other matters is required to act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers. It is hoped that the protectorate will move to independence during 1978; the precise date will be fixed at an Independence Conference presently scheduled for September 1977.

Legal and constitutional separation from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony on 1 October 1975: full administrative separation on 1 January 1976. Ministerial Constitution. Independence expected on 1 October 1978 after elections and an Independence Conference.

Ministerial Constitution introduced after elections in September 1976. No local pressures for independence.

Considerations affecting Aid Policy

Grant-aided.

Grant-aided.

Grant-aided.

Unlikely to

become economically viable within the foreseeable

future.

CONFIDENTIAL