ANNEX
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN DEPENDENT OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
Details of dependent overseas territories where capital punishment is still retained.
The Territories Concerned
Belize
Cayman Islands
Bermuda
Montserrat
The British Virgin Islands Hong Kong
Turks & Caicos
(Capital punishment is still retained in the New Hebrides and can be imposed by the joint courts but the British Commissioner would have a right of veto over the execution of such a sentence.
Capital punishment is also retained in the West Indies Associated States. However, by exchange of dispatches in 1971 Ministers announced their intention to adopt, in relation to the exercise of the prerogative of mercy in the Associated States, a practice similar to that pertaining to the Australian Associated States.)
Abolition of Capital Punishment by British Legislation
Capital punishment could be abolished by an Order in Council, made in the British Parliament, in respect of the British Virgin Islands, the Caymans, Hong Kong and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
An
Order in Council to this effect could not be made in respect of Bermuda, Belize or Montserrat.
State of Opinion
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Belize
By a free vote in the Bermuda House of Assembly in 1975 the House decided by 25 votes to 9 to retain capital punish- ment. There is no indication of any change in opinion despite the disturb- ances which followed the executions in November 1977.
Mild opinion in favour of retention.
Strong local opinion in favour of capital punishment, almost certainly reflected in the legislature.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.