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well and loyally supported by an excellent local civil service.
6.
Superficially the Cayman Islands bear a close resemblace to Bermuda, but in the Cayman Islands the power and influence is firmly in the hands of the leaders of a very homogeneous society. Consequently the Islands do not suffer the black/white, rich/poor syndrome that affects Bermudian society. Special legislation regulates the proportion of non-Islanders to their total population. Furthermore, Caymanian leaders, as they grow more affluent, care deeply about the welfare of the poorer elements of their own ethnic, non-racially aligned community. The risk of dissent within the community, at present not evident, lies in the growing wealth gap between the middle classes and the workers and this tends to equate to a less black/more black contrast; high wages, full employment and good living conditions probably minimise this risk, but it is there. Overall the territory is content and stable with a very low crime rate. Other factors that contribute to the success of overseas investment in the territory are the presence of the British flag denoting respectability, the conservative nature of the people and the strong American business link.
7. With such political and economic success, it is strange that with their growing prosperity, these shrewd, independent-minded and capable people do not seek independence. But, from a genuine sense of loyalty to the British connection and also to avoid risking the loss of confidence by overseas investors, the Government shuns independence. They are very content with the advantages they see in dependent status, which not only affords them protection and British status, but also gives them a very large say in running their own affairs. They are obdurate in their refusal to consider any form of constitutional advance as they consider it to be the first step down the road to an unwelcome independence. It will be difficult, if not impossible, for the foreseeable future to wean them from the security of the British connection. Any attempts to do this, need to be done with care, sympathy and tact; undue pressure would be counter-productive.
8. There are slightly over 1000 established posts in the Civil Service. Of these, 19 posts, mainly professional and technical, are filled by UK based expatriates. Localization and training of the Civil Service is well organized and competently done with the result that it is of an exceptionally high standard and is both loyal and impartial.
Resources Controlled by the Territory
9. The economy of the Cayman Islands is based mainly on financial centre operations, tourism, land development and earnings from Caymanian seamen abroad, all of which have prospered greatly over
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