4.
Anguilla broke away in 1967 and has been administered separately by
HM Commissioner since 1971. In May 1975, after protracted negotiations
the Anguillians finally accepted a compromise solution which, while
preserving the formal integrity of the Associated State, would give them a
larger measure of autonomy in domestic affairs. The text of a new
Constitution was finally agreed in November 1975 and the Anguilla
(Constitution) Order 1976 came into operation on 10 February 1976.
5. Preliminary discussions between the British Government and the
St Kitts Government and Opposition have been held on constitutional advance
but no timetable for independence has yet been agreed.
Economics
6. The St Kitts economy is almost entirely dependent on the sugar
industry and a gradual deterioration in this sector over the past decade
has led to stagnation in the economy generally and to a difficult budgetary
position. The industry is the major employer of labour and provides 90% of
St Kitts' exports but the estates and the factory made losses from the late
1960s until 1974, when higher sugar prices provided a significant bonus for
the industry and the economy. Development in other sectors of the economy
has been limited and the manufacturing sector remains small. The tourist
industry is as yet on a relatively small scale.
7.
Peasant smallholdings predominate on Nevis and agricultural products
include Sea Island cotton, vegetables, copra and fruit.
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