TNAG-1001-FCO40-1237-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-including--Report-of-the-1981 — Page 20

Following the dissolution of the West Indies Federation and the

failure of their proposed federation of the 'Little Eight' of the

Eastern Caribbean, Associated Statehood provided a means of

constitutional advance for these small islands without going as far

as sovereign independence.

On 1 November 1981, under the new title of Antigua and Barbuda, the

territory was the fifth of the Associated States to move to full

independence, leaving only St Kitts-Nevis with that status (see

below).

ST KITTS-NEVIS

The territory was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and St Kitts

(St Christopher) was the first island to be colonized by the

British. St Kitts, Nevis and the island of Anguilla (70 miles

distant) were united by Federal Act in 1882. Although Anguilla

formally became a part of the Associated State of St Kitts-Nevis- Anguilla in 1967, the island was subsequently given a separate form of government and constitution and then formally separated in December 1980 by the Anguilla Act 1980. (See below.)

As the sole remaining Associated State, St Kitts-Nevis has full internal autonomy. The British Government retain responsibility for matters relating to defence and internal affairs but have delegated responsibility in certain areas, particularly regional affairs and trade. The State has the right and ability (subject to certain safeguar to advance unilaterally to full independence. The United Kingdom also

may terminate the association. by Order-in-Council under the West

Indies Act of 1967 and this is the method by which the five former Associated States have moved to independence since 1974.

The St Kitts-Nevis constitution provides for exercise of government through a Parliament comprising the Queen (who is represented by a Governor) and an elected House of Assembly. Executive government is exercised through a cabinet presided over by a Premier.

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