TNAG-1001-FCO40-1237-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-including--Report-of-the-1981 — Page 202

called in February 1980 and the replacement of his Government by a coalition, led by Dr Kennedy Simmonds, of the People's Action Movement and the Nevis Reformation Party, brought about a totally new situation. The new Government afforded no

priority to independence and Dr Simmonds realised that, because of his dependence on the two Nevisian members (who have seen and continue to see secession as the ultimate future for the

island of Nevis), he could not put his administration at risk by placing the Anguillan separation issue before the St Kitts Legislature as his predecessor had promised. (See also separate brief on St Kitts Nevis)

5.

HMG's commitment to the Anguillans to effect separation

could, in these circumstances, only be honoured by unilateral

action (in which Dr Simmonds concurred) in the form of an

Act of the UK Parliament. The agreement of Cabinet to this action, notwithstanding the heavy legislative programme, was obtained and a renewed commitment in April 1980, to the then Chief Minister of Anguilla, Mr Gumbs, to complete the necessary processes by Christmas 1980, was thus duly honoured.

6. There is some irony in the fact that Mr Webster will be playing the leading Anguillan rôle in the celebrations this month to celebrate the passing of the separation legislation. Prior to February 1977 Mr Webster had long been the leading

political figure in Anguilla. He led the 1967 revolt and

subsequently held unofficial referenda which resulted in an

overwhelming vote in favour of secession from St Kitts. From

1971 to 1976 Mr Webster led the Elected Council and was thus

Chief Adviser to HM Commissioner. Under the new constitution

drafted for Anguilla in 1976 he became Chief Minister until his removal from office by HM Commissioner in February 1977 after a vote of no confidence in the Legislature. His

subsequent campaign to regain power, by exploiting the continued desire of Anguillans for complete separation from St Kitts and by playing on their fear that the British Government might force Anguilla to independence as part of an independent

St Kitts - Nevis

Anguilla, led to a series of violent

CONDIDENTT AT

/incidents