TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 223

MONTSERRAT

Capital Aid

1981/82

TC

£601,000

Total

222,000 823,000

1. Very advanced form of Ministerial Government, with Governor retaining fewer reserve powers than, eg in the BVI. The island ceased to be grant-aided at the end of 1980 and the present Government wishes to build up a sound economy before considering independence, though independence could well become an election issue in the next few years. The economy is based on agriculture (including a revival of the cotton industry), light industries and some tourism. Unlike other Caribbean dependencies, Montserrat is (or is about to become) a member of The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and plays a larger part in regional affairs than do the other dependencies.

West Indian and Atlantic Department February 1981

4.

*