TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 62

2.

(a)

1

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2

Anguilla: Anguilla was formally separated from

St Kitts-Nevis in December 1980 and is now a

dependent territory on its own. It has a

reasonably advanced constitution and Ministerial

form of Government. The present Government sees

independence as the ultimate goal but not for some

years.

(b)

- (c)

Bermuda: Constitution very advanced although short

of full internal self-government; Governor retains standard reserved powers. 1979 White Paper concluded independence not the wish of most

Bermudians; but moves are possible in 1983. First

step would be a referendum, outcome uncertain.

If principle approved, independence would not

come until late 1984/early 1985.

British Antarctic Territory: No indigenous population. BAT is administered by a High

Commissioner resident in the Falkland Islands.

(d)

British Indian Ocean Territory: No permanent population. Former plantation contract workers and

their families, who were semi-migrants, moved to

Mauritius; process completed 1973. Territory

administered by Her Majesty's Commissioner for BIOT, who is Head of the East African Department of

FCO.

(e)

(£)

British Virgin Islands: Advanced form of

Ministerial system of Government with the Governor retaining the usual reserved powers. No present indication of wish for independence.

Cayman Islands: A membership, or embryo

Ministerial, system. Cayman islanders believe

present constitution well suited to circumstances and resist moves towards independence.

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