Elizabeth Morgan | Self-determination for overseas territories in the Caribbean: Whose decision?

Flowing from the adoption of the CARICOM Reparations Manifesto, which now includes decolonisation as a goal, there was a report in The Guardian (UK) newspaper of July 14 titled ‘Caribbean calls for return of British Virgin Islands – and for King Charles to back decolonization’. This report was on a visit to London by members of the CARICOM Reparations Committee, during which they demanded independence for the overseas territories of European countries in the Caribbean, including the United Kingdom (Britain), the Netherlands, France, and even for those of the United States. 
Britain has six overseas territories in the Caribbean/North Atlantic. These are   Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and Turks and Caicos Islands. These territories are self-governing, but Britain retains responsibility for foreign affairs and defence. The Netherlands has three fully self-governing countries, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, and three others, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, which are integrated municipalities of the Netherlands.  France has four fully integrated overseas departments in the Caribbean, meaning that they are part of the Republic of France. These are Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy, and  Saint Martin. 
The US territories in the Caribbean are Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Both are described as unincorporated US territories.
IN THE UNITED NATIONS
The question of self-determination is addressed in the UN Charter, UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions, and in the UN Special Committee on Decolonization. The UN list of non-self-governing territories has 17 countries, including the British Caribbean territories. It does not include the parts of France and the Netherlands which are in the Caribbean. This list for the USA only has the US Virgin Islands. The continuing political status of the listed territories is monitored and addressed annually in the UN Special Committee and the UNGA.
Self-determination speaks not only to seeking independence, but takes into account what status the people of these territories themselves want to achieve and maintain with their administering/associated countries.
WEST INDIES FEDERATION
The West Indies Federation was proposed and established in 1958 to enable the British Caribbean territories to become independent within a federal governance arrangement. It failed. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago became independent separately in 1962. Others followed, with St Kitts and Nevis being the last to become independent in 1983.
INDEPENDENCE FOR THE OVERSEAS BRITISH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES 
The issue of independence has been an ongoing discussion in these British Caribbean territories. In the 1960s, Anguilla rebelled against an associate relationship with St Kitts and Nevis, and after a period of political instability returned to being a British territory. It does not appear that Anguilla is actively seeking full independence from Britain at this time. Bermuda has had independence discussions from time to time. In 1995, a referendum was held and 78 per cent of the people favoured remaining a British territory. While talk of independence continues among some interest groups, a decision on independence would require another referendum. The BVI is in constitutional reform talks with the British government. However, recently, the premier is reported as saying that the territory is not yet ready for independence and would prefer increased autonomy in a free association arrangement with Britain. 
The Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands do not currently seem to have independence on their agendas. Montserrat suffered severe destruction and depopulation due to volcanic eruptions from 1995 to 2010. It is managing its relations with Britain and is not seeking independence.
MEMBERSHIP IN CARICOM
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was established on July 4, 1973 under the Treaty of Chaguaramas. Its members are to be independent states. Montserrat, however, though not an independent state, received approval to become a full member in 1974. With Montserrat, CARICOM now has 15 full member states under its 2001 Revised Treaty of Chaugaramas.
CARICOM now has eight associate members which are European overseas countries, departments or territories in the Caribbean. These are Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman Islands, Curacao, French Guiana, Martinique, and Turks and Caicos Islands; Martinique being the most recent associate. They attend meetings of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government, and are members of all institutions except the Council of Foreign and Community Relations.
Bermuda is now seeking full membership of CARICOM and has launched public consultations. A survey has shown that there is public support for a referendum on this matter. Bermuda has already indicated that it is not interested in participating in CARICOM free movement of people in the CSME.
CARICOM’S POSITION ON SELF-DETERMINATION
CARICOM’s position has been that it respects the right of territories around the globe, and especially those in the Caribbean, to determine their political status whether to seek independence or another form of governance relationship with administering countries.
In light of the above, it was, therefore, very surprising to read of a demand for independence for these Caribbean overseas countries and territories, which was being associated with CARICOM through the CARICOM Reparations Committee. Has CARICOM changed its position on self-determination and is now demanding independence on behalf of these countries and territories?
Elizabeth Morgan is a specialist in international trade policy and international politics. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.