Anguilla wants self independence - radiojamaica.com

[Anguillan newsboy]

Anguillan legislators have stepped up their call for Britain to grant the island full internal self-government.

They articulated that demand at a public forum Monday night with the political leaders supported by Queen Counsel Dame Bernice Lake and retired OECS judge Don Mitchell.

They have disclosed that a select group is working on a draft constitution.

The approximately two hour meeting was organized by the government to address a number of issues related to constitutional reform including a reduction of the powers of the island's Governor, changes to the Public Service Commission and general administration of Anguilla's Public Service.

Veteran lawyer and constitutional experts Dame Lake QC told the gathering that the island was being administered by a system that affords no full internal self government.

She questioned whether the island had a "meaningful" constitution.

"It cannot be democracy if the values are sent down from another power ... if the values aren't engendered by us, it cannot be democracy," she said.

Dame Lake said there must be a shared responsibility between the elected and the electorate.

She is part of a government appointed select group to engage in talks with the government of the United Kingdom on Anguilla's future constitutional status.