The British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean: Edging Towards Decolonisation?

This paper considers the relationship between Britain and its Overseas Territories (OTs) in the Caribbean. Over the last decade and a half great efforts have been made on both sides to modernise and revitalise the link, and move towards a post-colonial settlement. These efforts have had mixed results. In particular the paper evaluates the policy changes that have taken place since the Conservative-led coalition government won power in May 2010 – which were partly based on the reforms initiated by the previous Labour government. The paper discusses the British government's 2012 White Paper on the OTs; the balance of authority between Britain and the territories in areas such as good governance and economic reform; the attitude of the territories to the present political settlement; and the ways in which further autonomy could be encouraged. It is clear that Britain has tried to build a more constructive and positive set of relations with the territories, but in some respects Britain’s role in the territories has actually become more assertive. The response of the territories to this has been mixed. Some are happy with the status quo, while others are critical. Notwithstanding it is likely that the existing arrangements will be maintained for the foreseeable future – and thus debates over the extent of decolonisation in the OTs will continue for some time to come.