ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the key constitutional and political developments that have taken place since the basis of the existing relationship was set in the early 1960s. It considers the somewhat different paths the territories have taken since that time framed by their particular constitutional histories and the occasional political crisis, such as the corruption scandals in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The chapter evaluates the changes that have occurred in the United Kingdom (UK) policy, which have fluctuated between neglect and significant engagement. Re-engagement on the part of the UK was prompted by two developments. First, British policy towards the Caribbean was reversed following the United states-led invasion of Grenada. Second, Britain's neglect had allowed serious problems to fester in the territories, which subsequently required attention. The Federation was created to give the territories a greater degree of autonomy within a federal structure, with the ultimate objective of independence.
