History, political structure and law

It is believed that the islands were first discovered by Columbus on his first voyage in 1492. Officially it is claimed that the islands were visited by Spanish seamen in 1512, at a time when they were occupied by Arawak Indians. However, they remained practically uninhabited until British settlers from Bermuda founded the salt panning plants there in 1678. The British secured the islands in 1766 against Spanish and French claims.

From 1874-1962 the islands were a dependency of Jamaica. In 1962 Jamaica withdrew from the Federation of West Indies and the islands, which were then annexed by the Bahamas. In 1973 they became a self-governing British Crown Protectorate, and Britain maintains responsibility for defence and foreign affairs. The islands are ruled by a Governor appointed by Britain with an Advisory Council of 4 nominated members.

The Government consists of a Lower and Upper House. The Lower House is the Legislative Council with 17 seats. The Upper House (the Executive Council) consists of a Chief Minister, 4 members appointed by the Governor and 3 ex-officio members, including the Governor.

The legal system is based on English Common Law with local statutory modifications. Local legal services are excellent.