Why did Anguilla reject association with Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1967?

In 1967, Anguilla was incorporated into an associated state with Saint Kitts and Nevis against the wishes of the Anguillan people.1

Anguilla rejected this political arrangement primarily due to concerns regarding domination by the administration based in Saint Kitts. Following the formal establishment of the associated state in February 1967, Anguillans expressed their discontent by ejecting the Saint Kitts police force from the island in May 1967. Shortly thereafter, they established their own governing council and proclaimed an independent republic in July 1967.21

This rejection of the union was the culmination of long-standing grievances, as Anguilla had historically been subjected to administrative control from Saint Kitts—a relationship that often lacked local support and failed to address the island's specific needs. Following failed negotiations, the British government eventually intervened in 1969, leading to the formal severance of the union in 1980 and placing Anguilla directly under British control.12