Gilbert and Ellice Islands Gilberts or secede. They were told that if they separated they would not receive royalties from the Ocean Island phosphate or other assets of the colony. Despite this, 3799 Tuvaluans (92%) voted to secede, while 293 voted against secession. On 1 October 1975, legal separation from the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati), took place. On 1 January 1976, full administration of the new colony was transferred to Funafuti from Tarawa. Tuvalu became an independent constitutional monarchy and the 38th member of the Commonwealth on the 1 October 1978. The Gilbert Islands attained independence on 12 July 1979 under the name Kiribati
Cuisine of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cuisine of the Turks and Caicos Islands The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 30 islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Bahamas. Local cuisine employs rare species, bananas, citrus, corn and ocean salt. Because the territories are situated in the Caribbean zone and belong to the United Kingdom, many elements from these cultures can be found in the local diet. The variety of meat ranges from fish, fish roe, crabs, and lobster, to poultry, pork and beef. Meat is typically served with local corn, rice and vegetables and is topped with local sauces and spices. A traditional