Stages of self-government in 1952 and 1959 led to associated statehood in February 1967, when, by local referendum, Anguilla declared independence. Though the territories are still bound together and Anguilla's name continued to appear on the stamps until 1980, they were not accepted as valid in Anguilla after 1969. However, in June 1980 the stamp-issuing authorities changed and stamps were issued for St Kitts and Nevis separately.