The Leeward Islands- early groupings

In the 17 century, the British Government was in favour of groups of colonies because they were
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easier and cheaper to administer.

Since less colonial officials would be needed, less salaries would have to be paid.

Reasons for Failure

1. The individual islands still had administrative powers.

2. The local legislatures refused to relinquish the power of taxation of the federal legislature and
so each island retained exclusive control over taxation, and had its own treasury and fiscal
system.
3. The federal government was supported by direct grants from the individual island
legislatures, and they gave the minimum necessary.
4. The individual islands were dissatisfied with the distribution of the resources. They felt that
their contributions were too large for the services that they received.
5. They complained of neglect by the governor and federal officials.

Windward Islands Federation

Reasons for Failure
1. Barbados’ attitude in that Barbados was very strongly opposed to the federation. It saw federation as
a step towards Crown Colony Government and did not want to adopt that system of government.
Furthermore, it was not prepared to merge with less fortunate islands.

2. The insularity of the islands- ignorance of or lack of interest in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside
one's own experience.

3. The poor communication among them.

4. Reluctance of mainland territories to join federation

5. Infrequent personal contact between inhabitants of regions

6. central government was virtually powerless- main government was almost powerless

7. leadership was timid- leaders show lack of courage, confidence and were easily frightened
8. Trade and communication between islands was occasional
9. Different levels of development was viewed as determinant in failure to generate the will and desire
to integrate.- more developed or fortunate countries felt that integrating would mean that they had
to share their resources.

British WI Federation
Social:

1. Lack of local popular support from Caribbean people- because they felt that it was not
carrying out its function because they were not educated on the importance or benefits of
federation.

2. The people in various territories never thought of themselves as Caribbean people but only as
Jamaicans or Guyanese
3. Geographical separateness- Islands divided by water. Lack of communication between islands
because of high costs of travel and transportation

4. Insularity- There was conflict between territorial demands and loyalties and regional
demands and loyalties. The politicians chose territorial interests over regional interests so
federation could not achieve its goal of regional unity.
5. Struggle between the leading colonies, Jamaica and Trinidad on one hand, and the federal
government on the other hand had several issues.
6. The West Indian leaders quarrelled among themselves throughout the period so unity was
hindered.

Political:

1. Federal government had limited political powers, only residual. England remained in control
of external affairs so the Federal Government had no say in the external affairs of the
colonies. The Federal Government had no control over taxation.
2. It was difficult to co-ordinate public services across different islands

3. Disagreement over the rules for electing members to federal parliament.

4. individual Caribbean leaders wanted to hold unto power

5. Lack of strong political spirit of loyalty to the federation- The federal constitution did not
allow unit leaders to participate in both federal and unit politics.
6. Federation was politically backwards. Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados were politically
advanced compared to the other countries because they had internal self-government so the
islands were not politically equal.

Economic :
1. The federal budget was insufficient - Federal government had little funds to do anything
to create change in the lives of the West Indian people. Funds that came from England
and unit contributions were limited. No possibility of economic development as the
Federal Government’s revenue was only $9 000 000 (BWI dollars)
2. Jamaica rejected the idea of a customs union and free trade because she made most of her
revenue from duties. Trinidad supported customs’ union and free trade. The two
territories were opposed to each other on this issue.

3. Jamaica wanted control over her own economic development. Federal Government and
Adams wanted control over all economic development.

4. Trinidad opposed the idea of free movement as she felt that it would lead to large-scale
immigration into Trinidad and reduce the standard of living.

5. Withdrawal of TT & JA- the federation could not survive without Jamaica and Trinidad.
The British West Indies Federation was dissolved by the British Parliament in May of
1962. Trinidad and Jamaica became fully independent states in August 1962.