Two months after the dissolution of the West Indies Federation on May 31, 1962, Jamaica gained independence from Britain. Three weeks later Trinidad and Tobago followed, and four years later Guyana and Barbados severed ties with the United Kingdom. Shortly thereafter, several smaller islands moved towards independence — even St. Kitts and Nevis, with a population of less than 60,000.
All these countries have overseas missions — embassies and consular offices in the UK, the United States, Canada and further afield. No doubt this is a considerable cost. In my view most of these missions are not really required, but these countries want to maintain their status quo and ensure that their supporters are given diplomatic positions.
Cutting the apron strings from Britain gives the local politicians full control. In nearly all the countries, wrong and untimely decisions were made at the expense of the taxpayers. In Guyana the main industries — sugar and bauxite — were nationalised, which placed the country in a poor economic state. In Jamaica, there were several missteps by both the Jamaica Labour Party and the People’s National Party administrations. Likewise, there were rash moves by the governments in the twin island republic as well as Barbados, which, like all of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, is now experiencing financial difficulties.
In the VI
The Virgin Islands is no doubt in a far better financial position than all the independent states, and to my mind the administrations of both the National Democratic Party and the Virgin Islands Party are way above the independent states. There is a little talk here and there about political impropriety, but there is no concrete evidence of serious mishandling of public funds. Moreover, no politician recently has been charged or even questioned about fraud, appropriation or dishonesty. This smooth operation is sometimes attributed in part to the fact that lawmakers are being monitored by the governor, the Queen’s representative.
On the other hand, there are reports of large-scale dishonesty and corruption in a few independent states such as Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and a few other countries in the region.
2007 Constitution
Moreover, although the VI is not an independent state, a little more power was given to local lawmakers by the 2007 Constitution, under which the post of chief minister was elevated to premier and the Executive Council became the Cabinet. However, Cabinet is chaired by the governor, not the premier. No doubt the government will continue to make representation for more autonomy, but not necessarily full independence.
A few callers to a local radio programme recently have advocated for full independence, but the majority quite rightly are against the move because they are fearful that the local administrators would have a field day.
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