CARIBBEAN STUDIES

MOVEMENTS TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE

By the twentieth century, Caribbean people were increasingly coming to

understand what freedom meant and were beginning to challenge the basis
of colonialism. The form of government that was widespread in the
Caribbean was called The Old Representative system. A Governor was
appointed from England who transmitted the dictates of the Colonial Office
to the colonies.

During the 19th century, Britain took more direct control of many of the
colonies by eliminating the elected assembly. The governor and a legislative
council, with official and nominated unofficial members, now ruled. This was
called Crown Colony Government and proved oppressive to a population of
ex-slaves and ex-indentured labourers who were economically distressed and
looking for ways to improve their condition.

Widespread unrest in the 1930s forced the colonial authorities to reinstate

elected representation. It occurred gradually, but from 1944, onwards,
Caribbean territories were granted universal adult suffrage. There were no
restrictions put on the population (except that of age) in being eligible to
vote and elect members to the legislature. Once this occurred, it was only a
matter of time before these territories sought internal self-government.

IMPORTANT TERMS TO REMEMBER:

1. Economic enfranchisement this is the condition whereby a country or

nation achieves the right to determine how it will develop its systems
of production.
2. Political enfranchisement this refers to the right of a people or nation
to determine their own affairs.
3. Internal Self Government This is where countries remained colonies,
with Britains interests being overseen by a Governor General, but a
chief minister and members of the legislature were now elected from
the ranks of Caribbean people.
4. Entrepreneurial Activities - development of other ways of making a
living e.g. developing alternative cash crops for export, such as
cocoa, bananas, coffee, ginger, cotton, coconuts, arrowroot etc