Background to Federation

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This installment in the presentation of the new Federation of the West Indies talks about the basic geopolitical structure of ten British territories in the Caribbean which aim to be self-sustained in five years. Beyond the tourist-eyed view of sun drenched beaches, sugar cane fields, and rum punches, there are more practical items in the new federation such as the University College of the West Indies which provides residents with educational opportunities locals would have had to leave the region previously to obtain. Other items that are discussed include: the benefits of the federation, the overarching one being to tie together the cultures and economies of the region in harmony; which British territories in Caribbean that are not part of the federation, and which may possibly join in the future; the diverse cultural population make-up stemming from the history of colonialism and slavery leading to the mixed and diverse cultures seen today; and the potential problems of the federation, such as the free movement of goods and services between the territories which may threaten the livelihoods of the smaller territories.