An Anglo‐Barbadian dialogue: the negotiations leading to Barbados' independence, 1965–66

Abstract

This article pays particular attention to Barbados' decisive move to independence in November 1966, using previously unseen archival evidence. It attempts to provide a solid explanation of why, unlike the neighbouring British dependencies in the Eastern Caribbean, Barbados moved smoothly to constitutional independence. Particular attention is paid to the island's domestic landscape, tracing the immediate catalysts leading it to go it alone. In evaluating Barbados' transition to independence, the study reconstructs not only the differing perspectives of the various components of the colonial leadership but, equally importantly, brings to the surface the positions espoused by British policy makers both in the Cabinet and Colonial Office, as well as the stances adopted by their counterparts in the Johnson Administration in Washington.