Caribbean Matters: British Virgin Islands pushes back at Crown; St. Lucia Independence Day turns 45

Political divisions abound in the United Kingdom around immigration—with conservative Tories fighting to limit it (especially for people who aren’t white) and the Labour Party (and voters) standing against the Tories. The UK already has an ugly and checkered history with its colonies and colonial “subjects” in the Caribbean, many of whom are descendants of formerly enslaved people. Enslavement and British colonial rule took a heavy toll on the Caribbean, and people are still suffering today. 

We’ve previously covered the history of Caribbean migration to the UK. There have been multiple stories highlighting the Windrush generation; including Windrush Day and continuing racism. We’ve also explored the change in status of former colonies like Barbados, who have opted to become republics. 

In May 2022, we looked at the relationship of a Caribbean colony to its colonizer when we covered protests in the British Virgin Islands against looming recommendations being made for the Crown to impose direct British rule, after a scandal involving the island nation’s premier.

Nearly two years have passed; a new governor, Daniel Pruce, was appointed by King Charles III and sworn in on Jan. 29. He succeeds Gov. John Rankin, who bid the BVI farewell on Jan 25. And so the British Virgin Islanders remain colonial subjects, under British rule.

Contrast their status to that of the people of St. Lucia, who mark 45 years of independence from UK rule on Thursday.

Caribbean Matters is a weekly series from Daily Kos. If you are unfamiliar with the region, check out Caribbean Matters: Getting to know the countries of the Caribbean.