West Indies consists of 13 independent island nations and 18 dependents and other territories in three major archipelagos: the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Lucayan Archipelago.
During the mid-1950s and ’60s, the UK reorganized all its West Indies Island territories (except for the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas) into the West Indies Federation. The Federation hoped to unify into a single, independent nation. A lack of popular support, limited power, and numerous practical problems led to the Federation’s dissolution by the British in 1963. Nine provinces became independent sovereign states, while four became British Overseas Territories.
Independent West Indies states often align with Western nations. United Kingdom, France, and the United States are responsible for defending their overseas territories in the West Indies. Also, the United Kingdom and France generally have close ties with former dependencies, supplying arms, training, and, occasionally, defense. Additionally, they maintain military bases on several of these strategically important islands.
Below are some stunning vintage photos by Wilford Peloquin that show the life of the West Indies in the 1960s.
