JNF-The-Working-Class-Struggle-of-Half-a-Century

see no reason why we should be given something from a common castiron
mold. Major Wood found that some Islands were ahead of others,
and acted accordingly, we claim the right to go a little further now that
it is contemplated to give them what we have already outgrown...”
The amendment I have offered suggests a reasonably middle
course which, while being in tune with our self respect and our manly
pride, cannot derogate from the dignity of the Crown. If however indeed
a “take it or leave it” offer is what is made and there is no room
for reason and counsel so that most of the best interest of both sides can
be met, Grenada, sir, we will rather leave it than take it. The tides of
time are running in our favor, and we are not in the least impatient.
Grenada can wait...
Leewards on the Defensive
The Leeward Islanders were strongly convinced that the recommendations
should be accepted as a stepping stone to greater constitutional
changes. The Dominica branch of the West Indian National League
endeavored to achieve united action throughout the region on the report
but the result was disappointing. The colonies of the north were therefore
thrown on their own resources and were united in their choice of
the course that was to be taken.
Mr. Cecil E. A. Rawle spoke for the Leewards. As chairman of
1932 West Indian conference and the head of the Dominica branch of
the National League, he made an open statement on the issue on 11 th
October, 1933. In his forceful style, he attacked the “demagogic vehemence”
which had labeled the new concessions “as empty, worthless,
insincere and dishonest.” He continued:
In 1922 the bare recognition of the elective principle was
hailed as glorious triumph for Grenada and her political leaders who
then, as now, where in the forefront of the fight for constitutional freedom.
By what process of reasoning does the extension to other West
Indian territories of what was gained for Grenada in 1922, coupled
with the complete disappearance of the official bloc in all the islands
concerned, become a “step backwards”?
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