The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-04-29
MEETING HELD
N A R Oh 21-30
IN WEST INDIES
By HARRY McALPIN

Nv nhhh1 MChLfIN
WASHINGTON lNNpAl- TAs
acceptance and endorsement OF ths
West Indian Conference report by
the Islands Of ST. Thomas and ST
John Of the Virgin Island Group
this week was characterized a,
"vory encouraging by John Will
liam HaSiie, former federal judge
3n The Islands. and member Of the
Presidents Caribbean ADVISOR
committee. who attended the con.
ference held in Barbados. B.W.l,
March cI-30.
The conference was held under
the auspices Of the Anglo-American
Caribbean Commission, al which
sen colonies and territories OF the
region were represented. They were
the Bahamas. Barbados. Leeward
Island. Windward Islands, Jamaica.
Trinidad, British Guiana, British
Honduras. Puerto Rico, and the Vir-
gin Islands OF the United States.
In a statement 10 this correspond
Fnt, Judge HASTE said the confer
encc represented the first time that
representatives OF q group OF de-
Tendencies have met freely, with
she complete sanction OF the home
governments. and without any ef-
forts Of the home governments 10
influence what they should say, de-
eide or propose.
Il think IL is extremely important
In indicating the possibilities OF
what can be DONE" he declared
mot just al the peace table. but in
colonial peoples themselves getting
together and expressing their views
Of what should be done in their
particular areas"
IF il is. all right for the West
indies to get together" said Judge
HASTE, why should II not be right
for colonial peoples everywhere"
He felt II was q part OF the pro-
gressive picture indicated by the
trends shown in the Dutch govern
meut,x announcement OF Its inten-
tion to break UP its empire-sfter
the wsr-into four dominions or
commonwealths; and by the discus
kions and actions OF the French
taken at the Brazzaville conference
In Africa with reference to Its
colonial policy. at which Gen. Felix
Eboue played so important a role.
The resolutions at the West In
hies conference recommended pro-
gressive action to remedy the most
pressing problems Of the Caribbean.
and urged immediate considera-
dion. looking 10 prompt action" by
the United States and British gov
ernments.
The report recognized the fact
that the diet OF the Caribbean peo-
piles Is generally deficient in pro-
ieins, vitamins and minerals. 1t
urged government acquisition Of
land TO meet food requirements,
government incentives for produc-
tion of food q high nutriticual
wa}n& pUh1ke sducuSluna1 programs
IN K6d1fhful food habits--including
milk for infants and lunches for
school children.
Concerning public works. II urged
immediate action on any projects
for which supplies are available In
order to absorb acute unemploy-
ment In some areas because Of i'm
pending termination Of military
construction projects.
As to health, the report recon-
mended prominent place be given
the anti-venereal disease campaign
about to begin in Trinidad, and
concerted campaign against tuber-
culosis--involving not only i'm
proved facilities for medical care
but q basic attack on the problems
Of bad housing. overcrowding Of
cities, and malnutrition conducive
20 disease.
With reference to employment,
It recommended absorption OF war
workers and service men into civil
life through coordination of public
works plans with progress Of large
scale war construction projects.
Stimulation Of industry and provis-
ion of employment exchange serv-
ices was suggested. An option to
service men to remain in the serv-
Zee at least six months after general
rehabilitation. and preferences to
formers servicemen in both public
md private positions were pro-
posed.
In dealing with industry. the re-
port proposed the expansion OF
those industries able to exist with
out state assistance in the form OF
tariff protection, subsidies or un-
controlled monopoly privileges. II
urged the United States and Great
Britain, however. TO safeguard the
Caribbean region against predatory
dumping. of their products.