WEEKLY SUMMARY: CARIBBEAN GOVERNMENTS TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT BLACK POWER

Created: 5/15/1970

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DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE

WEEKLY SUMMARY

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Caribbean Governments Take Another Look at Black Power

the aftermath of thedisorders last month, aof the Caribbean governments are reassessing their publictoward Black Power and are adopting more stringent controls over its proponents.

Many of the Caribbean leaders are concerned that events similar to those in Trinidad could disrupt the peace and prosperity of their states if they permit militants to agitate and preach racial violence. There is general agreement that Trinidad's Prime Minister Williams waited too long before trying to exercise control over Black Power elements whose demonstrations and subsequent arrest led to the recent unrest. esult, theappear to be less reluctant to limit the activities of Black Powor elements and more ready to risk political attack fromin theofinstead to broadersentiment and preserving public safety. Some governments also seem to be more concerned about theloss of tourist revenues than therisk involved in confronting the militants.

In Barbados, the site for the second Regional Black Powerscheduledouly, Prime Minister Barrow haslegislation that would makeriminalto preach violence or racial hatred. He also intends to prevent nonnationals from participating in the country'sactivity, requiringclearance of all speakers and topics before permission toeeting is granted. Barrow isdetermined to maintain the position that militants should not be banned from Barbados butaTtor they get there. Last week Stokely Carmichael was detained at the airport, then permitted to stay overnight, but was not allowed to speakolitical rally in his honor.

Many other Caribbeanalso reluctant to give Indemands of the radicals. Prime Minister Shearerthat he will dealrapidly with any incipientdevelopment. of the smaller islandstheir concern byof the more prominent

SECPhT

The government of Trinidadintends toublic example of the leaders of last ncnth's Black Power unrest and army mutiny. Nine civilians, including the head of one of the country's most important trade unions as well as the leader of the local Black Power movement, will be charged with sedition.

military defendants may receive death sentences for their part in the disorders.

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