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

In 1933 efforts were made which resulted in the formation of
the St. Kitts Workers League, the object of which is contained in the
expression “For the good that we can do.” One highly placed public
official, when informed of its existence dubbed the league a ‘dark
horse’..
We know of several other associations that have been formed
here, associations that have been formed to provide means to give relief
to its [sic] members during sickness and disability, and to maintain a
fund to defray their funeral expenses. In not one solitary instance do we
find a feeling or opposition against the formation of these friendly societies
as they are known. To the contrary among these very two elements
of our inhabitants these friendly societies are welcomed and even encouraged.
The contrast is at once apparent to those who are prepared to,
and do, think for themselves; and every rational West Indian cannot
avoid the question. “Why?” Why is it that associations formed for the
purpose of teaching and encouraging the masses to live as human beings,
and to instill an interest in the temporal and spiritual necessity of
obtaining their due share of this worlds’ goods - why is it that the formation
of such association creates a feeling of opposition, whereas associations
whose primary objects is to provide their members a decent
burial, are welcomed and encouraged?
It is difficult to say precisely but it seems to us to be clearly indicated
that the answer to the question we ask is to be found in the psychological
sentiment that the dominant and domineering elements of
our inhabitants have fully made up their minds that the aspirations of
the labouring people must be bounded east, west, north and south, by a
miserable existence having for its climax a coffin. It seems the great
ambition of planters and Government officials alike is to keep the labouring
masses, body, mind and soul, forever in chains, and to teach
them the virtue of providing themselves a coffin , at the exclusion of
everything else, and when they have done so, to sing rejoicing, “We are
going home!”
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