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The West Indies Federation (1958-1962) was a political union of ten Anglophone West Indian territories, namely: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Trinidad and Tobago. British Guiana (Guyana) and British Honduras (Belize) held observer status within this Federation. The creation of the West Indies Federation was part of the post-World War II era of decolonization that occurred throughout the British Empire. 

The history of the West Indies is inextricably linked with the histories of other former British colonies, which include portions of Africa, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. This fonds illustrates the interconnectivity of these histories and documents one of the decisive periods of 20th century history when former colonies of the British Empire, first flexed their "political muscles" and sought to become sovereign nation-states. Undoubtedly, the West Indies Federation shared commonalities with other contemporary federations particularly with regard to issues such as constitutional reform and overcoming nationalist interests. The West Indian experience however, was unique and distinct from all others because of three factors: the sea creates a geographical separateness between Caribbean states; and, the insularity of the territories, grounded in history and colonialism in that these territories related to England and not with each other. Additionally, there was the impact of extra- and intra-regional migrations associated with colonial plantation economies which filled labour needs through African enslavement and Indian indentureship. The most striking detail these documents reveal is the swift manner in which the West Indies Federation was established despite the cultural diversity; disparity in physical size; demographics; and, economies that existed within the territories that constituted the West Indies Federation.

This fonds contains records on all ten former members states of the Federation as well as the two states designated as observers. The documents give a comprehensive view of the social, economic, political and cultural realities obtained in these territories during the period of Federation. Further, these records shed light on a bond that was developed between the West Indies Federation and Canada: the latter serving as a "big-brother" to the Government of the West Indies Federation. The Canadian Government was a source of critical support as it had gone through a process of Federalism and therefore had faced challenges similar to those that the West Indies Federation encountered. These records also provide evidence of linkages to other existing contemporary federations such as Australia, where references are made to the provisions in the Australian Constitution, which served as a model for up-and-coming Federal movements.

Ultimately, this outstanding fonds enables anyone who consults it to glean information about decisions and policies, plans and strategies, hopes and aspirations of West Indian people at a time when dramatic changes were taking place on the world scene and within the region.

The Federal Archives Fonds was inscribed in the Memory of the World, International Register in 2009 and the Memory of the World, Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2011.