West Indian World was a weekly newspaper founded in 1971 in London, England, by Vincentian journalist Aubrey Baynes.[1] Under its masthead was the strapline: "Britain's First National West Indian Weekly".[2] The newspaper continued publication until 1985.[3]
Launched at a party on 16 June 1971, with claims to be the first West Indian weekly in London, the newspaper cost 5p, had 20 pages and a print run of 30,000 copies.[4][5] Baynes has been described as "the true father of the Caribbean/African press in the UK", having previously started the lifestyle magazine Daylight International and edited the short-lived weekly Magnet News.[6][7] West Indian World struggled financially because of lack of advertising.[8] In 1973, the newspaper was acquired from Baynes by publisher Arif Ali.[9][10]
Notable staff and contributors to West Indian World over the years included Lionel Morrison,[11] Barbara Blake Hannah,[12] Lindsay Barrett,[13] Neil Kenlock,[14] Flip Fraser,[15] and others.