Politics of Saint Kitts and Nevis
The country is an independent Commonwealth Realm with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, represented in St. Kitts and Nevis by a governor general, who acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the cabinet. The prime minister is the leader of the majority party of the house, and the cabinet conducts affairs of state.
St. Kitts and Nevis has a unicameral legislature, known as the National Assembly. It is comprised of fourteen members - eleven elected representatives - three of whom are from the island of Nevis - and three members who are appointed by the Governor-General. The three appointed members are known as Senators, with two being appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, and one on the advice of the leader of the opposition. Though they are referred to as Senators, they do not form a separate house of parliament, as in some other countries. Both representatives and senators serve five-year terms. The prime minister and the cabinet are responsible to the Parliament.
Saint Kitts and Nevis are a full & participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Related Travel Information
History of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Originally colonies of the United Kingdom, Saint Kitts and Nevis along with Anguilla, became an associated state with full internal autonomy in 1967. Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. St. Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In August 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from St. Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. In late September 1998, Hurricane Georges caused approximately $445 million in damages and limited GDP growth for the year.
Economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis was the last sugar monoculture in the Eastern Caribbean. Faced with a sugar industry that was finding it increasingly difficult to earn a profit, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis embarked on a program to diversify the agricultural sector and stimulate the development of other sectors of the economy.
Music of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island nation in the Caribbean, known for a number of musical celebrations including Carnival (December 24 to January 2). The last week in June features the St Kitts Music Festival, while the week-long Culturama on Nevis lasts from the end of July into early August. These celebrations typically feature parades, street dances and salsa, jazz, soca, calypso and steelpan music.
Traditional music of Saint Kitts and Nevis
The most well-known kind of traditional music is probably seasonal Christmas songs, though there also chanteys and other songs. Music is also a part
Saint Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis are an undiscovered duo of supreme beauty and languidity. There is nowhere else in the Caribbean with such remarkable examples of grand architecture, beautiful plantation inns and rickety old sugar mills. When it comes to outdoor activities though, visitors will find plenty of areas to do a bit of snorkelling or diving, two water sports the islands are well known for. Hiking and horse riding, is also popular on both islands, with absolutely stunning scenery to photograph whilst out there.
The best way to get around St Kitts or Nevis is by public bus
Demographics of Saint Kitts and Nevis
As of July 2000, there were 38 819 inhabitants; their average life expectancy was 70.73 years. Emigration has historically been very high, and the population is about 25% lower than at its peak of about 51,100 in 1960.
