Government and Politics

Government and Politics of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Government structure, leadership, capital, military, and national symbols of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Government Structure

Constitutional foundations, branches, parties, and leadership.

Government Type: constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament
Administrative Divisions: 14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island, Trinity Palmetto Point
Legal System: based on English common law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 14 years
Executive Branch: chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022), represented by Governor General Marcella LIBURD (since 1 January 2023) head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance DREW (since 6 August 2022) and Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey HANLEY (since 6 August 2022) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general
Legislative Branch: unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3 appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member constituencies; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 25 October 2004 (next to be held by 2009) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - SKNLP 7, CCM 2, NRP 1, PAM 1
Judicial Branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on Saint Lucia; one judge of the Supreme Court resides in Saint Kitts and Nevis)
Political Parties: Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Vance AMORY]; Nevis Reformation Party or NRP [Joseph PARRY]; People's Action Movement or PAM [Lindsey GRANT]; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party or SKNLP [Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS]
Head of State: ELIZABETH II
Head of Government: Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister
Elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general
Constitution: 19-Sep-83
Independence: 19 September 1983 (from UK)
National Holiday: Independence Day, 19 September (1983)
International Organization Participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTrO
Diplomatic Representation in the U.S.: chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Izben Cordinal WILLIAMS chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636 FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740 consulate(s) general: New York
U.S. Diplomatic Representation: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Kitts and Nevis

Capital City

Seat of government and political history.

Capital City: Basseterre
Location: 17 18 N, 62 43 W
Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
History: the French name translates as "low land" in English; the reference is to the city's low-lying location within a valley, as well as to the fact that the city is on the leeward (downwind) part of the island, and is thus a safe anchorage

Embassy and Diplomatic Representation

Embassy location and contact details.

U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown Wildey Business Park Wildey St. Michael, Barbados Telephone: (246) 227-4399 Emergency after-hours telephone: (246) 227-4000 Facsimile: (246) 431-0179 Email: BridgetownACS@state.gov Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Barbadian and U.S. holidays.

Military

Branches, service obligations, expenditures, and manpower.

Military Branches: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security, Labour, Immigration, and Social Security: Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (includes Coast Guard), Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force
Service Age and Obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription

National Symbols

Flag, anthem, and other symbols of national identity.

National Flag

Flag Symbolism: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red
Flag History: The two stars stand for hope and liberty, and the black symbolizes the African heritage of a major part of the population. The green represetns the fertitlty of the land, the yellow the constant sunshine, and the red symbolizes the struggle to end slavery and colonialism.
Date of Adoption: 19 September 1983

National Anthem

Anthem Lyrics (English): O Land of Beauty! Our country where peace abounds, Thy children stand free On the strength of will and love. With God in all our struggles, Saint Kitts and Nevis be A Nation bound together With a common destiny. As stalwarts we stand, For justice and liberty, With wisdom and truth We will serve and honour thee. No sword nor spear can conquer, For God will sure defend. His blessings shall for ever To posterity extend

Other National Symbols

Coat of Arms
The center of the coat of arms is dominated by a shield at the base of which is a lighter in full sail. A red chevron is highlighted by two poinciana flowers. At the top of the shield is the head of a Carib, supported by the fleur-de-lis and a rose. These symbols represent the early inhabitants of the islands, and the influences of the French and English.
National Flower
poinciana
The national flower is the poinciana or flamboyant, named after Monsieur de Poincy, the first French Governor of St. Kitts, who is said to have introduced it to the region. Its scientific name is Delonix Regia and it is said to have originated in Madagascar. The flamboyant is one of the most striking trees of the tropics, with its umbrella-shaped crown and its compound deciduous leaves, and red and yellow scalloped flowers followed by long, black seedpods. It blooms from May to August.
National Bird
brown pelican
The national bird is the brown pelican, Pelecanus Occidentalis. In its youth, it is brown on the head, neck and upper parts of the body, and mostly white below. As it matures, the majority of the body becomes dark brown while the upper part of the head turns white. During the postnuptial molt the adult's neck turns white. The neck and head are not extended during flight. Brown pelicans are sometimes solitary feeders but may also be found in small flocks as they feed on schools of fish near the surface of the sea. They can be found throughout the West Indies and in the sub-tropic regions of the Americas. They nest in colonies along the coast in low trees and in bushes.
Motto
Country Above Self

Premium ContentJoinORSign In

Instant Access $2

Back to Saint Kitts and Nevis