By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 2024 – Today is the 41 st anniversary of Saint Kitts and Nevis becoming an independent nation and U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on behalf of the United States of America sent his “warmest greetings to the people and Government” of the twin-island former British colony:
“The enduring bond between the United States and Saint Kitts and Nevis reinforces our common objectives for economic prosperity, resilient democratic institutions, and increased public safety,” Blinken said in an official statement on the State Department’s website and posted on the Internet
“Our collaboration through various initiatives, such as the U S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), is aiding in mitigating the climate crisis, enhancing access to clean energy, and bolstering security in Saint Kitts and Nevis and the broader region,” the statement added. “I look forward to further enhancing the collaboration between our two nations and wish you a joyous Independence Day.”
The two islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are located in the West Indies in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. With 261 square kilometres (101 sq mi) of territory, and roughly 48,000 inhabitants, it is the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere, in both area and population, as well as the world’s smallest sovereign federation. The country is a Commonwealth realm, with Charles III as King and head of state.
The capital city is Basseterre, located on the larger island of Saint Kitts, which is also the main port for passenger entry (via cruise ships) and cargo. The smaller island of Nevis lies approximately two miles to the southeast of Saint Kitts, across a shallow channel called The Narrows.
The British dependency of Anguilla was historically also a part of this union, which was known collectively as Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla. However, Anguilla chose to secede from the union in 1967.
Saint Kitts and Nevis were among the first islands in the Caribbean to be colonised by Europeans. Saint Kitts was home to the first British and French Caribbean colonies, and thus has also been titled “The Mother Colony of the West Indies”. It is also the most recent British territory in the Caribbean to become independent, gaining independence in 1983.
The country’s current Prime Minister is Dr. Terrance M. Drew, the fourth since it became independent, is a medical doctor who assumed that position following General Elections on August 5, 2022, in which his St. Kitts – Nevis Labour Party to secure an outright majority in Parliament, winning 6 of the 11 seats in the National Assembly.
Prime Minister Drew also currently holds the portfolios of Minister of Finance, National Security, Immigration, Health and Social Security.
SOURCE: Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia.
