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©2000-2001 Sindass Productions/CaribNation TV. Latest News from Picture Perfect Places A Nevisian Sunset Frigate Bay Peninsula The Circus |
National Flag of St.
Kitts and Nevis Coat of Arms The centre of the coat
of arms is dominated by a shield at the base of which is a lighter in full
sail. The lighter is one of the traditional means of transportation. A red chevron is highlighted by two poinciana flowers. At the top of the shield on the blue background is the head of a Carib, supported by the fleur de lis and a rose. The Caribs were the early inhabitants of the islands, and the fleur de lis and rose signify the French and English influences. A helmet topped with the battlements of a tower appears with a flaming torch upheld by the hands of an African, European, and a person of mixed descent. The torch signifies the struggle and quest for freedom by a people of diverse ethnic origins, but united in purpose. The shield is supported on either side by pelicans with wings extended, displaying a sugar cane plant and the coconut palm tree, which are extensively cultivated throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.
St. Kitts and Nevis,
like no other islands in the Caribbean, seem to embody a kind of lush
tropical paradise usually associated with the South Pacific. The atmosphere
here is palpably luxuriant, an intoxicating blend of sunlight, sea air and
fantastically abundant vegetation. At the center of St. Kitts stands the
spectacular, cloud-fringed peak of Mount Liamuiga (pronounced Lee-a-mweega),
a dormant volcano covered by dense tropical forest. And on Nevis, too, the
ground rises upward into a cloud forest filled with elusive green vervet
monkeys and brilliant tropical flowers. For ecotourists, or simply anyone who
enjoys stunning natural beauty, St. Kitts and Nevis cannot fail to exceed
expectations. And yet nature is only a small part of the wonder of these small, relatively undiscovered destinations. Long ago, St. Kitts and Nevis were the pearls of the British Caribbean, rich and enormously important islands that were celebrated throughout Europe. Nevis, the "Queen of the Caribbees," possessed unimaginable wealth from its super-productive sugar industry, while on St. Kitts the impregnable fortress of Brimstone Hill stood as the Gibraltar of the West Indies. In this venerable history is plenty of romance as well, for it was on Nevis that the dashing young Horatio Nelson met, courted, and wedded Fanny Nisbet, all the while attending to the whirling social life of the island's prosperous plantation estates. Today these islands are
esteemed more for their long stretches of sugary sand than for their sugar
cane. Basseterre and Charlestown, the islands' capitals, are among the most
captivating and picturesque of the Caribbean's colonial harbour towns. The
law here holds that no building here may be taller than the surrounding palm
trees, and on both St. Kitts and Nevis natural preservation is a major value.
Activities include outstanding hiking through the islands' rain forests,
golfing on internationally ranked golf courses, fishing, boating and
diving or snorkeling through underwater reefs and unexplored wrecks. There is
also an exceptional wealth of historic points of interest, including restored
fortresses, haunted plantations, and ancient petroglyphs. In the midst of all
of these attractions are many of the finest and most welcoming plantation
inns in the Caribbean. Still largely undiscovered, despite their
extraordinary beauty, their remarkable history, and their unmatched charm,
St. Kitts & Nevis offer a rare opportunity to visit the "Secret
Caribbean." Culture The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis offer a surprisingly diverse range of
cultural and recreational activities. Perfect sandy beaches and warm clear waters surround a treasure trove of
historic sites, exhilarating music, colours and food. More adventurous visitors
can continue on into rich tropical forests and up cloud-topped volcanic
peaks. Like other Caribbean nations, St. Kitts & Nevis celebrates with a
colourful and lively Carnival each year. The ten-day party officially opens
on December 24th followed with traditional Caribbean celebrations into the
New Year including Calypso King and Queen competitions, the Miss St. Kitts
beauty and talent pageant, the regional Caribbean Queen Show, as well as
various nights of youth talent and calypso contests. But, this is only the beginning. Year-round happenings include fishing
tournaments, the Caribbean Cup multi-island bicycle race -- the St. Kitts leg
is called the Cane Road Classic -- sailing regattas, music festivals, the
Nevis Culturama and much, much more. The First St. Kitts Music Festival was a smashing success last year,
marking its debut in Carnival Village to a packed house and the strains of
Chinese traditional folk melodies. The celebration continued with salsa,
soul, soca, samba, reggae and jazz and concluded five days later with a
joyous open-air gospel revival. The 1997 festival is scheduled for June
26-29. In July, the Nevis Culturama offers a parade of costumed troupes, arts and
crafts, talent shows, beauty pageants, calypso competitions and a local
food-fair in Charlestown. If history is more your interest, take a walk around Brimstone Hill. This
massive fortress, dubbed the Gibraltar of the West Indies, covers 38 acres
and rises almost 800 feet above the sea. Roam the carefully restored and
preserved fortifications or just gaze seaward. While you're dreaming of
pirates and tall ships, you can often catch a glimpse of Montserrat, Nevis,
Saba, St. Barts, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. For shopping buffs, island artisans are noted for wood carvings, coral,
coconut-shell and seashell crafts, woven goods and sea island cottons. Not to
be missed are the colourful batiks of Romney Manor or the bold visions of
Caribbean painters. Island dishes are generally spicy and offer an unusual combination of flavours. Banana, coconut, mango and passion fruit are used with spices and freshly picked herbs to create marvellous sauces for beef, chicken, pork and fish. Goatwater, a soup of stewed mutton or goat, and souse, another piquant stew made of assorted parts of the pig, are local favourites. Economy The economy of St. Kitts & Nevis has depended almost exclusively on
the production of sugar since the first cane was planted in 1648. In 1996,
nearly one-third of the work-force of the Federation is still involved in the
sugar industry. However, the present government's determination to diversify
and develop a private-sector economy has created an environment conducive to
prospective investors. Understandably, the charms of the islands have helped to lure visitors
from all over the world, positioning tourism as a leading local industry.
Agriculture also makes an important contribution to the economy, particularly
in St. Kitts. But the country is equally capable of embracing progressive
industries. There has been a growing interest and increased participation in
the country's manufacturing sector in recent years. The emphasis on industrial development, previously directed at sugar
refining, is now geared towards light manufacturing. Technical skills have
been successfully transferred and adapted to the needs of the new industries.
In recent years, the electronics manufacturing sector has expanded to the
extent that the country has won recognition as "The Silicon Valley of
the Eastern Caribbean". The fiscal incentives offered make investing in the twin-island Federation
an easy and profitable undertaking. Assistance and more detailed information
can be obtained through the St. Kitts & Nevis Chamber of Industry and
Commerce or the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Refer to the Directory of
Government Ministries included in this web-site or CLICK HERE to go to
Investment and Trade Site on-line. Investment opportunities exist in many key sectors
including Tourism, Information, Financial Services, Manufacturing and
Agribusiness. The following businesses suggest themselves as possibilities:
Land Availability Taxation The company tax rate is 40 per cent of net annual profits, paid annually.
This tax does not apply to the profits of an approved enterprise which has
been granted benefits under the Fiscal Incentives Act. Partnership Income is declared as such, but each partner is individually
liable for his share of income. All businesses require a trade license Land and House Tax is based on five per cent of the annual rental value of
the property. (Minimum rental value is $600 EC). There is a 25 per cent
rebate on the tax on property used solely for residential use. The Fiscal Incentives Act provides for: Tax holding up to fifteen years,
with follow-on tax exemptions up to 75 per cent based on the proportion of
earnings generated by exports; duty free import of equipment, machinery,
spare parts and raw materials used in production; and repatriation of
profits, dividends, and capital. Banks Communications and Data Services Utility Services Social Security News Media & Radio
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