About St.kitts & Nevis

History

The documented history of Nevis begins with Christopher Columbus who sailed to Nevis in 1493. The name Nevis is derived from the Spanish ‘Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves’ meaning ‘Our Lady of the Snows’ since the cloud-capped mountain reminded Columbus of snow.

Prior to that, Nevis was named Dulcina ‘sweet island’ by the Arawaks and later Oualie ‘land of beautiful waters’ by the Caribs. Later in the 18th Century Nevis became known as ‘Queen of the Caribees’. Evidence of pre-ceramic people has also been found in the form of finely crafted stone tools and intricately coloured pottery.

Nevis and it’s associates have made a number of significant contributions to the surrounding Caribbean and the world. Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of America and it’s first secretary of the Treasury was born on Nevis on 11 January 1757. Lord Horatio Nelson, Britain’s most famous admiral used Nevis as a base of operations in the mid 1780’s and married a Nevisian, Frances Nisbet in 1787.

During the 1960’s, the federation of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla was formed by Britain. Anguilla chose to leave the federation shortly after it was formed. Nevis also has a right to do so, with a two thirds majority in public referendum. In 1983, Nevis and St. Kitts were granted independence from Britain. Since then Nevis has grown into one of the safest, most stable islands in the Caribbean community

Nevis remained part of the British Colonial holdings until 1967 when it achieved associated Statehood with St. Kitts and on 19 September 1983, Nevis became an independent nation and formed part of the democratic state of St. Christopher and Nevis. It has a unique constitutional arrangement in that it is part of the Federal Parliament while having a separate parliament and it’s own Nevis Island Administration headed by a Premier.

Sports 

Cricket is the most popular sport both played and watched on Nevis. Matches are played between January and mid-July. Men and women can be watched playing cricket on Thursday nights in the season in Grove Park, Charlestown.

Windsurfing is available at the Windsurf and Mountain Bike Centre located at Oualie Beach Bay.

Mountain biking is a popular activity on Nevis, it is the ideal way to see up into the hills, ruins, villages, sites and vistas not accessible by car (www.neviscycleclub.com).

The 18-hole golf course at the Four Seasons Resort was designed by Robert Trent-Jones and is open to non-residents from February to November. There is a 9-hole golf course and nature trail at Cat Ghaut on Shaws Road, Newcastle.

Horse racing is another hugely popular sport enjoyed on Nevis; it is sponsored by Nevis Turf and Jockey Club. Meetings are held each month at the Indian Castle Track situated in Gingerland. Contact president Richard Luppinacci at (869) 469-2201 for more information.

Shopping

There’s plenty to buy on Nevis much of it made by local craftsmen who work together in a co-operative to continue the local traditions. At the Nevis Pottery located near Newcastle you can watch the potters create stunning red-clay pots and other artifacts.

Sample the wide variety of local produce such as breadfruit, tannia, yams and pumpkins at the City Market in Charlestown. You will find the market open every day except Sunday. You will also find plenty of small shops, boutiques and small galleries where you can see artists and crafts people at work.

Climate

The climate in Nevis is incredible, the average year round temperature is approximately 26 degrees with sunshine almost every day and very little humidity, a constant Northeast trade wind keeps the island cool.

Beaches

Highly recommended beaches (all the beaches on Nevis are public):

  • Cades Bay great for swimming and bar hopping
  • Fort Ashby best for bird watching and picnics
  • Gallow’s Bay fantastic snorkeling at the south end
  • Herbert’s Beach offers swimming, snorkeling and bar
  • Long Haul Bay again good for snorkeling
  • Lovers Beach secluded and highly recommended for swimming
  • Newcastle Beach for romantic walks on beautiful white sand
  • Nisbet Beach has some pretty and unusual shells also great for snorkeling and swimming
  • Oualie Beach has restaurants, bars and hotels and is an excellent choice for swimming, sports and children’s activities
  • Pinney’s Beach will provide you with 4 miles of soft golden sand, beach bars and a perfect place to swim.