About St Kitts


Saint Kitts is an island in the West Indies. The west side of the island borders the Caribbean Sea, and the eastern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 1,200 miles from Miami, and about 45 minutes by plane from Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The island is 69 square miles (Knox county, where we are from, is around 525 square miles) with a population of roughly 45,000 people (Neyland stadium seats over 100,000) . Basseterre is the capital.

Time

Atlantic Standard Time throughout the year. (Eastern Standard Time)

Economy

Tourism, agriculture, light manufacturing.

Language Description

English.

Religion

There are a number of different churches on St. Kitts. The predominant religion is the Christian faith, but many of the local churches are dying out or have corrupt leadership. Most church attendees are women and small children. There are also small Rastafarian, Black Jews, and other communities.

Legal System

The legal system is based on English Common Law served by a high court of justice, a Court of Appeal and her Majesty's Privy Council in London. St. Kitts has agreed to be included in the Caribbean Court of Appeals Circuit.

Other Information

St. Kitts was named "Liamuiga" by the Kalinago Indians who inhabited the island. This name, roughly translated in English means "fertile land".

St. Kitts became a sovereign nation in 1983.

St. Kitts is extremely beautiful! Incredible scenery - mountains, beaches, The Atlantic Ocean & Caribbean Sea - unbelievable. It is a very popular place for tourists to vacation.





  It is important to keep in mind that there are local people who were born and raised here, and they are not on vacation. St. Kitts is not a Third World Country. There is clean water and electricity. There are wealthy people and homeless people alike. However, most people have to work hard to make ends meet as the cost of living is very high (since everything has to be imported) and the minimum wage is much lower. Most people do not have cars - they take the bus or walk. Food is extremely expensive. Most homes are not air conditioned. This is a different culture completely - slower-paced, more laid back. 

We love being a part of this island, to building relationships with people, and sharing the hope of love that Christ has given us!


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