St. Kitts was originally settled by a small group of farmers in 1623 and thus began the plantations in the islands. Both St. Kitts and Nevis have had great plantations on their shores, but today tourism is the main economy. Nevis is filled with history including being the spot where Lord Nelson married the widow Franny Nesbit and the place where Alexander Hamilton was born.
Capital: Basseterre (on St. Kitts)
Population: 44,000
Area: 104 square miles
Language: English
Time: + 1 hour from New York
Electricity: 230 volts at 60 Hz. Hotel usually have 110 volts.
Geography: St. Kitts are composed of rugged mountains and dormant volcano. The highest point above sea level is at 3,792 ft. Most of the beaches are black volcanic sand. Nevis has rich golden sands on its palm lined beaches. The mountains are of volcanic origin.
St. Kitts - The Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw Airport is about 2 miles from Bassaterre. Taxis are usually readily available.
Nevis - Newcastle Airport is only a mile from town. Taxis are the only way to get to town unless you walk.
Tipping: This is usually not required as the service charge is already in the bill. Inquire about it and tip if the charge has not been included. Porters should always be tipped. 50 cents to a dollar a bag.
Shopping: Shops are open from 8:00 am untul noon and then open again at 1 pm and close for the day at 4 pm Monday through Saturday. Thursdays shops do not reopen in the afternoon.
Food and Drink: The islands are filled with farms so your farm produce will always be fresh. Turtle steaks and suckling pig are favorites here. Seafood is also a good choice.
Social: The locals are friendly and will help with directions. Be aware as in other Caribbean Islands that swimwear away from the beach is not advised.
Business: Business meetings are usually informal and do not require business suits. However it is well advised for men to wear a tie and women to wear "smart" clothing but not be overly dressed.
St. Kitts - Brimstone Hill Fort began in 1689 following a brief battle by the British against the French. The fort would later be completed in 1694 and be considered the Gibraltar of the West Indies. Basseterre has a number of buildings which are interesting including the Customs Building, the Treasury Building and the Victorian clock tower in the town center.
Nevis - Sulphur springs in the 18th century turned the island into a spa resort of sorts. The Old Bath House Hotel still exists and is an interesting place to visit. Pinney's Beach is very attractive. For snorkelers swimming through Jamestown, which slid into the sea in the 1680 earthquake, is quiute fascinating.
St. Kitts - Brimstone Hill Fort began in 1689 following a brief battle by the British against the French. The fort would later be completed in 1694 and be considered the Gibraltar of the West Indies. Basseterre has a number of buildings which are interesting including the Customs Building, the Treasury Building and the Victorian clock tower in the town center.
Nevis - Sulphur springs in the 18th century turned the island into a spa resort of sorts. The Old Bath House Hotel still exists and is an interesting place to visit. Pinney's Beach is very attractive. For snorkelers swimming through Jamestown, which slid into the sea in the 1680 earthquake, is quiute fascinating.
Climate
These islands are in the part of the cooling Northeast tradewinds and so remain constantly between 72 and 84 degrees F. The humidity averages at about 71%.
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