State in Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis became independent on 19 September 1983. English is the official language. The Constitution establishes fundamental rights and freedoms, the executive, Parliament, public finance, the public service, the judiciary and the constitutional arrangements for Nevis. Parliament consists of the King and the National Assembly. The Governor-General represents the King and is appointed on the Prime Minister's advice. Marcella A. Liburd has served as Governor-General since 1 February 2023. Terrance Michael Drew is Prime Minister and also holds the portfolios of Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health and Social Security. Cabinet sets government policy, while ministries, departments, the Cabinet Secretariat and Permanent Secretaries administer it. The Attorney-General is the principal legal adviser to the government, supports legislation drafting and review, represents the State, authorises prosecutions and advises on constitutional compliance. The National Assembly has elected Representatives from constituencies and appointed Senators. The Constitution provides for at least 11 constituencies, with at least one-third in Nevis. The Senate has at least three members and generally no more than two-thirds of the number of Representatives, with an additional Senator possible when the Attorney-General is appointed to the Senate. Lanein Blanchette is the current Speaker. Nevis has its own unicameral Nevis Island Assembly, Nevis Island Administration, Premier, Cabinet and Deputy Governor-General. Mark A. G. Brantley is Nevis Premier and Minister of Finance, Eric Evelyn is Deputy Premier, and Hyleeta Liburd is Deputy Governor-General of Nevis. Saint Kitts has no separate island legislature or equivalent island administration; federal ministries and the National Assembly handle its public functions. Basseterre is the federal seat, while Charlestown is the seat of the Nevis Island Administration. Federal responsibility covers matters such as passports, citizenship, immigration and border management through the Ministry of National Security, Citizenship and Immigration and Immigration Services. The Nevis Island Administration does not replace those federal authorities. Other services may be federal or island-specific. Government e-services include immigration, entry visas, water, utilities, housing, inland revenue and official-document or payment services. The responsible body should be checked before an application or payment is made. The local High Court and High Court Registry operate within the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. The ECSC Court of Appeal hears defined appeals from the Magistrates' and High Courts, and the High Court can provide constitutional redress. Court costs and timing depend on the case. Further appeals may involve the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council or the Caribbean Court of Justice where the applicable appellate rules permit it. The Ministry of Finance prepares annual Estimates and the Budget for the National Assembly. Government receipts and accounts are managed through the Consolidated Fund, with the Accountant General supervising receipts, daily banking and public accounts. The enacted 2026 Estimates total EC$1.075 billion, including recurrent and capital expenditure and net lending. The National Audit Office audits the Government and the Nevis Island Administration and reports to Parliament and the Nevis Island Assembly. Public Accounts must reach the Director of Audit within six months after the end of the financial year. Oversight also includes the Ombudsman and Information Commissioner, who can receive oral, electronic or written complaints about maladministration and may refer, mediate, investigate or recommend action. A complaint normally has to be made within one year after the relevant notice. The Freedom of Information Act 2018, amended in 2023, provides access to government information that is not confidential, privileged or sensitive. The Integrity Commission operates under the Integrity in Public Life Act and deals with public-official codes, declarations of interests and assets, investigations and offences. The Public Accounts Committee supports legislative scrutiny. The Saint Kitts and Nevis Information Service publishes official government communications, including press releases and programme information. Public notices, Parliament and Nevis Island Assembly sittings, the Government Online Directory, information requests and administrative complaints provide formal ways to obtain information or raise concerns. Security functions are distributed among the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, the Coast Guard, Fire and Rescue, Corrections, the National Emergency Management Agency, Immigration Services and other Ministry of National Security agencies. The Police Force handles law enforcement and public order. The Defence Force provides defence, maritime and border support and assistance to civil authorities. The National Emergency Management Agency coordinates emergency management. The National Defence Council is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes senior security, legal and defence officials. Constitutional rights and statutory limits apply to these functions. Government offices generally operate Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00, while fees depend on the agency and service. Court costs, processing times and eligibility requirements vary by matter.