Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Politics of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Executive Monarch Charles III Governor-General Marcella Liburd Prime Minister Terrance Drew Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley
Legislative National Assembly Speaker: Lanien Blanchette Leader of the Opposition
Elections Recent elections General: 2015 2020 2022 Political parties
Administrative divisions (parishes)
Foreign relations Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister: Vincent Byron Diplomatic missions of / in Saint Kitts and Nevis Passport Visa requirements Visa policy
Nevis Premier Mark Brantley Administration Assembly
Other countries
v t e

The Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis was adopted on 23 June 1983 and took effect when the country became independent on 19 September 1983. It consists of 11 chapters and various schedules, which establish the rights, responsibilities and definition of the citizens of the federation. It also provides the form and structure of government, and enumerates the powers of the different branches of government. Its treatment of the island of Nevis is rather unusual among federated nations.

The current constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis was prepared in anticipation of the country achieving independence from Britain. It is the only constitution the country has had as an independent nation, however there were several colonial constitutions before it. The union of the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis has been controversial at least since 1882, leading the constitution to specifically provide for a path to independence for Nevis. This makes Saint Kitts and Nevis unusual among Federations.

The government created by the constitution is a constitutional monarchy headed by Elizabeth II, with a unicameral legislature. Nevis is provided with a separate island administration, but Saint Kitts is not.