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Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2014/15 233 St Kitts and Nevis KEY FACTS Joined Commonwealth: 1983 Population: 54,000 (2013) GDP p.c. growth: 1.6% p.a. 1990–2013 UN HDI 2014: World ranking 73 Official language: English Time: GMT minus 4 hrs Currency: East Caribbean dollar (EC$) Geography Area: 261.6 sq km Coastline: 135 km Capital: Basseterre The two-island country of St Kitts and Nevis lies in the northern part of the Leeward Islands group of the Lesser Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean. The two islands are separated by a channel some 3 km in width. Constitution Status: Monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II Legislature: National Assembly of St Kitts and Nevis Independence: 19 September 1983 St Kitts and Nevis is a constitutional monarchy, recognising Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. She is represented by a Governor- General who takes advice from the Prime Minister and cabinet. The country is a sovereign democratic federal state, with a unicameral National Assembly of 14 members (plus the Attorney- General if he or she is not an elected member). Of the 14 Assembly members, 11 are elected for a term of no more than five years by universal adult suffrage in eight constituencies in St Kitts and three in Nevis, and three are nominated ‘senators’: two on the advice of the Prime Minister and one on the advice of the leader of the opposition. The cabinet comprises the Prime Minister (who must be able to command the support of the majority of members of the National Assembly), five ministers and the Attorney-General. Nevis has its own legislature, Premier and administration. The Nevis legislature, the Nevis Island Assembly, has five members elected by universal adult suffrage and three nominated members. The central government legislates for Nevis in matters concerning overall policy formation. Under the constitution, provision is made for the secession of Nevis at six months’ notice following a two-thirds majority in favour in the Nevis Assembly and a referendum, also with at least two-thirds in favour. Judicial system Supreme court: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Ministry: Justice and Legal Affairs The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court was established (as the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court) in 1967 with its headquarters in Castries in Saint Lucia, and it is responsible for the administration of justice in its member states, including St Kitts and Nevis. It comprises the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal. The chief justice and the four justices of appeal are based at the court’s headquarters, and the 19 High Court judges reside in the nine member countries and sit in each country’s court of summary jurisdiction. Less serious cases are heard in magistrates courts. The Court of Appeal is itinerant. The High Court’s jurisdiction includes fundamental rights and freedoms, and constitutional issues. Government and politics Last elections: 16 February 2015 Next elections: 2020 Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor-General Sir Edmund Lawrence (2013–) Head of government: Prime Minister Dr Timothy Sylvester Harris Ruling party: Team Unity coalition Women MPs: 7% (previous parliament)


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