Saint Kitts and Nevis: U.S. Recognition and Diplomatic Relations since 1776

Summary

Present-day Saint Kitts and Nevis was the site of Great Britain’s first Caribbean settlement in 1623. Following centuries of British and French colonial rule, Saint Kitts and Nevis, together with Anguilla, became a self-governing state in association with Great Britain in 1967. Since the 1983 independence of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the two-island federation and the United States have enjoyed friendly diplomatic relations.

Modern Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Independence, 1983

The United States recognized St. Christopher and Nevis (St. Kitts and Nevis since August 3, 1988) on September 19, 1983, the same day that country declared independence. Ambassador Milan D. Bish headed the American delegation at the independence ceremonies.

Consular Presence

The United States maintains no official presence in St. Kitts and Nevis. A U.S. consular agent residing in nearby Antigua, however, assists U.S. citizens in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Diplomatic Relations

U.S. Special Representative to Saint Kitts and Nevis Appointed, 1977

Frank V. Ortiz, Jr. was appointed United States Special Representative to the States of Antigua, Dominica, Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, St. Lucia, and Saint Vincent on September 1, 1977. The appointment was concurrent to his positions as Ambassador to Barbados and Grenada.

Diplomatic Relations Established, 1983

Diplomatic relations were established on September 20, 1983.

First U.S. Ambassador Presents Credentials, 1984

U.S. Ambassador Thomas H. Anderson, Jr. presented his credentials on August 22, 1984. All U.S. ambassadors have been resident at Bridgetown, Barbados.

Resources

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776, published by the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State: a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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