Saint Kitts & Nevis: Country Profile (as of July 2020)

COVID-19

Given the vulnerability of its economy to external shocks, the COVID-19 crisis has had a major socio economic impact in Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is estimated that the economy will contract by 8.1 per cent in 2020, 6 contributing to a projected increase of unemployment from just two per cent pre pandemic to 28 per cent. Consequently, severe poverty in the country will likely rise sharply from less than one per cent up to 17 per cent as a result of the pandemic.

For the most recent update on the COVID-19 caseload, see the PAHO daily reported COVID-19 data. For the latest information on curfews and other measures, click here.

KEY ISSUES

SOCIO ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY

More than half of the poor live in the parishes of St. George Basseterre, St. Mary and St. John. Workers are vulnerable to short term employment and chronic underemployment and unemployment. Moreover, a 2011 Standby Agreement with the International Monetary Fund imposed austerity measures which slashed subsidies and increased the cost of living.

WATER SCARCITY

Rainfall is the only source of water in St. Kitts and Nevis. Most rivers no longer have year round flows and many dry up during the dry season. The main groundwater source supply is from a coastal aquifier which is being negatively impacted by rising sea levels and temperatures. In 2015-2016, drought conditions put pressure on drinking water resources and affected agricultural production

CRIME AND VIOLENCE

After 2001, when just six murders were recorded, homicides climbed to a record high of 34 in 2011. The homicide rate reached 67.7 per 100,000 that year, ranking the country as one of the most violent in the world. St. Kitts and Nevis had witnessed growing levels of crime and violence mainly due to the presence of street gangs and drug trafficking; however, since 2019, both have been declining, with major crimes falling by 78 per cent in the first quarter of 2020.