St.Kitts

St. Kitts Overview In 1493, Christopher Columbus was so smitten with this volcanic island that he named  it after himself. Since its discovery, St. Christopher -- later shortened by British sailors  to St. Kitts-- has been fought  over by the Spanish, British and French who, tragically,  made it a center of the West Indian slave  trade. Pirates, including the notorious  William Kidd, enjoyed lucrative careers in Basseterre Harbor. St. Kitts and sister isle Nevis were part of the British Empire until 1967, earning  semi-independent  status when they were named associated states of Great Britain  In 1983, the 65-square-mile St. Kitts  and Nevis became an independent, two-island  nation with a parliamentary government headed by  a Prime Minister. While British  holdovers such as cricket and driving on the left side of the road  remain, the  Kittitians are extremely proud of their history and how far they've come  on their own. The island's lush geography lends itself to eco-tourism, starting with the dense  tropical rainforests  that surround dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga  (known locally as Mt. Misery). Colorful birds and butterflies, as well as the green Vervet monkey, reside here. Sugar cane, the staple of the economy since the 17th century, was St. Kitt's  main export until production stopped just a few years ago. Particularly  in the west, the sugar cane fields remain, offering a scenic ambience  that is more reminiscent of Hawaii than the Caribbean these days!  While tourists have discovered St. Kitts (especially the row of rowdy  beach bars on South Frigate Bay, known as "The Strip"),  the island is still relatively unspoiled and crowd-free , with a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.