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
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.
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.
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 were established on September 20, 1983.
U.S. Ambassador Thomas H. Anderson, Jr. presented his credentials on August 22, 1984. All U.S. ambassadors have been resident at Bridgetown, Barbados.