The Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis was adopted on 23 June 1983 and took effect when the country became independent on 19 September 1983.
The current constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis was prepared in anticipation of the country achieving independence from Britain.
[1][2] On 19 September 1983 the remaining two islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, achieved independence from Britain.
[2] Nevis protested strongly against being joined with Saint Kitts from the time the idea was first broached by the British Colonial Office in 1867 until the present.
[2] However, while the Constitution provides for Nevis to have its own separate legislature, Saint Kitts is governed directly by the National Assembly.
[2][8] So while Nevis has its own legislature, assembly, and island administration, Saint Kitts has no such independent legislative bodies and so it is not a typical federated government.
[8] Chapter IV provides for the establishment of Parliament, describes its composition, the respective qualifications and disqualifications of representatives and senators, the process by which representatives are to be elected and senators appointed, their terms of office, and other matters dealing with Parliament.
It also enumerates the powers of Parliament, the procedures for amending the constitution, making laws, holding elections, and determining constituencies.
The second part provides for all persons born in Saint Kitts and Nevis after independence to be citizens, provided they don't fall under one of two exceptions, and for children of citizens who are born oversees and whose parents are employed by the government in jobs that require them to be overseas.
[19] It also provides for a Nevis Island Administration, consisting of a Premier and other members appointed by the Governor General.
"[20] Chapter ten limits the Governor General's power with respect to Nevis, requiring him to act in accordance with the advice of the Island Administration.
[19] The Island Administration is given exclusive authority on Nevis with regard to a list of things including: airports and seaports, education, mining, fishing, health and welfare, labour, government owned land, and imports and exports.