Pray for Saint Kitts and Nevis

In St. Kitts and Nevis, the smallest nation in the Caribbean, green vervet monkeys are a common sight — both in the forest and on the street. These two volcanic islands, roughly 250 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, are home to a people known for their warmth and sociability. First visited in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, these islands were previously occupied by the Indigenous Kalinago people. The British landed on the island of St. Kitts in 1623 and on Nevis in 1628. Today, Afro-Caribbeans make up 90 percent of the population, alongside a small mix of British descendants and other migrants. Formerly one of the richest Caribbean islands, Nevis produced sugar for the British Empire. When sugar prices fell dramatically in 2005, St. Kitts and Nevis were forced toward tourism and the banking industry.

As a low-lying Caribbean island nation, Saint Kitts and Nevis is prone to hurricanes and rising sea levels, as well as extreme heat and water scarcity. Many people, especially those in vulnerable communities, suffer from heat-related illnesses and waterborne diseases. The dire effects of these disasters are only heightened by the country’s limited resources, and health facilities are struggling to accommodate everyone. Around 23 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, with half of them being children. Children from single-parent homes and those born out of teenage pregnancies are disproportionately affected. Although most visitors experience St. Kitts and Nevis safely, firearm-related violence and gang activity affect some communities. Growing up with the threat of being attacked creates a lot of anxiety in children and can distract them from their studies.

The Anglican Church has played a significant role in the daily lives of Kittians and Nevisians for centuries, fostering unity and providing guidance for the community. More than 90 percent of the people are Christians, who come mainly from Anglican and Methodist traditions. An estimated 22 percent of the population is evangelical. Witchcraft is still practiced on the islands, and many younger generations are departing from their faith. As the Christian population shrinks, churches and ministries work to share Christ on the islands. However, for many, the Gospel falls on deaf ears. They view Christianity as a cultural relic rather than something to be practiced. Even so, many churches are strengthening the next generation of believers through camps, mentoring, music ministries, and other forms of outreach.