The government re-elected unicameral government for another 5 years, encouraging an entrepreneurial climate on island. The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis also has its American political roots. Alexander Hamilton was born on Nevis, and his home is now a national museum in dual capital of Charlestown. William Jefferson, grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, built family's sugar fortune near Basseterre, in foothills of rain forest.

The Food Is Fabulous

The dual island nation grows fresh and healthy food. No one on island goes hungry. Think of one big macrobiotic landscape. I was asked by Ministry of Tourism what restaurant I enjoyed best, and I had to admit there was no bad restaurant. They all served fresh, clean, tasteful, and large quantities of locally grown staples. Salt fish is a main staple, but you will find tuna, red snapper, grouper, sea bass, mahi mahi, pork feet, beef, and all types of vegetables. The potential for aquaculture could compete with agriculture on island, if fully developed, as government plans.

Fisherman's Wharf at harbor side on west side of Basseterre Bay is managed by Ocean Terrace Inn, and it is a great local hangout for best in seafood, barbecued meats, baked yams, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. This is one of my favorite spots. The atmosphere reminds me of a Caribbean era long past. During day, dine at Ballahoo in town, again a local preference. For more on dining see our short dining guide for St. Kitts and Nevis.

Beautiful Basseterre

Basseterre is one of finest examples of Caribbean architecture in West Indies. In 1991, "The Beautiful Basseterre Committee" was formed; its main objective is to prevent town from developments inconsiderate of surrounding areas and architecture. It is also through various means encouraging owners of existing incompatible buildings to implement changes and give their building a look which conforms with traditional architecture.

The focal point of Basseterre is "Circus" dominated by "Berkeley Memorial." A look to northwest and you will see "The Palms." Liverpool Row is a traditional West Indian street with a variety of styles, and if you look south you will see Treasury Building, which has been standing for more than a century. It has been renovated and will become a National Museum. Across Bank Street you will discover Barclays Bank with a new façade influenced by Beautiful Basseterre Committee. Here you will also discover Ballahoo Restaurant building, which was in fact completed in 1992, even though it appears to have stood for centuries. All this can be seen from Circus.

At Independence Square you may admire Georgian House, with beautifully cut stones. The Courthouse is almost a replica of a 19th Century building, which was destroyed by fire in 1982. While in Independence Square you will identify old baking ovens in gardens of several properties.

Taking route from Central Street to Church Street you will discover Government Headquarters, completed in 1996.

The Caribbean architectural style is beautiful, it is unique and nowhere is it more revered, respected, and recreated than in beautiful Basseterre.

History of St. Kitts & Nevis

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Many of our customers ask if they can go up Statue. Unfortunately, both crown and torch are closed off to public. In fact, torch was closed in 1916 due to structural issues that arose after a bomb went off at nearby Black Tom Wharf during World War I. Until September 11, 2001, visitors could climb to observatory in statue's crown. Since statue was reopened in December of 2001, crown has remained closed due to security concerns. Tourists may climb to top of pedestal (approximately 10 stories) and enjoy view from there. With this in mind, it makes one wonder why go to Liberty Island at all? You can go inside base of Statue of Liberty, but there is nothing more to do or see other than a close-up picture with family. The Staten Island Ferry is clearly best way to go.