Description of Coat of Arms [official]

The centre of the Coat of Arms is dominated by a Shield at the base of which there is shown a lighter in full sail,  the lighter being one of the traditional means of transportation. A chevron in red is highlighted by two  Poinciana (flamboyant) flowers, the National Flower. The Poinciana derives its name from M. de Poincy, the  first French Governor of St. Kitts who is said to have introduced it into this area. 

At the top of the Shield and on a blue background appears a Kalinago’s (Carib’s) Head supported by the Fleur  de Lis and a Rose. The Kalinagos (Caribs) were the early inhabitants of these islands and the Fleur de Lis and  the Rose signify the French and English elements respectively which were present with them in our early  settlements and colonization. 

A Helmet topped with the battlements of a Tower appears with the Torch enflamed rising therefrom and  upheld by the Hands of an African, a European and a Person of mixed races. These islands witnessed many  naval and other military encounters with varying fortunes of supremacy and several large forts were  constructed. Prominent among these are Brimstone Hill in St. Kitts, “the Gibraltar” of the West Indies, and Fort  Charles in Nevis. The Torch signifies the struggle and quest for freedom by a people of differing ethnic origins  but united in purpose. 

The Shield is supported on either side by Pelicans with wings extended displaying a sugar cane plant and the  coconut palm tree, which are extensively cultivated throughout Saint Christopher and Nevis. The motto of our country is “COUNTRY ABOVE SELF“.

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