Country Information:

International telephone Code: 869

Capital: Basseterre (St Kitts)

Official Language: English

Area: 262 square km (101 square miles)

St Kitts 169 square km (65 square miles)

Nevis 93 square km (36 square miles)

Population: 45,000

Currency: East Caribbean dollar

Public Holidays: New Year's Day - Good Friday - Easter Monday - Labor Day (1st Mon in May) - Queen's Birthday (2nd Sat in June) - August Monday (1st Mon in Aug) - Independence Day (19 Sept) - Prince of Wales's Birthday (14 Nov) - Christmas Day (25 Dec) - Boxing Day (26 Dec)

Organizations: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, OAS,OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WTrO

Ministry of Trade, Industry & Tourism, PO Box 600,

Church Street, Basseterre

Tel: +869 465 2302 - Fax: +869 465 1778

Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 08.00 - 17.00

The Shipping Association of St Kitts was formed in 1970. The objectives of the association, at its interception, were to unite member shipping agents and stevedoring contractors in the practices and procedures undertaken when handling ships, cargoes and passengers in port and to negotiate with labour organisations and with Government on matters affecting the membership. The association was also structured to provide a pool of support services such as collecting statistical and other information relating to shipping and providing training opportunities for employees of its members. In addition, the association sought to operate as a general forum where members could engage in mutual counsel.

Advisory: The association was registered as a trade union. S.L. Horsford & Co Ltd and Delisle Walwyn & Co Ltd were its founding members.

Before 1980 the Port of Basseterre was unable to provide oceangoing vessels with alongside moorings and these ships were discharged at anchorage. The ship-to-shore movement of cargo was carried out in lighters and barges which required their own labour component.

During the years 1977 to 1980 the association played an important advisory role to Government in the planning and development of the currently used deepwater facility. It also successfully negotiated new labour agreements which were necessary to alleviate the redundancies brought on by this change, as lighters and barges were no longer required.

Active: Since its inception, with a membership of only two, the association has grown to include six members who in turn account for most, if not all, of the shipping agents and stevedoring operators using the Port of Basseterre.

The Shipping Association of St Kitts is a founding member of the Caribbean Shipping Association and plays an active role in that body's proceedings.