Holidaymakers heading to the idyllic Caribbean island of St Kitts have been issued a stark warning that they could face jail time for swearing in public.
The picturesque destination, nestled in the West Indies, is a haven for cruise tourists. It boasts attractions such as the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Warner Park cricket stadium.
With a population of around 34,000, tourism is a vital part of the island’s economy, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. However, many of these visitors may be oblivious to the island’s strict anti-profanity laws.
Enacted in 1961, the legislation bans any use of language deemed abusive, blasphemous, indecent, insulting, profane, or threatening, with penalties including a $500 Caribbean Dollar fine—equivalent to approximately £150—or up to six months’ imprisonment for serious offences.
YouTuber Jason from the Travel Scouts cautioned: “St Kitts has a no profanity law. Profanity is banned, as is insulting and indecent language, and they have been known to enforce this with both jailtime and large fines.”
It’s not only tourists who need to pay attention to the regulations either. In 2016, rapper 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, was arrested for using “indecent language”.
The star was performing his song P.I.M.P at a local music festival, reports the BBC. After being released from custody, he was reportedly slapped with an £18,000 fine.
In a post on Instagram at the time, he penned: “What you in for murder? All I said was n***** LMAO (laughing my ass off).”
St Kitts and Nevis isn’t the only place Jason cautions has peculiar laws that travellers need to be mindful of. He advises those visiting Grenada to be conscious of the indecency laws when stripping down to their swimwear.
He elaborated: “The St George’s port is visited by most cruise lines but you need to know about the indecent exposure law.
“According to this law you can wear swimsuits only on the beach. So if you’re in Grenada, make sure you cover up before you head back to the ship.”
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