ABOUT US

The Nevis Investment Promotion Agency (NIPA) seeks to explore, attract and promote investment opportunities that will stimulate economic growth and contribute positively to Nevis’ long term development.

NIPA also seeks to create an investor friendly environment from Trusts to International Financial Service Providers to Renewable Energy Investors and so many more. Through NIPA we can facilitate the ease of doing business by being the investor’s point of contact in matters related to investment opportunities in Nevis. Please see our Investor Guide handbook.

OUR SERVICES

NIPA is a member of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies and was established to facilitate investment activity throughout the island of Nevis. We provide both pre-investment and after care services to individual investors, Trusts, and International Financial Service ProvidersNIPA helps the investor transition smoothly to one of the most attractive jurisdictions for investors from around the world. NIPA showcases the investment opportunities within Nevis from green to growth. We provide the intelligence, the tools, and the support necessary for investors to exceed their financial objectives on the island of Nevis.

OUR MANDATE:

  • Disseminate general and Investment Sector specific information
  • Facilitate meetings with potential investors and key government ministries
  • Assist with organizing site visits
  • Provide Aftercare Client Support

ABOUT NEVIS

Nevis, known as “The Queen of the Caribbean,” is a 36 square mile paradise located in the Caribbean Sea with a population of approximately 12,000 inhabitants. The average air temperature is 79° F (26° C) and humidity is 71.5% with extremes in temperature and humidity tempered by breezes from the north-east trade winds with very low humidity. The average sea temperature is 80° F (27° C). The average annual rainfall is 55 inches (1,397 mm).

HISTORY

The written history of Nevis begins with the account recorded by Columbus when he sailed by Nevis in 1493. The name Nevis is derived from “Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves,” which means “Our Lady of the Snows,” because of the cloud capped mountain reminding Columbus of snow.

Prior to the Columbus saga, Nevis was named Dulcina “Sweet Island” by the Arawaks and later Oualie “Land of Beautiful Waters” by the Caribs. Later in the 18th century Nevis became known as “Queen of the Caribees.” Evidence of the Arawak inhabitants can also be seen in the finely crafted stone tools and intricately colored pottery found on specific parts of the island. Over the years Nevis has made a number of significant contributions to the Caribbean and the World. Two men who played a part in international history were Alexander Hamilton and Lord Horatio Nelson. Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of America and its first Secretary of the Treasury was born on Nevis on January 11, 1757. Nelson, Britain’s most famous admiral, used Nevis as a base of operations in the mid 1780’s and married a Nevisian, Frances Nisbet in 1787.

Nevis continued to be part of the British colonial holdings until 1967 when it achieved Associated Statehood with St. Kitts. On September 19, 1983, Nevis became part of an independent nation and formed part of the sovereign democratic state of St. Christopher and Nevis. It has the unique constitutional arrangement of being part of the Federal Parliament while having a separate parliament and its own Nevis Island Administration headed by a Premier.

The island is covered with the ruins of the sugar plantation era, which declined in the late 1800s after slavery was abolished and the sugar beet created competition for sugar cane. Over the years, volunteer groups and researchers have come to the island to explore the history of the old buildings and record them for future generations. Several archaeology projects led by university researchers from England and the United States continue each year.

STATISTICS

Government: Internal independent government but forms part of the twin island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

  • Capital: Charlestown
  • Language: English
  • Country Motto: Country Above Self
  • Population: 11,245
  • Work Force: 5,500
  • Literacy Rate: 98%
  • Location: 17° North Latitude or 62° West Longitude (North East)
  • Size (area): 36 sq. miles or 93 sq. kilometers
  • Temperature Rate: 77° – 85° F
  • Average Rainfall: 1185.9 mm over the past 11 years
  • Time Zone: EST +1/0 GMT -4/-5 hours
  • Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (commonly known as EC$). Pegged to the US$ at 2.70
  • Electricity: 110 and 220v
  • Immigration: Customs and immigration formalities at the airport take a few minutes
  • International Gateways: San Juan – 55 minutes, Antigua – 20 minutes Atlanta, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, London – through St. Kitts.
  • Major Industries: Tourism, construction, financial services, agriculture Legal System: The legal system is based upon English Common Law which is partly codified and partly based on case law. There is a Court of Appeal and High Court of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, with all the final appeals to her Majesty’s Privy Council in London England.

 

Local Transportation

Ferry service 15 – 45 minutes. Ferries leave Charlestown, Basseterre, Cades Bay or Majors Bay periodically between:

  • 7 am to 7 pm – Monday to Thursday
  • 7 am to 9 pm – Fridays & Saturdays
  • 8 am to 7 pm – Sundays

 

Traffic

Drive on the left, license required. You are required to purchase a local driver’s license which is valid for 3 months at a cost of $25.

GEOGRAPHY

The island is, located at 17.1500° N, 62.5833° W is 200 miles Southeast of Puerto Rico (1 hour flight time), 1,000 miles South of Miami (3 hours flight time), 1,700 miles from New York (4 hours flight time), 2,500 miles from Toronto (5 hours flight time) and 4,000 miles from London (8 hours flight time).

Renowned for its beautiful mountain scenery, the island is dominated by Nevis Peak, which rises to a height of 3,232 feet in the center of the island and is invariably covered with clouds. The island is encircled by miles of breathtaking palm-fringed beaches that are clear, calm and pristine. The island is also graced with a lush tropical rain forest that complements the beauty of the coastline and provides eco-tourism lovers with an opportunity for adventure.

Our Big Award Credits

We are proud to announce that the judges for the Global Banking & Finance Review have named Nevis the “Best Offshore Financial Services Destination in the Caribbean 2012 and 2013”.  NIPA has also been named “Best Offshore Financial Services Destination-Caribbean 2014” by the International Finance Magazine.

Defining NIPA in light of Big Award Credits

The Nevis Investment Promotion Agency (NIPA) was established to facilitate investment activity throughout the island of Nevis – providing both pre-investment and after care services. With the addition of our Nevis Investment Promotion Agency, Nevis now provides one of the most attractive jurisdictions for investors from around the world.

Our Mission: To provide the intelligence, the tools, and the support necessary for investors to exceed their financial objectives on the island of Nevis.

NIPA is a member of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies. We look forward to serving you.