of St. Kitts and Nevis , two small Caribbean islands forming one
country, has grown mainly out of the West African traditions of
the slave population brought in during the colonial period.
French colonists both settled the islands, and for a period of
time the British imported indentured Irish servants. The native
Carib , skilled warriors, defended their lands by attacking the
colonies. But by 1782, the British had gained control of St.
Kitts and Nevis, which they retained until granting the islands
their independence in 1983. British influence remains in the
country's official language, English, while some islanders speak
an English-based Creole . The influence of the French, Irish,
and Caribs seems less pronounced. The people of St. Kitts and
Nevis are devoutly religious. Several historic Anglican churches
remain on Nevis, and fifty percent of the country's population
still practices the religion. Most other people belong to
another Christian denomination, though there are some
Rastafarians followers. An ol