Visitors to the idyllic Caribbean island of St Kitts are being cautioned that they could end up behind bars if they’re caught swearing in public.
The small but picturesque isle, part of the West Indies, lures a plethora of cruise tourists every year with its attractions such as the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Warner Park cricket stadium. Although inhabited by roughly 34,000 residents, tourism significantly boosts the local economy, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
However, many of these holidaymakers might be oblivious to the island’s peculiar laws against profanity. Enacted in 1961, St Kitts has a stringent regulation forbidding the use of any abusive, blasphemous, indecent, insulting, profane, or threatening language. Infractions can lead to a fine of $500 Caribbean Dollars – about £150 – or even a six-month jail term for serious offenses.
READ MORE: Ten European destinations you can fly to for under £75
READ MORE: ‘I’m a travel expert and I’ve found out how to save money on overpriced airport item’
Travel YouTuber Jason, from Travel Scouts, cautioned his viewers: “St Kitt’s has a no profanity law. Profanity is banned, as is insulting and indecent language, and they have been known to enforce this with both jail time and large fines.”
It’s not solely a rule for tourists, as celebrities can attest; in 2016, the rapper 50 Cent was trapped by these regulations. As reported by the BBC, the artist, legally named Curtis Jackson, was nabbed after using “indecent language” during a performance his hit P.I.M.P at a local festival, reports the Express.
The odd laws in place at St Kitts can be punishable by a fine or even time in a cell if broken
(Image: Getty)
After being released from custody, he was reportedly fined £18,000. At the time, he posted on Instagram: “What you in for murder? All I said was n***** LMAO (laughing my ass off).”
St Kitts and Nevis isn’t the only destination Jason warns has an unusual law travellers need to watch out for either. He says people visiting Grenada should be aware of the indecency laws when stripping down to their bathing suit.
St Kitts is a hugely popular cruise destination
(Image: Getty)
He explained: “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.”