The Caribbean island where tourists are warned they could be jailed just for cursing – The Mirror US
Visitors heading to the idyllic Caribbean haven of St Kitts are being warned that using profanities in public might land them behind bars.
This West Indies gem, beloved by cruise enthusiasts, boasts historical treasures like the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park—a prideful UNESCO World Heritage Site—and plays host to sporting events at Warner Park cricket stadium. The economy of this charming island, with its modest population of about 34,000, thrives on tourism, welcoming hundreds of thousands annually.
However, many of these holidaymakers might be oblivious to the island's strict anti-profanity statutes. Since 1961, it's been against the law to engage in abusive, blasphemous, indecent, insulting, profane, or threatening speech.
Get caught cursing and you could face a steep fine of $500 Caribbean Dollars—equivalent to roughly $185—or even a six-month stint in jail for more severe offenses.
YouTuber Jason from Travel Scouts cautions: "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."
And it's not only tourists who should tread carefully. Rapper 50 Cent discovered the harsh reality of this rule back in 2016, reports the Express.
As per BBC reports, after dropping a few choice words during a performance of his song P.I.M.P. during a festival, he found himself arrested along with one of his crew for the use of "indecent language".
After being freed, he was reportedly slapped with an $21,850 fine. In a social media post at the time, he quipped: "What you in for murder? All I said was n***** LMAO (laughing my ass off)."
Jason also warns that St Kitts and Nevis isn't the only place with peculiar laws tourists should be mindful of. He cautions those visiting Grenada to be aware 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."
