Christena: A Story of Tragedy and Survival

The ferry Christena sank on a routine trip from St. Kitts to Nevis, August 1, 1970. It was a sudden accident in which almost 250, men, women, and children died. Nevisians and Kittitians at home and abroad were devastated over the loss of relatives and friends. About 100 passengers survived, and told very sad stories about their experiences. Monuments on Nevis still bring back vivid memories of that horrible incident. August 1, 2020, will mark the 50th, anniversary of that tragedy in the islands. Back then, particularly on Nevis, the islanders capitalized on the Christena event. They came together and moved beyond their pain, during a time of political uncertainty. Seizing the opportunity for change, Nevisians demanded a new politics on their island.