The centre of the coat of arms is dominated by a shield at the base of which is a lighter in full sail. The lighter is one of the traditional means of transportation. A red chevron is highlighted by two poinciana flowers.

At the top of the shield on the blue background is the head of a Carib, supported by the fleur de lis and a rose. The Caribs were the early inhabitants of the islands, and the fleur de lis and rose signify the French and English influences. A helmet topped with the battlements of a tower appears with a flaming torch upheld by the hands of an African, European, and a person of mixed descent. The torch signifies the struggle and quest for freedom by a people of diverse ethnic origins, but united in purpose.

The shield is supported on either side by pelicans with wings extended, displaying a sugar cane plant and the coconut palm tree, which are extensively cultivated throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.

(Source: SKNVibes, www.sknvibes.com)