The Constitution provides for the right of peaceful assembly. Political parties organized demonstrations, rallies, and public meetings during the 1995 election campaign without significant government interference. Many meetings sponsored by the Nevis Island administration and opposition parties were held in Nevis to discuss the secession question. The Constitution provides for the right of association, and the Government respects this right in practice. The Constitution provides for the free exercise of religion, and religious practices are not restricted.
All groups are free to maintain links with coreligionists in other countries.
Freedom of Movement Within the Country, Foreign Travel, Emigration, and Repatriation The Government does not restrict travel within or departure from the country. However, following Hurricane Georges in September 1998, the Government declared a state of emergency and instituted a curfew to avoid looting during the period of electrical power loss. No formal government policy toward refugee or asylum requests exists. The issue of provision of first asylum did not arise. The Right of Citizens to Change Their Government Citizens are free to change their government by peaceful means.