Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency, along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency.
The flag of St. Kitts and Nevis was officially adopted on September 19, 1983, upon achieving independence within the Commonwealth of Nations and the establishment of The Federation Of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The green color is said to be symbolic of the fertile land, black recalls the African heritage, red for the struggle for freedom, and yellow for the year-round sunshine. Although some sources erroneously state that the two white stars represent the two islands, officially they symbolize hope and liberty.
The Coat of Arms was adopted on the 16th of February, 1967, when St. Kitts and Nevis achieved Statehood.
The Motto of Nevis is "Country above self". This motto was adopted upon their independence in 1983.