Vance Winkworth Amory was born in Rawlins, Gingerland, in 1949. He studied locally and overseas, and holds an MBA from the University of the US Virgin Islands and BA (Hon) degree from the University of the West Indies. A leader in sports, education and administration, Mr. Amory is credited for having been a founding member of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), a political party that assumed governance of Nevis in June 1992 for fourteen years until their defeat in July 2006. 

Before entering politics, Mr Amory distinguished himself as a regional cricketer and sports administrator, secondary school teacher and headmaster, bank manager and Permanent Secretary for Finance in the Nevis Island Administration. Mr Amory has represented the Parish of St. George's in the Nevis Island Assembly since 1987 and in the Federal Parliament since 1989.