Address to the Nation by Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark A. G. Brantley

Premier’s Address on Special Sustainability Zones in Nevis

The Premier of Nevis addressed the citizens and residents regarding the recent passage of the Special Sustainability Zones Authorization Act (SSZA) in the National Parliament. The address comes in light of an approach by a local investor seeking to establish such a zone on Nevis, prompting active discussions within the Nevis Island Administration (NIA). While no decisions have been made, the Premier emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed about the developments. He highlighted the global prevalence of special economic zones, citing examples in developed economies and the Caribbean region, emphasizing their characteristic tax incentives, infrastructure, and legal frameworks.

The Premier underscored the need for economic diversification beyond the Citizenship by Investment program (CBI), given its international challenges. He expressed his support, along with his CCM colleagues, for the SSZA, viewing it as a significant improvement over the traditional special economic zone concept. He touted St. Kitts and Nevis as the first country to introduce Special Sustainability Zones, which prioritize sustainable development in harmony with nature, long-term job creation, renewable energy, water security, land restoration, and environmental protection. The Premier explained that the legislation mandates a balance between prosperity and sustainability in these zones.

The Premier outlined the SSZA’s framework, emphasizing its simplicity and key objectives, including sustainable development, long-term investments, quality jobs, water security, green energy transition, food security, and luxury accommodations. The Act stipulates the creation of a Special Sustainability Zone through a Development Agreement for a specific geographic area. He emphasized the NIA’s exclusive authority in approving any zone designation within Nevis, ensuring local control over development direction. Furthermore, any such agreement requires ratification by the Nevis Island Assembly, ensuring public transparency and scrutiny. The law also empowers the Premier of Nevis to establish an independent oversight body to review applications, monitor compliance, and ensure that the development aligns with the pre-defined objectives.

The Premier highlighted the stringent preconditions outlined in the legislation for potential zone developers, including rigorous economic analysis demonstrating long-term benefits, detailed infrastructure plans ensuring no cost to taxpayers, environmental protection measures, commitment to luxury standards, water and renewable energy self-sufficiency, provision of health and security services, and dispute resolution mechanisms. These preconditions aim to ensure the viability and sustainability of any proposed zone development. He emphasized that these are non-negotiable prerequisites for any potential developer seeking to establish a zone in St. Kitts or Nevis.

Furthermore, the Premier underscored the potential benefits of the proposed development on Nevis, highlighting the possibility of thousands of jobs for Nevisians, substantial investment, significant government revenue for improved services, increased tourism, and opportunities for local businesses, while also preserving historical sites. He expressed optimism for a future marked by prosperity, sustainability, and Nevisian pride, anticipating the release of further details in the coming weeks.

Addressing the Opposition’s criticisms, the Premier refuted allegations of land control by the Prime Minister, colonization, forced land sales, and restriction of access to public resources. He clarified that the proposed zone is situated on the largely undeveloped Southern coast of Nevis, with land ownership predominantly private. He also pointed out that a significant portion of government-owned land in the area was previously swapped with the National Bank during a land-for-debt exchange. He emphasized the voluntary nature of land transactions between private landowners and purchasers, refuting claims of government involvement in large-scale land sales or compulsory acquisition.

The Premier challenged allegations of land grabs and stressed that landowners have the right to decide whether or not to sell their land. He countered the Opposition’s claims by stating that prominent members of the Opposition, including the Leader of the NRP, were among the first to agree to sell their lands within the proposed development area. He criticized the Opposition’s hypocrisy in profiting from land sales while simultaneously condemning them.

The Premier reiterated his commitment to attracting significant investment to Nevis, highlighting its potential to stimulate growth, development, and job creation. He drew parallels to the positive impact of the Four Seasons Resort three decades ago, emphasizing the government’s dedication to partnering with genuine investors to advance Nevis’ developmental agenda. He emphasized the government’s mission to improve healthcare, education, infrastructure, job creation, economic growth, diversification, environmental protection, water and renewable energy generation, affordable housing, and social safety nets, striving to make Nevis the best place to live, work, and raise families.

Finally, the Premier extended an invitation to the Opposition to collaborate on sustainable development initiatives, urging them to prioritize the long-term well-being of Nevis and its future generations. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and announced plans for town hall meetings to ensure public engagement and input on the proposed development. He concluded by expressing his hope for attracting substantial investments that would position Nevis as a leading Caribbean economy.