Former Prime Minister Harris Addresses Nevis Land Acquisition, SSZ, and Private City Controversy

Former Prime Minister and leader of the People’s Labour Party (PLP), Dr. Timothy Harris, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Drew and Premier Mark Brantley over the controversial Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) legislation in Nevis. Addressing a packed audience at the PLP Heroes Day Brunch, Dr. Harris accused the current administration of collusion, deception, and a blatant betrayal of the Nevisian people, characterizing the SSZ as a “land grab” scandal orchestrated to benefit foreign billionaires at the expense of local citizens.

Central to Dr. Harris’s critique was Prime Minister Drew’s attempt to distance himself from the unfolding controversy. He questioned Drew’s sudden feigned ignorance of the SSZ, highlighting the Prime Minister’s direct involvement in introducing and supporting the bill in parliament. Dr. Harris reminded the audience that the legislation was not only moved by Drew but also seconded by Premier Brantley, with the full backing of both Labour and Concerned Citizens’ Movement (CCM) members. The former Prime Minister emphasized the undeniable evidence of Drew’s participation, stating unequivocally, “It is in his name,” effectively dismantling any claims of non-involvement.

Dr. Harris further accused Premier Brantley of political maneuvering, suggesting that Brantley deliberately presented the SSZ as a federal initiative to obscure its true Nevisian origins and deflect potential backlash. He argued that this was a calculated tactic designed to allow Brantley to evade responsibility when the “mess” inevitably surfaced. The PLP leader characterized the entire scheme as a “bad deal,” a betrayal of the Nevisian people, and a reckless sellout of their ancestral lands.

In a powerful appeal to the historical struggle for land ownership in St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Harris contrasted his own government’s substantial investment in repurchasing lands from the National Bank – after a previous controversial land swap – with what he described as the current administration’s fire sale of Nevisian land to foreign billionaires. He underscored the fundamental right of every citizen to own a piece of their homeland, emphasizing his previous administration’s efforts to redistribute land for housing and community development. This, he argued, stood in stark contrast to the current government’s actions, which he characterized as prioritizing the interests of wealthy outsiders over the needs of the Nevisian people. He warned against the creation of gated communities and the displacement of local populations.

Continuing his offensive, Dr. Harris didn’t mince words in labeling Prime Minister Drew a hypocrite and a liar. He reiterated Drew’s central role in pushing the SSZ bill through parliament, emphasizing his involvement in introducing, supporting, and ultimately having the authority to sign off on the legislation. This direct accusation, delivered to resounding applause, further solidified Harris’s position that Drew was deeply implicated in the controversy and could not credibly claim ignorance or distance himself from the consequences.

Dr. Harris concluded with a grave warning about the perilous path of land dispossession and the creation of exclusive enclaves disguised as sustainable development. He urged vigilance in protecting the nation’s patrimony, emphasizing the vital importance of land ownership for the survival and prosperity of the people. He cautioned against the irreversible consequences of selling off land to foreign interests, warning of the potential for permanent displacement and the erosion of local communities.

The forceful intervention of Dr. Harris has ignited a firestorm of controversy surrounding the SSZ, which critics are now calling the “SSZ fiasco.” The project is under intense scrutiny, with concerns mounting about its potential threat to Nevisian sovereignty, transparency, and the long-term economic well-being of the island’s residents. Harris’s accusations have exposed significant cracks within the political establishment, raising critical questions about the true beneficiaries of the SSZ, the lack of public consultation, and Prime Minister Drew’s attempts to disavow responsibility for a bill he himself championed. As the scandal continues to unfold, the pressure mounts to uncover the truth behind the SSZ and reveal the extent of the alleged hidden agenda driving this controversial project. The future of Nevisian land and the rights of its people hang in the balance.