On 11th August 2025 the National Assembly passed the Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act, 2025, clearing the way for a new model of foreign direct investment in St. Kitts and Nevis that ties preferential concessions to legally enforceable sustainability and delivery commitments — and requires every Development Agreement to be debated in Parliament.
Crucially, a critical amendment to Section 4 of the Bill ensured that any zone on Nevis must receive the approval from the Nevis Island Administration, become a party to the contract and be co-signed by the Premier, a measure the Dr. Terrance Drew-led Labour administration says guarantees Nevis’ involvement in decision-making while preserving the Federation’s capacity to attract high-quality investors.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew said the Bill aligns with the Federation’s “balanced diversification plan”, linking modernised tourism, renewable energy, agribusiness, green manufacturing and social protections into one coherent strategy. He underscored that the Zones will enforce multiple pillars of the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) — including water security, energy transition, food security, sustainable settlements, circular economy, and social protection — “By law, Zones must advance multiple pillars,” he affirmed.
Supporting the Bill, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley called the legislation “forward-thinking”, pointing to global models such as the Dubai International Financial Centre. He praised the legislative drafting for safeguarding the nation’s long-term interests without sacrificing investor clarity.
Meanwhile, Senior Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas described the law as “timely and decisive” — essential for attracting high-quality investment into sectors like tourism, renewable energy, ICT, and agriculture, and ensuring that development projects deliver lasting benefit for citizens.
The Member for Number 9, Premier Mark Brantley, likewise expressed strong support for the Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act 2025, emphasising the government’s commitment to diversifying the economy beyond citizenship by investment.
“Over the past three years, I have been a consistent voice in this National Assembly for novel ideas and innovation to move us away from our heavy dependence on citizenship by investment,” he said. Highlighting the need for sustainable development, Premier Brantley pointed to global signals urging economic diversification and praised the bill’s framework, which includes strict conditions and independent oversight to ensure responsible foreign direct investment. He noted, “If done right, this ticks the boxes of sustainability, job growth, economic diversification, and an enhancement of our GDP,” adding that the initiative positions St. Kitts and Nevis as a regional leader in innovative economic development.
The Premier also reassured constituents of Nevis that no special zone would be declared or developed without the full involvement and consent of the Nevis Island Administration, underscoring the NIA and Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and local engagement.
A closer examination of the Bill reveals robust safeguards for accountability. Section 5 requires developers to submit a ten-year economic forecast, infrastructure plans ensuring at least 70% renewable energy and climate resiliency, proof of technical and financial capability, and secured land rights. Section 6 mandates development timelines and penalties, with exclusivity rights contingent on delivery of milestones.
Concessions under Section 8 must be proportional to public benefit, and agreements are prevented from setting precedent for future deals. Section 7 mandates ratification and public declaration via Gazette, with recourse to revoke Zone status if developers fail to meet commitments — all fostering public scrutiny and legislative ownership.
The inclusion of the Nevis safeguard amplifies constitutional balance: Nevis now has both consultation and consent authority, and co-signatory status. This ensures that developments in Nevis cannot proceed without island-level approval, reinforcing local governance while maintaining national unity.
By embedding parliamentary ratification, public transparency, and localised consent into its design, the Act cements its promise of FDI with integrity. Audits and oversight bodies (allowed under Section 9) promise to monitor compliance. While critics may question capacity for regulation, the law’s robust penalties, revocation powers, and public accountability frameworks serve as strong deterrents against misuse.
This legislation stakes St. Kitts and Nevis as a Caribbean trailblazer in sustainability-focused investment law — a transparent, accountable, and ambitious step toward economic resilience and inclusive growth.
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