Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to balancing national development with fairness and social responsibility amid public discussion surrounding a new US$250 million hotel investment on the island’s southeast peninsula.
The Prime Minister has clarified that the Ritz Carlton, which is expected to create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, is to be located on privately owned land — not government property — and therefore, the government’s role is to ensure both investor confidence and fair treatment for local vendors currently occupying the area.
“This land has always been private land,” Dr. Drew explained. “The government did not sell or lease it. The investors purchased the property through the private market, and they are bringing their capital to build one of the most premier hotels in the Caribbean.”
Dr. Drew acknowledged that two local bars presently operate on the site and assured that the government is taking a “win-win” approach to resolving the matter. “We are empathetic to the vendors,” he stated. “We will give them options to move to a different site and assist them in the process so that they can continue their trade. Our goal is to ensure that development does not displace opportunity.”
The Prime Minister reminded the public that similar relocation plans were made under the previous administration in 2017, but the proposed development at the time did not materialise. At that time, an offer had been made to relocate the affected business to the Frigate Bay Strip.
He noted that his government’s ability to attract international investors now demonstrates renewed confidence in St. Kitts and Nevis’ economy.
“This administration has worked tirelessly to create an environment where investors feel secure bringing projects of this magnitude to our shores,” he said. “When you have a $250 million project ready to move forward — one that will increase our GDP by nearly two percent, create hundreds of jobs, and strengthen our hospitality industry — it is our duty to facilitate it responsibly.”
Dr. Drew further emphasised that the government’s economic diversification strategy prioritises high-value, non-Citizenship by Investment (CBI) ventures, noting that this particular project is not linked to the CBI programme. “We are diversifying beyond CBI,” he explained. “We continue to strengthen and safeguard the CBI, but we are also attracting new investment streams — in tourism, yachting, and high-end hospitality — to secure sustainable growth.”
The Prime Minister underscored the broader economic impact of the hotel’s construction and operation, describing it as transformative for the Federation’s development agenda. “It will put St. Kitts and Nevis on the map among the most prestigious destinations in the Caribbean,” he said. “This is the kind of high-end investment we need to grow our economy, generate stable jobs, and lift national prestige.”
While defending the right of private landowners to develop their property, Dr. Drew reiterated his government’s responsibility to protect citizens’ interests. “We will help those affected to relocate peacefully and continue their businesses,” he said. “Development must never be about winners and losers — it must benefit both our people and our country’s long-term progress.”
He added that ensuring an investor-friendly climate remains essential to maintaining St. Kitts and Nevis’ global credibility. “If we were to block private investment on private land, we would send the wrong message about our seriousness toward growth and good governance,” Dr. Drew noted. “We are building an environment of confidence, transparency, and opportunity.”
The project, part of a broader national strategy to diversify the economy and reduce dependency on any single revenue stream, is expected to anchor the Federation’s position as a premier tourism destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and workers.
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