Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley has reiterated that the Special Sustainability Zones (SSZ) Act already in force provides extensive protections for citizens, national sovereignty and public access—echoing the position repeatedly stated by Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew. Both leaders have affirmed that the SSZ framework is designed to strengthen transparency, not weaken it, ensuring that major developments face the highest level of legal and parliamentary scrutiny.
Speaking during a recent public appearance, Premier Brantley addressed continuing public questions about the proposed “Destiny” development, stressing that even if the project receives approval from the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), it cannot proceed without separate legislation being debated and passed in the National Assembly.
“This project has been the most talked about and most consulted. We are engaging the public genuinely, not symbolically,” Brantley said.
His comments align with Prime Minister Drew’s recent confirmation that no formal proposal for Destiny has come to his desk or to the Cabinet, and that any development of such scale must be brought before Parliament as stated in the SSZ Act.
Responding to concerns about potential beach restrictions, Premier Brantley underscored that the law guarantees free access to all beaches—natural or man-made.
“Whether a beach is created naturally or through man-made intervention, the law defines what a beach is. Once a beach exists, access is guaranteed by law,” he said.
This position mirrors the assurance given by Prime Minister Drew during The Roundtable press briefing earlier this week, that sovereignty, public access, customs, immigration, security and constitutional authority cannot be overridden by any development within an approved SSZ.
Brantley highlighted several issues raised during town hall sessions that are now shaping negotiations, including:
- Ownership of any natural resources discovered on the site
- The need for phased development to build public confidence
- Training for local mechanics and firefighters in handling electric and autonomous vehicles
- Customs controls to prevent misuse of duty-free goods
- Banking questions, including whether local banks such as the Bank of Nevis can operate within the zone
“These are issues we had not considered before public engagement, but they emerged from genuine concerns,” Brantley said.
The Premier also refuted allegations that landowners on Nevis’ south coast were being underpaid or that the Government was selling thousands of acres.
“We investigated, and I am pleased to say that is not true,” he noted. “On every occasion where land was purchased, the price offered was at market value or above.”
He added that much of the land in question is privately owned, not government land, countering claims circulating in political commentary and online spaces.
Brantley’s statements reinforce the national position articulated by Prime Minister Drew: the SSZ Act exists to protect the people, not sideline them. It requires every major development to be debated publicly in Parliament, ensures constitutional oversight, and prevents any agreement from being made “in the dark” or without public scrutiny.
“We work for the people who need us,” Premier Brantley said. “Any development—Destiny or otherwise—must be approached conscientiously and always with the public interest foremost.”
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