On 11 August 2025, the National Assembly of St Kitts & Nevis passed the Special Sustainability Zone Authorisation Bill, 2025. Government leaders describe the law as a framework to attract high‑quality foreign investment, diversify the economy and create long‑term jobs while safeguarding the Federation’s environment and sovereignty. The bill weaves the seven pillars of the Sustainable Island State Agenda—water security, energy transition, food security, sustainable industry, sustainable settlements, circular economy and social protection—into law. It allows areas to be designated as Special Sustainability Zones (SSZs) where developers must meet strict climate‑resilience and infrastructure standards.
Why people are concerned
- A small island, a huge project. Nevis measures only 36 square miles, yet one developer is reportedly poised to control at least 500 acres (0.78125 square miles)—almost a square mile of our country. Residents fear this could fundamentally reshape land ownership and limit public access to coastal areas.
- Lack of transparency. Officials have not publicly disclosed how many developers are being courted or exactly how much land on St Kitts will be absorbed into the new zones. The number of proposed SSZs and their locations remain unclear.
- Nevis may bear the brunt. While the bill applies to both islands, Nevis stands to lose more land and natural coastline if large tracts are sold or expropriated.
- Allegations of insider dealing. The premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, acknowledges that his wife operates 17° North, a real‑estate firm involved in private land sales. Residents allege she has pressured landowners to sell and told them they “might not have a choice.” Brantley insists land deals are voluntary and that his wife is acting as a private realtor, yet many see a troubling conflict of interest.
- Forced sale via “technicality.” Brantley says no one will be forced to sell land, yet the SSZ law empowers government to acquire land and compensate owners rather than rely on negotiated sales. Critics argue this is a loophole that could allow authorities to seize land for a zone while claiming it is “voluntary.”
Legal context
The Constitution of St Kitts & Nevis holds the government accountable to Parliament. Section 52(6) states that the Governor‑General must remove the Prime Minister if the National Assembly passes a resolution of no confidence and the Prime Minister does not, within three days, resign or advise the Governor‑General to dissolve Parliament. After years when motions of no confidence were ignored, a Motion of No Confidence Bill (2019) now requires that any such motion be debated and voted on within 21 days. The High Court has affirmed that every elected member has a right to bring a motion of no confidence and have it debated without undue delay.
Citizens also have the right to request public records under the Freedom of Information Act 2018. Requests must be answered within thirty working days, empowering journalists and residents to seek documents about SSZ legislation, land agreements and environmental assessments.
What’s next?
The SSZ scheme could bring sustainable investment and jobs if managed transparently, but it also risks creating a corporate enclave. Key questions remain: Who are the developers? Will public beaches and ancestral lands remain accessible? Are there safeguards to prevent abuse of compulsory acquisition powers?
Citizens can fight back by:
- Demanding transparency: Use the Freedom of Information Act to request copies of SSZ agreements, environmental impact assessments and compensation terms.
- Engaging elected representatives: Press Members of the National Assembly to oppose any SSZ that threatens public land or is tainted by conflicts of interest.
- Considering constitutional tools: If evidence of corruption mounts and officials refuse accountability, a motion of no confidence can be tabled. Should a majority support it, the Prime Minister must resign or call early elections.
- Supporting independent journalism: The SKN Report will continue investigating. To submit tips, use secure channels and anonymizing tools such as ProtonMail and VPNs.
Conclusion
The Special Sustainability Zone legislation is touted as a visionary step toward a sustainable island state. Yet without full transparency and strict conflict‑of‑interest safeguards, it could open the door to land grabs and cronyism. Nevisians deserve clear answers before relinquishing nearly a square mile of their island. Holding leaders accountable—through information requests, public pressure and constitutional remedies—is the only way to ensure that development truly benefits the people.
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