Basseterre, Saint Kitts, August 11, 2025 (SKNIS) – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis today, August 11, 2025, marked a historic milestone in its drive toward sustainable economic transformation with the passage of the Special Sustainability Zone Authorisation Bill, 2025, in the National Assembly.
The landmark legislation creates a clear, accountable framework to attract high-quality Foreign Direct Investment, diversify the national economy, and generate long-term job opportunities—while safeguarding the Federation’s environment and sovereignty.
Special Sustainability Zones will be legally designated areas where developers commit to strict sustainability, climate resilience, and infrastructure standards, while the government provides conditions, transparent rules, and robust democratic oversight.
“Our government is pursuing a balanced diversification plan: modernise tourism; scale renewable energy and water security; grow agribusiness; expand health, education, and professional services; and enable technology and green manufacturing,” Prime Minister Drew said. “The Special Sustainability Zone framework is a way to bring these pieces together, so that infrastructure, investment, and jobs arrive in a coordinated and accountable package.”
The legislation is the first in the nation’s history to weave the seven pillars of the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) directly into law: Water Security, Energy Transition, Food Security, Sustainable Industry, Sustainable Settlements, Circular Economy, and Social Protection.
“By law, Zones must advance multiple pillars,” Prime Minister Drew stressed. “That means reliable water systems, renewable energy at scale, sustainable food systems, green industry and tourism, climate-resilient communities, circular-economy practices, and built-in social protection—like access to health services and fair dispute resolution.”
Dr. Drew emphasised that the framework offers investors clarity, speed, and legal certainty without cutting corners, while ensuring the public gains lasting value. “Investors value enforceable contracts and clear sustainability standards,” the prime minister said. “They also value communities where talent wants to live—safe, clean, modern, and connected to nature. This Bill signals to the world that Saint Kitts and Nevis is open for business—on our terms, for our people.”
The Special Sustainability Zone Authorisation Bill, 2025, positions Saint Kitts and Nevis as a first mover in the Caribbean with a modern, sustainability-anchored investment model—drawing from global best practices while tailoring the approach to the Federation’s unique size, Constitution, and values.
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