Basseterre, Saint Kitts, December 15, 2025 (SKNIS): Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew has fulfilled his public commitment made during last month’s national roundtable discussions by formally establishing an ad hoc Advisory Committee to review the Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act, 2025 (“SSZA Act”).
During the roundtable engagement, the Prime Minister assured citizens that an independent, representative body would be created to carefully examine the legislation, address public concerns, and ensure that the Act is implemented in a transparent and accountable manner. The establishment of the Advisory Committee marks the delivery on that promise.
The Advisory Committee has been tasked with reviewing the provisions of the SSZA Act, considering its practical implementation, and making recommendations to the Government on any proposed amendments, procedural improvements, or safeguards needed to strengthen public confidence. Its work will also be guided by regional and international best practices and the principles of the Sustainable Island State Agenda.
Prime Minister Drew underscored that the SSZ Act does not itself create or approve any Special Sustainability Zones, nor is it tied to any specific private development. Instead, the Act establishes a clear legal process for how any future proposals must be evaluated, disclosed, and approved, including parliamentary oversight and constitutional safeguards.
The Advisory Committee brings together a broad cross-section of civil society, professional bodies, and stakeholder organisations, reflecting the Government’s commitment to inclusive and participatory governance. Organisations invited to nominate representatives to serve on the Advisory Committee include:
- Saint Kitts Christian Council;
- Saint Kitts Evangelical Association;
- Saint Kitts-Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce;
- Saint Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union;
- Bankers and Financial Services Association;
- Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions;
- Eastern Caribbean Central Bank;
- Organisation of Rastafari in Unity;
- Saint Kitts and Nevis Medical and Dental Association;
- Saint Kitts and Nevis Bar Association;
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (Saint Kitts-Nevis Branch);
- Saint Kitts-Nevis Institute of Architects;
- Saint Kitts and Nevis Building Contractors Association; and
- Saint Christopher National Trust.
In addition, recognising the regional implications of the legislation and the value of comparative expertise, the Government has invited written opinions from the following regional institutions for consideration by the Advisory Committee: The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority; The OECS Bar Association; and The Caribbean Development Bank.
The Prime Minister noted that the Committee’s work will be conducted openly and that its findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Federal Cabinet for consideration. He reaffirmed that the process is intended to strengthen governance, protect national sovereignty, and ensure that any future development under the SSZ framework delivers long-term benefits for the people of Saint Christopher and Nevis.
Prime Minister Drew expressed confidence that the Advisory Committee will play a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making, while advancing sustainable economic development in line with the nation’s Sustainable Island State vision.
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