St. Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew conducted a Townhall Meeting to discuss the Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act, as a groundbreaking initiative designed to advance the Sustainable Island State Agenda of the federation.
The Townhall Meeting was hosted at the NEMA Conference Room on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The Act was passed in the National Assembly in August 2025 and since then it has been surrounded by misinformation.
While giving the opening remarks, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew outlined the vision behind the Special Sustainability Zones (SSZs) which emphasised their role to promote balanced economic growth and also ensuring the environmental protection and social inclusivity.
Reportedly, the Act represents a pivotal step towards transforming St. Kitts and Nevis into a model Sustainable Island State, the one that harmonises development with long-term ecological preservation.
Prime Minister Drew further explained that the Special Sustainability Zones will serve as designated areas for innovative projects that align with sustainability goals such as renewable energy, green infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture and eco-tourism.
These SSZs will encourage both the local and international investment in initiatives that contribute to resilience, job creation and sustainable livelihoods. The Cabinet members present there, elaborated on the legislative framework of the Act which highlighted how it will streamline the development approvals, strengthen environmental safeguards and promote collaboration between the public and private sectors.
They emphasised that the measure is not only about economic progress but also about ensuring that the future generations inherit a nation capable of thriving within its natural limits.
During the ongoing session, the community members expressed strong support for the proactive stance on government’s sustainability and resilience.
The Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act forms a cornerstone of the broader Sustainable Island State Agenda which seeks to position St. Kitts and Nevis as a global leader in sustainable development through innovation, equity and environmental stewardship.
The implementation of this Act takes St. Kitts and Nevis closer to realising its vision of a resilient, self-reliant and sustainable island nation.