St. Kitts and Nevis government has marked a historic milestone on Monday, August 11, 2025, as it raised voice, over Sustainable Economic Transformation with the passage of the Special Sustainability Zone Authorisation Bill, 2025 in the National Assembly.
The landmark legislation of this year created a clear and accountable framework to attract high-quality Foreign Direct Investment to diversify the national economy, and generate long-term job opportunities for the people, while safeguarding the environment and sovereignty of the federation.
Special Sustainability Zones committed to climate resilience
This Special Sustainability Zones will be the legally designated areas where developers will be completely committed to strict sustainability. They will also be committed towards climate resilience and infrastructure standards while the government provides conditions, transparent rules and robust democratic oversight.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew acknowledged this initiative and said that the government of St. Kitts and Nevis is pursuing a balanced diversification plan, such as:
- Modernise Tourism
- Scale Renewable Energy and Water Security
- Grow Agribusiness
- Expand Health, Education and Professional Services
- Enable Technology and Green Manufacturing
Drew added to his statement that 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.
St. Kitts and Nevis weaving history
As per the sources, this legislation is the first in St. Kitts and Nevis’ history to weave the seven pillars of the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) directly into law i.e. Water Security, Energy Transition, Food Security, Sustainable Industry, Sustainable Settlements, Circular Economy and Social Protection.
PM Drew further stated that by law, these zones must advance multiple pillars. This 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, such as access to health services and fair dispute resolution.
Sustainability that offers investors clarity
Prime Minister also emphasised that the framework offers investors clarity, speed and legal certainty without cutting corners, while ensuring the public gains lasting value. Drew said that the investors value enforceable contracts and clear sustainability standards.
Dr. Drew expressed that they also value communities where people wants to live safe, clean, modern and connected to nature. The Special Sustainability Zone Authorisation Bill, 2025 signals to the world that St. Kitts and Nevis is open for business on their own terms and for their people.
The Special Sustainability Zone Authorisation Bill, 2025 positions St. 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 unique size, Constitution and values of the federation.