Special Sustainability Zones and Nevis – Myths vs Reality

Select from the below categories to learn more about the SSZ and see mythbusters to common misconceptions

With news that the first Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) in the Federation could be coming to Nevis, there has been a lot of speculation and misinformation online.

SSZs are legally designated development areas where developers must meet strict sustainability, climate resilience, and infrastructure standards to the benefit of the wider community.

This website separates the myths around SSZs from reality, using official sources for information. More information will be added as it becomes available.

Sovereignty
Community
ECONOMY
Environment

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Sovereignty

  • Reality: As the SSZ Authorisation Act makes clear, sovereignty is not for sale. The NIA has oversight over SSZs on Nevis, ensuring any development benefits Nevisians.

  • Reality: The SSZ Authorization Act has been discussed at length by Premier Brantley, not least in his recent address to the nation, to ensure public scrutiny. The Premier provides regular updates on the proposed SSZ on Nevis. Updates continue via official channels.

  • Reality: Proposed SSZs face extensive due diligence, scrutinized by the NIA and Federal government. Developers must prove that their proposed SSZ meets strict environmental, economic and social conditions so that it is of overwhelming benefit to the community.

Economy

  • Reality: Destiny, the developer of the proposed SSZ, has committed to bringing significant revenue and jobs to Nevis, including unprecedented investments in infrastructure like the hospital, housing, and energy. Better-funded, more efficient services and a jobs boom is a big win for Nevisians.  

  • Reality: Revenues from the proposed SSZ will support public infrastructure across Nevis. Nevis as a whole will be levelled up by this transformative investment, becoming the envy of the Caribbean and other island states.

  • Reality: Direct investment in a range of public infrastructure makes the proposed SSZ a community-oriented project. An upgraded hospital, for example, is to the benefit of all Nevisians. This is essential infrastructure that Nevis needs to thrive in the 21st century.

Community

  • Reality: Land sales in the proposed SSZ are voluntary – no one is being forced to sell. In any case, Saddle Hill, the location of the proposed zone, is largely undeveloped.

  • Reality: As above, land sales in the proposed SSZ are voluntary. No land will be transferred to the government of the Federation or the NIA.

  • Reality: The proposed SSZ would be economically beneficial for Nevis as a whole. There is no evidence that politicians are benefiting unduly from the policy. The sale of land in the proposed zone, including by prominent figures in the NRP, is done in a private capacity.

Environment

  • Reality: The law requires strict environmental safeguards. The proposed SSZ will be committed to restoring the coastline and developing the south coast sustainably, improving on the current barren state of much of the land.

  • Reality: Under the law, SSZ must preserve and enhance local heritage sites. The revenues raised from SSZs can also be directed to heritage preservation. 

  • Reality: The proposed SSZ will be fully open to Nevisians, who are free to enter and leave as they wish. The sea will also remain open to fishing.

Get in touch.

Do you have a question about Special Sustainability Zones in Nevis? Complete the form and we will do our best to answer and separate myth from reality and add to this page.