Brantley: Sustainability Zones could transform Nevis’ future

Nevis may be small, but Premier Mark Brantley says the island is on the brink of something big. Speaking in a national address Monday night, the Premier revealed that his administration has been formally approached by an investor to establish a Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) on the island — a move he called a potential game-changer for Nevis’ economy.

The SSZ framework, set out in legislation passed this month by the National Parliament, is the first of its kind worldwide. Unlike traditional special economic zones, it requires development to go hand in hand with environmental protection. That means renewable energy, water security, land restoration, and long-term, high-quality jobs for Nevisians are built into the model.

“This is the foundation for long-term prosperity and security,” Brantley said, describing the zones as a once-in-a-generation chance to diversify the island’s economy and reduce reliance on citizenship by investment.

The Premier stressed that Nevis remains firmly in control of its own development. Under the law, no zone can be created on Nevis without the approval of the Nevis Island Administration and ratification by the Nevis Island Assembly. Land sales, he emphasised, are voluntary private transactions — no one can be forced to sell.

With billions of dollars of potential investment and thousands of jobs on the table, the Premier argued that the opportunities far outweigh the criticism coming from opposition benches. He accused opponents of spreading “mistruths” while themselves benefitting from land sales in the very area now under discussion.

The proposed zone would be located on the largely undeveloped south coast of Nevis, in the Saddle Hill area. Brantley said the project could revitalise barren land, expand infrastructure at no cost to taxpayers, and deliver much-needed revenue to strengthen hospitals, schools and public services.

“This is the chance to take Nevis to the next level,” the Premier said, inviting Nevisians at home and abroad to engage in the public discussions and upcoming town halls his administration will hold.

With the NIA positioning Nevis as a leader in sustainability, Brantley was confident the island could soon become a model for the Caribbean. “We are striving to become the best place in the world to live, work, and raise our families,” he concluded.

📺 Watch our video explainer breaking down the Premier’s full address below