Nevis Charts a New Development Path with Sustainability Zone Act

"The Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) Authorization Bill 2025, recently passed in St. Kitts and Nevis, has been introduced to make this possible. Premier Mark Brantley of Nevis, the leader of the federation's smaller island, has underscored the transformative potential of the initiative. In a recent statement to Nevis, he highlighted that such a zone could create thousands of permanent jobs for Nevisians while also providing new opportunities for the diaspora"

"A 'Special Zone' is not a new concept. Around the world, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have proven they are drivers of economic growth and diversification. China, Dubai, India and Singapore have successfully utilised them to attract investment, create employment, and diversify their economies. The model has also been tested closer to St Kitts and Nevis. Jamaica has been operating SEZs since the 1970s, while the Cayman Islands established Cayman Enterprise City in 2012."

St Kitts and Nevis passed the Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) Authorization Bill 2025 to enable development that grows the economy while protecting natural assets. Premier Mark Brantley said the SSZ could create thousands of permanent jobs and provide new opportunities for the diaspora to return and find secure employment. Special Economic Zones have driven growth globally and have regional precedents in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Cayman Enterprise City contributed USD $130 million in 2023 and nearly USD $1 billion in economic activity over a decade. The bill embeds safeguards to prevent development at the cost of environment or heritage and mandates working in harmony with nature.

Read at Business Matters