Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act, 2025
This law gives the Prime Minister and Cabinet the authority to sign agreements with private developers to build Special Sustainability Zones in Saint Kitts and Nevis. If a zone is built on Nevis, the Nevis Island Administration must also give prior approval and sign the agreement.
Think of this law like setting up a dedicated master-planned community with customized rules. If a qualified developer wants to build a large eco-friendly development, the government can enter a contract to grant specific tax breaks, provided the developer proves the project will create local jobs, protect the environment, and run reliably for years to come.
Before a development agreement can be signed, the developer must meet strict conditions:
- Present an economic report showing the project will create jobs, attract investment, and generate government revenue for at least 10 years.
- Present plans for clean water access, public safety, health services, and dispute resolution.
- Plan for renewable energy to cover at least 70 percent of the zone's energy needs.
- Design infrastructure that is climate-resilient, hurricane-resistant, and earthquake-resistant.
- Prove they have the financial capability, technical ability, and land ownership or lease agreements.
- Developers may be granted reductions or exemptions on taxes, duties, and government fees to make the project economically viable.
- These tax breaks must be proportional to the overall public benefit provided by the zone.
- Tax breaks given to one developer do not automatically apply to any other project.
Development agreements cannot transfer core national responsibilities away from the government. The government retains total control over:
- Foreign affairs and military defense.
- Citizenship, residency, and voter registration.
- The authority of the national court system.
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