Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says his government remains committed transparency, accountability, and good governance under the Special Sustainability Zone Authorisation Act (SSZ), describing it as a landmark legislation that strengthens democratic oversight and responsible national development.
‘This legislation was set up to ensure that any major developments that can affect us here in Saint Kitts and Nevis must pass through Parliament,’ he told reporters on ‘The RoundTable’ programme.
Earlier this month, the St. Kitts-Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce suggested that the SSZ be repealed with the government undertaking ‘extensive’ public discussions on ‘the exact nature and extent of special economic zones’.
Prime Minister Terrance Drew
In an 11 page letter to Prime Minister Drew, the private sector group said that the public discussions will also allow for the ‘potential advantages and disadvantages’ of the zones, as well as outlining the ‘protections, parameters and guardrails that would be required to promote economic development.
‘Alternatively, if repeal is not considered advisable, Government should suspend the authorisation of any zone under the SSZ Act, pending the outcome of the recommended public consultations following which the legislation should be amended to provide the necessary protections and guardrails,’ according to the letter signed by the Chamber’s president, Trevor E Blake.
The private sector group said it recognises the importance of foreign direct investment for national development and acknowledges the use of special economic zones in other countries.
‘The Chamber also recognises the disadvantages of this system and the negative experience from which some countries have suffered in using this form of economic development,’ it said, noting that having reviewed the SSZ and the proposed Destiny Project in Nevis, it ‘has serious concerns about the structure and implications of this legislation and its immediate application.
‘We are very aware that our country is unique given its size, economy, population, challenges and culture. We also hold the view that the will of the people of our country is a critical factor in the adoption of this system, especially as the first zone proposed contemplates almost doubling the population of Nevis without any genuine debate on the implications,’ the Chamber said in the November 12 letter, a copy of which has been obtained by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
But, the government says the legislation establishes a clear and accountable framework for attracting high-quality Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), diversifying the national economy, and generating long-term employment opportunities, while safeguarding the twin island Federation’s environment and sovereignty.
Drew told The Roundtable programme that the legislation represents a significant advancement in the Federation’s governance architecture, ensuring that any major development project with national impact must be brought before Parliament for open discussion and approval.
He said that this would promote openness, transparency, and public accountability ‘values that lie at the heart of our democracy’.
He noted that in previous years, major development agreements were often finalised without sufficient parliamentary debate or disclosure to the public.
He said that the SSZ legislation corrects this by requiring that every major project be presented to Parliament, ensuring that the people and their representatives can review and discuss its implications before implementation.
‘If there are opportunities to tighten the Act, we will tighten it. If I see areas to make it stronger, I will go to parliament, amend it, and make it stronger. But to repeal a law that guarantees transparency and public oversight would be irresponsible.’
Prime Minister Drew also reiterated that the sovereignty and independence of Saint Kitts and Nevis are not negotiable, telling reporters that no development agreement can compromise national security or Constitutional authority.
‘Our independence can never be threatened. If there is any space in there where that is questioned, we will tighten it. There’s only one immigration here, one customs here, one police organisation, and one court system, so nothing at all that affects any of those would be tolerated in any development,’ Prime Minister Drew said.
He reiterated that the SSZ is a ‘forward-looking, transparent, and participatory tool’ for responsible development, empowering citizens to engage meaningfully in shaping the nation’s sustainable future.
In its letter, the Chamber it is of the view that ‘certain key guardrails should not be crossed in any development agreement,’ noting that ‘these guardrails should be set out in the enabling legislation and not left to the discretion of the Government’.