BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – The St. Kitts and Nevis government says it has initiated an Independent Oversight Body (IOB) in keeping with the Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation legislation, allowing for it to receive and review the application by the developers of the proposed Destiny Special Sustainability Zone in Nevis.
The Government said the application, with supporting documents, was formally submitted by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) cabinet to the Federal cabinet on January 29 this year.
It said that the statutory IOB is distinct from, and operates independently of, the Prime Minister’s Ad Hoc Advisory Committee, currently reviewing the legislative framework of the Act. “While the Ad Hoc Committee is examining the structure and safeguards of the legislation itself, the Independent Oversight Body has been established specifically to conduct a structured, evidence-based review of the Destiny application currently before the Federal Cabinet.”
The Government said that in accordance with the Act, the IOB’s mandate is to examine the application and provide written opinions to the Federal Cabinet on matters including compliance with the mandatory statutory prerequisites, the developer’s financial, organisational, and technical capacity; economic projections; governance implications; environmental and fiscal risk exposure; and alignment with the Sustainable Island State Agenda.
It said that the legislation requires any proposed Zone to satisfy specific conditions precedent, including demonstrated financial and technical capacity, credible long-term economic benefits, lawful land arrangements, and express acknowledgment of the exclusive constitutional powers of the State.
The IOB will assess whether these statutory requirements have been met before any further step is taken.
The Government said that the IOB will comprise representatives nominated by key national institutions, including faith-based organisations, labour, business, financial sector bodies, professional associations, and heritage interests, reflecting the Government’s continued commitment to inclusive and responsible governance.
“The IOB has been tasked with submitting its written report to the Federal Cabinet before its final deliberation on the application. Simultaneously, relevant Government bodies will review the application.
“Their respective reports will summarise the key facts and analyses arising from their reviews, indicate whether and to what extent the application satisfies the statutory requirements of the Act, identify any gaps or areas of non-compliance, evaluate financial, legal, environmental, and institutional risks, and set out any recommended safeguards, conditions, or modifications that the Federal Cabinet should require before determining the next step.”
The Government of Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew said that the establishment of the Independent Oversight Body does not signal approval of the proposed Zone.
“Rather, it reflects the activation of the safeguards embedded within the Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act and underscores the Administration’s commitment to constitutional compliance, fiscal prudence, transparency, and the long-term interests of the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
“Following the Federal Cabinet’s review of the Independent Oversight Body’s report and any related ministerial analyses, if the Federal Cabinet determines that the proposed Development Agreement should proceed, the next steps are clearly set out in the Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act,” the statement added.
“The resulting proposed Development Agreement, in its entirety, must be ratified by, and contained in, a law passed by the Nevis Island Assembly and then the National Assembly, because the area is within Nevis. ”
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