PM Terrance Drew addressed misconceptions and clarifies facts on SSZ Act 

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew led a townhall meeting on October 16 to discuss the Special Sustainability Zones Act. The meeting was attended by a large number of people from all over the country.

The townhall was a platform for the people to interact directly with their leaders and ask them questions and voice their concerns. The Prime Minister Drew addressed the gathering of nationals before the discussion and dialogue began.

In this address, Dr Drew took the time to clear some misinterpretations which have been circulating on the internet. While speaking to the people of the island nation, Dr Drew addressed one of the biggest concerns that the people of the island nation has had with SSZ.

The people have been worried about the privatization of their lands and the creation of a state within the state. This concern, according to Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew is absolutely unfounded.

He clarified that there is no law, no agreement and no developmental project which can create a state within the state in St Kitts and Nevis.

The Prime Minister said that the Special Sustainable Zones Act will be operating within the guidelines of the constitution of St Kitts and Nevis. He also added that there is no provision in the constitution of St Kitts and Nevis to create a state within a state.

Over the last few weeks, the opposition parties of the country have also raised alarms on the lack of transparency regarding the passage of the act. Countering this, Dr Terrance Drew said during the Townhall meeting that before they tabled the Special Sustainability Zones Act in the national assembly, the bill had been available for review to all the members of the National Assembly.

The leaders could go through the subject matter of the bill and subsequently present their ideas and arguments during the national assembly sitting. The Prime Minister also confirmed that they are open to healthy discussions on the matter.

The Prime Minister highlighted that he is open to hearing the concerns of the people of the island. He acknowledged that he is looking forward to hearing the concerns and ideas that come to the fore during the session.

The Prime Minister has shared that the Special Sustainability Zones can help in developing the economy of the country. He said that while such special zones exist in other nations across the globe and even the Caribbean, the example of the success which special economic zones can bring to the island nation.

The Prime Minister recalled that The Paul Southwell Industrial Site was the first special economic zone in St Kitts and Nevis. This site has been generating employment and boosting the St Kitts and Nevis. At the same time, they are also bringing business opportunities for the people of the island.

Another good example for the success of the Special economic zones is the Frigate Bay Area, which has become a hub for international tourism based business and economic development.

The Prime Minister said that they expect Special Sustainability Zones to bring similar results which will uplift the nation in the long run.

Anthony Morris

Reporter at SKN News | [email protected] |  + postsBio ⮌

Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.