Petition Update: Section 3 of the SSZ Act Under Scrutiny

Growing public attention is now focused on Section 3 of the Special Sustainability Zones (SSZ) Act — the provision that allows the Prime Minister or Premier to formally declare a Special Sustainability Zone once a development agreement is negotiated.

Section 3 is not a minor clause. It is the legal trigger that brings an SSZ into force, defining its boundaries and enabling its governance structure. Critics argue that, as written, it gives sweeping executive power to establish zones with special arrangements that may operate outside normal planning, environmental, and regulatory safeguards.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association and several civil society groups have raised serious constitutional and sovereignty concerns. Opposition voices are calling for repeal or substantial reform of the Act, including Section 3. Meanwhile, government officials have stated they are open to amendments — but not repeal.

To date, no amendment or repeal of Section 3 has been passed.

As negotiations on the Destiny Project reportedly advance, petitioners are calling for any declaration under Section 3 to be paused until the law is strengthened, clarified, and subjected to full public scrutiny.

Transparency must come before activation. The future of our land and governance cannot hinge on unchecked executive discretion.