Destiny, the proposed “sustainable family resort community” on the south side of Nevis, released a new video titled “Destiny: A message for Nevisians and Kittitians.” In it, founder Olivier Janssens lays out the clearest vision to date: a low-rise, nature-integrated master plan, thousands of local jobs, significant public-sector funding, and a first-of-its-kind profit-sharing model for the people of St. Kitts & Nevis.
A nature-led master plan with world-class partners
Janssens confirmed Destiny has partnered with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)—the architecture firm behind landmarks such as the World Trade Center in New York—to deliver a master plan “built to the highest international standards.” SOM’s representative in the video describes a coastline-sensitive layout: a public oceanfront promenade, a pedestrian-friendly fisherman’s village, and stepped neighborhoods around natural lakes—designed to appear “nature first” when approached by sea.
Key design cues announced:
- Strictly low-rise architecture, no “endless high-rises”
- Tree-lined neighborhoods, open parks, and expansive green space
- A professional golf course balanced with preserved natural areas
- A family-oriented community built for everyday living, not just short stays
Environmental stewardship at the center
Destiny says it is conducting a full Environmental Impact Assessment and working closely with Dr. Deborah Brosnan, an internationally recognized expert in marine and coastal resilience. Brosnan highlights a restoration-first approach:
- Reef restoration as natural infrastructure to protect coasts, support fisheries, and enrich biodiversity
- Creation of stewardship jobs and hands-on conservation skills for locals
- Marrying traditional knowledge with modern science to build long-term resilience
“Nature is our ally,” Brosnan notes, arguing restoration is both ecologically smarter and more cost-effective than engineered seawalls.
Concrete economic commitments
Janssens outlined a package of tangible benefits for citizens and residents:
- Thousands of jobs during construction and in permanent roles across hospitality, services, and technology
- Local-first hiring: the Nevis Island Administration has mandated first preference for Nevisians and residents (with a similar preference for Kittitians)
- US $50 million in public-sector investment: US $10 million per year for five years into Nevis’ infrastructure—
- Including millions earmarked for Alexander Hospital and community health centers
- Additional funds for critical projects have been agreed with the government
- Including millions earmarked for Alexander Hospital and community health centers
- Education: a US$1 million annual scholarship program for Nevisians to study abroad, starting immediately
- Profit sharing with the nation:
- 20% of Destiny’s profits will be permanently donated to St. Kitts & Nevis — 10% to the government, and 10% to a sovereign wealth fund for future generations
- A world-first additional 5% of profits paid directly to citizens and residents via a technology platform targeted for launch early next year (sign-ups now open at destiny.com)
- 20% of Destiny’s profits will be permanently donated to St. Kitts & Nevis — 10% to the government, and 10% to a sovereign wealth fund for future generations
Access, transparency, and land rights
Addressing common concerns, Yansson emphasized:
- Voluntary land sales only; the project offers land swaps for owners who want to remain landholders on Nevis
- Constitutional continuity: Destiny will operate within the Constitution of St. Kitts & Nevis; internal regulations will focus on investment attraction and safety
- Open access: Destiny will be open and welcoming; all beaches remain public, and traditional activities like fishing will continue
“A partnership, not just a project”
Framing Destiny as a multi-decade partnership with Nevis and St. Kitts, Janssens invited individuals and local businesses—from construction and logistics to hospitality and creative industries—to apply via the Jobs section at destiny.com. The message: Destiny is about families living, growing, and thriving together—protecting nature, elevating opportunity, and placing Nevis on the global stage.
Why this matters
If delivered as outlined, Destiny’s package—nature-first planning, reef restoration, local-first hiring, scholarships, sovereign wealth funding, and citizen profit-sharing—positions Nevis to pioneer a Caribbean model of sustainable prosperity. The promise is not only new jobs and investment, but a community whose economic upside is shared—with beaches open, traditions respected, and nature restored.
Destiny says the detailed master plan is coming soon. For now, the message to Nevisians and Kittitians is clear: this is your invitation to help build something historic—and to share in its success.
