St. Kitts – February 19, 2025 – The government of St. Kitts and Nevis has successfully reclaimed nearly 300 acres of land from the stalled Christophe Harbour development, opening new opportunities for both foreign and local investors.
Once envisioned as a premier luxury destination featuring a state-of-the-art marina, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, luxury hotels, and high-end residences, Christophe Harbour has faced years of stagnation. The project, spearheaded by developer Charles “Buddy” Darby, has yet to materialize to its full potential, leading to frustration among investors and local residents.
Government Moves to Reclaim Land and Attract Investment
The decision to reclaim the land comes after mounting concerns over the lack of progress in the development. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, has been actively seeking solutions to revitalize the area and bring it to its intended purpose.
A local resident in St. Kitts recently confirmed the land acquisition, stating, “This is a good opportunity for foreign and local investors for hotel projects.” The reclaimed land is expected to be marketed for new investment, with the government emphasizing development plans that align with national economic goals.
Petition Calls for Further Action
In January 2025, former Member of Parliament and social activist Dwyer Astaphan launched a petition titled “Rescue Christophe Harbour.” The petition urged the government to revoke the existing development concession and reclaim the land for alternative use. Supporters argued that more than a decade of inactivity had resulted in economic losses and unfulfilled commitments to both investors and the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Astaphan’s petition highlighted concerns that the land—considered one of the most valuable on the island—had been underutilized, depriving the country of potential revenue and job creation opportunities. “This project was supposed to be a transformative development for St. Kitts and Nevis, but instead, it remains largely incomplete. It is time for the government to step in and take decisive action,” Astaphan stated.
What’s Next for Christophe Harbour?
As discussions with potential investors continue, the government remains focused on ensuring that new development efforts meet the needs of both the economy and local communities. Prime Minister Drew has assured the public that the reclaimed land will be used to attract serious investors who are committed to seeing the project through to completion.
For now, the government is expected to provide further updates in the coming months as negotiations progress. Meanwhile, the petition continues to gain traction, reflecting the community’s determination to see action taken on one of the country’s most ambitious, yet incomplete, development projects.
NevisNews.com will continue to monitor this developing story.
