Nisbet Plantation – Great House Entrance
Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley has delivered a candid and at times frustrated assessment of the stalled redevelopment of the Nisbet Plantation Hotel, while firmly reaffirming the government’s commitment to moving ahead with the expansion of the Vance Amory International Airport. His remarks were made in response to questions from The Observer and touched on long-standing concerns about investment delays, land use, and economic progress on the island.
A Once-Prized Hotel Now in Decline
Nisbet Plantation Hotel once stood as one of Nevis’ most celebrated tourism properties. According to Premier Brantley, it played a vital role in the island’s hospitality sector and local employment. At its peak, the hotel employed roughly 80 people and was widely praised for its service and cuisine.
“Nisbet was the jewel in the tourism crown on the island of Nevis,” Brantley said, recalling how deeply embedded the property was in the St. James community. Many residents relied on seasonal work at the hotel, even during slower summer months.
The hotel closed on April 30, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and has never reopened. Since then, Brantley said, the property has deteriorated significantly.
Government Frustration With Lack of Progress
Premier Brantley did not hide his dissatisfaction with the developers who acquired Nisbet during the pandemic. While acknowledging that the property is privately owned, he noted that the government has received no clear redevelopment plans or evidence of progress.
He described the current condition of the site as troubling, citing overgrown vegetation, signs of pests, and the absence of any employees or active work. Despite repeated assurances and ambitious proposals shared publicly, Brantley said there has been no visible action on the ground.
- No construction or renovation activity since the sale
- No formal redevelopment plan shared with the government
- Property remains in a state of neglect
This disconnect has fueled growing impatience within the administration.
Airport Expansion Will Move Forward
Concerns have been raised by some members of the public about whether the planned airport runway extension could interfere with any future redevelopment of Nisbet. Brantley addressed these worries directly.
He made it clear that the airport expansion will not encroach on Nisbet’s land. According to him, the project’s design avoids the hotel property entirely, and planning is already well advanced.
Funding has been secured for the airport project, and the government is in the process of finalizing compensation for landowners in the surrounding area. Once those buyouts are completed, construction is expected to proceed.
Key Points on the Airport Project
- The runway extension will not impact Nisbet’s property
- Funding approval has already been obtained
- Landowner compensation is being finalized
- The project will move ahead regardless of hotel delays
Empty Promises and Investor Accountability
Brantley expressed particular frustration with what he described as a pattern of unfulfilled promises from would-be investors. He criticized the practice of announcing grand development visions without delivering tangible results.
While emphasizing that the Nevis Island Administration remains open to partnerships, he stressed that credibility and follow-through are essential. Investors, he said, must demonstrate their commitment through action, not just words.
He also questioned media reports that have highlighted elaborate redevelopment concepts, suggesting that the government itself has received less concrete information than what has appeared in print.
Broader Land Use Challenges on Nevis
The Premier used the Nisbet situation to highlight a wider issue affecting Nevis: large amounts of land being held without productive use. He argued that this limits opportunities for agriculture and economic growth, especially when farmers are seeking land for livestock and crops.
According to Brantley, the government faces increasing pressure to meet these needs while significant tracts of privately owned land remain idle, often owned by individuals living abroad.
A Call for Action, Not Delays
Brantley concluded with a firm message directed at developers holding unused or neglected properties. He stated that the patience of the government has worn thin and that the people of Nevis deserve progress.
He encouraged residents to attend an upcoming town hall meeting on the airport expansion, where technical experts will be available to answer questions. In the meantime, he emphasized that the administration’s priority is clear: advancing critical infrastructure projects while holding investors accountable.
Although reports have suggested that Nisbet could one day reopen as a luxury resort under an internationally recognized brand, Premier Brantley’s remarks underscore the uncertainty surrounding those plans. Until real work begins, the future of the once-iconic hotel remains unresolved.