Belgian cryptocurrency billionaire Olivier Janssens is spearheading an ambitious initiative to establish a self-governing libertarian community on the Caribbean island of Nevis. According to a Financial Times report, Janssens—who holds dual Belgian and Nevisian citizenship—is acquiring substantial land holdings through his company, South Nevis, for a development project codenamed “Destiny.”
The project, which represents the first major development under a new law passed in Saint Kitts and Nevis last summer, involves investments totaling several billion dollars on the southern coast of the 93-square-kilometer island. The development plans include luxury villas, medical facilities, green spaces, and recreational amenities, with design work commissioned from renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill—the creative force behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
A particularly controversial aspect involves Janssens’ negotiation to implement an autonomous legal framework within the community. The recently enacted legislation permits large-scale developers to establish independent dispute resolution mechanisms, a provision that has raised concerns among local residents about jurisdictional authority and governance.
During a recent presentation to Nevisians via video link, Janssens criticized the existing judicial system as inefficient and asserted that replicating it would undermine the project’s appeal to potential residents. The billionaire, who expressed skepticism toward traditional political structures, notably referred to Nevis as a “host nation” for his libertarian vision. Adding political complexity to the venture, Janssens’ real estate acquisitions are being facilitated by Sharon Brantley, spouse of Nevis Premier Mark Brantley.