New Era for Fort Thomas: Prime Minister Drew Leads Groundbreaking for Major Tourism and Heritage Project

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 13 2025 (PMO) – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, this morning led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Symbol of Love Museum and Monuments at Fort Thomas, marking the beginning of a transformative new chapter for the historic 8.7-acre property located at Fortlands, Basseterre.

The project, valued at US$30 million, represents a significant foreign direct investment partnership between the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and ABL Inc., a Caribbean developer known for innovative tourism experiences such as the Dominica Cable Car. Notably, Prime Minister Drew emphasized that this initiative is not tied to the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, underscoring its pure investment model.

“Twenty-six years ago, in 1999, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis acquired this property. For too long, it stood idle. Today, that silence ends.”

The Symbol of Love Museum and Monuments will feature a range of attractions designed to position Fort Thomas as a world-class cultural and tourism epicenter, including:

• A Caribbean History Museum and an International Museum;
• A botanical garden with water features;
• Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops overlooking the Caribbean Sea;
• Convenience stores and souvenir shoppes;
• A jetty to expand sea access; and
• Replicas of internationally renowned world heritage sites and monuments, celebrating figures who shaped global history.

Dr. Drew explained that the project is “about preservation and transformation.” He noted that the design ensures Fort Thomas’ story will be “celebrated within the museum,” serving as a living classroom for students and a place for visitors to learn about Caribbean and world history.

“Our students will be able to walk these grounds and learn about Caribbean and world history in a living classroom, while our visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of who we are as a people,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Drew further highlighted that the project aligns with St. Kitts’ tourism brand “Venture Deeper,” which encourages visitors to explore the nation’s culture, heritage, and spirit.

“Today, as we turn this soil, we breathe life back into Fort Thomas,” Dr. Drew declared. “We are restoring its purposeto serve our people, to educate our students, to welcome our visitors, and to inspire generations yet to come.”

The Fort Thomas redevelopment stands as part of the government’s continued commitment to sustainable tourism, heritage preservation, and economic revitalization, aligning with the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA).