A small Caribbean island is set to become a groundbreaking experiment in libertarian living, as crypto billionaire Olivier Janssens plans to transform Nevis into a semi-autonomous community. The Belgian-born investor is buying land on the island to develop a high-tech enclave named Destiny, complete with its own court system and minimal government interference.
Nevis, which measures just 93 square kilometers and has a population of over 13,000, is part of a dual-island nation in the Caribbean. Janssens, who gained citizenship through investment, envisions a “paradise on earth” under new legislation that allows the creation of Special Sustainability Zones. This initiative is expected to reshape the island’s southern coastline with villas, residential areas, a hospital, and green spaces.
Libertarian Vision for Nevis
The Special Sustainability Zones law enables developers to undertake large-scale projects known as “network states,” which operate on libertarian principles. Janssens plans to establish his own “dispute resolution services and mechanisms,” although these would still be subject to national law. Speaking to islanders via video link, Janssens criticized Nevis’s existing legal system for its inefficiency, suggesting that Destiny could offer a more effective alternative.
The project will be managed by Janssens’s company, South Nevis Ltd, which has not disclosed the total cost or future property prices. However, Janssens has pledged a $50 million investment in Nevis’s infrastructure if the project proceeds. A notable aspect of the development is the proposal to share 5% of Destiny’s net profits with local citizens.
Local Concerns and Controversy
The new law has sparked controversy among Nevis residents, who fear the development could create a “state within a state.” Kelvin Daly, a member of the opposition Nevis Reformation Party, expressed concern over the lack of public consultation before the law’s passage. “That causes a real anxiety among the general population,” he told the Financial Times. Daly criticized the use of the term “sustainable,” suggesting it was a euphemism for an economic zone with added benefits.
Janssens has dismissed these concerns, insisting that Destiny will remain under government jurisdiction and open to all islanders. “I don’t trust politicians,” he stated, adding, “We’re just like, ‘Leave us alone and let us do our things.'” Addressing worries about resource consumption, Janssens noted that the law includes regulations on energy and water use, requiring at least 70% of energy for new projects to come from renewable sources.
Historical Context and Comparisons
Janssens is not the first wealthy individual to invest in Caribbean real estate. Richard Branson, Johnny Depp, David Copperfield, and Shakira are among those who have purchased islands in the region. These acquisitions often reflect a desire for privacy and autonomy, similar to Janssens’s vision for Destiny.
Janssens’s journey in the crypto world began in 2010 when he started mining Bitcoin. He made headlines in 2014 as the first person to pay for a private jet flight with cryptocurrency, spending 15 bitcoins for a trip from Brussels to Nice. By 2025, this amount equated to approximately $A1.97 million. Janssens has since diversified his investments, stating, “You reach certain levels of wealth where it would be unwise to remain in one asset class.”
Implications and Future Prospects
The development of Destiny on Nevis could set a precedent for similar projects worldwide, blending libertarian ideals with technological innovation. If successful, it might attract other investors and residents seeking an alternative lifestyle with minimal government oversight.
As the project moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on Nevis’s local community and resources. The balance between innovation and sustainability will be key to ensuring that Destiny benefits both its residents and the broader island population.
In conclusion, Olivier Janssens’s ambitious plan for Nevis represents a bold experiment in creating a new kind of community. While it faces challenges and skepticism, its success could redefine the possibilities for libertarian living in the modern world.
