Private Client & Offshore Services, Lennox Paton updates
Bahamas
Contributed by Lennox PatonCOVID-19: force majeure and contract frustration
- Bahamas
- 01 October 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted commercial activity on a global scale, challenging contracting parties' ability to fulfil their legal obligations. Force majeure clauses and frustration principles may provide some relief to those which may otherwise incur liability because of non-performance. However, there does not appear to be any clear case law precedent for COVID-19, so it is uncertain whether the pandemic will be deemed a frustrating event by the courts.
Guide to purchasing property in The Bahamas
- Bahamas
- 27 August 2020
A second home in The Bahamas has been a highly sought-after commodity for international buyers from time immemorial. The Bahamas is an archipelagic nation of 700 islands and cays, with each island providing its own charm and unique Bahamian culture. As the value of real property in the jurisdiction tends to hold or gradually appreciate over time, the purchase of real property remains a viable and attainable wealth-creating mechanism.
Tax consequences of transferring Bahamian real property held by a company for estate planning purposes
- Bahamas
- 23 July 2020
Bahamian real property is commonly held by a company which is incorporated in The Bahamas or another jurisdiction whose shares may be held by an individual or their nominee. A 'beneficial owner' is any person who is beneficially interested in the real property, including a beneficiary under a trust. This article considers the tax consequences of transferring Bahamian real property held by a company for estate planning purposes.
COVID-19: summary of legislation enacted in relation to corporate regulations and businesses
- Bahamas
- 04 June 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor general declared a public state of emergency and implemented the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020. Pursuant to the regulations, the prime minister implemented the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (2) Order 2020 and the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (Special Provisions) Order 2020. This article provides a summary of the provisions contained in the orders.
Has COVID-19 affected real estate transactions?
- Bahamas
- 28 May 2020
Restrictions on both domestic and international travel, lockdowns and curfews have been imposed in The Bahamas to restrict movement in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While law firms have had to close their physical doors to the general public, real estate and resort development attorneys have embraced new and efficient procedures for closing transactions.
