Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Ryan Pinder, outlined key legislative measures enacted to support the Bahamas’ 2025/2026 budget and economic growth.  During his contribution to the budget debate, June 25 in the Senate, Mr. Pinder emphasized that recent legislative efforts reflect the government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities and enhancing national development.

Key Legislation Introduced Includes:

*Business Development Incentives Programme Bill, 2025 – Offers tax credits to large businesses (B$50M+ turnover) investing in strategic sectors within The Bahamas.

*Conveyancing and Law of Property (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Modernizes property laws and targets tax avoidance in real estate transactions.

*Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Establishes a regulatory framework for licensing qualified immigration consultants.

*Maritime Revenue Unit Bill, 2025 – Grants statutory authority to a new unit tasked with maritime revenue collection, enforcement, and coordination during emergencies.

*Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill – Updates definitions, strengthens compliance, increases penalties, and prioritizes VAT collection on real estate deals.

*Marine and Charter Industry Oversight:

*Boat Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Enhances boat registration enforcement, regulates foreign charters, imposes fixed penalties, and allows vessel impoundment.

*Commercial Recreational Watercraft (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Improves safety, regulation, and enforcement in the recreational marine sector.

*Boat Registration (Yacht) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 – Authorizes the Port Authority to set licensing criteria for foreign vessels on bareboat charters.

The government is also introducing a **Frequent Digital Cruising Card** for pleasure vessels, valid for two years, with fees based on boat size and stay duration. Annual fees will apply to anchored vessels, while those in marinas or on moorings will be exempt.

“We’ve adjusted the fee structure to reflect community feedback,” Mr. Pinder noted, highlighting changes for vessels under 50 feet.

The Attorney General’s Office is also undergoing a full digital upgrade. Central to this is the ‘Integrated Case Management System (ICMS),’ designed to streamline legal processes with improved speed, accuracy, and transparency.

“We’re committed to protecting data, ensuring privacy, and equipping legal teams with modern tools,” Mr. Pinder stated.

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