What We Say

By Gordon W. Kerr & Marsha Blanche  Whether you are a visitor to or wish to reside more permanently in the Turks and Caicos Islands (“TCIs”) you will be required to comply with the relevant statutes governing immigration and status. The two laws (Ordinances) that are applicable are the Immigration Ordinance 2015 and (for those that qualify) the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance 2015. With the exception of persons travelling from countries that require …

Client update TCI INTRODUCES NEW SERVICE CHARGE REGIME FOR HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS Who should read this? Owners and operators of TCI hotels, villas rented on a short-term basis and restaurants, and their staff. Why should I read it? Because the TCI Government has introduced a whole new service charge regime, and if you don’t comply with it, there will be trouble ahead. When does this come into effect? 8th February 2019. Who does this apply …

What’s this all about? The European Union (“EU”) has long been concerned at loss of tax revenue to its member states through the use of companies and other entities in low or zero-tax jurisdictions that occurs by enabling profits to be shifted to the low tax jurisdiction, from the EU member state in which they were generated.  As a result of this, the EU believes that its member states are losing very significant tax revenue.  …

The concept of trust, developed over centuries under English law, is an invaluable device for international estate and tax planning for affluent individuals. We frequently advise on the offshore aspect of international trust structures for high-net-worth individuals and their onshore advisers and our trusts team has considerable experience in the drafting of the trust deeds and related documentation. Our services include advising trustees, protectors, and beneficiaries on their rights and obligations under TCI trusts. Our …

The principles of administrative and constitutional law govern the manner in which government interacts with its citizens, both individual and corporate. They exist to ensure that the powers of government are exercised solely within legal bounds. Judicial Review applies to the judicial challenge of decisions taken by public bodies such as government departments, and regulatory bodies and also to quasi-public bodies exercising public functions. Our Team of Lawyers advises individuals, companies, and organizations on how …

The firm advises international telecommunication providers in regard to their TCI domestic operations, financing and licensing and also regularly co-counsels with other international counsel in this area. This also includes cable and cellular networks, internet, radio broadcast, and radio frequency licensing (commercial and non-commercial) and media production. As TCI has no direct taxation, the fiscal advantage of location in TCI where business permits are attractive. The TCI Government is also keen to establish e-commerce companies …

Public International Law is a significant feature in international commerce and may concern, for example, natural resource development, infrastructure programs or project financing. Public International Law includes all aspects of state responsibility, the law of treaties (including extradition), international human rights law, investment protection disputes including investor-State disputes, questions of immunity and matters involving the law of the sea. Our specialist public law lawyers have appeared before the Privy Council, and international arbitral tribunals in …

We are a leading provider of real estate and real estate development legal services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our team brings years of experience in providing legal services to commercial and residential clients in a wide variety of real estate transactions. We have acted for a number of developers of condominiums, hotels, timeshare and commercial developments throughout the islands. We also serve a large number of private individuals in purchases and sales of …

Our employment team advises on employment and industrial relations law in the TCI. Our Attorneys help clients navigate domestic and international issues, with particular expertise in advising some of the biggest employers in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our lawyers advise most of the major new resort development projects that are in the jurisdiction today. We advise on M&A, service contracts, contracts of employment, employment handbooks, confidentiality, and restrictive covenants. We also advise on employee …

The Financial Services team acts as lead counsel to numerous local financial institutions and also specializes in the provision of regulatory and structural advice to international financial institutions. As an international offshore financial center, TCI has in place extensive anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing legislation and upon which the team provides advice. The team also advises local and international financial institutions on security and lending issues involving TCI entities and on local regulatory and licensing …