Amendment to Evidence Act
The Bahamas Government has announced plans to introduce a series of bills to amend existing financial services legislation.
Recently introduced is a Bill for an Act to amend the Evidence (Proceedings in Other Jurisdictions) Act, permitting foreign courts or tribunals to request and access evidence — including documents and witness testimony — from any local institution for civil and criminal investigations. This proposed amendment comes in response to concern for the need to shorten response time relating to requests under Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties already in force.
The Government has indicated its determination to address the concerns of the international community and to bring The Bahamas in line with international best practices.