Firm News
GLINTON SWEETING O’BRIEN SECURES RECERTIFICATION IN MERITAS, THE PREMIER GLOBAL NETWORK OF INDEPENDENT LAW FIRMS
NASSAU, BAHAMAS (July 19, 2024) – Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) proudly announces its successful recertification as a member of Meritas, a premier global alliance of independent law firms. This achievement underscores the firm’s unwavering commitment to providing its... read moreGSO Partners Attend Meritas Meeting with Top Law Firms from Around the World
NASSAU, The Bahamas, (May 29, 2024 ) — Glinton Sweeting O’Brien partners, Yolande C. Julien and Giahna Soles-Hunt, recently attended the 2024 Meritas Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The Annual General Meeting is where member firms... read moreGSO Promotes Lakera McSweeney to Senior Associate
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) is proud to announce the promotion of Lakera A. McSweeney to Senior Associate. Based at our Albany office in New Providence, Lakera represents domestic and international clients in a broad range of commercial transactions, including... read moreGlinton Sweeting O’Brien Sponsors RF Bahamas Economic Outlook 2024
NASSAU, BAHAMAS, (March 1st, 2024) — Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) has confirmed its sponsorship of the Royal Fidelity Bahamas Economic Outlook (RFBEO) for a sixth consecutive year. This highly anticipated conference, scheduled for March 13th, 2024, at the Baha Mar... read moreGlinton Sweeting O’Brien Appoints Damani Horton as Partner
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) is proud to announce that Damani M. Horton has been made a Partner in the firm. Damani joined GSO in 2018, bringing a wealth of valuable commercial and real estate experience to the firm. As a member of the firm’s Real Estate and... read moreGSO Announces Dwayne Whylly as Partner
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) is proud to announce that Dwayne Whylly has joined the firm as a Partner and the new chair of the firm’s Financial Services Group. Dwayne joins GSO after establishing a reputation as a leading financial services attorney in The Bahamas.... read moreGSO Partner and Associate Attend Meritas AGM in Chicago
GSO Partner, Johanna Mayson, and Associate, Susie Bethel, recently attended the Meritas Annual General Meeting in Chicago, which took place from May 3 to 5, 2023. Meritas is a premier global alliance of independent law firms and GSO has been a proud member since 2018.... read moreGSO Supports LCIS Diamond Gala Fundraiser
This month, Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) held its Diamond Gala and raised over $600,000 to support the LCIS Fund, which provides scholarships and tuition assistance for Bahamian students, in addition to funding for capital projects and educational... read moreGlinton Sweeting O’Brien Supports Nelson A. Ranger Golf Tournament
GSO Partner Andrew O’Brien receives an Appreciation Certificate from Nelson Ranger, founder of the Nelson A. Ranger golf tournament. As a past scholarship beneficiary, Nelson is inspired to help others. Since 2008, the tournament has raised funds to provide... read moreGSO Announces New Partner Giahna Soles-Hunt
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) is proud to announce that Giahna Soles-Hunt has been made a Partner in the firm, leading its litigation group. Giahna joined GSO in 2019 after a decade of valuable litigation experience at two leading law firms in The Bahamas. Her civil... read moreGlinton Sweeting O’Brien Supports Primary Student with Scholarship
GSO is proud to announce that its $2,000 donation to the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation was the basis of a scholarship awarded to Ms. Charity Knowles, a sixth-grade student at Emma Cooper Primary School in Palmetto Point, Eleuthera. Charity was... read moreGSO donates to the Alzheimer’s Association
In a year that has posed extraordinary challenges for nonprofit associations and the elderly, GSO attorneys and staff decided to forego the usual Secret Santa gift exchange and Christmas party in favor of a donation to the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association. In addition... read moreGSO supports Student Enrichment Program with Nassau Music Society
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien has committed to another year of support for the Student Enrichment Programme presented by the Nassau Music Society. Bryan Glinton, GSO’s managing partner, stated that “We view this as one of GSO’s signature programs, through which we... read moreGSO makes donation to World Central Kitchen
In the aftermath of catastrophic back to back Hurricanes Eta and Iota, GSO wondered how best to assist people in Guatemala and Honduras. With first hand knowledge of World Central Kitchen’s ability to prepare and distribute nourishing and tasty meals for large... read moreGSO and GSOC support BICA’s Accountants’ Week
During Accountants’ Week 2020, in which a series of webinars were sponsored by the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, attorney Lakera McSweeney of Glinton Sweeting O’Brien and corporate manager Krislyn Sargent gave a very well received presentation on... read moreGSO supports the Nelson A. Ranger Scholarship Fund
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien was proud to assist the Nelson A. Ranger Scholarship Fund in its recent fund-raising initiative to supply the Exuma Department of Education with tablets for off-campus learning. In total, seventy tablets were donated and distributed throughout... read moreMinistry of Finance extends reporting deadline for economic substance
The Ministry of Finance has issued a press release stating that entities operating under the Companies Act, the International Business Companies Act, the Partnership Act, the Partnership Limited Liability Act and the Exempted Limited Partnership Act are required to... read moreRoy W.M. Sweeting: 14 September 1966 to 27 December 2019
It is with very heavy hearts that Glinton Sweeting O’Brien announces the death of one of its founding partners, Roy Sweeting. Roy was a founding partner of GSO in 2005 and served as head of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group. He was admitted... read moreGSO Holiday Hours Notice 2019
... read moreTeam GSO supports Hurricane Dorian relief efforts
In the aftermath of devastating Hurricane Dorian, the attorneys and staff of Glinton Sweeting O’Brien unanimously decided to turn the firm’s annual staff retreat into a team effort to extend a helping hand to those affected and the dedicated first responders. So, on... read moreGSO Joins Meritas, a Global Alliance of Independent Business Law Firms
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) proudly announces its recent induction as a member of Meritas, a global alliance of independent business law firms that has been ranked by Chambers Global 2018 as a Global Elite Leading Law Firm Network. Our selection is by invitation... read moreGSO Welcomes New Associates
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien are pleased to announce the appointments of Damani Horton and Giahna Soles-Hunt as senior associate attorneys. Damani Horton joined Glinton Sweeting O’Brien after gaining six years of valuable commercial, real estate, and litigation experience... read moreLiving my art life!
GSO staff and Lend A Hand mentors with Lewis Street community youth at their first stop, Doongalik Studios Over the last five years, Nassau-based law firm Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) has partnered with Transforming Spaces Annual Art Tour. Together, they have... read moreConsolidated Water appoints Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar to board of directors
Article published in The Nassau Guardian on Friday, November 23 Consolidated Water Co. Ltd., a leading developer and operator of seawater desalination plants, has announced the appointment of Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar, a partner at the law firm of Glinton Sweeting... read moreGSO Partner Discusses Property Acquisition with International TV Station
In the video below, GSO Partner, Bryan Glinton, discusses the acquisition of property in The Bahamas during a recent interview by Caribbean Vibrations, a Toronto based television... read moreGSO Sponsors 2018 Hero World Challenge Tournament
GSO was a proud sponsor of the Hero World Challenge Tournament held at Albany from November 30 to December 3, 2017. Eighteen of the top golfers in the world – including Dustin Johnson, Jordon Speith, Henrik Stenson and Hideki Matsuyama – joined Tiger Woods to compete... read moreGSO Contributes to Restructuring & Insolvency 2018 Guide
Download here: Restructuring & Insolvency 2018 Guide GSO is proud to announce that it was selected as the Bahamas contributor to “Getting the Deal Through: Restructuring & Insolvency 2018”, a global guide edited by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. GSO partner... read moreGSO Partner Participates in Opalesque Roundtable Series
Bryan Glinton, a founding partner of GSO, recently participated in the Opalesque Roundtable Series at a session held at Albany in The Bahamas and made available globally to subscribers via Opalesque’s website, www.opalesque.com.
read moreGSO Partner speaks at Private Wealth Event
GSO Partner, Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar with other roundtable members at the Private Wealth Latin America & Caribbean Forum held in Miami on October 17 – 18th. At the Private Wealth Latin America & Caribbean Forum held in Miami on October 17-18, the Bahamas... read moreGSO Receives Appreciation Award at BFSB Annual Banquet
GSO Partner, Bryan Glinton receives BFSB Appreciation Award. Glinton Sweeting O’Brien is proud to announce that the firm received an Appreciation Award from the Bahamas Financial Services Board (“BFSB”) at its annual banquet held on Friday, November 3, 2017. Attorneys... read moreGlinton Sweeting O’Brien Opens Office In The Albany Financial Centre
Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister with GSO partners and attorneys during their recent tour of Albany. Pictured from left to right: GSO Partners, Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar and Darron Pickstock, Senior Associate, Johanna Mayson, Prime Minister, Dr. The Hon. Hubert... read moreHow Lucky We Art!
For the third consecutive year, Nassau-based law firm Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) has joined hands with the Transforming Spaces Annual Art Tour to provide more than two dozen public school students with the opportunity to experience mixed-media art whilst... read moreGSO Returns as a Yellow Jersey Sponsor for the 10th Anniversary of the Ride For Hope
GSO has been a top-tier Yellow Jersey Sponsor of the Ride for Hope since shortly after the Ride For Hope Bahamas was established as a registered charity in 2009. The 2017 Ride For Hope was held on the 18th of February and marked the 10th anniversary of the original... read moreGSO Announces New Partner Darron S. Pickstock
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) is proud to announce that Darron S. Pickstock has been made a Partner in the firm. Darron holds an LL.B (Hons) from the University of Buckingham and completed the Bar Vocational Course at the University of the West of England Bristol. ... read moreLinda Beidler-D’Aguilar Wins 2016 Minister’s Award
On Friday, 18 November, Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar received the prestigious Minister’s Award at the Bahamas Financial Services Board’s 2016 Annual Awards Gala. The Minister’s Award recognizes an individual who is deemed to have made outstanding contributions to the... read moreGSO Hosts Public School Students in 2016 Transforming Spaces Art Tour
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) was pleased to sponsor the participation of a group of students and teachers from local public schools in Transforming Spaces’ recent 12th Annual Art Tour. Participants from CH Reeves High School and a cross section of students from... read moreGSO Opens Full Time Law Office In Exuma
As of January 2016, Glinton Sweeting O’Brien’s Exuma office transitioned from a part-time to a permanent presence, establishing the island chain’s only full time law firm. Managed by GSO partner Yolande Julien, the office in Georgetown, Exuma is located on Queen’s... read moreGSO Celebrates 10 Years
Glinton Sweeting O’Brien marked its 10 year anniversary in island chic elegance at the Albany resort last month with over 200 guests in attendance, including International and Bahamian clientele, political officials, staff, family and friends. Celebrating the firm’s... read moreGSO Welcomes New Partner Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar
Mrs. Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar Glinton Sweeting O’ Brien (GSO) is proud to announce that Mrs. Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar has joined the firm as a Partner and Head of the firm’s Financial Services Group. Linda graduated from the Georgetown University School of... read moreGSO Welcomes New Partner Yolande C. Julien
Mrs. Yolande C. Julien The Partners of Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (“GSO”) are pleased and proud to announce that Mrs. Yolande C. Julien has been made a Partner of the firm. Yolande was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2003. Having gained valuable commercial... read moreGSO Sponsors Public School Students Art Tour
As part of Glinton Sweeting O’Brien’s (GSO) ongoing effort to support local arts and education in the community, the firm sponsored the participation of a group of government high school students and teachers in Transforming Spaces 11th Annual Art Tour. On Saturday,... read moreGSO Gears Up for Ride for Hope Event
As part of the Ride for Hope’s fundraising efforts for the prevention and treatment of cancer in The Bahamas, Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO) is proud to be a Yellow Jersey sponsor. As always, riders of all ages and capabilities will start out from Goodman’s Bay Park... read moreInsights
Bahamas Removed from the European Union’s List of Non- Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes
On 20 February 2024, the Council of the European Union (“EU”) met and approved its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes (the “List”), which removed The Bahamas from the List. The removal of the Bahamas from the List highlights the efforts taken by... read moreThe Judiciary of The Bahamas Implements Electronic Filing Rules
The long-awaited implementation of key digital infrastructure to advance the administration of the judicial system in The Bahamas is finally here. Since the official Gazette publication notice on 6 September 2023 of the imminent arrival of the Supreme Court... read moreImmigration Fee Increases 2023
Brief Summary The Government of The Bahamas has amended the Immigration (Fee) Regulations, effective 01 July 2023. Some noteworthy changes [1] are the addition of a 5% Levy on some work permit fees and the further categorization and increase of fees for Economic... read moreWho Is Considered a Citizen at Birth?
Citizenship is an important aspect of one’s identity, providing rights and privileges within a particular country. In The Bahamas, recent legal proceedings have brought attention to the question of who is considered a citizen at birth. Let’;s explore this topic and... read moreMinistry of Finance Releases Green Paper on Corporate Income Tax Strategies for The Bahamas for Public Consultation
The Ministry of Finance has released its Green Paper on Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Strategies for The Bahamas for public consultation. According to the Minister of Finance, the goals of the government are two fold: (i) transitioning away from the current business... read moreGSO Partner Giahna Soles-Hunt Contributes to CPR 2022 Practice Guide
GSO Partner and Head of Litigation Giahna Soles-Hunt was a contributing author for the Supreme Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2022 (CPR) Practice Guide. The practice guide supports the new CPR, which came into effect in The Bahamas on March 1, 2023 with an aim to... read moreCondo-Hotel Tax Payments Due – Extended to 31 March 2023
Pursuant to Guidelines provided by the Ministry of Finance, effective 31 January 2023, all condo-hotels and properties within a hotel rental pool will be required to pay a tax called a “Condo-Hotel Tax” to the Chief Valuation Officer by 31 January each year (during... read moreSupreme Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2022
Please be advised that new Supreme Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2022 (“CPR”) of The Bahamas came into effect in The Bahamas March 1, 2023. With the principal intention of improving access to the courts, the CPR aims to reduce the cost of civil litigation, simplify... read moreCOVID-19 and Electronic Signatures under Bahamian Law
The emergence of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has resulted in the implementation of social distancing measures and ‘work from home’ orders across various jurisdictions, including The Bahamas. In an effort to continue ‘business as usual’, individuals, as well as... read moreExpansion of Registrar General’s Online Services
In addition to services available via the Registrar General’s Department’s (“RGD”) online portal, the RGD has established the following procedures to facilitate a number of company related requests, effective 15 April 2020: 1. Submit your request along with any... read moreCovid 19: Recreational Dos and Don’ts
EMERGENCY ORDERS (COVID-19) & RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY (Do’s and Don’ts) During these unprecedented and uncertain times of Covid-19, the entire world is coming together in a show of solidarity and The Bahamas is no different! From the 17th of March 2020 to date, The... read moreCovid-19 – Exemption Relief for Certain SCB Registrants & Licensees
On 1 April 2020, the Securities Commission of The Bahamas announced that the Prime Minister of The Bahamas granted a limited exemption from the “Work From Home” Order[1] to certain registrants and licensees of the Commission. The exemption is limited to: (1)... read moreBusinesses Exempt from Provisions of Emergency Order
The Government of The Bahamas in response to COVID 19, passed the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) (No. 2) Order, 2020 (the “Order”). The Order came into force at 9:00 am on the 24 March, 2020 and is presently set to expire at 9:00 am on 8 April 2020 (the “Expiration... read moreOperating Protocols of Bahamian Regulatory Bodies
Covid-19 – Operating Protocols of Bahamian Regulatory Bodies In accordance with the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) (No.2) Order, 2020 (“Order”) which came into effect on 24th March, 2020, all private businesses, as well as government agencies within The Bahamas, unless... read moreFrustration of Employment Contracts in the time of Covid 19
On 23 March 2020, the Prime Minister the Most Honorable Dr. Hubert Minnis of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, declared that by Emergency Powers (COVID 19) (No. 2) Order 2020, amongst other directives to stem the spread of Covid 19, non-essential businesses may either... read moreSuspension of employment in light of Covid-19
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted businesses worldwide and some are assessing whether they can continue to operate at their current capacity or if they will have to right-size to continue to exist. Inclusive in assessing the business... read moreMinistry of Finance Extends Deadline for Substance Reporting
On 26 March 2020, the Ministry of Finance of The Bahamas announced a 3-month extension to the deadline for economic substance filing for all entities reporting for the fiscal year 2019. Consequently, all entities that are required to make economic substance filings... read moreEmergency Powers (Covid 19) (No 1) Order and Guidance Memos
Further to the Emergency Powers (Covid 19)(No 1) Order issued by the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, which became effective on 20 March and is expected to remain in force until 9 am on Monday 31 March, all establishments, institutions, business, offices, and... read moreThe Bahamas is completely removed from the EU Tax Watchlist
This morning the Ministry of Finance of The Bahamas announced that The Bahamas has been completely removed from the EU’s List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes, having addressed the EU’s concerns on economic substance, removal of preferential... read moreCentral Bank of The Bahamas Proposes Abolition of the 1-Cent Coin
On 18 September 2019, the Central Bank of The Bahamas (“CBOB”) announced that based upon a report from Secura Monde International(“SMI report”), it has submitted a proposal that The Bahamas join such countries as Australia, Canada, and Trinidad and Tobago, in removing... read moreSignificant Change to Calculation of Awards in Personal Injury and Fatal Accident Cases
In the case of Cadet Car Rental v Pinder [2019] UKPC 4 (Cadet), the Judicial Committee of Her Majesty’s Privy Council (The Bahamas’ final court of appeal), recently effected a sea-change in Bahamian law and practice regarding the calculation of loss of future earnings... read moreAEI/CRS Information Exchange Partners Announced
On Friday, 22 June 2018 the Competent Authority of The Bahamas released a list of the jurisdictions with which information will be exchanged further to the Automatic Exchange of Information/Common Reporting Standard. The list can be viewed here or can also... read moreEU Council: 2 Jurisdictions Removed from EU List of Non-Cooperative Tax Jurisdictions
On 25 May 2018, the Council removed the Bahamas and Saint Kitts and Nevis from the EU’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. The EU’s list is contributing to on-going efforts to prevent tax fraud and promote good governance worldwide. It was established in... read moreBahamas Named on EU Non-Cooperative Countries List
On Tuesday, 13 March, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, K. Peter Turnquest, issued a statement advising that notwithstanding his government’s engagement with the EU Code of Conduct Group and accession to the Inclusive Framework for the... read moreImportant Real Property Tax Updates
If you own real property in The Bahamas, you should be receiving your Real Property Tax Notice of Assessment for 2017 shortly, if you have not received it already. Please note that it is the duty of each property owner to ensure that he receives a Notice of... read moreImpact of VAT on Real Estate Transactions in The Bahamas
There have been a number of legislative changes in 2014/15, one of the most significant being the implementation of Value Added Tax (“VAT”). VAT is a form of indirect consumption tax charged on the supply of goods and services. This article will explore the impact of... read moreVAT – Post Implementation – What to look out for
According to where you were, at the stroke of midnight on the 1st of January 2015, Value Added Tax (“VAT”) of 7.5% should have appeared on your receipt. VAT reared its dreadful head despite numerous protests from critics and lingering questions from businesses and... read morePress Features
GSO partner Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar recently authored an article titled “Creating Substance for Family Offices in The Bahamas”, which appeared in Issue 6 of the STEP Journal.
As families seek greater control over their financial affairs, the establishment of family offices has risen to play a vital part in the cohesive and efficient management of family business interests, along with the domestic and personal affairs of their members. The Bahamas is central to this development, says Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar
Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar provides insight on the fast-changing landscape and multiple opportunities in The Bahamas for the family offices market. With smart structures and local expertise for inter-generational, central and flexible planning ,added to a geographic advantage, it’s worth a look and listen.
GSO partner, Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar, wrote an article on the use of The Bahamas’ Executive Entity by family offices which appears in the 2018 STEP Supplement/Bahamas. She was also interviewed for a thought piece in the Supplement discussing how The Bahamas has become a world-recognized center for family offices.
Watch GSO partner Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar’s video interview with International Investment magazine in which she discusses how firms like GSO and other island-based financial services businesses can thrive in the financial services space.
Bahamian Tax Policy: Strategic Considerations by Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar
Finance Makes a Home In Albany
Featured: Bryan A. Glinton
Family Offices: A Practitioner’s View by Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar
Women in Law – Featured: Melinda S. Bacchus-Maynard
Local Talent Key To Land Development by Andrew G.S. O’Brien
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