Parris Whittaker, Attorney at Law

The world of the maritime and shipping industry is fast-paced and exciting. The Bahamas is a world leader, boasting one of the world’s largest container ports and with a growing number of high-value vessels from jurisdictions all over the world sailing under the Bahamas flag.

Are you becoming elderly or suffering a serious illness; or are your mental faculties failing? Do you need to appoint someone to deal with your affairs on your behalf?

A ship’s officers and crew are critical to the safe and smooth running of maritime vessels – whether they are used for business or pleasure. However, when things go wrong on a vessel the consequences are potentially disastrous.

Steady advances in information technology raise myriad legal issues, some of which have yet to be tested in the courts. Such is the pace of technological innovation. And the vast majority of businesses (and many individuals) have their own web presence - a common feature of which is written content, used to reach out to both existing and potential clients and other interested parties.

It’s only around 30 years since the first ship was registered in The Bahamas. But today, the Register of the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) is one of the world's largest with more than 1500 vessels registered here since the Merchant Shipping Act was passed in 1976.

Do you suspect a defendant or potential defendant in your legal claim is hiding critical information that could be valuable evidence in support of your claim? The experienced commercial litigation lawyers at Parris Whittaker are experienced in successfully applying for court orders such as Anton Piller orders on behalf of its clients to ensure such evidence is identified and obtained.

The courts and legislative bodies are increasingly erring on the side of the consumer on issues relating to consumer protection. The message is that misleading or unscrupulous practices by businesses that take advantage of consumers will not be tolerated.

Offshore companies enjoy many benefits, in particular exemption from tax, anonymity and a high level of privacy. And yet they are able to operate on a global scale and trade internationally. It’s not surprising, then, that many organizations are choosing to incorporate their companies offshore.

Company directors enjoy protection from personal liability in relation to the company’s debts. However, they are required to perform their duties as directors according to the law and relevant regulations, and failure to comply can result in serious consequences.

Ship registration is relatively new business here in The Bahamas and since the 1976 Merchant Shipping Act was passed, more than 1500 vessels have been registered here including Maersk Line, Exxon International Holland-America Cruises.

Is your business trading in the most cost effective way and is your legal status adequately protected? Choosing the best legal ‘vehicle’ through which to operate your business is perhaps the most important decision you can make as a business owner – particularly with the advice of an expert companies lawyer.

The media often covers the tragic death of someone at an industrial workplace, in a traffic collision or at sea. In June this year, a US cruise passenger drowned in the Bahamas during a cruise visit whilst snorkeling; and a Carnival passenger was killed last year on a jet ski rented in Nassau.

Discrimination in the work place is often a high profile and issue, whether relating to sex, race, religion, disability or age. And it’s the issue of age and the potential for discrimination and unfairness in relation to redundancy and retirement that has recently attracted judicial attention. Whether you are an employee or an employer - if you have concerns relating to age discrimination in the workplace, contact our experience employment lawyers at Parris Whittaker for prompt advice.

Do you suspect there a risk your debtor will disperse his assets to frustrate a future judgment in your favour and prevent settling his debt? If the answer is ‘Yes’, you need urgent legal advice so that an application for a temporary injunction freezing those assets (a Mareva injunction) can be made to the court. The experienced commercial litigation lawyers at Parris Whittaker are experienced in successfully applying for Mareva Injunctions on behalf of our clients.

Shipping claims frequently require immediate, aggressive action. If you need urgent legal advice in relation to arrest of a vessel or exercising a maritime lien, our experienced maritime lawyers will take prompt action against the opposing party on your behalf. We have a wealth of expertise gained from years of experience acting for clients in The Bahamas - a major international transshipment center.

A defamatory comment can destroy both a person’s character and professional reputation. But a ruined reputation can be salvaged with expert legal advice. Online defamation is a clearly damaging and untrue statement that is published online. The twenty first century internet has vastly multiplied the avenues through which comments are published and spread.

Are you defending a legal action, or do you anticipate court proceedings may be commenced against you in the near future? If so, you may be justifiably concerned that should you succeed in defending the claim you won’t get your costs back from the other party. The expert dispute resolution lawyers at Parris Whittaker can take prompt action on your behalf to protect your financial interests by obtaining an order for security for costs.

The law has had to adapt and change to meet the needs and demands of businesses and consumers as modern technology has advance. And it will keep on changing as technology continues to develop. If you are considering setting up in business with a measure of reliance on the internet and associated technologies, you will need expert advice from lawyers experienced in e-business law.

None of us can avoid life’s eventual certainty of death, but you can avoid substantial problems arising on death by making a Will. One of the most important things you can do for your loved ones in relation to your assets is to make a Will - and to ensure your Will is properly drawn up. You will, of course, want to ensure your money and assets pass to your chosen beneficiaries; and you will need to adequately provide for your loved ones such as your spouse and children on your death.

Cruise accidents have hit the headlines a number of times in recent months. When the Costa Concordia ran aground near a Tuscan island in January, 32 people died, some were injured and two are still missing. In the same month, the MSC Poesia ran aground in shallow waters two miles off Grand Bahama. No one was reportedly injured but some suffered shock from the crash