However, LGBT travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that public displays of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. For instance, it is illegal for any restaurant, which is not state owned, to offer lobster on their menu. Bahamians have a good sense of humour and use it often in all manner of situations. You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: Nassau. Hanging onto promises and songs of yesterday, 1. In the Bahamas, same-sex sexual relations have been legal since 1991, with an age of consent of 18. WebLanguage in the Bahamas. With a beautiful mix of boutique hotels, luxury resorts, gorgeous beaches, championship golf courses, and some of the friendliest people in the world, Grand Bahama Island is one of the most popular islands in The Bahamas. The language has also been shaped by diverse settlers and British colonialism. Good to know, right? What are some strange laws of Bahamas? What, Read More Survival Tips For 2017: Just In Case World War III Breaks OutContinue, Should Trinidad and Tobago have its own Cryptocurrency? Meals are often served buffet style or family-style. Pursuant to Article 52 (1) of the Constitution, "Parliament may make laws for the peace, order and The Supreme Court has unlimited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal causes and matters and an appellate jurisdiction conferred on it by the Supreme Court Act, 1996 or any other law, which includes appeals from the Magistrates Court. Roadsidepictures/Flickr 2. , It's illegal to let your chickens cross the road in Quitman, Georgia. (ii) the decision was unreasonable, could not be supported by the evidence or was erroneous in point of law; Be it a tourist or a citizen, its illegal to wear camouflage clothing that represents military uniforms in the Bahamas. The country has listed many grounds commonly found in other countries, such as adultery, cruelty, living separately for over five years and rape by the husband. Older businesspeople or those who work in smaller companies may not be on time, especially if they are speaking with someone else, since it would be rude to hurry another person. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU LIKED IT! Also, to have anal sex is a crime, and not just for the gay community. When was AR 15 oralite-eng co code 1135-1673 manufactured? You cant trick-or-treat on Sunday in Delaware, you cant give rats as gifts in Montana, and in Indiana, you arent allowed to shoot fish in a barrel. If there is an emergency during non-office hours, please call 827-3106 (local) +1-242-827-3106 (overseas). In addition, if you know someone who is thinking about suicide, they are contemplating committing a crime. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Bahamas Laws On-Line is a database of consolidated Statutes and Subsidiary Legislation of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas amended up to 31st If you're looking for expert help and advice on the business culture in the Bahamas, then this is what we do! This Guide to Law Online research guide focuses on the country of The Bahamas. If you are a tourist, we advise you not to try any kind of native drug or consume too much alcohol. As well as making fun of themselves they excellent at teasing others. Its illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances. Photo by Viviana Araque on Unsplash. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Import Restrictions Apply For Trailers And Caravans. Enjoy your read! Also, to have anal sex is a crime, and not just for the gay community. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. You might be also interested in: Places to Visit in Nassau. You will be hit with a fine of $270 USD. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The legislation on this Website is made available for information purposes only. Christmas in the Caribbean can be quite enjoyable. (a) all legislation in force up to the 31, For any further information on how to use this site, please read. No 'lewd and lascivious' behavior before marriage. A heterosexual couple performing this act are basically breaking the law as well. Think about it, wives, children, nana, the tour guide or boat captain and deckhands, have to have a license. Goombay, the indigenous form of music, is derived from the African slaves who used songs as a form of social commentary and way to hand down traditions. . The following are some of the strangest laws in the Bahamas. act of serious indecency where an action, other than sexual intercourse (whether natural or unnatural aka dry humping), by a person involving the use of the genital organ for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire (No front wine basically). Divorce Is Granted If Your Spouse Cheats With An Animal. You have accepted additional cookies. There are also dedicated Magistrate's Courts for juvenile cases, family/domestic matters, drug offences and gun offences. Your email address will not be published. Laws help us shape the atmosphere that will benefit humanity in its progression. If you were caught dressed in camo clothing, you will be charged a fine and may even get imprisonment charges. Likewise, time is quite fluid and will be spent on more personal discussions as well as business-related. www.commisceo-global.com. On the island of Grenada, it is a crime to walk the streets in your swimwear. It is illegal in Alabama to open an umbrella on the streets of Montgomery. Weve rounded up 10 surprisingly strange laws from around the world to help you avoid fines, jail, or spending your next vacation on the lam. Being self-deprecating, especially if it is done in a humorous manner, displays their down to earth sensibilities. It's illegal to kill Bigfoot. Its Legal To Enter The Bahamas By Sea Without A Passport. This law is common in many countries in the Caribbean islands, including St. Vincent and Jamaica. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Belize has implemented a law that requires anyone on a boat equipped for or engaged in the sport of fishing, to have a Sports Fishing License. Appeals from final judgments of the Supreme Court in civil cases lie as of right to the Court of Appeal, and with the leave of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in some interlocutory matters or further appeals from Tribunals. Dress well, in clothes you would wear to the office. Bahamians have a lyrical, musical quality to their language which probably descends from their West African roots. If the person is tried and convicted in the Magistrate's Court, an appeal lies to the Supreme Court or to the Court of Appeal, depending on the nature of the offence. Police are vigilant and you could face a substantial fine, deportation or imprisonment. According to Bahamians, wearing camo clothing is deemed disrespectful and should only be worn by security forces like the police and the military forces. Cheating At Cards, Hosting Lotteries Or Betting On Any Pastime Game Is Illegal. However, this particular law is quite intriguing. Justices of the Supreme Court can serve until the age of 65 years and, where agreed among the judge, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, may serve until the age of 67. I must admit that this was a little bit fascinating to me on a few levels. The Court of Appeal also has the jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from matters in a magisterial court in respect of indictable offences triable summarily on the grounds that - Although it may seem weird, the reason behind it does make sense. I attended a webinar held by Central Bank today where they began talking about a stablecoin being introduced and regulated within Trinidad and Tobago. YES you can drive really crazy, and you can drink at any age. Getting a divorce in the Bahamas is not so difficult. Dogs cannot travel in the back of open-top vehicles. Well send you a link to a feedback form. This is of course not a surprise nor a weird fact. In 1962 The Bahamas expanded their definition of illegal marijuana usage to include hemp products and substances containing CBD. Its illegal for a woman to be taller than her hubsband Is there any laws that protect the ecosystem in the Bahamas? Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. Paul Andrew Gomez Appointed High Commissioner to the Court of St. Jamess. Treat business cards with respect. The Chief Justice is appointed by The Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. Youve got to be kidding me-its so trenlparantsy clear now! See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel. Tourists may be offered drugs in pubs and bars. 2. Police are vigilant and you could face a substantial fine, deportation or imprisonment. Bizarre Law in Belgium Girls that want to wear a mini skirt over 4 inches above the knee must have written permission from their fathers. The Court of Appeal is made up of a President, the Chief Justice who, as head of the judiciary, is an ex officio member of the Court and sits at the invitation of the President, and not less than two and not more than four Justices of Appeal. Hospitality is an extension of this and they like to get to know people, say hello to strangers and invite people into their homes. The Chief Justice and the Justices of the Court of Appeal, including the President, are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. Do not sit down until you are invited to and told where to sit. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through Customs for anyone else. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Although promptness is important you may find differences in the approach to meeting times and deadlines depending upon the age of your Bahamian business associate and the industry they are in. (All You NEED To Know! Arrive at meetings on time. Gifts are generally opened when received. Its Illegal To Wear Camouflage Clothing In The Bahamas. The Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from judgments, orders and sentences made by the Supreme Court. Laughter, food, presents, food, music, drinks and lots of great things like food. English is the official language and is widely spoken. Its illegal to drive while your dog is tethered to your car in Alaska. One main cited reason for this law is that the waters of the Bahamas have a healthy turquoise glow thanks to the rich ecosystem beneath the surface, so naturally, the nation is protective of its underwater species including the beautiful reef beds. So keep the Speedos and bikinis for the beach. However, the east are making some baby steps though). The possession or use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy, is a criminal offense in The Bahamas and can result in time in prison. , Its illegal to let your chickens cross the road in Quitman, Georgia. Copyright 2020 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - The Bahamas, Overview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Registration of Bahamian Nationals Abroad, Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network, The 13th Commonwealth Womens Affairs Ministerial Meeting (13 WAMM), Missions Accredited to International Organizations, Statement on Latest Canadian Travel Advisory on The Bahamas, China Offering Scholarships to Bahamian Students, Prime Ministers Statement on the Passing of Harry Belefonte, Keva L. Bain Appointed to the Post of Deputy Director General. In addition, if you know someone who is thinking about suicide, they are contemplating committing a crime. If you are a US citizen stopping by during a cruise, you can enter the Bahamas via seawithout a valid passport. 1. Required fields are marked *. The law of The Bahamas makes provisions for the appointment of 12 Justices to the Bench of the Supreme Court, inclusive of the Chief Justice, and for five Justices of the Court of Appeal, inclusive of the President. Its illegal to wrestle bears in Alabama, for example. 3. . Spearfishing While Scuba Diving Is Illegal. WebLRO 1/2008 STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS CHAPTER 120 MARRIAGE An Act relating to marriage. Image: Unsplash. But how do we in the Caribbean celebrate Christmas? The keyword being equipped. While some cruises allow just a few hours of exploration, some let travellers be on the land for days. You can still go spearfishing using the Hawaiian sling or a pole spear the old methods that inflict little to no damage to the reefs. . THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO THE BAHAMAS. This means that everyone on the boat must have a Sports Fishing License, not just the fisherman on the boat, but everyone on the boat. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis, which may occur more slowly than on other Caribbean islands. Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrates can also hear and determine Civil cases if the amount claimed does not exceed BS$5,000.00[2]. Drugs are illegal and could create trouble for you on your holiday. Well, the Caribbean has quite a few to pass around, so here are weird laws that govern some Caribbean Islands. Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrates have jurisdiction to impose a maximum sentence of five years. When you receive a card, place it in a business card case. However, for persons in the above-mentioned countries, its a no no. Public displays of affection (such as hand-holding or kissing) between opposite or same-sex couples are uncommon. It is strictly prohibited to sell or offer alcohol to young people under the age of 18 years. (i) the court had no jurisdiction or exceeded its jurisdiction in the matter; Be it a tourist or a citizen, itsillegal to wear camouflage clothingthat represents military uniforms in the Bahamas. About 70% of government revenue is derived from the duties which apply to nearly all imported goods. Sweden set the minimum age for purchasing beverages with more than 3.5 % of alcohol at 20 years. America is a nation of lawsand some of those laws are just downright weird. Be it a tourist or a citizen, its illegal to wear camouflage clothing that represents military uniforms in the Bahamas. If you were caught dressed in camo clothing, you will be charged a fine and may even get imprisonment charges. This law is common in many countries in the Caribbean islands, including St. Vincent and Jamaica. Spitting in Barcelona is considered an offense and comes with a fine. 2. Bahamas Laws Online contains the consolidated electronic database of the 2000 Revised Edition of the Statute Laws of The Bahamas, which comprises, (a) all legislation in force up to the 31st December, 2009; and. Since Chinas underage drinking regulation was passed in 2006, the legal drinking age in the country has been 18. In compiling this research guide, emphasis has been placed on sites offering Society needs laws. That is not the only way to file for divorce. 1. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Humour is also very much part of their communication style. At some times the Magistrates from New Providence also go on circuit to the other Islands where there is no resident Magistrate or in cases where the resident magistrate is unable, for whatever reason, to hear a case.