Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698830695657.pdf (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
The International Exempt Trust Ordinance, 1994 TABLE OF CONTENTS THE NEVIS INTERNATIONAL EXEMPT TRUST ORDINANCE, 1994 Section PART I PRELIMINARY 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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9.


Short Title Interpretation Validity of International Trust Proper law of international trusts Maximum duration of international trusts and of accumulation of income SPENDTHRIFT, CHARITABLE AND NON-CHARITABLE INTERNATIONAL TRUSTS PART 2 Spendthrift Trusts Charitable Trusts Trusts for non-charitable purposes Protector o f trust PART 3 TERMINATION OR FAILURE OF INTERNATIONAL TRUSTS 10.

11.

12.

13.
11.

12.

13.

Failure or lapse of interest Failure of charitable trusts Termination of international trusts Termination by beneficiaries PART 4 BREACH OF TRUST 14.

15.

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17.

18.

19.

20.

Liability for breach of trust Constructive trusts Tracing trust property Beneficiary may relieve or indemnify trustee Power to relieve trustee from personal Liability Power to make beneficiaries indemnify Repealed 21.

22.

23.

24.

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26.

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28.

29.

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36.
PART 5 POWERS OF THE COURT Jurisdiction of the court General powers of the court Courts determination of validity Avoidance of fraud Saving of certain rights Extent of validity No validation of property not vested in settlor Foreign judgements not enforceable Exclusion of foreign laws Application for directors Payment of costs PART 6 TRUSTEES, PROTECTORS AND BENEFICIARIES Beneficiaries of trusts Disclaimer of beneficial interest Number of trustees Appointment of new or additional trustees Corporate trustees PART 7 REGISTRATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRUSTS Registration of trusts 37.
Annual certificate of Registration 38.

Notification of registration 39.

Inspection of register 40.

41.

Minister may increase fees 42.

Registered office PART 8 EXEMPTION FROM TAXES 43.

Exemption from taxes and duties PART 9 MISCELLANEOUS 44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

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56.

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58.


Commencement of proceedings Investments Bankruptcy Retention of control by settlor Heirship rights Statute of Elizabeth Translations Immunity from suit Prohibition by Minister Definition of Trust Power to establish advisory bodies Bond Community property Confidentiality No.

2 of 1985.

Regulations PART 9 MISCELLANEOUS 59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.


Commencement of proceedings Investments Bankruptcy Retention of control by settlor Heirship rights Statute of Elizabeth Translations Immunity from suit Prohibition by Minister Definition of Trust Power to establish advisory bodies Bond Community property Confidentiality No.

2 of 1985 Regulations NEVIS INTERNATIONAL EXEMPT TRUST ORDINANCE AS AMENDED 1994 PART 1 PRELIMINARY Short Title 1.
This Ordinance may be cited as the NEVIS INTERNATIONAL EXEMPT TRUST ORDINANCE, 1994.

Interpretation 2.
In this Ordinance unless the context otherwise requires - "bankrupt", in relation to a corporation, includes a corporation which is insolvent, and bankruptcy" shall be construed accordingly; "beneficiary" means a person entitled to benefit under a trust, or in whose favour a power to distribute trust property may be exercised; "breach of trust" means a breach of any duty imposed on a trustee by this Ordinance or by the terms of the international trust; "charitable purpose" shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of section 7 of this Ordinance; "Court" means the High Court of St. Christopher and Nevis; "creditor" means a person to whom an obligation is owed; "deputy registrar' means the person or persons appointed by the Minister to assist the registrar in performing his duties under this Ordinance; "formalities" in relation to a disposition of property means documentary and other actions required generally by the laws of a relevant jurisdiction for all dispositions of like form concerning property of like nature without regard to - (a) the fact that the particular disposition is made in trust; (b) the terms of the trust' (c) the circumstances of the parties to the disposition; or (d) any other particular circumstances; but includes any special formalities required by reason that the party effecting the disposition is not of full age, is subject to mental or bodily infirmity or is a corporation; "functions" includes rights, powers, discretion, obligations, liabilities and duties; "the Gazette" means the Official Gazette of St. Christopher and Nevis.
‘‘governing law" means the law governing a trust registered in Nevis or elsewhere;.
"heirship rights" means any right claim or interest in, against or to property of a person arising or accruing in consequence of that persons death, other than any such right, claim or interest created by will or other voluntary disposition or resulting from an express limitation in the disposition of the property of such person; "insolvency" includes the making of an administration order, the appointment of a receiver and the bankruptcy of any person; "insurance" includes assurances; "intent to defraud" means an intention of a settlor willfully to defeat an obligation owed to a creditor; "interest" in relation to a beneficiary, means his interest under an international trust; "international trust" means a trust registered under this Ordinance and in respect of which: (a) at least one of the trustees is either: (i) a corporation incorporated under the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance; or (ii) a trust company doing business in Nevis; (b) the settlor and beneficiaries are at all times nonresident; and (c) the trust property does not include any land situated in St. Christopher and Nevis; "Minister" means the Minister for the time being charged with the responsibility of finance in the Nevis Island Administration; ‘‘minor" means a person who has not attained full age under the law of his domicile; ‘‘non-resident" means (a) an individual not domiciled in Saint Christopher and Nevis; (b) an individual not ordinarily resident in Saint Christopher and Nevis; (c) a corporation incorporated under the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance; or (d) a limited liability company; “person” mens a natural person or a body corporate; ‘‘personal representative" means the executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased person; "profit" includes gain or advantage; ‘‘property’’- (a) means property of any description, wherever situated, including any share therein, but excluding any land in Nevis, (b) in relation to rights and interest, includes rights and interests whether vested, contingent, defeasible or future;
 ‘‘protector" in relation to a trust means a person who is the holder of a power which when invoked is capable of directing a trustee in matters relating to the trust and in respect of which matters the trustee has discretion and includes a person who is the holder of a power of appointment or dismissal of trustees; "provisions of this ordinance" includes the provisions of any Order hereunder; “ qualified foreign trust” means a trust described in section 37(3) of this Ordinance; ‘‘registrar’’ means the person appointed by the Minister to perform the duties of registrar under this Ordinance; ‘‘relatives" in relation to an individual means his father and mother, his spouse, the father and mother of his spouse, his brothers and sisters, the brothers and sisters of his spouse, his children and remoter issue and the spouses of such children and issue; ‘‘ settlor" means a person who provides, trust property or makes a testamentary disposition on trust or to a trust; "terms of a trust" means the terms of an international trust, and any other terms applicable under its proper law; "trustee" has the meaning given by section 53 and includes a corporate trustee; "trust property" means property held on trust.
Validity of International Trusts 3.

(1) An international trust registered under this Ordinance shall be valid and enforceable notwithstanding that it may be invalid according to the law of the settlor’s domicile or residence or place of current incorporation.
(2) An international trust shall be invalid and unenforceable to the extent that - (a) it purports to do anything contrary to the laws of St. Christopher and Nevis; or (b) it purports to confer any right or power or impose any obligation the exercise of which or the carrying out of which is contrary to the laws of St.Christopher and Nevis.

(c) the trusts assets, or any part thereof, are the proceeds of a crime for which the settlor is convicted.

Proper law of International trusts 4.


(1) Subject to sub-section (4) below, the proper law of an international trust shall be - (a) the law expressed by the terms of the trust or intended by the settlor to be the proper law; (b) if no such law is expressed or intended, the law with which the international trust has its closest connection at the time of its creation;.
(c) if the law expressed by the terms of the trust or intended by the settlor to be the proper law, or the law with which the international trust has its closest connection at the time of its creation, does not provide for international trusts or the category of international trust involved then the proper law of the international trust shall be the law of Nevis.
(2) In ascertaining the law with which an international trust has its closest connection, reference shall be made in particular to - (a) the place of administration of the trust designated by the settlor; (b) the status of the assets of the trust; (c) the place of residence or business of the trustee; (d) the objects of the trust and the places where they are to be fulfilled.
(3) The terms of an international trust may provide for a severable aspect of the trust (particularly the administration of the trust) to be governed by a different law from the proper law of the trust.

(4) The terms of an international trust may provide for the proper law of the trust or the law governing a severable aspect of the trust to be changed from the law of one jurisdiction to the law of another jurisdiction.
(5) Where the proper law of an international trust or the law governing a severable aspect of an international trust is changed from the law of another jurisdiction (here called "the old law') to the law of Nevis no provision of the old law shall operate so as to render the trust void, invalid or unlawful or to render void, invalid or unlawful any functions conferred on the trustee under the law of Nevis.
(6) Where the proper law of an international trust or the law governing a severable aspect of an international trust is changed from the law of Nevis to the law of another jurisdiction (here called "the new law") no provision of the law of Nevis shall operate so as to render void, invalid or unlawful any functions conferred on the trustee under the new law.

Maximum duration of international trusts and of accumulation of income 5.
(1) Subject to sub-section (2), the maximum duration of an international trust shall be one hundred years from the date of its creation and an international trust shall terminate the one hundredth anniversary the date of its creation unless it is terminated sooner.

(2) An international trust established for a charitable or non- charitable purpose or purposes may have a duration exceeding one hundred years.
(3) The rule of law known as the rule against perpetuities shall not apply to an international trust to which this section applies.

(4) The terms of an international trust may direct or authorize the accumulation of all or part of the income of the trust for a period not exceeding the maximum duration of the trust.. PART 2 SPENDTHRIFT, CHARITABLE AND NON-CHARITABLE INTERNATIONAL TRUSTS Spendthrift Trusts 6.
(1) The terms of an international trust may make the interest of a beneficiary - (a) subject to termination; (b) subject to diminution or termination in the event of the beneficiary becoming insolvent or any of his property becoming liable to seizure or sequestration for the benefit of his creditors; or (c) subject to a restriction on alienation of or dealing in that interest and such a trust shall be known as a protective or spendthrift trust.
(2) Where any property is directed to be held on protective or spendthrift trust for the benefit of a beneficiary, the trustee shall hold the property - (a) in trust to pay the income to the beneficiary until the interest terminates in accordance with the terms of the trust or a determining event occurs; and (b) if a determining event occurs, and while the interest of the beneficiary continues, in trust to pay the income to such of the following (and if more than one such shares) as the trustee in his absolute discretion shall appoint (i) the beneficiary or any spouse or child of the beneficiary; or (ii) if there is no such spouse or child the beneficiary and the persons who would be entitled to the estate of the beneficiary if he had then died intestate and domiciled in Nevis, (3) In sub-section (2) above a "determining event" shall mean the occurrence of any event or any act or omission on the part of the beneficiary (other than the giving of consent to an advancement of trust property) which would result in the trust becoming payable to any person other than the beneficiary.
(4) Any rule of law or public policy which prevents a settlor from establishing a protective or a spendthrift trust of which he is a beneficiary is hereby abolished.

Charitable Trusts 7.

(1) For the purposes of this Ordinance and subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, the following purposes shall be regarded as charitable.

(a) the relief of poverty; (b) the advancement of education; (c) the advancement of religion; (d) the protection of the environment;.
(e) the advancement of human rights and fundamental freedoms; (f) any other purposes which are beneficial to the community.

(2) A purpose shall not be regarded as charitable unless the fulfillment of the purpose is for the benefit of the community or a substantial section of the community having regard to the type and nature of the purpose.

(3) A purpose may be regarded as charitable whether it is to be carried out in Nevis or elsewhere and whether it is beneficial to the community in Nevis or elsewhere.
Trusts for non-charitable purposes 8.

(1) An international trust may be created for a purpose which is non-charitable provided that (a) the purpose is specific, reasonable, and capable of fulfillment; (b) the purpose is not immoral, unlawful or contrary to the public policy of St. Christopher and Nevis; and (c) the terms of the trust provide for the appointment of a protector who is capable of enforcing the trust and for the appointment of a successor to any protector.
(2) If the Minister has reason to believe that there is no protector of an international trust for a non- charitable purpose or the protector is unwillingly or incapable of acting, he may appoint a person to be protector of the trust and such person shall from the date of appointment exercise the functions of the trust.

Protector of a trust 9.

(1) The terms of an international trust may provide for the office of protector of the trust.
(2) The protector shall have the following powers- (a) (unless the terms of the trust shall otherwise provide) the power to remove a trustee and appoint a new or additional trustee; (b) such further powers as are conferred on the protector by the terms of the trust or by this Ordinance.

(3) The protector of an international trust may also be a settlor, a trustee or a beneficiary of the trust.

(4) In the exercise of his office, the protector shall not be accounted or regarded as a trustee.
(5) Subject to the terms of the international trust, in the exercise of his office a protector shall owe a fiduciary duty to the beneficiaries of the trust or to the purpose for which the trust is created.

(6) Where there is more than one protector of a trust then, subject to the terms of the trust, any functions conferred on the protectors may be exercised if a majority of the protectors for the time being agree on its exercise.
(7) A protector who dissents from a decision of the majority of protectors may require his dissent to.be recorded in writing.

PART 3 TERMINATION OR FAILURE OF INTERNATIONAL TRUSTS Failure or lapse of interest 10.
(l) Subject to the terms of the international trust and to any order of the Court, where - (a) an interest lapses; (b) a trust terminates:, or (c) there is no beneficiary and no person (whether or not then living) who can become a beneficiary in accordance with the terms of the trust; the interest or property concerned shall be held by the trustee in trust for the settlor absolutely or, if he is dead, as if it had formed part of his estate at death.
(2) Sub-section (1) shall not apply to an international trust established for a charitable purpose to which section 11 applies.

Failure of charitable trust 11.
(1) Where international trust property is held for a charitable purpose and- (a) the purpose has been, as far as may be, fulfilled; (b) the purpose cannot be carried out at all, or not according to the directions given and to the spirit of the gift; (c) the purpose provides a use for part only of the property; (d) the purpose was laid down by reference to an area which was then, but has since ceased to be, a unit for some other purpose, or by reference to a class of persons or to an area which has for any reason ceased to be suitable or to be practicable in administering the gift; (e) the purpose has been adequately provided for by other means; (f) the purpose has ceased to be charitable (by being useless or harmful to the community or otherwise); or (g) the property and other property applicable for a similar purpose, can be more effectively used in conjunction, and to that end can more suitably be applied to a common purpose; (h) the purpose has ceased in any other way to provide a suitable and effective method of using the property; the property or the remainder of the property, as the case may be, shall be held for such other charitable purpose, as the Court, on the application of the trustee, may declare to be consistent with the original intention of the settlor.
(2) Where international trust property is held for a charitable purpose, the Court, on the application of the trustee, may approve any arrangement which varies or revokes the purposes or terms of the trust or enlarges or modifies the powers of management or administration of the trustee, if it is satisfied that the arrangement-.

(a) is now suitable or expedient; and (b) is consistent with the original intention of the settlor.
(3) The Court shall not make a declaration under sub-section (1) above or approve an arrangement under sub-section (2) unless satisfied that any person with a material interest in the trust has had an opportunity of being heard.

Termination of international trust 12.

(1) On the termination of an international trust the trust property shall, subject to sub-section (2), be distributed by the trustee within a reasonable time in accordance with the terms of the trust to the persons entitled thereto.
(2) The trustee may retain sufficient assets to make a reasonable provision for liabilities (existing, future, contingent or other).

Termination by beneficiaries 13.


(1) Without prejudice to any power of the Court and notwithstanding the terms of the international trust, where all the beneficiaries are in existence and have been ascertained, and none is a person under legal disability or a minor, and all beneficiaries are in agreement so to do, they may require the trustee to terminate the trust and distribute the trust property as the beneficiaries direct.
(2) A beneficiary of an interest under a protective or spendthrift trust may not enter into such an agreement as is referred to in sub-section (1).

PART 4 BREACH OF TRUST Liability for breach of trust 14.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and to the terms of the trust, a trustee who commits or concurs in a breach of trust is liable for - (a) any loss or depreciation in value of the trust property resulting from the breach; and (b) any profit which would have accrued to the trust had there been no breach.

(2) A trustee may not set off a profit accruing from one breach of trust against a loss or depreciation in value resulting from another.
(3) A trustee is not liable for a breach of trust committed by another person prior to his appointment or for a breach of trust committed by a co-trustee unless- (a) he becomes or ought to have become aware of the breach; and (b) he actively conceals the breach, or fails within a reasonable time to take proper steps to protect or restore the trust property or to prevent the breach.

(4) Where the trustees are liable for a breach of trust, they are liable jointly and severally.
(5) A trustee who becomes aware of a breach of trust shall take all reasonable steps to have the breach remedied.

(6) Nothing in the terms of a trust shall relieve a trustee of liability for a breach of trust arising from his own fraud or willful misconduct.

Constructive trusts 15.


(l) A person who derives a profit from a breach of trust, shall be deemed to be a trustee of the profit or property, unless he derives or obtains it in good faith and without actual, constructive or implied notice of the breach of trust.

(2) A person who becomes a trustee by virtue of sub section (1) shall deliver up the profit or property to the person properly entitled to it.

(3) This section does not exclude any other circumstance in which a constructive trust may arise.
Tracing trust property 16.

Without prejudice to the personal liability of a trustee, trust property which has been charged or dealt with in breach of trust, or any property into which it has been converted, may be followed and recovered unless (a) it is no longer identifiable; or (b) it is in the hands of a bona fide purchaser for value without actual, constructive or implied notice of the breach of trust.

Beneficiary may relieve or indemnify trust 17.


(1) A beneficiary may relieve a trustee of liability to him for a breach of trust or indemnify a trustee against liability for a breach of trust.

(2) Sub-section (1) does not apply if the beneficiary (a) is a minor or a person under legal disability; (b) does not have full knowledge of all material facts; or (c) is improperly induced by the trustee to act under sub- section (1).
Power to relieve trustee from personal liability Power to make beneficiaries indemnify 18.

The Court may relieve a trustee wholly or partly of liability for a breach of trust where it appears to the Court that the trustee has acted honestly and reasonably and ought fairly to be excused for the breach of trust or for omitting to obtain the directions of the Court in the matter in which the breach arose.

19.
19.

Where a trustee commits a breach of trust at the instigation, at the request or with the concurrence of a beneficiary, the Court (whether or not the beneficiary is a minor or a person under legal disability) may impound all or part of his interest by way of indemnity to the trustee or any person claiming through him.

20.

Repealed by Ordinance No.

2 of 1995.

PART 5.

POWERS OF THE COURT Jurisdiction of the court where- 21.
The court has jurisdiction in respect of any matters concerning an international trust (a) the proper law of the trust is the law of Nevis; (b) a trustee of the trust is resident in St. Christopher and Nevis; (c) any part of the administration of the trust is carried on in St. Christopher and Nevis.

General powers of the court 22.
(1) On the application of a trustee, beneficiary, a settlor or his personal representatives, a protector, or with the leave of the court, any other person, the Court may - (a) make an order in respect of - (i) the execution, administration or enforcement of a trust; (ii) a trustee, including an order as to the exercise of any power by a trustee, the appointment, remuneration or conduct of a trustee, the keeping or submission of accounts, and the making of payments, whether into Court or otherwise; (iii) a protector, including an order appointing a protector; (iv) a beneficiary, or any person connected with a trust; (v) any trust property, including an order as to the vesting, preservation, application, surrender or recovery thereof; (b) make a declaration as to the validity or enforce ability of a trust; (c) direct the trustee to distribute, or not to distribute the trust property; (d) make such order in respect of the termination of the trust and the distribution of the property as it thinks fit; (e) rescind or vary an order or declaration under this Ordinance, or make a new or further order or declaration.
(2) Where the Court appoints or removes a trustee under this section- (a) it may impose such requirements and conditions as it thinks fit, including provisions as to remuneration and requirements or conditions as to the vesting of trust property; (b) subject to the Court's order a trustee appointed by the Court has the same functions, and may act in all respects, as if he had been originally appointed a trustee.
(3) If a person does not comply with an order of the Court under this Ordinance requiring him to do any thing, the Court may, on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, order that the thing be done by another person, nominated for the purpose by the Court, at the expense of the person in default (or otherwise, as the Court directs) and a thing so done has effect in all respects as if done by the person in default.

23.
(1) The Court may declare an international trust to be invalid if - (a) the trust was established by duress, mistake, undue influence or misrepresentation; or (b) the trust is immoral or contrary to the public policy of St. Christopher and Nevis; or (c) the terms of the trust are so uncertain that its performance is rendered impossible (provided that a charitable purpose shall be deemed always to be capable of performance); or (d) the settlor was, at the time of its creation, incapable under the law in force in Nevis of creating such a trust.
(2) Where an international trust is created for two or more purposes of which some are lawful and others are not or where some of the terms of the trust are lawful and others are not - (a) if those purposes cannot be separated or the terms cannot be separated, the trust is invalid; Courts determination of validity (b) if those purposes can be separated or the terms can be separated the Court may declare that the trust is valid as to the terms which are valid and the purposes which are lawful.
(3) Where an international trust is partially invalid the Court may declare what property is to be held subject to the trust.

(4) Property provided by a settlor and as to which a trust is invalid shall, subject to any order of the Court, be held by the trustee in trust for the settlor absolutely or, if he is dead, as if it had formed part of his estate at death.
(5) In determining the existence and validity of an international trust registered under this Ordinance the Court shall apply- (a) the provisions of this Ordinance; (b) any other law of St. Christopher and Nevis; and (c) any other law which may be applied; if to do so would validate the trust.

Avoidance of fraud 24.


(1) Where it is proven beyond reasonable doubt by a creditor that a trust settled or established or property disposed to a trust (a) was so settled established or disposed by or on behalf of the settlor with principal intent to defraud that creditor of the settlor; and.
(b) did at the time such settlement establishment or disposition took place render the settlor insolvent or without property by which that creditors claim (if successful) could have been satisfied, then such settlement establishment or disposition shall not be void or voidable and the international trust shall be liable to satisfy the creditor's claim and such liability shall only be to the extent of the interest that the settlor had in the property prior to settlement establishment or disposition and any accumulation to the property (if any) subsequent thereto.
(2) In determining whether a trust, settled or established or a disposition, has rendered the settlor insolvent or without property by which a creditor's claim (if successful) may be satisfied, regard shall be had to the fair market value of the settlor's property, (not being property of or relating to the trust) at the time immediately after the settlement establishment or the disposition referred to in subsection (1) (b) and in the event that the fair market value of such property exceeded the value of the creditor's claim, at that time, after the settlement establishment or disposition, then the trust so settled or established or the disposition shall for the purposes of this Ordinance be deemed not to have been so settled or established or the property disposed of with intent to defraud the creditor.
(3) A trust settled or established and a disposition to such trust shall not be fraudulent as against creditor of a settlor - (a) if settled, established or the disposition takes place after the expiration of 2 years from the date that such creditors cause of action accrued; or (b) where settled, established or the disposition takes place before the expiration of 2 years from the date that the creditors cause of action accrued, that creditor fails to commence such action before the expiration of 1 year from the date such settlement establishment or disposition took place.
(4) A trust settled or established and a disposition of property to such trust shall not be fraudulent as against a creditor of a settlor if the settlement establishment or disposition of property took place before that creditors cause of action against the settlor accrued or had arisen.
(5) A settlor shall not have imputed to him an intent to defraud a creditor, solely by reason that the settlor - (a) has settled or established a trust or has disposed of property to such trust within two years from the date of that creditors cause of action accruing; (b) has retained, possesses or acquires any of the powers or benefits referred to in paragraphs (a) to (f) of section 47; (c) is a beneficiary.
(6) Where a trust is liable to satisfy a creditors claim in the manner provided for in subsection (1), that creditors rights to recovery shall be limited to the property referred to in subsection (1) , or to the proceeds of that property, to the exclusion of any claim right or action against any trustee or any other property of the trust.

(7) For the purpose of this section the onus of proof of the settlor’s intent to defraud the creditor lies on the creditor.
(8) For the purpose of this section - (a) the date of the cause of action accruing shall be, the date of that act or omission which shall be relied upon to either partly or wholly establish the cause of action, and if there is more than one act or the omission shall be a continuing one, the date of the first act or that date that the omission shall have first occurred, as the case may be, shall be the date that the cause of action shall have accrued; (b) the term “ cause of action” means the earliest cause of action capable of assertion by a creditor against the settlor of a trust or, as the case may be against the settlor of property upon a trust by which that creditor has established (or may establish) an enforceable claim against that settlor; (c) the entry of judgement in any proceeding shall not constitute a separate cause of action.
(9) The provisions of this section shall apply to all actions and proceedings brought into court, however described, against the person (whether a party to the proceedings or not) with regard to the settlement of an international trust or the disposition of property to such a trust, or receipt of property by or for such a trust and the remedy conferred by subsection (1) shall be the sole remedy available in such an action or proceedings to the exclusion of any other relief of remedy against any party to the action or proceeding.
(10) Failure by a creditor to present all claims arising out of any controversy and join all parties with a material interest shall prevent that creditor from presenting such claims and bringing an action against such parties in a subsequent proceeding.

(11) For the purposes of this section the term “creditor” means a creditor of the settlor, including a judgement creditor and an assignee from such creditor of any claim and includes any person who alleges a cause of action against a settlor.
Saving of certain rights 25.
In the event that a trust shall be declared invalid pursuant to this Ordinance, if the Court is satisfied that the beneficiary has not acted in bad faith - (a) the beneficiary shall have a first and paramount charge over the trust property of an amount equal to the entire costs properly incurred by him in the defense of the action or proceedings (and Extent of invalidity No validation of property not vested in settlor not merely such costs as might otherwise be allowed by the Court); and (b) the trust shall be declared invalid subject to the proper fees, costs, pre-existing rights, claims and interests of the beneficiary.
26.

An international trust shall be declared invalid only to the extent necessary to satisfy the obligation of a creditor at whose instance the trust was declared invalid together with such costs as the Court may allow.

27.

(1) Nothing in this Ordinance shall validate any disposition of property which is neither owned by the settlor nor the subject of a power in that behalf vested in the settlor.
(2) This Ordinance shall not affect the recognition of any foreign laws in determining whether the settlor is the owner of such property or the holder of such power referred to in subsection (1) of this section.

Foreign judgement not enforceable 28.


Notwithstanding the provisions of any treaty or convention; the provisions of any statute; any rule of law, or equity, to the contrary no proceedings for or in relation to the enforcement or recognition of a judgment obtained in a jurisdiction other than St. Christopher and Nevis against- (a) an international trust;.
(b) a settlor of an international trust; (c) a trustee of an international trust; (d) a protector of an international trust; (e) a beneficiary of an international trust; (f) a person appointed or instructed in accordance with the express or implied provisions of an instrument or disposition to exercise a function or undertake any act matter or thing in connection with an international trust; or, (g) property of either an international trust or of a trustee or a beneficiary thereof; shall be entertained by any Court in St. Christopher and Nevis if- (i) that judgment is based upon the application of any law inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance; (ii) that judgment relates to a matter or particular aspect that is governed by the laws of St. Christopher and Nevis Exclusion of foreign laws 29.
No international trust governed by this Ordinance and no disposition of property to be held upon the trust shall be declared void, voidable, liable to be set aside or defective in any fashion, nor is the capacity of any settlor to be questioned by reason that:- (a) the laws of any foreign jurisdiction prohibit or do not recognize the concept of a trust either in part or in whole; or (b) the international trust or disposition avoids or defeats rights, claims or interests conferred by the law of a foreign jurisdiction upon any person or, contravenes any rules, law, judicial or administrative order or action intended to recognize, protect, enforce or give effect to any such rights, claims or interests; or (c) the laws of St. Christopher and Nevis or the provisions of this Ordinance are inconsistent with any foreign law.
Applications for directions Payment of costs 30.

A trustee may apply to the Court for directions as to how he should or might act in any of the affairs of the trust, and the Court may make such order as it thinks fit.

31.

The Court may order the cost and expenses of and incidental to an application to the Court under this Ordinance to be paid from the trust property or in such manner and by such persons as if thinks fit.

PART 6 TRUSTEES, PROTECTORS AND BENEFICIARIES Beneficiaries of trusts 32.
(1) A beneficiary shall be- a. identifiable by name; or.

b. ascertainable by reference to- i. a class; or ii.

a relationship to some person whether or not living at the time of the creation of the trust or at the time which under the terms of the trust is the time by reference to which members of a class are to be determined (2) The terms of a trust may provide for the addition of a person as a beneficiary or the exclusion of a beneficiary from benefit.
(3) The terms of a trust may impose upon a beneficiary an obligation as a condition for benefit.

(4) A settlor or trustee of a trust may also be a beneficiary of the trust.

Disclaimer of beneficial interest 33.

(1) Subject to the terms of the trust, a beneficiary may disclaim his interest or any part of it, whether or not he has received any benefit from it.
(2) A disclaimer shall be in writing and subject to the terms of the trust, may be temporary and may, if the disclaimer so provides, be revoked in the manner and circumstances described or referred to therein.

(3) A disclaimer is not effective until received by a trustee.

Number of trustees 34.

(1) Unless the terms of the trust provide for a greater number, the minimum number of trustees shall be one.
(2) A trust shall not cease to be valid by reason only that there is no trustee or fewer than the number of trustees required by the terms of the trust.

(3) Where there is no trustee or fewer than the number of trustees required by the terms of the trust, the necessary number of new or additional trustees shall be appointed and until the minimum number is reached the surviving trustee (if any) shall act only for the purpose of preserving the trust property.
(4) Except in the case of a trust established for a charitable purpose (a) the number of trustees shall not be more than four; and (b) if at any time there are more than four persons named as trustees, only the first four persons so named shall be the trustees of the trust.

Appointment of new or additional trustees 35.


(1) Where the terms of a trust contain no provision for the appointment of a new or additional trustee, then - (a) the protector (if any); or (b) the trustees for the time being (but so that a trustee shall not be required to join in the appointment of his successor); or.
(c) the last remaining trustee; or (d) the personal representative or the liquidator of the last remaining trustee; or (e) if there is no such person (or no such person willing to act), the Court may appoint a new or additional trustee.

(2) Subject to the terms of the trust, a trustee appointed under this section shall have the same functions and may act as if he had been originally appointed a trustee.
(3) A trustee having power to appoint a new trustee who fails to exercise such power may be removed from office by the Court.

(4) On the appointment of a new or additional trustee anything requisite for vesting the trust property in the trustees for the time being of the trust shall be done.

Corporate trustees 36.


A corporate trustee may- (a) act in connection with a trust by resolution of the corporate trustee or of its board of directors or other governing body; or (b) appoint an officer or employee to act on its behalf in connection with the trust.

PART 7 REGISTRATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRUSTS Registration of trusts 37.

(1) The register shall maintain a register of international trusts and a register of qualified foreign trusts.
(2) Where a trust provides for the law of Nevis to be the governing law of all or any aspects of that trust an application for entry on the register as an international trust shall be made to the registrar within 45 days of the date on which the trust is created, settled or established.
(3) Where a trust provides for the law of a jurisdiction other than the island of Nevis to be the governing law of all aspects of that trust an application for entry on the register as a qualified foreign trust shall be made to the registrar within 45 days of the date on which the trust is created, settled or established.
(4) Where a trust provides for the law of a jurisdiction other than the island of Nevis to be the governing law of all aspects of that trust and the governing law of all or any aspects of the trust is changed to the law of Nevis an application for entry on the register as an international trust shall be made to the registrar within 45 days of the date on which the governing law is changed provided that the registrar shall not accept such an application if the trust is not registered as a qualified foreign trust.
(5) An application for entry on the register of international trusts or on the register of qualified foreign trusts shall be made in the manner and form prescribed by the registrar.
(6) An application under subsection (5) shall be accompanied by;- (a) the prescribed fee; (b) notice of the name and registered office of the trust; (c) a certificate from a trustee company, a barrister or solicitor certifying:- (i) that the trust upon registration will be an international trust or a qualified foreign trust; (ii) the date on which the trust was created, settled or established; (iii) in the case of a qualified foreign trust, the law under which the trust was settled; (iv) where the governing law is changed to the law of Nevis, that the trust is registered as a qualified foreign trust and the date of its registration.
(7) On the application of a trustee company, a barrister or solicitor, the registrar may, if satisfied that there is good reason for any delay in registration, extend the period of 45 days mentioned in subsection (2), (3) or (4) of this section.
(8) The registrar shall on receipt of the prescribed fee, the notice and certificate required under subsection (6)- (a) enter on the appropriate register the name of the trust, the date of creation, settlement or establishment of the trust and the address of the registered office of the trust; (b) issue a certificate of registration in the prescribed form.

Annual certificate of registration 38.


(9) A certificate of registration under the hand and seal of the registrar shall be conclusive evidence that all the requirements of this Ordinance in respect of registration have been complied with (1) A Certificate of registration issued in accordance with subsection (4) of the preceding section shall be valid and effective for a period of one year from the date of registration specified in that certificate.
(2) An application for renewal of registration shall be made by - (a) filing with the Registrar an application for renewal in the prescribed form; and (b) payment of the prescribed fee.

(3) An application for renewal of registration shall be made no later than 90 days after the date of expiry of the last certificate of registration and no application for renewal of registration shall be granted unless such application is in accordance with subsection (2) hereof.
(4) Every renewal of registration shall take effect from the date of expiry of the last certificate of registration.

(5) Every renewal of registration shall be for a period of one year from the date of expiry of the last certificate of registration.

(6) The provisions of this Ordinance shall cease to apply to any trust that fails to renew its registration in accordance with this section Notification of termination Inspection of register Minister may increase fees Registered office 39.
Where an international trust which has been registered terminates, the trustee shall notify the Registrar and return the certificate of registration and the registrar shall then cancel the entry on the register and cancel the certificate of registration.

40.

The register shall not be open for inspection except that a trustee of a trust may in writing authorize a person to inspect the entry of that trust on the register.

41.

The Minister may increase the fees payable by Order published in the Gazette.
42.

(1) The registered office of an international trust shall be the office of the trust company or corporation which is a trustee.

(2) The address for service of any documents upon an international trust shall be the registered office of that trust.

PART 8 EXEMPTION FROM TAXES Exemption from taxes and duties 43.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any enactment, a trust registered under this Ordinance shall be exempt from - (a) all income tax; (b) all estate, inheritance, succession and gift tax payable with respect to the trust property by.reason of any death; (c) stamp duty with respect to all instruments relating to the trust property or to transactions carried out by the trustee on behalf of the trust.

(d) all exchange controls.

PART 9 MISCELLANEOUS Commencement of proceedings 44.
(1) No action or proceeding whether pursuant to this Ordinance or at common law or in equity- (a) to set aside the settlement of an international trust; (b) to set aside any disposition to any international trust; or (c) against a trustee or trustees for breach of trust shall be commenced, unless such action or proceeding is commenced in the High Court of St. Christopher and Nevis before the expiration of 2 years from- (d) the date of the settlement of the international trust that is sought to be set aside; (e) the disposition to the international trust that is sought to be set aside; or (f) the breach of trust by the trustee or trustees; as the case may be.
(2) No action or proceeding whether pursuant to this Ordinance or at common law or in equity shall be commenced by any person;- (a) claiming to have had an interest in property before that property was settled upon or disposed to an international trust; and (b) seeking to derive a legal or equitable interest in that property; unless such action or proceeding is commenced in the High Court of St. Christopher and Nevis before the expiration of 2 years from the date that the property referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) was settled upon or disposed to an international trust.
(3) No action or proceeding to which subsections (1) or (2) of this section or to which section 24 shall apply, whether substantive or interlocutory in nature, shall be determined and no order shall be made, or granted by the Court (including any injunction that shall have the effect of preventing the exercise of, or restoring to a person any rights, duties, obligations or powers or preserving, granting custody of, detaining or inspecting any property) unless, the applicant shall first satisfy the Court by affidavit, that - (a) the action or proceeding has been commenced in accordance with subsections (1) or (2) of this section; (b) where the action or proceeding shall allege fraud or be founded upon some other action or proceeding alleging fraud, the determination or order sought would not be contrary to the provisions of section 24; (c) that the requirements of section 55 have been fulfilled.
(4) Every affidavit required to be filed pursuant to subsection (3) shall be made by the person on whose behalf the action or proceeding is brought or, in the case of a body corporate, an officer thereof, and every such person or officer as the case may be, shall depose as to,- (a) the circumstances of the cause of action in respect of which the action or proceedings are brought; (b) the date upon which the cause of action shall have accrued; (c) the date upon which the property, in respect of which the action or proceeding is brought, was settled on or disposed to the international trust; (d) whether an action or proceeding have been commenced in respect of the cause of action and if so, the date upon which that action or those proceedings were commenced.
(5) The provisions of this section shall apply to every trust expressed to be governed by the law of Nevis and, in the event that a qualified foreign trust shall change the law by which it governed to that of Nevis then every proceeding after the change in registration- (a) by a person claiming to be interested in, or to be prejudiced by, the settlement of property upon such trust; or (b) concerning any disposition of property to such trust; shall be commenced subject to subsections (1) and (2) and every determination and order shall be made subject to subsection (3) as if upon the date that such settlement or disposition was made the trust was registered as an international trust governed by the law of Nevis.
(1) A trustee shall not invest any of the trust funds other than in securities, assets, or property authorized expressly or by necessary implication for the investment of the trust funds by and under the instrument by which the trust is established or created.
(2) Where the instrument by which the trust is created or established authorizes expressly or by necessary implication the investment of the trust funds in any investments authorized by the laws of St. Christopher and Nevis for the investment of trust funds the instrument shall be deemed to authorize investment as expressed in the Schedule to this Ordinance.

46.
Notwithstanding any provision of the law of the settlor's domicile or place of ordinary residence or the settlors current place of incorporation and notwithstanding further that an international trust is voluntary and without valuable consideration being given for the same or is made for the benefit of the settlor's spouse or children, an international trust shall not be void or voidable in the event of the settlors bankruptcy, insolvency of liquidation (other than in the case of an international company registered pursuant to the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance 1984, that is in liquidation) or in any action or proceeding at the suit of creditors of the settlor, but shall remain valid and subsisting and take effect according to its tenor subject to sections 23 and 24 of this Ordinance.
Investments 45.

Schedule Bankruptcy Retention of control by settlor 47.

An international trust shall not be declared invalid or be affected in any way if the settlor, and if more than one, any of them either- (a) retains, possesses or acquires power to revoke the trust; (b) retains, possesses or acquires power to amend the trust; (c) retains, possesses or acquires any benefit, interest or property from the trust.
(d) retains, possesses or acquires the power to remove or appoint a trustee or protector; (e) retains, possesses or acquires the power to direct a trustee or protector on any matter; (f) is the beneficiary of the trust solely or together with others.

Heirship rights 48.
Heirship rights 48.

No international trust or any aspect of such trust governed by this Ordinance and no disposition of property to be held upon the trusts thereof shall be declared void, voidable or defective in any manner nor is the capacity of any settlor to be questioned by reason that such trust may avoid or defeat the right, claim or interest of a person held by reason of a personal relationship to the settlor or by way of heirship rights.

Statute of Elizabeth 49.


The enactment titled 13 Elizabeth I Ch 5 (1571) shall have no application to any international trust that is governed by this Ordinance nor any provision thereof nor to any transfer into such trust.

Translations 50.

(1) Every document filed with the Registrar and not in English shall be accompanied by a certified translation.
(2) A document not in the English Language and not accompanied by a certified translation at the time of filing shall not be accepted for registration by the Registrar.

(3) For the purpose of this section a certified translation is a translation in the English language, certified as a correct translation, by a translator to the satisfaction of the Registrar.

Immunity from suit 51.


No action shall be against the Nevis Island Administration, any statutory body or authority or a public or judicial officer in respect of any act or failure to act in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

Prohibition by Minister 52.


(1) The Minister may by Order - (a) prohibit the registration of an international trust; (b) direct any international trust to cease carrying on its business or any part of its business immediately or within such time as may be specified in the Order.

(c) direct the registrar to remove a trust from any registrar.

(2) An order made under this section may be revoked or varied at any time by the Minister.

Definition of trust 53.


A trust exists where a person (known as "a trustee") holds or has vested in him, property which does not form, or which has ceased to form part of his own estate.

Power to establish advisory bodies 54.


(a) for the benefit of any person (known as "a beneficiary') whether or not yet ascertained or in existence; or (b) for any valid charitable or non-charitable purpose which is not for the benefit only of the trustee; or (c) for such benefit as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) and also for any such purpose as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (b).
(1) The Minister may establish advisory bodies for matters affecting the offshore financial sector in Nevis either by virtue of this Ordinance or the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance; and each body so established, shall consist of such members as the Minister may from time to time appoint.

(2) In establishing a body under sub-section (1) above, the Minister shall have regard to the desirability of having members who have the expertise and knowledge of the particular area.
(3) It shall be the duty of an advisory body established under this section to advise the Minister on any matter which is referred to it by the Minister.

(4) The Minister may defray or contribute towards the expenses of an advisory body established under this section.

Bond 55.
Bond 55.

Every creditor before bringing any action or proceeding against any trust property governed by this Ordinance shall first deposit with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance a bond in the sum of $25,000.00 from a financial institution in Nevis, for securing the payment of all costs as may become payable by the creditor in the event of his not succeeding in such' action or proceeding against the trust property.

Community property 56.
(1) Where a husband and wife transfer property to an international trust or a trust that subsequently becomes an international trust and, immediately before being transferred, such property or any part or any accumulation thereto is, pursuant to the law of its location or the law either of the transferors' domicile or residence, determined to be community property, then notwithstanding such transfer and except where the provisions of the trust deed may provide to the contrary, that property and any accumulation thereto shall, for the purpose of giving effect to that law, be deemed to be community property and be dealt with in a manner consistent with that law but in every other respect shall be dealt with in accordance with the trust deed and the governing law of that deed.
(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, nothing herein shall be construed so as to cause the trust, the trust fund, the trustees or any of them, to be liable or obligated for any debt or responsibility of the settlor merely by reason of this section.

Confidentiality No.

2 of 1985 57.

(1) The Confidential Relationships Act shall apply to every trust registered under this Ordinance.
(2) All judicial proceedings, other than criminal proceedings relating to international trusts, shall be heard in camera and no details of the proceedings shall be published by any person without leave of the Court.

Regulations 58.

(1) The Minister may make regulations for the better carrying out of the provisions of this Ordinance and for prescribing anything that needs to be prescribed.

(2) The Minister shall prescribe all fees under this Ordinance.
SCHEDULE SECTION 45 Authorized Trustee Investments 1.
The following shall be regarded as authorized investments: (a) securities issued by, or the payment of interest on which is guaranteed by, the Nevis Island Administration; (b) securities issued by, or the payment of interest on which is guaranteed by, any of the following: (i) the government of the United Kingdom; (ii) the government of the United States of America; (iii) the government of any territory within the Commonwealth (iv) the African Development Bank the Asian Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, the European Economic Community the European Investment Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the International Monetary Fund, or the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (c) deposits with a company registered under the Companies Act (Cap.
335) that is a licensed financial institution within the meaning of the Banking Act No.

6 of 1991.

(d) debentures issued by a quoted company; (e) quoted shares; 2.
In this Schedule, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have the following meanings:- "approved stock exchange" means the International Stock Exchange of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland Limited (including the Unlisted Security Market of the International Stock Exchange), the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the National Association of Security Dealers' Automated Quotation System of the United States of America, the Hang Seng Index, the Nikkei Average or any other stock exchange approved by the Minister; ‘‘debentures’’ includes debenture stock and bonds, whether constituting a charge on assets or not, and loan stock or notes; ‘‘quoted company’’ means a company the ordinary shares in which are quoted on an approved stock exchange; "quoted shares’’ means shares quoted on an approved stock exchange;.
‘‘securities" includes shares, debentures, treasury bills and tax reserve certificates; ‘‘shares’’ include stock.

Passed in the Nevis Island Assembly on the 28 day of April, 1995.