The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) is hosting its Annual Caribbean Conference in The Bahamas this year, at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. Under the theme *”A New Day Dawns: Pursuing Excellence Through Shared Skills and Experiences”*, the event spans three days, May 3-5.
The Central Bank of The Bahamas is the Presenting Sponsor for this “Premier Forum for Trust Professionals in 2004”, with the Bahamas Ministry of Financial Services and Investments and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism coming on board as Platinum Sponsors. Gold Sponsors include the Association of International Banks & Trust Companies, and the Bahamas Financial Services Board. See link below for the conference brochure and registration form, which also lists other sponsoring agencies.
Organisers point to the diverse list of topics covering a broad range of issues relevant in today’s working environment. These include Rights & Needs of Beneficiaries, Credit, Litigating Trust Disputes, Access to Information, International Probates, TIEAs, Alternative Structures and Corporate Issues. Special features of this yearís conference are Technical Tutorials and “Ask the Expert” sessions which provide the opportunity for participants to get up close and personal with industry experts.
STEP is the professional body for the trust and estate profession worldwide. It is a unique international intellectual resource which ensures its members prosper by maintaining the highest professional values. Many of the Society’s objectives are achieved through its conference programme, as these events provide the opportunity to advance knowledge of developments affecting trusts and estates.
Heather Thompson of STEP’s Bahamas Branch serves as Caribbean Conference Chairman. She says, *” It is an honour for this conference to be returning to The Bahamas. We began five years ago at Atlantis and this year marks our six annual conference. We have been working diligently to prepare both the programme and hospitality events in order to showcase the best of the jurisdiction.”*
STEP Bahamas was founded in 1996 and now has a membership of approximately 300 members including over 100 student members. The STEP Bahamas branch is the 6th largest STEP branch in the world, and is credited with producing a highly specialised and successful professional body. It says its rapid expansion in The Bahamas is a clear indication of a young, forward-thinking international society.