Lawyers in Gambia: Gambian Law

Lawyers in Africa on Twitter and Facebook

2010-03-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

Solie Law Chambers in Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa announce the launch of their Twitter and Facebook Profile

Gambian Law Firm, Solie Law has added Solie Law Chambers on Twitter and Solie Law Gambia Facebook to its internet marketing facilities in order to enable international clients to keep up-to-date with things in The Gambia.

A Facebook presence and Twitter profile broadens the reach of any marketing campaign and will enable Solie Law's internet partners and international clients to refer, recommend and chat to each other about legal and business issues and problems in Gambia and the rest of West Africa.

Click here to find out more about Solie Law the Lawyers in Africa on Twitter and Facebook

West African Import Export Company

2010-01-28T15:59:00.000-08:00

West Africa has a potential market of over 270 million consumers, and offers real business opportunities for manufacturing and exporting companies wishing to build a market share in the emerging markets of Africa.

Visit Africa Import Export for more information on importing, exporting and distributing within West Africa.

Disputes with Property Developers & Builders

2009-10-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

Disputes with Property Developers & Builders

Unfortunately not all property developers are honest and some honest developers get into difficulties which mean that the development cannot be completed.

This can leave people who have bought property in the developments (especially if they did not use an independent lawyer to protect their position) with losses of thousands of pounds.

We can help by trying to recover those losses, through the courts or in other ways.

We can do this for individuals or for whole groups of people who have been affected.

Click here for more information on the Property Laws of The Gambia

Gambia Tax Lawyer, Tax in Gambia

2009-09-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

International Tax Advice

If you live or work in another country or if you have holiday home in another country, you will need to understand the tax system in that country.

You will need to file tax returns and you will want to minimise your tax obligations both during your lifetime and on your death.

If you are an investor what matters is the amount you receive after tax and so you too will need good tax advice to limit your obligation to pay.

Giving that advice requires an understanding of the tax law in the country in question AND in your own country.

There is no point in saving tax in The Gambia only to find that the steps you have taken greatly increase your obligations in (say) the UK.

International tax advice is an integral part of many of the cases we deal with on a day to day basis.

Click here for more information on the Tax and Taxation Laws of The Gambia

Advice to Action Groups, Committees in Gambia

2009-09-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

Advice to Action Groups/Committees in Gambia

Very often you can find yourself in a position where you have perfectly good legal rights but where the cost of protecting those rights is just too high for one person to pay.

In these cases we can sometimes set up or act for a group of people who have all been affected by the same problem.

For example, a group of people who have bought property in the same development and where the developer has failed to deliver the properties or honour his contract.

Or for a group of people who are in dispute with an unscrupulous timeshare operator.

This can reduce the cost per person from thousands of pounds to a few hundred and make taking action economically viable.

Click here for more information on the Laws and Legal Rights in The Gambia

Court Cases in The Gambia

2009-09-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

Court Cases in The Gambia

Nobody likes being involved in a court case. It is always stressful, time consuming and expensive. A court case in another country is even worse.

Dealing with such a case in The Gambia requires a knowledge of the law and the ability to explain it to you in terms that you will understand. Let out team of Gambian international lawyers guide you through the maze.

We will try to find the shortest and most cost effective way of dealing with the problem. Where possible we will try to reach a settlement that will avoid you having to go to court .

Click here for more information on Representation in Court Cases in The Gambia

Process Serving in The Gambian Courts

2009-08-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

Process Serving in The Gambian Courts

If you want to bring a court case against someone who lives in The Gambia there are special rules to be followed when it comes to the serving of the court papers.

Through our network of correspondent offices throughout the world we can deal with this task in many countries.

Click here for more information on the Serving of Court Papers in The Gambia

Legal and administrative procedures for business in The Gambia

2009-08-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Stakeholders in the business sector, on Thursday, converged at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi, where they brainstormed on the business environment reform study.

Organised by The Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zones Agency (GIPFZA), the forum is in line with series of consultations that have been conducted with various stakeholders with the view to analysing the legal and administrative procedures linked to business in The Gambia.

These include the doing business indicators such as starting a business, paying taxes, trade facilitation, registering property, licences and permits, amongst others.The study, which was carried out by Atos Consulting Firm, a multi-national firm based in the United Kingdom, seeks to design a reform programme that would be implemented through support from the growth and competitiveness project.

Thursday's forum availed the opportunity for the expert to share the findings and recommendations of the study with the participants, and seek consensus and support for the implementation of the reform programme.

In an interview with the Daily Observer, Kebba T Njie, the chief executive officer of The Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zones Agency (GIPZA), described the study as significant, noting that it seeks among other things, to create a business environment that will create an opportunity for investors to come in and operate in a very smooth environment.

This, he posited, will allow the investors and business executive to know what they are going to do in terms of taxes, how much time will it take them to access land, and when allocated, how much time will it take them to have their legal documents, amongst a host of others that are all geared towards enhancing the business environment for the attainment of the international best practices.

The GIPFZA boss maintained that the study is the reinforcement of things that have been done before, reiterating the fact that they are trying to create a business environment that we are all responsible for. As a government and the private sector, Njie maintained that they must be able to have laws and policies in place that they have designed in mutual consent and implement with clear set rules so as to avoid difficulties in the business sector.

He also observed that the computerising of the business system would go a long way in enhancing the sector, thus making things easier for business executives.Njie expressed hope that the study would have an impact on the existing business environment, indicating that the study have revealed a lot of readiness on the part of stakeholders.

Also speaking to the Daily Observer, Rahzeb Chowdhury, principal consultant at Atos Consulting firm, said the study reveals in a number of areas that The Gambia is doing good, but was quick to say that there are some substantial issues that need to be addressed.

According to him, if the recommendations of the study were followed, it would help prepare The Gambia to rise up in the rankings and make it much better place to do business.

Click here for more information on the Administrative Procedures for Businesses in The Gambia

Property Investment Advice in The Gambia

2009-08-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

Commercial & Residential Property Investment Advice in The Gambia

Unusually for a law firm, we have for many years been giving advice to clients about which areas, places and types of property might best suit their personal investment requirements.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to making this choice.

What is right for you will depend upon your age, financial situation, timescale, personal preferences, attitude to risk, etc.

There is now a huge range of property in The Gambia available to investors in the UK and we can apply our unrivalled experience of international property to help you pick your best options.

This service is greatly appreciated by our clients.

Click here for more information from Commercial and Residential Property Investment Lawyers in The Gambia

Owning Property via your SIPP

2009-08-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Owning Property via your SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension)

Yes! SIPPs can own property in the Gambia.

They can own commercial property (hotels, bars, offices, land etc.) and – subject to certain restrictions – they can own residential property via indirect means (e.g. via a company or property fund rather than directly by the SIPP), where they own no more than 10% of the property and where it is not for their personal use.

Property ownership through the SIPP can be incredibly tax efficient.

If you and your financial advisors decide that this is for you we can help you by introducing you to a suitable SIPP provider, by finding and/or buying the property in question and by dealing with all of the ongoing paperwork that will be required.

Click here for more information on the Property Ownership Laws of The Gambia

Enforcement of Legal Judgments in Gambia

2009-08-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

Enforcement of Legal Judgments in Gambia

If you have obtained a court judgement in one country and wish to enforce it in another – e.g. you wish to seize assets from the person who lost the case – it is often possible to do so via the courts of the other country.

The process varies hugely from place to place.

Let out team of Gambian lawyers guide you through the Enforcement of Legal Judgments in Gambia

Property Investment Funds in Gambia

2009-07-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

Property Investment Funds in Gambia

Property Investment Funds (Real Estate Investment Trusts – REITS, Property Unit Trusts – PUTS etc.) can be a sensible way for people who do not wish to invest huge amounts of money in overseas real estate to dip their toes into this market.

We can assist in the setting up of these funds, by helping the funds find a and buy property and in many other ways. We can also help individuals who wish to invest in such funds do the due diligence needed to check out what is being offered to them.

Let out team of Gambian lawyers guide you through the Laws Related to Property Investment Funds in Gambia

Setting Up Property Investment in Gambia

2009-06-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

Setting Up Property Investment Club or Fund

If you are thinking of setting up a property investment fund, find out the ways that we can help you.

This might include locating suitable land, dealing with the planning and building consents, dealing with the fund's constitution, drafting and/or dealing with the property sales documentation and giving you the invaluable general advice that comes from nearly 20 years specialising in international transactions.

Let out team of Gambian lawyers guide you through the Laws Related to Setting up Property Investments in Gambia

Powers of Attorney in The Gambia

2009-06-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

Powers of Attorney in The Gambia

If you have dealings with another country – whether these involve buying a house, dealing with a court case or running a business – you are likely to need to appoint somebody locally to take steps on your behalf.

This will require a Power of Attorney.

The Power needs to be drafted carefully to ensure that it give the person appointed – the Attorney – all of the powers needed but no more.

It will usually need to be in the format and style used and in the language of that country. It will also have to be authenticated for use in the country in question.

We produce many Powers of Attorney every year.

Let out team of Gambian attorneys guide you through the Laws Related to Setting up a Power of Attorney in Gambia

Business Lawyers in Gambia

2009-05-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

Working with established businesses of all shapes and sizes in The Gambia, our commercial lawyers provide advice on a wide range of commercial and corporate legal arrangements - from employment to finance, disputes and arbitration to commercial property matters, planning issues, technology and media.

A great deal of our business comes from other professionals – Lawyers, Accountants, Banks, Financial Advisers etc. This is because many recognise that they do not have the expertise to give legal advice in The Gambia.

Let out team of Gambian business lawyers guide you through the Business Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Property Purchase Problems in The Gambia

2009-04-30T04:26:00.000-07:00

Property Purchase Problems in The Gambia

Have you agreed to buy a property only to find that you have been deceived? Do you want someone to check out your property purchase contract and to advise you about whether it is safe to proceed? Dealing with property purchases and problems is something we have been doing for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on giving clear, practical and low cost advice.

Let out team of Gambian property lawyers guide you through the Property and Real Estate Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Child Abduction in The Gambia

2009-04-30T04:23:00.000-07:00

Child Abduction (Child Snatch)

This most distressing of situations needs a rapid response from someone who understands the law and procedures in the country where you are living, the country from which the child was taken and the country where the other party resides.

In association with our correspondent lawyers around the world we can provide this service. We also operate a 24 hour emergency service.

Let out team of Gambian family lawyers guide you through the Child Care and Protection Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Access and Custody of Children in The Gambia

2009-04-30T04:20:00.000-07:00

'Access' (Visitation) and 'Custody' (Residence) of Children

Will you be entitled to see your children? Is the local court likely to permit the children to live with you? Attitudes vary dramatically from country to country. The position of a foreigner can be especially complicated, particularly if they are in dispute with a local person.

Let out team of Gambian family lawyers guide you through the Child Access and Custody Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Maintenance and Financial Provision in The Gambia

2009-04-30T04:17:00.000-07:00

'Maintenance' and Financial Provision in The Gambia

The rules setting out how much financial support you must pay/are entitled to receive vary greatly from country to country. Getting this right has huge financial implications for the parties concerned.

You need expert assistance from somebody accustomed to dealing with the law in The Gambia but who is also familiar with the law in your own country so that they can explain to you in terms that you will understand the procedures and options available.

Let out team of Gambian family lawyers guide you through the Child Maintenance and Family Provision Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Family Disputes in The Gambia

2009-04-30T04:14:00.000-07:00

Family Disputes in The Gambia

Sadly, it is not uncommon for families to fall out. Perhaps children fall out with stepmother on the death of their father. Children also fall out with parents and parents fall out with each other, often in relation to their children.

To deal with these problems you need expert assistance from somebody accustomed to dealing with the laws of The Gambia but who is also familiar with the law in your own country so that they can explain to you in terms that you will understand the procedures and options available in relation to the problems that you face.

Let out team of Gambian family lawyers guide you through the Family Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Matrimonial Cases in The Gambia

2009-04-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

Matrimonial and Divorce Cases in The Gambia

Family problems are always difficult and stressful. They are even more so if you live in one country and your husband/wife lives in another or where the case is being dealt with by the courts in another country using a legal system with which you are not familiar and a language that you do not speak. In association with our correspondent lawyers around the world we can provide this service. We also operate a 24 hour emergency service.

Let out team of Gambian divorce lawyers guide you through the Marriage and Divorce Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Criminal Cases in The Gambia

2009-04-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

Criminal Cases in The Gambia

If you or a member of your family gets into trouble whilst in The Gambia you need expert assistance from somebody accustomed to dealing with the laws of the Gambia but who is also familiar with the law in your own country so that they can explain to you in terms that you will understand the procedures, penalties and options available in relation to the charges that you face.

In association with our correspondent lawyers around the world we can provide this service. We also operate a 24 hour emergency service.

Let out team of Gambian criminal lawyers guide you through the Legal Representation in Criminal Cases in Gambia, West Africa

One to One Preliminary Meetings in The Gambia

2009-04-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

'One to One' Preliminary Meetings

Increasingly clients recognise the value of discussing their affairs at the earliest possible opportunity. For example, if they are buying a property in The Gambia they will talk to us about the key issues such as who should be the legal owner of the property (not always obvious), which type of mortgage would be best, how to deal with any inheritance complications produced by the local law and how to minimise their tax bills in their own country and in The Gambia BEFORE they go to look at any properties.

Early advice will almost always save quite a lot of money!

Let out team of Gambian lawyers discuss the issues concerning Fees for Legal Representation in Cases in Gambia, West Africa

Contract Checking Service in The Gambia

2009-04-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

Contract Checking Service in The Gambia

Some of our clients do not wish to take advantage of our full property transfer service but prefer us only to check their contracts and advise them about any problems that we find. This can be quite a lot cheaper than (but nearly as secure as) our dealing with the whole transaction.

Other clients ask us to carry out a preliminary review of their contracts right at the outset of the transaction and before they instruct us to proceed with our full property transfer service.

Either way we are happy to fit in with your wishes.

'One to One' Preliminary Meetings

Increasingly clients recognise the value of discussing their affairs at the earliest possible opportunity. For example, if they are buying a property in The Gambia they will talk to us about the key issues such as who should be the legal owner of the property (not always obvious), which type of mortgage would be best, how to deal with any inheritance complications produced by the local law and how to minimise their tax bills in their own country and in The Gambia BEFORE they go to look at any properties.

Early advice will almost always save quite a lot of money!

Let out team of Gambian contract lawyers discuss the issues concerning Drawing up of Legal Contracts in Gambia, West Africa

Work Permits in The Gambia

2009-04-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Work Permits in The Gambia

If you want to work in The Gambia – whether as an employee or running your own business – you will often need a work permit or other official authorisation to do so.

Obtaining work permits in the fastest possible way involves not only a knowledge of the law in The Gambia but also good local contacts who can guide you as to the attitudes and preferences of the local officials in question. Let our team of lawyers qualified in The Gambia help you get it right!

Let out team of Gambian immigration lawyers discuss the issues concerning Residence visas and work permits in Gambia, West Africa

Debt Collecting in The Gambia

2009-04-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Personal and Business Debt Collection in The Gambia

If someone in The Gambia owes you money and won't pay.. you will, unfortunately, usually have to go to court. Bringing a court case in another country can be complicated but need not be excessively so.

Speak to one of our team international lawyers based in The Gambia to see whether we can help you claim the money to which you are entitled.

Let out team of Gambian business lawyers discuss the issues concerning Personal and Business Debt Collection Services in Gambia, West Africa

Immigration and Nationality in The Gambia

2009-04-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

Immigration and Nationality

If you are thinking of moving to The Gambia you may well need help understanding what visas are available and how you get them.

If you want to claim Gambian nationality you will also need to understand the rules and procedures involved. Speak to one of our Gambian based international lawyers to see whether we can help you.

Let out team of Gambian Immigration lawyers discuss the issues concerning Immigration Laws, Visas and Legal Requirement in Gambia, West Africa

Advising About an Accident in The Gambia

2009-04-17T17:20:00.001-07:00

Advising About an Accident in The Gambia

In most countries if you suffer an accident as a result of the negligence of some other person you will be entitled to compensation.

Knowing where to claim, what to claim and how to claim needs specialist legal advice.

Speak to one of our team of international lawyers in The Gambia to see whether we can help you claim the money to which you are entitled.

Let out team of Gambian accident and compensation lawyers discuss the issues concerning Accident and Compensation Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Grants and Grant Aid in The Gambia

2009-04-17T17:19:00.001-07:00

Grants and Grant Aid in The Gambia

Sometimes taxes can be a good thing! In some countries there are bucketfuls of money available by way of grants, soft loans and tax incentives when you are starting a new business.

The sums can be huge and, sometimes, the obstacles to claiming the grants can be quite small – providing you know what you are doing.

Speak to one of our team of international lawyers in The Gambia to see whether we can help you claim the money to which you are entitled.

Let out team of Gambian lawyers discuss the issues concerning Grants, Funding and Aid Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Development Opportunities in The Gambia

2009-04-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

Development Opportunities in The Gambia
Development of land – i.e. buying land in The Gambia and building on it or buying a property and improving it – is becoming increasingly common, even for 'ordinary' investors.

Choosing the right opportunity, drawing up a business plan that will work in The Gambia and making the right contacts can be a major challenge.

Let our team of lawyers use our years of Gambian legal experience to help you get it right and maximise your profit.

Let out team of Gambian lawyers discuss the issues concerning Business, Investment and Development Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Business Problems in The Gambia

2009-04-17T17:17:00.001-07:00

Business Problems in The Gambia

It is always the same. No sooner have you started your business than somebody refuses to pay you or you fall out with a supplier.

Let out team of Gambian business lawyers discuss the issues concerning Business, Investment and Development Problems in Gambia, West Africa

Setting up a Business in The Gambia

2009-04-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Setting up a Business in The Gambia
When you are starting business in The Gambia you will normally need far more advice than a 'local' person.

You will probably need help not just with the legalities involved in registering your business but also with tax issues, the drafting of contracts and other documents and about many aspects of the local business culture.

Let out team of Gambian business lawyers discuss the issues concerning Starting up a Business in Gambia, West Africa

Dealing with an Inheritance in The Gambia

2009-04-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

Dealing with an Inheritance in The Gambia

It is bad enough when your parents die and they live just down the road. It can be much more complicated if they live in The Gambia.

The laws are different, the tax is different and you don't know who to turn to. Even if your parents used a local lawyer, will that lawyer know enough about Gambian law to guide through these complicated waters?

Let out team of Gambian inheritence lawyers discuss the issues concerning Personal, Property and Business Inheritance Laws in Gambia, West Africa

Setting Up a Will in The Gambia

2009-04-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

Setting Up a Will in The Gambia

If you are the owner of a property in The Gambia it is very often a good idea to prepare a will relating to your property. You will then also need to modify your existing will or any other wills.

You will need to make sure that both are operating in the most tax efficient manner and, most importantly, that they do not contradict each other.

Let out team of Gambian inheritence lawyers discuss the issues concerning Personal, Property and Business Wills in Gambia, West Africa

Setting Up Trusts in The Gambia

2009-04-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

Setting Up Trusts in The Gambia

Some of our Clients will benefit from the use of trusts.

Very often they do not understand the options available to them or they think that trusts are only for people who are much richer than they are. So they do nothing.

And it costs them a fortune in unnecessary taxes. Let us guide you through this minefield.

Let out team of Gambian trust lawyers discuss the issues concerning Personal, Property and Business Trusts in Gambia, West Africa

Setting Up an Offshore Company in Gambia

2009-04-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

Setting Up an Offshore Company in Gambia

Companies based offshore (ie: in tax havens) can still have number of advantages for some of our clients but can be a disaster for others.

Let us guide you through the advantages and disadvantages of each type of company and then help you set up any companies in The Gambia that you may need.

Our team of Gambian financial lawyers discuss the issues concerning Setting Up an Offshore Company in Gambia, West Africa

Setting Up A Company in The Gambia

2009-04-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

Setting Up A Company in The Gambia

Whether you wish to start a business or buy an investment property, doing so using a company may be the best way forward.

Which type of company should you use? The options will be different from what you are used to. What are the tax consequences and costs involved?

Let us explain the process and help you set up the company or companies in The Gambia that you require. Our team of Gambian business lawyers discuss the issues concerning Setting Up and Registering a Company in Gambia, West Africa

Mortgages of Shares or Debentures in Gambia

2009-04-17T17:06:00.001-07:00

Mortgages of Shares or Debentures in Gambia

If you wish to raise money on the strength of the shares in a Gambian company or to grant a general charge over the assets of that company you will need to put in place the right legal paperwork and/or check that the paperwork supplied by your lender is both fair and reasonable and that it will not cause any undesirable consequences in the country where you are living.

Let our team of Gambian lawyers discuss the issues concerning Mortgages, Shares and Debentures in Gambia, West Africa

Gambia Law: Mortgages For Gambian Property

2009-04-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

Mortgaging Your Gambian Property

Most of our clients now borrow to finance the purchase of their property in The Gambia.

Let us discuss with you whether a mortgage in your own country or a mortgage in The Gambia will best suit your needs. Note that we are not mortgage brokers and we are not trying to sell you any particular mortgage product.

Let our team of Gambian real estate and property lawyers discuss the issues concerning Mortgages for Residential and Commercial Properties in Gambia, West Africa

Property Law: Property Rental Contracts in The Gambia

2009-04-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Property Rental Contracts in The Gambia

So you have bought you investment in The Gambia and you want to let it out. Are you really going to allow the tenant into possession without a signed rental contract?

You need to protect your legal position. Let us prepare a specimen contract that you can use over and over again. Just check every couple of years that the law has not changed!

Let our team of Gambian real estate and property lawyers discuss the issues concerning Renting and Leasing Commercial Properties in Gambia, West Africa

Property Lawyers: Selling Commercial Property in The Gambia

2009-04-17T10:47:00.002-07:00

Selling Commercial Property in The Gambia

If you are selling commercial property in The Gambia you will need to bear in mind not just the legal issues in the country in question but also the tax and business law consequences of the sale.

Our team of lawyers can help you save a lot of money and a lot of aggravation! We specialise in dealing with cases involving the law of more than one country. Let our team of Gambian real estate and property lawyers discuss the issues concerning Buying and Selling Commercial Properties in Gambia, West Africa

Buying Commercial Property in The Gambia

2009-04-17T10:47:00.001-07:00

Buying Commercial Property in The Gambia

When you are buying a hotel, an office, a warehouse or a shop in The Gambia there are many more things to think about than the basics of making sure you get good legal title.

These will require a knowledge of the legal system in the country where you live and also of The Gambia.

We specialise in dealing with cases involving the law of more than one country. Let our team of Gambian real estate and property lawyers discuss the issues concerning Buying and Selling Commercial Property in Gambia, West Africa

Property Lawyer: Selling Property in The Gambia

2009-04-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

Selling Residential Property in The Gambia

If you are selling your property in The Gambia your main concern is getting your hands on the money as quickly as possible.

But there can be a lot more to do, especially if you want to minimise your taxes both in The Gambia and in the country where you live.

Let our team of Gambian real estate and property lawyers discuss the issues concerning Buying and Selling Land and Property in Gambia, West Africa

Buying Residential Property in The Gambia

2009-04-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Buying Residential Property in The Gambia

Whether you are buying a holiday home, a place for retirement or an investment property in The Gambia, let our team of specialist property lawyers transfer the ownership safely into your name – and deal with all of the other vital issues that must be taken into account when buying property in The Gambia.

Contact us to discuss the issues concerning Buying Residential Property in Gambia, West Africa

Foreign Investment in The Gambian Economy

2009-04-09T03:51:00.000-07:00

Foreign investment is present and visible in all sectors of the Gambian economy.

Almost all the commercial banks operating in The Gambia have majority foreign ownership. Out of the 10 commercial banks, three are Nigerian-owned, two are regional, one is British, one is Malaysian, one is Mauritanian, one is Arab and only one has majority Gambian shares.

The telecommunications industry has also considerable Lebanese presence owing two of the three cellular phone companies. In 2007, the national telecommunications operator, GAMTEL, also entered into a 50-50 strategic partnership with a Lebanese firm called Spectrum.

The national electricity and water company, NAWEC, is also managed by a company with Lebanese interests. The tourism sector is dominated by Scandinavian, British, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch and Lebanese investments.

There are also some recent investments in the tourism sector by the Kuwaiti firm, M.A. Kharafi & Sons, which bought the Kairaba Beach Hotel and built the country's first Sheraton-flagged hotel and conference center.

This was the venue of the African Union Summit in June/July 2006 – the biggest event of its kind ever hosted by The Gambia.

There has been a recent inflow of Libyan investment in the tourism sector in the form of hotels and amusement centers.

The Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zones Agency

2009-04-09T03:37:00.000-07:00

The Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zones Agency (GIPFZA) administers The Gambia Investment Promotion Act, signed into law in 2001. The act sets out the administrative and legal requirements for investing in The Gambia and makes provisions for business incentives, protection against compulsory acquisition, settlement of disputes and the transfer of funds. The ultimate objective is to promote The

Gambia as an investment haven by:

providing an attractive business environment and incentives for business activities in The Gambia;
establishing a "one-stop shop" for investors, where every government department, agency, or other relevant body, cooperates to provide permits, exemptions, authorizations, licenses, land, or other accommodation required to establish a business enterprise;
attracting, promoting, and increasing the manufacture of goods and trade in goods and services;
coordinating, promoting, and facilitating investment in The Gambia; and
advising government on investment policy and related matters.
Investments must fulfill the following criteria to qualify for special investment status:
investment outlay in fixed assets of at least $100,000 or its equivalent in Gambian dalasis or other freely convertible currencies at the time of application;
investment activities targeted in one of the following priority sectors: agriculture, fisheries, tourism, forestry, manufacturing, energy, skills development, financial and off-shore services, health and veterinary, river and air transportation, information technology, minerals exploration and exploitation, and communications;
expectation of new earnings or savings of foreign exchange through exports, resource-based import substitution, or other activities;
utilization of local materials, supplies and services;
creation of employment opportunities in The Gambia;
introduction of advanced technology or upgrading of indigenous technology; and
contribution to locally or regionally balanced socio-economic development.

Debt Collection & Debt Recovery in The Gambia

2009-04-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

Collecting a debt or bringing a debt recovery case to court in the Gambia can be complicated but need not be excessively so.

Solie Law offer debt collection and debt recovery services in The Gambia and abroad and can explain some of your rights and responsibilities and answer questions about the procedures for recovering a business or personal debt and explain the process and procedure for debt collection under Gambian law.

If an individual or business in The Gambia owes you money and won't pay their debts, speak to one of our debt collection team to see whether we can help you settle the debt and claim the money to which you are entitled.

Foreign Investments in The Gambia

2009-03-19T03:41:00.000-07:00

LIST OF RECENT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS OF MORE THAN $0.5 MILLION:

Name of Company	Country	Investment ($ millions)
(as of end June 2007)
West African Resort and Casino	US / Gambia	3.00
West Africa Cattle Company	US	1.00
Brufut Sheraton Hotel	Kuwait	12.00
West African Aquaculture	Sweden	4.40
International Commercial Bank	Malaysia	2.58
Africell	Lebanon	21.1
Africa Production Company	Libya	0.83
Jerma Hotel	Libya	3.50
Gam-Petroleum Storage Depot	Lebanon / Gambia	5.00
Gambia Agric. Marketing Co.	Nigeria / Gambia	13.00
Brufut Sheraton Hotel	Kuwait	12.00
Gamwater Company Ltd	Gambia	1.40
Access Bank (Gambia) Ltd	Nigeria / Gambia	2.00
T & C Transportation Services	Gambian	0.50
Al Amana Company Ltd	Libya	1.80
GamPalm	Gambia / Senegal	3.10
Atlantic Seafood	Netherlands	0.76
Walo Development Enterprises	Gambia / UK	1.90
Knitswear	Belgium / Gambia	0.94
Carnegie Corporation Ltd	Australia	2.50
Comfort Quality Services	Gambian	1.30
Zam Zam Company Hotel	Libyan	2.00
Liptis International Co. Ltd	Libyan	2.00
Kafuta Fresh Produce Limited	Kuwait	1.27
Mecalite Ltd	Gambia	1.00
Golden Beach Hotel	Gambia	1.00
Africa Production Company Ltd	Libya	0.83
Fine Beverage Company Limited	Gambia	1.50
Cosmos Industrial Company Ltd.	China	1.70
African Safari Company	Libya	1.00
Fazan Fishing Company Ltd	Libya	1.14
West African Pearl	China / Gambia	4.60
Quantum Net	Gambia	1.50
Salam Company Limited	Gambia	1.00
Swami India International Ltd.	India	0.63
Moukhtara Holding Company Ltd	Gambia / Denmark	5.13
Global Electrical Group Ltd.	Lebanon / Gambia	8.10
Gamveg	Nigeria/UK/Gambia	3.67
Reliance Financial Services	Gambia	1.95
Nice Gambia Ltd	Netherlands	10.31
Hanes Company Ltd	Taiwan	0.91
Universal Business Group Ltd.	Turkey / Gambia	3.01
Comium	Lebanon	19.00
African Production Fishing Co.	Libya	1.64
Unique Solutions	Gambia	2.04
Radville Farms Ltd.	UK / Gambia	1.88
Basma Industrial Ltd.	Gambia	1.30
Royal Enterprise Ltd.	India	1.50
Jama-ak-Salam Foam	Gambia	0.50
Fine Water Company Ltd.	Gambia	2.41
Kombo Farms Company Ltd.	Gambia	1.53
EcoBank	ECOWAS	3.00
Sandele Eco-Retreat	UK	1.50
AHS Holding Ltd.	China	0.67
A & A Industries Ltd.v	Pakistan	1.54
Takaful Gambia Ltd.	Gambia	3.00
Zygot Oil Company Ltd.	Gambia	0.51
Rue Chicken Ltd.	Gambia	0.80
Womy Gambia Ltd	Gambia	1.88

Source: The Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zones Agency (GIPFZA)

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Family Law in Gambia: Adoptions, Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce, Domestic Violence

2009-03-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

Solie Law can advice on a number of common family law issues in the Gambia -- including divorce, marriage, child custody, child support, adoption, and much more.

As experienced Gambian lawyers we are well versed in the legal processes, practices and proceedings when trying to solve family matters in the Gambia.

We offer legal representation in Gambia for parents, spouses, children and unmarried couples and can advise on divorce packages, prenuptial agreements, leqal name change, separation agreements, inheritance, wills and other family diputes.

Setting up a business or company in Gambia

2009-03-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

The Gambian Constitution guarantees the right of private ownership. Under the Company Act of 1955, there are no restrictions on the minimum or maximum share capital of a business venture, nor is there any compulsory requirement for equity participation by Gambian nationals in foreign-owned enterprises, except as described in Paragraph 10 in relation to privatization programs. Businesses may be wholly owned by foreigners or jointly owned with participation by local investors. Organizational forms include:

limited liability companies;
unlimited companies;
guarantee companies;
partnerships;
co-operatives;
institutions established by act of the National Assembly (e.g., parastatals);
branches of foreign businesses; and
sole proprietorship.

In those sectors where private businesses are in competition with public enterprises, there is no undue discrimination with regard to access to markets, credit, and other business facilities, such as licenses and supplies.

Mobile Phones In Gambia

2009-03-04T08:52:00.001-08:00

Nice talking to you ... mobile phone use passes milestone reports the Guardian newspaper in the UK.

A UN report reveals that half the globe now pays to use one and Africa is the continent with the fastest growth, where penetration has soared from just one in 50 people at the turn of the century to 28%.

The report points to the Gambia, where mobile subscriptions have rocketed amid stiff competition among mobile operators. Out of almost a million telephone subscribers, there are more than 800,000 mobile subscriptions but only about 50,000 fixed telephone lines in service.
Developing countries now account for about two-thirds of the mobile phones in use, compared with less than half of subscriptions in 2002.

Special court for capital and serious criminal offences setup

2009-03-02T02:45:00.000-08:00

The office of His lordship, Abdoul Karim Savage has announced the setting up of a special court within the criminal division of the High Court, tasked specifically to deal with capital and serious criminal offences. According to him, this court has been provided to expidite criminal cases by giving these matters accelerated day to day hearing. High Court judge Hon. Justice Mosses B johnson-Richards has been assigned to the court.

The move, the release stated, follows stakeholders consultations, involving key officials in the persons of the Inspector General of police and the director of public prosecutions. The Bar which has pledged the support, co-operation and collaboration of defence lawyers to the scheme, was also involved the release added. It went on to say that the objective of the initiative is to ensure that criminal cases are concluded within three months.

As part of the implementation,almost all pending serious criminal cases in the magistrates courts within the Greater Banjul Area have been trasferred to this special court and solicited the co-operation of all witnesses, as well as the police and prison services to give the new arrangement all the support it requires in the interest of speedy justice delivery.

Meanwhile, the Judicial Service Commission has also announced the appointment of Basiru V. P. Mahoney and Fredric C. Foster as senior magistrate and magistrate class 1 respectively.

Judges, magistrates, police prosecutors & private legal practitioners complete training course

2009-02-18T02:57:00.000-08:00

Some judges, magistrates, police prosecutors and private legal practitioners, drawn from within the Greater Banjul Area have recently concluded a two-day training on criminal justice system and international norms relating to the safeguarding of criminal justice, as part of the legal capacity building programme funded by the UK department for International Development.

The training aimed, among other things, at strengthening The Gambian legal system through the introduction of international reforms which will improve efficiency and effectiveness, and ensure justice for the poor, continues the report in The Observer.

The legal capacity building project provides support to three main beneficiary institutions in the Gambia, the main target being the judiciary, the Gambia bar association, the department of state for Justice as well as police prosecutors. It is a three-month assessment stage which has two main aims: to gain and understand the needs, and to reform the proposed work plans.

The two-day training exposed participants to different international legal instruments such as the international human right laws, origin, scope and meaning of the international human right law, among others.

Mr Sanna Dahaba, coordinator of the legal capacity building project in the Gambia, disclosed that the project was designed one and half year ago and that the assessment stage is an opportunity to obtain an updated picture of the situation as well as the constraints facing staff members of the beneficiary institutions.

He added that an awareness programme of the project was held at the start of the project, followed by a seminar.

In essence, he said, the training is meant to refresh and expand the knowledge of participants and to explore the practical application of their lgal knowledge.

The training was led by Nick Olley from the UK who was assisted by Justice Moses Richard, a high court judge and Gaye Sowe from the Human Right Institute.

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Getting Married in The Gambia

2009-02-11T03:10:00.000-08:00

Marriage in Gambia is regulated by either customary, Shari'a (Muslim), or general law.

Customary law is reserved for all non-Muslims and covers inheritance, land tenure, tribal and clan leadership, as well as other relationships.

Shari'a law is primarily for Muslims and covers marriage and divorce.

General law is based on British law.

Courts in Gambia are temples of justice - Media Chief

2009-02-06T01:58:00.000-08:00

Courts in The Gambia are independent in the exercise of their funtions, a power which guarantees for citizens the right to just and fair trial. They are places of respect and dignity hence the expression temples of justice. Remarks by Swaibou Conteh, propritor of Gambia News and Report Magazine on the third day of training for court reporters held at the Gambia Press Union head office in Bakau.

He said access to the courts by the people and journalists constitutes one of the pillars of democratic way of life. This dichotomy for free press and free trials is an important cornerstone to the continued survival of our right to have justice and not to become victims of the arbitrary use of power.

Open courts and press access to cover and report proccedings are a guarantee to fair trial.

Gambia Property Investment: Buying a Property in Gambia?

2009-01-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

If you are considering buying a property in The Gambia, we strongly advise that going to look at properties should be the LAST stage in the process, not the first.

The process of buying a property - whether for your personal use or as an investment - SHOULD start with thorough preparation.

This will save you a lot of wasted time AND money.

We STRONGLY recommend that you make contact with us as the first step to buying a property in Gambia.

That way we can deal with all of the key issues calmly and clearly, before you get involved in the rush and pressure always associated with buying a specific property anywhere in the world.

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Gambian Lawyers: Solie Law

2009-01-22T16:11:00.000-08:00

Solie Law offer access to high quality but cost effective legal services in The Gambia for private individuals, charities, NGO's, commercial and business clients.

We aim to provide a full range of effective legal solutions to the many problems which can confront you in a business and social context in The Gambia.

Above all, we are here to help you.

Christian, Muslim & Civil Marriages: Divorce Lawyers in The Gambia

2009-01-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

It is an unfortunate fact of life that not all marriages are successful. When a relationship breaks down it is not unusual for one or both parties to seek to dissolve the marriage or to obtain a formal Decree of Judicial Separation.

Solie Law offer a sympathetic ear and practical advice on how best to resolve divorce and family matters. We are experienced at dealing with family problems and will try and help to reach an amicable but legally binding agreement through negotiation where at all possible, but we will also represent you in any Christian, Muslim & Civil court proceedings involving divorce law, family law & childcare matters in The Gambia, if required.

The Legal Capacity Building Programme Phase II (LCBP II)

2008-12-22T16:47:00.000-08:00

The Legal Capacity Building Programme Phase II (LCBP II) is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The objective of DFID’s support is to ensure that the Gambian legal system is strengthened through the introduction of incremental reforms that will improve efficiency and effectiveness, and will better ensure access to justice for the poor.

LCBP II is providing support to three main beneficiary institutions – the Judiciary, Department of State for Justice and the Gambian Bar Association – and the other actors in the sector such as the police prosecutors. LCBP ll will continue to develop the processes begun in phase l (2004-2007).

It will support DFID’s overall policy aims in the Gambia focusing on promoting human rights and participatory processes, and achieving better performance against the international development targets through the PRSP frame work.

If you wish to contact the LCBP II project office, please call +220 422 3477.

Gambian Attorneys, Criminal & Civil Attorneys in Gambia

2008-11-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

Solie Law are a Gambian firm of lawyers otherwise known as attorneys, advocate or solicitors.

We offer specialist advice on the laws in Gambia and offer legal services and representation in The Gambia for matters involving family, income tax, sales tax, matrimonial, marriage, court, accident injuries, acquisitions, adoption, asset protection aviation, banking and finance, bankruptcy, business and commercial, buying selling real estate, car accident, child support, class action commerical leasing, consumer, contract, copyright, corporate, criminal law, civil law, disability, discrimination, divorce, drug crimes, e-commerce, education, employee, employment, entertainment & sports, environment, estate taxes, executors, family law, fore closures, health insurance, immigration visa, incorporation international law, internet/cyber law, tax audit, joint ventures, landlord and tenant, law suit, licensing agreement, limited liabiliy companies, litigation and appeals, medical malpractice, medical negligence, arbitration and collaboration, marriage law, mergers, motor vehicles, partnership, patents, personal injury, prenuptial agreement, wills, probate, securities and investments, sexual harassment, taxation, torts, trade marks, trusts, warranties, workers compensation, wrongful death and wrongful termination.

Relocating to the Gambia: Moving to and Living in the Gambia

2008-10-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

If you are considering relocating, moving to or living in the Gambia you will already know that the sun shines here for all 12 months of the year!

The Gambia offers you the best climate in the world and one of the most beautiful landscapes.

This makes the Gambians warm and friendly people with a contagious relaxed attitude to life. The Gambia is known as the Smiling Coast.

In many ways, the lifestyle in the Gambia is very different from the one you are used to.

The Gambia offers you opportunities, sunshine, sparkling seas and sandy beaches.

Solie Law offers you peace of mind.