Compulsory registration of Bahamian non-profit organisations (NPOs) has come into effect in accordance with the Non-Profit Organisations Act 2019, and the registration portal is now open. All NPOs must submit the form to the Registrar General's Office along with a declaration of the NPO's purposes, proof of the identity of the controller and other members, particulars of the organisational documents, and evidence of the board structure.

Continuing to operate without registering carries a heavy fine or prison sentence, and banks and professionals are forbidden to maintain accounts with unregistered NPOs. Clauses in the original Bill requiring NPOs to provide source details of large donations have been removed....