Trustee Act (Revised 2020)

VIRGIN ISLANDS
TRUSTEE ACT
Revised Edition showing the law as at 1 January 2020 This is a revised edition of the law, prepared by the Law Revision Commissioner under the authority of the Law Revision Act 2014. This edition contains a consolidation of the following laws—
Page
TRUSTEE ACT 3
Act 28 of 1961 .. in force 24 August 1961 Amended by Acts: 7 of 1993 .. in force 1 November 1993 11 of 2003 .. in force 1 March 2004 6 of 2013 .. in force 15 May 2013 4 of 2015 .. in force 31 March 2015

Published in 2021
On the authority and on behalf of the Government of The Virgin Islands by The Regional Law Revision Centre Inc. For information contact— Attorney General’s Chambers Government of the Virgin Islands P.O. Box 242 Road Town Tortola, VG1110 British Virgin Islands Tel: (284) 468 - 2960 Email: agc@gov.vg Printed on the authority and on behalf of the Government of The Virgin Islands by The Regional Law Revision Centre Inc. P.O. Box 1626, 5 Mar Building, The Valley, AI-2640, Anguilla Authorised Printers for this Revised Edition

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 5 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 TRUSTEE ACT ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
PART I
PRELIMINARY
SECTION

Short title
Interpretation
2A. Trust records
PART II
INVESTMENTS
Authorised investments
Investment in bearer securities
Discretion of trustees
Power to retain investment which has ceased to be authorised
Loans and investments by trustees not chargeable as breaches of trust
Liability for loss by reason of improper investment
Powers supplementary of powers of investment
Power to deposit money at bank and to pay calls
PART III
GENERAL POWERS OF TRUSTEES AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Power of trustees for sale to sell by auction or private contract
Power to postpone sale
Trust for sale of mortgaged property where right of redemption is barred
Power to sell subject to depreciatory conditions
Power of trustees to give receipts
Power to compound liabilities
Validation of appointment where objects are excluded or take illusory shares
Protection to purchasers and mortgagees dealing with trustees
Devolution of powers or trusts
Power to insure
Application of insurance money where policy kept up under any trust, power
or obligation
Deposit of documents for safe custody
Reversionary interests, valuations, and audit
Powers to employ agents
Power to concur with others

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26. Power to delegate trusts during absence abroad
27. Protection against liability in respect of rents and covenants
28. Protection by means of advertisement
29. Protection in regard to notice
30. Exoneration of trustees in respect of certain powers of attorney
31. Implied indemnity of trustees
32. Power to apply income for maintenance and to accumulate surplus income
during a minority
33. Power of advancement
34. Protective trusts
PART IV
APPOINTMENT AND DISCHARGE OF TRUSTEES
35. Limitation of the number of trustees
36. Power of appointing new or additional trustees
37. Power to appoint trustees of property belonging to infants or to persons out of
the Territory
38. Supplemental provisions as to appointment of trustees
39. Evidence as to a vacancy in a trust
40. Retirement of trustee without a new appointment
41. Vesting of trust property in new or continuing trustees
PART V
POWERS OF THE COURT
42. Power of Court to appoint new trustees
43. Power to authorise remuneration
44. Powers of new trustee appointed by the Court
45. Vesting orders of land
46. Orders as to contingent rights or unborn persons
47. Vesting order in place of conveyance by infant mortagee
48. Vesting order consequential on order for sale or mortgage of land
49. Vesting order consequential on judgment for specific performance, etc.
50. Effect of vesting order
51. Power to appoint person to convey
52. Vesting orders as to stocks and things in action
53. Vesting orders of charity property
54. Vesting orders in relation to infant’s beneficial interests
55. Orders made upon certain allegations to be conclusive evidence
56. Orders of Court to be registered
57. Registration of vesting order made by Court in England
58. Jurisdiction of Court to vary trusts
58A. Power to appoint persons to consent to variations on behalf of those incapable
59. Power of Court to authorise dealings with trust property

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 7 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020
60. Persons entitled to apply for orders
61. Power to give judgment in absence of a trustee
62. Power to charge costs on trust estate
63. Power to relieve trustee from personal liability
64. Power to make beneficiary indemnify for breach of trust
65. Payment into Court by trustees
PART VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
66. Application of Act
67. Indemnity
PART VII
PERPETUITIES AND ACCUMULATIONS
68. Power to specify perpetuity period
69. Presumptions and evidence as to future parenthood
70. Uncertainty as to remoteness
71. Reduction of age and exclusion of class members to avoid remoteness
72. Condition relating to death of surviving spouse
73. Saving and acceleration of expectant interests
74. Powers of appointment
75. Administrative powers of trustees
76. Options relating to land
77. Possibilities of reverter, conditions subsequent, exceptions and reservations
78. Accumulation of income
79. Interpretation and extent of Part VII
PART VIII
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
80. Determination of proper law of trust
81. Change of proper law
82. Jurisdiction of court
83. Proper law to determine disposition of personal property
83A. Conflict of law rules for certain trusts and dispositions
84. Purpose trusts
84A. Purpose trusts created on or after the commencement of this section
85. Trustees to act by majority
86. Protector of trusts
87. Managing trustee
88. Successor trustee
89. Construction of power to amend trust

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90. Exemption from income tax, etc
91. Exemption from registration
92. Trust duty
PART IX
INCORPORATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS BY REFERENCE
93. Incorporation by reference
PART X
TRUSTEES AND DEALINGS WITH THIRD PARTIES
94. Definitions
95. Transactions deemed to be properly entered into with trustees
96. Protection of persons dealing with trustees
97. Optional provision concerning liability of trustees
98. Limitation of trustee’s personal contractual liability
99. Protection from tortious liability
100. Provisions relating to the right of subrogation
101. Optional power to vary trust for protection of creditors
102. Optional power to create charges
103. Prohibition of amendment of applied sections
104. Application of part
PART XI
CHARITIES
105. Definitions
106. Occasions for applying property cy-pres
107. Power for the Court to authorise dealings with charity property, etc
108. Power to spend capital
109. Application of Part
SCHEDULE 1
SCHEDULE 2

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 9 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 TRUSTEE ACT (Ordinance 28 of 1961 and Acts 7 of 1993, 11 of 2003, 6 of 2013 and 4 of 2015)
PART I
PRELIMINARY
Commencement
[24 August 1961]
Short title

This Act may be cited as the Trustee Act.
Interpretation
(1) In this Act—
“authorised investments” mean investments authorised by the instrument, if any, creating the trust for the investment of money subject to the trust, or by law; “contingent right” as applied to land includes a contingent or executory interest, a possibility coupled with an interest, whether the object of the gift or limitation of the interest, or possibility is or is not ascertained, also a right of entry, whether immediate or future, and whether vested or contingent; “convey” and “conveyance” as applied to any person include the execution by that person of every necessary or suitable assurance (including an assent) for conveying, assigning appointing, surrendering, or otherwise transferring or disposing of land whereof he is seised or possessed, or wherein he is entitled to a contingent right, either for his whole estate or for any less estate, together with the performance of all formalities required by law for the validity of the conveyance; “Court” means the High Court or a Judge thereof; “income” includes rents and profits; “land” includes land of any tenure, houses and other buildings, mines and minerals, and other corporeal hereditaments; also a rent and other incorporeal hereditaments, and an easement, right, privilege, or benefit in, over, or derived from land, and also an undivided share in land; and in this definition “mines and minerals” include any strata or seam of minerals or substances in or under any land, and powers of working and winning the same; and hereditaments mean real property which under an intestacy devolve on the next of kin; “mortgage” and “morgagee” include a charge or chargee by way of mortgage and relate to every estate and interest regarded in equity as merely a security for money, and every person deriving title under the original mortgagee, and also include and relate to an encumbrance under the Title by Registration Act;

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“pay” and “payment” as applied in relation to stocks and securities and in connexion with the expression “into court” include the deposit or transfer of the same in or into court;” “person resident in the Territory” means a person who ordinarily resides within the Territory or carries on business from an office or other fixed place of business within the Territory but does not include a company incorporated under the International Business Companies Act; (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) “personal representative” means the executor or administrator for the time being of a deceased person; “possession” includes receipt of rents and profits or the right to receive the same, if any; and “possessed” applies to receipt of income of and to any vested estate less than a life interest in possession or in expectancy in any land; “property” includes real and personal property, and any estate, share and interest in any property, real or personal, and any debt, and any thing in action, and any other right or interest, whether in possession or not; “rights” include estates and interests; “sale” includes an exchange; “securities” include stocks, funds, and shares; and so far as relate to payments into court have the same meaning as in the enactments relating to funds in the Court; and “securities payable to bearer” include securities transferable by delivery or by delivery and endorsement; “settlor” includes a person who transfers property by way of gift or who makes a testamentary disposition on trust or to a trust; (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) “stock” includes fully paid up shares, and so far as relates to vesting orders made by the Court under this Act, includes any fund, annuity, or security transferable in books kept by any company or society, or by instrument of transfer either alone or accompanied by other formalities, and any share or interest therein; “transfer” in relation to stock or securities, includes the performance and execution of every deed, power of attorney, act, and thing on the part of the transferor to effect and complete the title in the transferee; “trust” (Repealed by Act 7 of 1993) “trust corporation” (Repealed by Act 7 of 1993) “trust for sale” in relation to land means an immediate binding trust for sale, whether or not exercisable at the request or with the consent of any person, and with or without power at discretion to postpone the sale; “trustees for sale” means the persons (including a personal representative) holding land on trust for sale. (2) For the purposes of this Act the term “trust” refers to the legal relationship created, either inter vivos or on death, by a settlor when assets have been placed under the control of a trustee for the benefit of a beneficiary or for a special purpose. (3) A trust has the following characteristics—

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 11 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (a) the assets constitute a separate fund and are not part of the trustee’s own estate; (b) title to the trust assets stands in the name of the trustee or in the name of another person on behalf of the trustee; and (c) the trustee has the power and the duty in respect of which he is accountable to manage, employ or dispose of the assets in accordance with the terms of the trust and the special duties imposed on him by law. (4) The reservation by the settlor of certain rights and powers, and the fact that the trustee may himself have rights as a beneficiary, are not necessarily inconsistent with the existence of a trust. (5) A trust does not include the duties incident to an estate conveyed by way of mortgage but it does extend to— (a) implied trusts; (b) constructive trusts; and (c) the duties incident to the office of a personal representative. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Trust records 2A. (1) Every Trustee shall maintain records and underlying documentation of the Trust whether within or outside the Virgin Islands and retain these records and underlying documentation for a period of at least five years. (2) The records and underlying documentation of the trust shall be in such form as— (a) are sufficient to show and explain the trusts’ transactions; and (b) will, at any time, enable the financial position of the trust to be determined with reasonable accuracy. (3) For the purposes of this section, the records and underlying documentation includes accounts and records (such as any invoices, contracts or other similar documentation) in relation to— (a) all sums of money received and expended by the trust and the matters in respect of which the receipt and expenditure takes place; (b) all sales and purchases of goods by the trust; and (c) the assets and liabilities of the trust. (4) A Trustee who, without lawful or reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. (Inserted by Act 4 of 2015)

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PART II
INVESTMENTS
Authorised investments
3. Subject to any provision contained in the instrument creating the trust, a
trustee may at any time invest any portion of the trust funds in any kind of investment— (a) wherever the investment is situate; and (b) whether or not at the time the funds are already in a state of investment, and he may vary the investment or retain it in its original state as long as he exercises the diligence and prudence that a reasonable person would be expected to exercise in making an investment as if it were his own money. (Substituted by Act 7 of 1993) Investment in bearer securities
4. (1) A trustee may, unless expressly prohibited by the instrument creating
the trust, retain or invest in securities payable to bearer, which, if not so payable, would have been an authorized investment, except that securities to bearer retained or taken as an investment by a trustee shall, until sold, be retained in safe custody. (1A) A direction that investments be retained or made in the name of a trustee shall not, for the purposes of subsection (1), be deemed to be an express prohibition. (Substituted by Act 7 of 1993) (2) A trustee shall not be responsible for any loss incurred by reason of such deposit, and any sum payable in respect of such deposit and collection shall be paid out of the income of the trust property. Discretion of trustees
5. Every power conferred by the preceding sections shall be exercised
according to the discretion of the trustee, but subject to any consent or direction required by the instrument, if any, creating the trust with respect to the investment of the trust funds. Power to retain investment which has ceased to be authorised
6. A trustee shall not be liable for breach of trust by reason only of his
continuing to hold an investment which has ceased to be an investment authorised by the trust instrument or by the general law. Loans and investments by trustees not chargeable as breaches of trust
7. (1) A trustee lending money on the security of any property on which he
can properly lend shall not be chargeable with breach of trust by reason only of the proportion borne by the amount of the loan to the value of the property at the time when the loan was made, if it appears to the Court—

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 13 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (a) that in making the loan the trustee was acting upon a report as to the value of the property made by a person whom he reasonably believed to be an able practical surveyor or valuer instructed and employed independently of any owner of the property, whether such surveyor or valuer carried on business in the locality where the property is situate or elsewhere; and (b) that the amount of the loan does not exceed two-third parts of the value of the property as stated in the report; and (c) that the loan was made under the advice of the surveyor or valuer expressed in the report. (2) A trustee shall not be chargeable with breach of trust only upon the ground that in effecting the purchase, or in lending money upon the security, of any property he has accepted a shorter title than the title which a purchaser is, in the absence of a special contract, entitled to require if in the opinion of the Court the title accepted be such as a person acting with prudence and caution would have accepted. (3) This section applies to transfers of existing securities as well as to new securities and to investments made before as well as after the commencement of this Act. Liability for loss by reason of improper investment
8. (1) Where a trustee improperly advances trust money on a mortgage
security which would at the time of the investment be a proper investment in all respects for a smaller sum than is actually advanced thereon, the security shall be deemed an authorised investment for the smaller sum, and the trustee shall only be liable to make good the sum advanced in excess thereof with interest. (2) This section applies to investments made before as well as after the commencement of this Act. Powers supplementary of powers of investment
9. (1) Trustees lending money on the security of any property on which they
can lawfully lend may contract that such money shall not be called in during any period not exceeding seven years from the time when the loan was made, provided interest be paid within a specified time not exceeding thirty days after it becomes due, and provided there be no breach of any covenant by the mortgagor contained in the instrument of mortgage or charge for the maintenance and protection of the property. (2) On a sale of land for an estate in fee simple, trustees may, where the proceeds are liable to be invested, contract that the payment of any part, not exceeding two-thirds, of the purchase money shall be secured by a charge by way of first mortgage of the land sold, with or without the security of any other property, such charge or mortgage, if any buildings are comprised in the mortgage, to contain a covenant by the mortgagor to keep them insured against loss or damage by fire to the full value thereof. The trustees shall not be bound to obtain any report as to the value of the land or other property to be comprised in such charge or mortgage, or any advice as to the making of the loan, and shall not be liable for any loss which may be

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VIRGIN ISLANDS incurred by reason only of the security being insufficient at the date of the charge or mortgage. (3) Where any securities of a company are subject to a trust, the trustees may concur in any scheme or arrangement— (a) for the reconstruction of the company, (b) for the sale of all or any part of the property and undertaking of the company to another company, (c) for the amalgamation of the company with another company, or (d) for the release, modification, or variation of any rights, privileges or liabilities attached to the securities or any of them, in like manner as if they were entitled to such securities beneficially, with power to accept any securities of any denomination or description of the reconstructed or purchasing or new company in lieu of or in exchange for all or any of the first-mentioned securities; and the trustees shall not be responsible for any loss occasioned by any act or thing so done in good faith, and may retain any securities so accepted as aforesaid for any period for which they could have properly retained the original securities. (4) If any conditional or preferential right to subscribe for any securities in any company is offered to trustees in respect of any holding in such company, they may as to all or any of such securities, either exercise such right and apply capital money subject to the trust in payment of the consideration, or renounce such right, or assign for the best consideration that can be reasonably obtained the benefit of such right or the title thereto to any person, including any beneficiary under the trust, without being responsible for any loss occasioned by any act or thing so done by them in good faith:
Provided that the consideration for any such assignment shall be held as capital money of the trust. (5) The powers conferred by this section shall be exercisable subject to the consent of any person whose consent to a change of investment is required by law or by the instrument, if any, creating the trust. (6) Where the loan referred to in subsection (1), or the sale referred to in subsection (2), is made under the order of the Court, the powers conferred by those subsections respectively shall apply only if and as far as the Court may by order direct. Power to deposit money at bank and to pay calls
10. (1) Trustees may, pending the negotiation and preparation of any
mortgage or charge, or during any other time while an investment is being sought for, pay any trust money into a bank to a deposit or other account, and all interest, if any, payable in respect thereof shall be applied as income. (2) Trustees may apply capital money subject to a trust in payment of the calls on any shares subject to the same trust.

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PART III
GENERAL POWERS OF TRUSTEES AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES General Powers Power of trustees for sale to sell by auction or private contract
11. (1) Where a trust for sale or a power of sale of property is vested in a
trustee, he may sell or concur with any other person in selling all or any part of the property, either subject to prior charges or not, and either together or in lots, by public auction or by private contract, subject to any such conditions respecting title or evidence of title or other matter as the trustee thinks fit, with power to vary any contract for sale, and to buy in at any auction, or to rescind any contract for sale and to re-sell, without being answerable for any loss. (2) A trust or power to sell or dispose of land includes a trust or power to sell or dispose of part thereof, whether the division is horizontal, vertical, or made in any other way. Power to postpone sale
12. (1) A power to postpone sale shall, in the case of every trust for sale of
land, be implied unless a contrary intention appears.
(2) Where there is a power to postpone the sale then (subject to any express direction to the contrary in the instrument, if any, creating the trust for sale) the trustees for sale shall not be liable in any way for postponing the sale, in the exercise of their discretion, for any indefinite period; nor shall a purchaser of a legal estate be concerned in any case with any directions respecting the postponement of a sale. (3) The foregoing provisions of this section apply whether the trust for sale is created before or after the commencement of this Act. (4) Where a disposition or settlement coming into operation after the commencement of this Act contains a trust either to retain or sell land the same shall be construed as a trust to sell the land with power to postpone the sale. Trust for sale of mortgaged property where right of redemption is barred
13. (1) Where any property, vested in trustees by way of security, becomes,
by virtue of any enactment relating to the limitation of actions, or of an order for foreclosure or otherwise, discharged from the right of redemption, it shall be held by them on trust for sale. (2) The net proceeds of sale, after payment of costs and expenses, shall be applied in like manner as the mortgage debt, if received, would have been applicable, and the income of the property until sale shall be applied in like manner as the interest, if received, would have been applicable; but this subsection operates without prejudice to any rule of law relating to the apportionment of capital and income between tenant for life and remainderman. (3) This section does not affect the right of any person to require that, instead of a sale, the property shall be conveyed to him or in accordance with his directions.

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Power to sell subject to depreciatory conditions
14. (1) No sale made by a trustee shall be impeached by any beneficiary upon
the ground that any of the conditions subject to which the sale was made may have been unnecessarily depreciatory, unless it also appears that the consideration for the sale was thereby rendered inadequate. (2) No sale made by a trustee shall, after the execution of the conveyance, be impeached as against the purchaser upon the ground that any of the conditions subject to which the sale was made may have been unnecessarily depreciatory, unless it appears that the purchaser was acting in collusion with the trustee at the time when the contract for sale was made. (3) No purchaser, upon any sale made by a trustee, shall be at liberty to make any objection against the title upon any of the grounds aforesaid. (4) This section applies to sales made before or after the commencement of this Act. Power of trustees to give receipts
15. (1) The receipt in writing of a trustee for any money, securities, or other
personal property or effects payable, transferable, or deliverable to him under any trust or power shall be a sufficient discharge to the person paying, transferring, or delivering the same and shall effectually exonerate him from seeing to the application or being answerable for any loss or misapplication thereof. (2) This section applies notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the instrument, if any, creating the trust. Power to compound liabilities
16. A personal representative, or two or more trustees acting together, (or in
the case of a trust created on or after the date on which section 3 of the Trustee (Amendment) Act, 2003 comes into force, a personal representative or a trustee) may, if and as he or they think fit— (a) accept any property, real or personal, before the time at which it is made transferable or payable; or (b) sever and apportion any blended trust funds or property; or (c) pay or allow any debt or claim on any evidence that he or they think sufficient; or (d) accept any composition or any security, real or personal, for any debt or for any property, real or personal, claimed; or (e) allow any time of payment of any debt; or (f) compromise, compound, abandon, submit to arbitration, or otherwise settle any debt, account, claim, or thing whatever relating to the testator’s or intestate’s estate or to the trust; and for any of those purposes may enter into, give, execute, and do such agreements, instruments of composition or arrangement, releases, and other things as to him or them seem expedient, without being responsible for any loss

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 17 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 occasioned by any act or thing so done by him or them in good faith. (Amended by Act 11 of 2003) Power to raise money by sale, mortgage, or otherwise
17. (1) Where trustees are authorised by the instrument, if any, creating the
trust or by law to pay or apply capital money subject to the trust for any purpose or in any manner, they shall have and shall be deemed always to have had power to raise the money required by sale, conversion, calling in, or mortgage of all or any part of the trust property for the time being in possession. (2) This section applies notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the instrument, if any, creating the trust. Validation of appointment where objects are excluded or take illusory shares
18. (1) No appointment made in exercise of any power to appoint any
property among two or more objects shall be invalid on the ground that— (a) an unsubstantial, illusory or nominal share only is appointed to or left unappointed to devolve upon any one or more of the objects of the power; or (b) any object of the power is thereby altogether excluded, but every such appointment shall be valid notwithstanding that any one or more of the objects is not thereby, or in default of appointment, to take any share in the property. (2) No selection made in exercise of any power to select among two or more beneficiaries shall be invalid on the ground that any beneficiary is thereby altogether excluded. (3) This section does not affect any provision in the instrument creating the power which declares the amount or the share or shares, or any selection, from which any object of the power is not to be excluded. (4) In this section, “share” shall include a contingent or limited interest in capital or income. (5) This section applies to appointments made before, on or after the date on which this section comes into force. (Substituted by Act 11 of 2003) Devolution of powers or trusts
19. (1) Where a power or trust is given to or imposed on two or more trustees
jointly, the same may be exercised or performed by the survivors or survivor of them for the time being. (2) Until the appointment of new trustees, the personal representatives or representative for the time being of a sole trustee, or, where there were two or more trustees, of the last surviving or continuing trustee, shall be capable of exercising or performing any power or trust which was given to, or capable of being exercised by, the sole or last surviving or continuing trustee, or other the trustees or trustee for the time being of the trust.

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(3) In this section “personal representative” does not include an executor who has renounced or has not proved. Power to insure
20. (1) A trustee may insure against loss or damage by fire any buildings or
other insurable property to any amount, including the amount of any insurance already on foot, not exceeding the value of the building or property, and pay the premiums for such insurance out of the income thereof or out of the income of any other property subject to the same trusts without obtaining the consent of any person who may be entitled wholly or partly to such income. (2) This section does not apply to any building or property which a trustee is bound forthwith to convey absolutely to any beneficiary upon being requested to do so. Application of insurance money where policy kept up under any trust, power or obligation
21. (1) Money receivable by trustees or any beneficiary under a policy of
insurance against the loss or damage of any property subject to a trust or to a settlement whether by fire or otherwise, shall, where the policy has been kept up under any trust in that behalf or under any power statutory or otherwise, or in performance of any covenant or of any obligation statutory or otherwise, or by a tenant for life impeachable for waste, be capital money for the purposes of the trust or settlement, as the case may be. (2) If any such money is receivable by any person, other than the trustees of the trust or settlement, that person shall use his best endeavours to recover and receive the money and shall pay the net residue thereof, after discharging any costs of recovering and receiving in, to the trustees of the trust or settlement, or, if there are not trustees capable of giving a discharge therefor, into Court. (3) Any such money— (a) if it was receivable in respect of property held upon trust for sale, shall be held upon the trusts and subject to the powers and provisions applicable to money arising by a sale under such trust; (b) in any other case, shall be held upon trusts corresponding as nearly as may be with the trusts affecting the property in respect of which it was payable. (4) Such money, or any part thereof, may also be applied by the trustees, or, if in Court, under the direction of the Court, in rebuilding, reinstating, replacing, or repairing the property lost or damaged, but any such application by the trustees shall be subject to the consent of any person whose consent is required by the instrument, if any, creating the trust to the investment of money subject to the trust. (5) Nothing contained in this section shall prejudice or affect the right of any person to require any such money or any part thereof to be applied in rebuilding, reinstating, or repairing the property lost or damaged, or the rights of any mortgagee, lessor, or lessee, whether under any law or otherwise.

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 19 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (6) This section applies to policies effected either before or after the commencement of this Act, but only to money received after such commencement. Deposit of documents for safe custody
22. Trustees may deposit any documents held by them relating to the trust, or
to trust property, with any banker or banking company or any other company whose business includes the undertaking of the safe custody of documents, and any sum payable in respect of such deposit shall be paid out of the income of the trust property. Reversionary interests, valuations, and audit
23. (1) Where trust property includes any share or interest in property not
vested in the trustees, or the proceeds of the sale of any such property, or any other thing in action, the trustees on the same falling into possession or becoming payable or transferable may— (a) agree or ascertain the amount or value thereof or any part thereof in such manner as they may think fit; (b) accept in or towards satisfaction thereof, at the market or current value, or upon any valuation or estimate or value which they may think fit, any authorised investments; (c) allow any deductions for duties, costs, charges and expenses which they think proper or reasonable; (d) execute any release in respect of the premises so as effectually to discharge all accountable parties from all liability in respect of any matters coming within the scope of such release, without being responsible in any such case for any loss occasioned by any act or thing so done by them in good faith. (2) The trustees shall not be under any obligation and shall not be chargeable with any breach of trust by reason of any omission— (a) to place any distringas notice or apply for any stop or other like order upon any securities or other property out of or in which such share or interest or other thing in action as aforesaid is derived, payable or charged; or (b) to take any proceedings on account of any act, default, or neglect on the part of the persons in whom such securities or other property or any of them or any part thereof are for the time being, or had at any time been, vested, unless and until required in writing so to do by some person, or the guardian of some person, beneficially interested under the trust, and unless also due provision is made to their satisfaction for payment of the costs of any proceedings required to be taken:
Provided that nothing in this subsection shall relieve the trustees of the obligation to get in and obtain payment or transfer of such share or interest or other thing in action on the same falling into possession.

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(3) Trustees may, for the purpose of giving effect to the trust, or any of the provisions of the instrument, if any, creating the trust or of any law, from time to time (by duly qualified agents) ascertain and fix the value of any trust property in such manner as they think proper, and any valuation so made in good faith shall be binding upon all persons interested under the trust. (4) Trustees may, in their absolute discretion, from time to time, but not more than once in every three years unless the nature of the trust or any special dealings with the trust property make a more frequent exercise of the right reasonable, cause the accounts of the trust property to be examined or audited by an independent accountant, and shall, for that purpose, produce such vouchers and give such information to him as he may require; and the costs of such examination or audit including the fee of the auditor, shall be paid out of the capital or income of the trust property, or partly in one way and partly in the other, as the trustees, in their absolute discretion, think fit, but, in default of any direction by the trustees to the contrary in any special case, costs, attributable to capital shall be borne by capital and those attributable to income by income. Powers to employ agents
24. (1) Trustees or personal representatives may, instead of acting personally,
employ and pay an agent, whether a solicitor, banker, stockbroker, or other person, to transact any business or do any act required to be transacted or done in the execution of the trust, or the administration of the testator’s or intestate’s estate, including the receipt and payment of money, and shall be entitled to be allowed and paid all charges and expenses so incurred, and shall not be responsible for the default of any such agent if employed in good faith. (2) Trustees or personal representatives may appoint any person to act as their agent or attorney for the purpose of selling, converting, collecting, getting in, and executing and perfecting assurances of, or managing or cultivating, or otherwise administering, any property subject to the trust or forming part of the testator’s or intestate’s estate in any place outside the Territory, or executing or exercising any discretion or trust or power vested in them in relation to any such property, with such ancillary powers, and with and subject to such provisions and restrictions as they may think fit, including a power to appoint substitutes, and shall not, by reason only of their having made such appointment, be responsible for any loss arising thereby. (3) Without prejudice to such general power of appointing agents as aforesaid— (a) a trustee may appoint a solicitor to be his agent to receive and give a discharge for any money or valuable consideration or property receivable by the trustee under the trust, by permitting the solicitor to have the custody of, and to produce a deed having in the body thereof or endorsed thereon a receipt for such money or valuable consideration or property, the deed being executed, or the endorsed receipt being signed, by the person entitled to give a receipt for that consideration; (b) a trustee shall not be chargeable with breach of trust by reason only of his having made or concurred in making any such appointment; and the production of any such deed by the solicitor

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 21 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 shall have the same statutory validity and effect as if the person appointing the solicitor had not been a trustee; (c) a trustee may appoint a banker or solicitor to be his agent to receive and give a discharge for any money payable to the trustee under or by virtue of a policy of insurance, by permitting the banker or solicitor to have the custody of and to produce the policy of insurance with a receipt signed by the trustee, and a trustee shall not be chargeable with a breach of trust by reason only of his having made or concurred in making such appointment:
Provided that nothing in this subsection shall exempt a trustee from any liability which he would have incurred if this Act had not been passed, in case he permits any such money, valuable consideration, or property to remain in the hands or under the control of the banker or solicitor for a period longer than is reasonably necessary to enable the banker or solicitor, as the case may be, to pay or transfer the same to the trustee. This subsection applies whether the money or valuable consideration or property was or is received before or after the commencement of this Act. Power to concur with others
25. Where an undivided share in the proceeds of sale of land directed to be
sold, or in any other property, is subject to a trust, or forms part of the estate of a testator or intestate, the trustees or personal representative may (without prejudice to the trust for sale affecting the entirety of the land and the powers of the trustees for sale in reference thereto) execute or exercise any trust or power vested in them in relation to such share in conjunction with the persons entitled to or having power in that behalf over the other share or shares, and notwithstanding that any one or more of the trustees or personal representatives may be entitled to or interested in any such other share, either in his or their own right or in a fiduciary capacity. Power to delegate trusts during absence abroad
26. (1) A trustee may, notwithstanding any rule of law or equity to the
contrary, by power of attorney delegate to any person the execution or exercise of all or any trusts, powers and discretions vested in him as such trustee, either alone or jointly with any other person. (Substituted by Act 7 of 1993) (2) The donor of a power of attorney given under this section shall be liable for the acts or defaults of the donee in the same manner as if they were the acts or defaults of the donor. (3) (Repealed by Act 7 of 1993) (4) In favour of any person dealing with the donee, any act done or instrument executed by the donee shall, notwithstanding that the power has never come into operation or has become revoked by the act of the donor or by his death or otherwise, be as valid and effectual as if the donor were alive and of full capacity, and had himself done such act or executed such instrument, unless such person had actual notice that the power had never come into operation or of the revocation of the power before such act was done or instrument executed.

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(5) For the purpose of executing or exercising the trusts or powers delegated to him, the donee may exercise any of the powers conferred on the donor as trustee by law or by the instrument creating the trust, including power, for the purpose of the transfer of any inscribed stock, himself to delegate to an attorney power of transfer but not including the power to delegation conferred by this section. (6) The fact that it appears from any power of attorney given under this
section that in dealing with any stock the donee of the power is acting in the
execution of a trust shall not be deemed for any purpose to affect any person in whose books the stock is inscribed or registered with any notice of the trust. Indemnities Protection against liability in respect of rents and covenants
27. (1) Where a personal representative or trustee liable as such for—
(a) any rent, covenant, or agreement reserved by or contained in any lease; or (b) any rent, covenant or agreement payable under or contained in any grant made in consideration or a rent-charge; or (c) any indemnity given in respect of any rent, covenant or agreement referred to in either of the foregoing paragraphs, satisfies all liabilities under the lease or grant which may have accrued, or been claimed, up to the date of the conveyance hereinafter mentioned, and, where necessary, sets apart a sufficient fund to answer any future claim that may be made in respect of any fixed and ascertained sum which the lessee or grantee agreed to lay out on the property demised or granted, although the period for laying out the same may not have arrived, then and in any such case the personal representative or trustee may convey the property demised or granted to a purchaser, legatee, devisee, or other person entitled to call for a conveyance thereof, and thereafter— (i) he may distribute the residuary real and personal estate of the deceased testator or intestate, or, as the case may be, the trust estate (other than the fund, if any, set apart as aforesaid) to or amongst the persons entitled thereto, without appropriating any part, or any further part, as the case may be, of the estate of the deceased or of the trust estate to meet any future liability under the said lease or grant; (ii) notwithstanding such distribution, he shall not be personally liable in respect of any subsequent claim under the said lease or grant. (2) This section operates without prejudice to the right of the lessor or grantor, or the persons deriving title under the lessor or grantor, to follow the assets of the deceased or the trust property into the hands of the persons amongst whom the same may have been respectively distributed, and applies notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the will or other instrument, if any, creating the trust.

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 23 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (3) In this section “lease” includes an underlease and an agreement for a lease or underlease and any instrument giving any such indemnity as aforesaid or varying the liabilities under the lease; “grant” applies to a grant whether the rent is created by limitation, grant, reservation, or otherwise, and includes an agreement for a grant and any instrument giving any such indemnity as aforesaid or varying the liabilities under the grant; “lessee” and “grantee” include persons respectively deriving title under them. Protection by means of advertisement
28. (1) With a view to the conveyance to or distribution among the persons
entitled to any real or personal property, the trustees of a settlement or of a disposition on trust for sale, or personal representatives, may give notice by advertisement in the Gazette, and in a local newspaper, and such other like notices, including notices elsewhere than in the Territory, as would, in any special case, have been directed by the Court in an action for administration, of their intention to make such conveyance or distribution as aforesaid, and requiring any person interested to send to the trustees or personal representatives within the time, not being less than twenty-eight days, fixed in the notice, or, where more than one notice is given, in the last of the notices, particulars of his claim in respect of the property or any part thereof to which the notice relates. (2) At the expiration of the time fixed by the notice the trustees or personal representatives may convey or distribute the property or any part thereof to which the notice relates, to or among the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims, whether formal or not, of which the trustees or personal representatives then had notice and shall not, as respects the property so conveyed or distributed, be liable to any person of whose claim the trustees or personal representatives have not had notice at the time of conveyance or distribution; but nothing in this section prejudices the right of any person to follow the property, or any property representing the same, into the hands of any person who may have received it. (3) This section applies notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the will or other instrument, if any, creating the trust. Protection in regard to notice
29. A trustee or personal representative acting for the purposes of more than
one trust or estate shall not, in the absence of fraud, be affected by notice of any instrument, matter, fact or thing in relation to any particular trust, or estate if he has obtained notice thereof merely by reason of his acting or having acted for the purposes of another trust or estate. Exoneration of trustees in respect of certain powers of attorney
30. A trustee acting or paying money in good faith under or in pursuance of
any power of attorney shall not be liable for any such act or payment by reason of the fact that at the time of the act or payment the person who gave the power of attorney was subject to any disability, or bankrupt, or dead, or had done or suffered some act or thing to avoid the power, if this fact was not known to the trustee at the time of his so acting or paying:
Provided that—

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(a) nothing in this section shall affect the right of any person entitled to the money against the person to whom the payment is made; (b) the person so entitled shall have the same remedy against the person to whom the payment is made as he would have had against the trustee. Implied indemnity of trustees
31. (1) A trustee shall be chargeable only for money and securities actually
received by him notwithstanding his signing any receipt for the sake of conformity, and shall be answerable and accountable only for his own acts, receipts, neglects, or defaults, and not for those of any other trustee, nor for any banker, broker, or other person with whom any trust money or securities may be deposited, nor for any other loss, unless the same happens through is own wilful default. (2) A trustee may reimburse himself or pay or discharge out of the trust premises all expenses incurred in or about the execution of the trusts or powers. Maintenance, advancement and protective trusts Power to apply income for maintenance and to accumulate surplus income during a minority
32. (1) Where any property is held by trustees in trust for any person for any
interest whatsoever, whether vested or contingent, then, subject to any prior interests or charges affecting that property— (a) during the infancy of any such person, if his interest so long continues, the trustees may, at their sole discretion, pay to his parent or guardian, if any, or otherwise apply for or towards his maintenance, education, or benefit, the whole or such part, if any, of the income of that property as may, in all the circumstances, be reasonable, whether or not there is— (i) any other fund applicable to the same purpose, or (ii) any person bound by law to provide for his maintenance or education; and (b) if such person on attaining the age of twenty-one years has not a vested interest in such income, the trustees shall thenceforth pay the income of that property and of any accretion thereto under subsection (2) to him, until he either attains a vested interest therein or dies, or until failure of his interest:
Provided that in deciding whether the whole or any part of the income of the property is during a minority to be paid or applied for the purposes aforesaid, the trustees shall have regard to the age of the infant and his requirements and generally to the circumstances of the case, and in particular to what other income, if any, is applicable for the same purposes; and where trustees have notice that the income of more than one fund is applicable for this purpose, then so far as practicable, unless the entire income of the funds is paid or applied as aforesaid or the Court otherwise directs, a proportionate part only of the income of each fund shall be so paid or applied.

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 25 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (2) During the infancy of any such person, if his interest so long continues, the trustees shall accumulate all the residue of that income in the way of compound interest by investing the same and the resulting income thereof from time to time in authorised investments, and shall hold those accumulations as follows— (a) if any such person— (i) attains the age of twenty-one years, or marries under that age, and his interest in such income during his infancy or until his marriage is a vested interest, or (ii) on attaining the age of twenty-one years or on marriage under that age becomes entitled to the property from which such income arose in fee simple, absolute or determinable, or absolutely, or for an entailed interest, the trustees shall hold the accumulations in trust for such person absolutely, and so that the receipt of such person after marriage, and though still an infant, shall be a good discharge; and (b) in any other case the trustees shall, notwithstanding that such person had a vested interest in such income, hold the accumulations as an accretion to the capital of the property from which such accumulations arose, and as one fund with such capital for all purposes, and so that, if such property is settled land, such accumulations shall be held upon the same trusts as if the same were capital money arising therefrom; but the trustees may, at any time during the infancy of such person, if his interest so long continues, apply those accumulations, or any part thereof, as if they were income arising in the then current year. (3) This section applies in the case of a contingent interest only if the limitation or trust carries the intermediate income of the property, but it applies to a future or contingent legacy by the parent of, or a person standing in loco parentis to, the legatee, if and for such period as, under the general law, the legacy carries interest for the maintenance of the legatee, and in any such case as last aforesaid the rate of interest shall (if the income available is sufficient, and subject to any rules of court to the contrary) be five per cent per annum. (4) This section applies to a vested annuity in like manner as if the annuity were the income of property held by trustees in trust to pay the income thereof to the annuitant for the same period for which the annuity is payable, save that in any case accumulations made during the infancy of the annuitant shall be held in trust for the annuitant or his personal representatives absolutely. Power of advancement
33. (1) Trustees may at any time or times pay or apply any capital money
subject to a trust, for the advancement or benefit in such manner as they may, in their absolute discretion, think fit, of any person entitled to the capital of the trust property or of any share thereof, whether absolutely or contingently on his attaining any specified age or on the occurrence of any other event, or subject to a gift over on his death under any specified age or on the occurrence of any other event, and whether in possession or in remainder or reversion, and such payment or application may be made notwithstanding that the interest of such person is

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VIRGIN ISLANDS liable to be defeated by the exercise of a power of appointment or revocation, or to be diminished by the increase of the class to which he belongs:
Provided that—
(a) the money so paid or applied for the advancement or benefit of any person shall not exceed altogether in amount one-half of the presumptive or vested share or interest of that person in the trust property; and (b) if that person is or becomes absolutely and indefeasibly entitled to a share in the trust property the money so paid or applied shall be brought into account as part of such share; and (c) no such payment or application shall be made so as to prejudice any person entitled to any prior life or other interest whether vested or contingent, in the money paid or applied unless such person is in existence and of full age and consents in writing to such payment or application. (2) This section applies only where the trust property consists of money or securities or of property held upon trust for sale, calling in and conversion, and such money or securities, or the proceeds of such sale, calling in and conversion are not by law or in equity considered as land. Protective trusts
34. (1) Where any income, including an annuity or other periodical income
payment, is directed to be held on protective trusts for the benefit of any person (in this section called “the principal beneficiary”) for the period of his life or for any less period, then, during that period (in this section called the “trust period”) the said income shall, without prejudice to any prior interest, be held on the following trusts, namely— (a) upon trust for the principal beneficiary during the trust period or until he, whether before or after the termination of any prior interest, does or attempts to do or suffers any act or thing, or until any event happens, other than an advance under any statutory or express power, whereby, if the said income were payable during the trust period to the principal beneficiary absolutely during that period, he would be deprived of the right to receive the same or any part thereof, in any of which cases, as well as on the termination of the trust period, whichever first happens, this trust of the said income shall fail or determine; (b) if the trust aforesaid fails or determines during the subsistence of the trust period, then, during the residue of that period, the said income shall be held upon trust for the application thereof for the maintenance or support, or otherwise for the benefit, of all or any one or more exclusively of the other or others of the following persons (that is to say)— (i) the principal beneficiary and his or her wife or husband, if any, and his or her children or more remote issue, if any, or (ii) if there is no wife or husband or issue of the principal beneficiary in existence, the principal beneficiary and the

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 27 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 persons who would, if he were actually dead, be entitled to the trust property or the income thereof or to the annuity fund, if any, or arrears of the annuity, as the case may be, as the trustees in their absolute discretion, without being liable to account for the exercise of such discretion, think fit. (2) This section does not apply to trusts coming into operation before the commencement of this Act, and has effect subject to any variation of the implied trusts aforesaid contained in the instrument creating the trust. (3) Nothing in this section operates to validate any trusts which would, if contained in the instrument creating the trust, be liable to be set aside.
PART IV
APPOINTMENT AND DISCHARGE OF TRUSTEES
Limitation of the number of trustees
35. (1) Where, at the commencement of this Act, there are more than four
trustees of a settlement of land, or more than four trustees holding land on trust for sale, no new trustees shall (except where as a result of the appointment the number is reduced to four or less) be capable of being appointed until the number is reduced to less than four, and thereafter the number shall not be increased beyond four. (2) In the case of settlements and dispositions on trust for sale of land made or coming into operation after the commencement of this Act— (a) the number of trustees thereof shall not in any case exceed four, and where more than four persons are named as such trustees, the four first named (who are able and willing to act) shall alone be the trustees, and the other persons named shall not be trustees unless appointed on the occurrence of a vacancy; (b) the number of the trustees shall not be increased beyond four. (3) This section only applies to settlements and dispositions of land, and the restrictions imposed on the number of trustees do not apply— (a) in the case of land vested in trustees for charitable, ecclesiastical, or public purposes; or (b) where the net proceeds of the sale of the land are held for like purposes. Power of appointing new or additional trustees
36. (1) Where a trustee, either original or substituted, and whether appointed
by the Court or otherwise is dead, or remains out of the Territory for more than twelve months, or desires to be discharged from all or any of the trusts or powers reposed in or conferred on him, or refuses or is unfit to act therein, or is incapable of acting therein, or is an infant, then, subject to the restrictions imposed by this Act on the number of trustees—

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(a) the person or persons nominated for the purpose of appointing new trustees by the instrument, if any, creating the trust, or (b) if there is no such person, or no such person able and willing to act, then the surviving or continuing trustee or trustees for the time being, or the personal representatives of the last surviving or continuing trustee, may, by deed, appoint one or more other persons (whether or not being the persons exercising the power) to be a trustee or trustees in the place of the trustee so deceased, remaining out of the Territory, desiring to be discharged, refusing, or being unfit or being incapable, or being an infant, as aforesaid. (2) Where a trustee has been removed under a power contained in the instrument creating the trust, a new trustee, or new trustees, may be appointed in the place of the trustee who is removed, as if he were dead, or, in the case of a corporation, as if the corporation desired to be discharged from the trust, and the provisions of this section shall apply accordingly, but subject to the restrictions imposed by this Act on the number of trustees. (3) Where a corporation being a trustee is or has been dissolved, either before or after the commencement of this Act, then, for the purposes of this
section, the corporation shall be deemed to be and to have been from the date of
the dissolution incapable of acting in the trusts or powers reposed in or conferred on the corporation. (4) The power of appointment given by subsection (1) or any similar previous enactment to the personal representatives of a last surviving or continuing trustee shall be and shall be deemed always to have been exercisable by the executors for the time being (whether original or by representation) of such surviving or continuing trustee, who have proved the will of their testator or by the administrators for the time being of such trustee without the concurrence of any executor who has renounced or has not proved. (5) Where a sole trustee is or has been originally appointed to act in a trust, or where, in the case of any trust, there are not more than three trustees either original or substituted and whether appointed by the Court or otherwise, then and in such case— (a) the person or persons nominated for the purpose of appointing new trustees by the instrument, if any, creating the trust, or (b) if there is no such person, or no such person able and willing to act, then the trustee or trustees for the time being, may, by deed, appoint another person or other persons to be an additional trustee or additional trustees, but it shall not be obligatory to appoint any additional trustee, unless the instrument, if any, creating the trust provides to the contrary, nor shall the number of trustees be increased beyond four by virtue of any such appointment. (Amended by Act 7 of 1993) (6) Every new trustee appointed under this section as well before as after all the trust property becomes by law, or by assurance, or otherwise, vested in him, shall have the same powers, authorities, and discretions, and may in all respects act as if he had been originally appointed a trustee by the instrument, if any, creating the trust.

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 29 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (7) The provisions of this section relating to a trustee who is dead include the case of a person nominated trustee in a will but dying before the testator, and those relative to a continuing trustee include a refusing or retiring trustee, if willing to act in the execution of the provisions of this section. (8) Where a person of unsound mind, being a trustee, is also entitled in possession to some beneficial interest in the trust property, no appointment of a new trustee in his place shall be made by the continuing trustees or trustee, under this section, unless leave has been given by the Court to make the appointment. Power to appoint trustees of property belonging to infants or to persons out of the Territory
37. (1) Where an infant or a person out of the Territory is absolutely entitled
under the will or on the intestacy of a person dying before or after the commencement of this Act (in this subsection called “the deceased”) to a devise or legacy, or to the residue of the estate of the deceased, or any share therein, and such devise, legacy, residue or share is not under the will, if any, of the deceased, devised or bequeathed to trustees for the infant or the person out of the Territory, the personal representatives of the deceased may by writing appoint two or more persons not exceeding four (whether or not including the personal representatives or one or more of the personal representatives), to be the trustee or trustees of such devise, legacy, residue or share for the infant or the person out of the Territory, and may execute or do any assurance or thing requisite for vesting such devise, legacy, residue or share in the trustee or trustees so appointed. (Amended by Act 7 of 1993) On such appointment the personal representatives, as such, shall be discharged from all further liability in respect of such devise, legacy, residue or share, and the same may be retained in its existing condition or state of investment, or may be converted into money, and such money may be invested in any investment authorised by this Act. (2) Where a personal representative has before the commencement of this Act retained or sold any such devise, legacy, residue or share, and invested the same or the proceeds thereof in any investments in which he was authorised to invest money subject to the trust, then, subject to any order of the Court made before such commencement, he shall not be deemed to have incurred any liability on that account, or by reason of not having paid or transferred the money or property into Court. Supplemental provisions as to appointment of trustees
38. On the appointment of a trustee for the whole or any part of trust
property—
(a) the number of trustees may, subject to the restrictions imposed by this Act on the number of trustees, be increased; and (b) a separate set of trustees, not exceeding four, may be appointed for any part of the trust property held on trusts distinct from those relating to any other part or parts of the trust property, notwithstanding that no new trustees or trustee are or is to be appointed for other parts of the trust property, and any existing trustee may be appointed or remain one of such separate set of

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VIRGIN ISLANDS trustees or, if only one trustee was originally appointed, then save as hereinafter provided, one separate trustee may be so appointed; and (c) it shall not be obligatory to appoint more than one new trustee where only one trustee was originally appointed, or to fill up the original number of trustees where more than two trustees were originally appointed; (Amended by Act 7 of 1993) (d) any assurance or thing requisite for vesting the trust property, or any part thereof, in a sole trustee, or jointly in the persons who are the trustees, shall be executed or done. Evidence as to a vacancy in a trust
39. (1) A statement, contained in any instrument coming into operation after
the commencement of this Act by which a new trustee is appointed for any purpose connected with land, to the effect that a trustee has remained out of the Territory for more than twelve months or refuses or is unfit to act, or is incapable of acting, or that he is not entitled to a beneficial interest in the trust property in possession, shall, in favour of a purchaser of a legal estate, be conclusive evidence of the matter stated. (2) In favour of such purchaser any appointment of a new trustee depending on that statement, and any vesting declaration, express or implied, consequent on the appointment, shall be valid. Retirement of trustee without a new appointment
40. (1) Where a trustee is desirous of being discharged from the trust, then, if
such trustee as aforesaid by deed declares that he is desirous of being discharged from the trust, and if his co-trustees and such other person, if any, as is empowered to appoint trustees, by deed consent to the discharge of the trustee, and to the vesting in the co-trustees alone of the trust property, the trustee desirous of being discharged shall be deemed to have retired from the trust, and shall, by the deed, be discharged therefrom under this Act, without any new trustee being appointed in his place. (Amended by Act 7 of 1993) (2) Any assurance or thing requisite for vesting the trust property in the continuing trustees alone shall be executed or done. Vesting of trust property in new or continuing trustees
41. (1) Where by a deed a new trustee is appointed to perform any trust,
then—
(a) if the deed contains a declaration by the appointer to the effect that any estate or interest in any land subject to the trust, or in any chattel so subject, or the right to recover or receive any debt or other thing in action so subject, shall vest in the persons who by virtue of the deed become or are the trustees for performing the trust, the deed shall operate, without any conveyance or assignment, to vest in those persons as joint tenants and for the purposes of the trust the estate, interest or right to which the declaration relates; and

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 31 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (b) if the deed is made after the commencement of this Act and does not contain such a declaration, the deed shall, subject to any express provisions to the contrary therein contained, operate as if it had contained such a declaration by the appointer extending to all the estates, interests and rights with respect to which a declaration could have been made. (2) Where by a deed a retiring trustee is discharged under the statutory power without a new trustee being appointed, then— (a) if the deed contains such a declaration as aforesaid by the retiring and continuing trustees, and by the other person, if any, empowered to appoint trustees, the deed shall, without any conveyance or assignment, operate to vest in the continuing trustees alone, as joint tenants, and for the purposes of the trust, the estate, interest or right to which the declaration relates; and (b) if the deed is made after the commencement of this Act and does not contain such a declaration, the deed shall, subject to any express provision to the contrary thereins contained, operate as if it had contained such a declaration by such person as aforesaid extending to all the estates, interests and rights with respect to which a declaration could have been made. (3) An express vesting declaration whether made before or after the commencement of this Act, shall, notwithstanding that the estate, interest and right to be vested is not expressly referred to, and provided that the other statutory requirements were or are complied with, operate and be deemed always to have operated (but without prejudice to any express provisions to the contrary contained in the deed of appointment or discharge) to vest in the persons respectively referred to in subsections (1) and (2), as the case may require, such estates, interest and rights as are capable of being and ought to be vested in those persons. (4) This section does not extend— (a) to land conveyed by way of mortgage for securing money subject to the trust, except land conveyed on trust for securing debentures or debenture stock; (b) to land held under a lease which contains any covenant, condition or agreement against assignment or disposing of the land without licence or consent, unless, prior to the execution of the deed containing expressly or impliedly the vesting declaration, the requisite licence or consent has been obtained, or unless, by virtue of any law, the vesting declaration, express or implied, would not operate as a breach of covenant or give rise to a forfeiture; (c) to any share, stock, annuity or property which is only transferable in books kept by a company or other body, or in manner directed by or under an Act. In this subsection “lease” includes an underlease and an agreement for a lease or underlease.

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PART V
POWERS OF THE COURT
Appointment of new trustees
Power of Court to appoint new trustees
42. (1) The Court may, whenever it is expedient to appoint a new trustee or
new trustees, and it is found inexpedient, difficult or impracticable so to do without the assistance of the Court, make an order appointing a new trustee or new trustees either in substitution for or in addition to any existing trustee or trustees, or although there is no existing trustee. In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the Court may make an order appointing a new trustee in substitution for a trustee who is convicted of felony, or is a person of unsound mind, or is a bankrupt, or is a corporation which is in liquidation or has been dissolved. (2) An order under this section, and any consequential vesting order or conveyance, shall not operate further or otherwise as a discharge to any former or continuing trustee than an appointment of new trustees under any power for that purpose contained in any instrument would have operated. (3) Nothing in this section gives power to appoint an executor or administrator. Power to authorise remuneration
43. Where the Court appoints a corporation to be a trustee either solely or
jointly with another person, the Court may authorise the corporation to charge such remuneration for its services as trustee as the Court may think fit. Powers of new trustee appointed by the Court
44. Every trustee appointed by the Court shall, as well as before as after the
trust property becomes by law, or by assurance, or otherwise, vested in him, have the same powers, authorities, and discretions, and may in all respects act as if he had been originally appointed a trustee by the instrument, if any, creating the trust. Vesting orders Vesting orders of land
45. In any of the following cases namely—
(a) where the Court appoints or has appointed a trustee, or where a trustee has been appointed out of court under any statutory or express power; (b) where a trustee entitled to or possessed of any land or interest therein, whether by way of mortgage or otherwise, or entitled to a contingent right therein, either solely or jointly with any other person— (i) is under disability, or

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 33 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (ii) is out of the jurisdiction of the Court, or (iii) cannot be found, or being a corporation, has been dissolved; (c) where it is uncertain who was the survivor of two or more trustees jointly entitled to or possessed of any interest in land; (d) where it is uncertain whether the last trustee known to have been entitled to or possessed of any interest in land is living or dead; (e) where there is no personal representative of a deceased trustee who was entitled to or possessed of any interest in land, or where it is uncertain who is the personal representative of a deceased trustee who was entitled to or possessed of any interest in land; (f) where a trustee jointly or solely entitled to or possessed of any interest in land, or entitled to a contingent right therein, has been required, by or on behalf of a person entitled to require a conveyance of the land or interest or a release of the right, and has wilfully refused or neglected to convey the land or interest or release the right for twenty-eight days after the date of the requirement; (g) where land or any interest therein is vested in a trustee whether by way of mortgage or otherwise, and it appears to the Court to be expedient, the Court may make an order (in this Act called a vesting order) vesting the land or interest therein in any such person in any such manner and for any such estate or interest as the Court may direct, or releasing or disposing of the contingent right to such person as the Court may direct:
Provided that—
(i) where the order is consequential on the appointment of a trustee the land or interest therein shall be vested for such estate as the Court may direct in the persons who on the appointment are the trustees; and (ii) where the order relates to a trustee entitled or formerly entitled jointly with another person, and such trustee is under disability or out of the jurisdiction of the Court or cannot be found, or being a corporation has been dissolved, the land interest or right shall be vested in such other person who remains entitled, either alone or with any other person the Court may appoint. Orders as to contingent rights or unborn persons
46. Where any interest in land is subject to a contingent right in an unborn
person or class of unborn persons who, on coming into existence would, in respect thereof, become entitled to or possessed of that interest on any trust, the Court may make an order releasing the land or interest therein from the contingent right, or may make an order vesting in any person the estate or interest to or of which the unborn person or class of unborn persons would, on coming into existence, be entitled or possessed in the land.

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Vesting order in place of conveyance by infant mortagee
47. Where any person entitled to or possessed of any interest in land, or
entitled to a contingent right in land, by way of security for money, is an infant, the Court may make an order vesting or releasing or disposing of the interest in the land or the right in like manner as in the case of a trustee under disability. Vesting order consequential on order for sale or mortgage of land
48. Where the Court gives a judgment or makes an order directing the sale or
mortgage of any land, every person who is entitled to or possessed of any interest in the land, or entitled to a contingent right therein, and is a party to the action or proceeding in which the judgment or order is given or made or is otherwise bound by the judgment or order, shall be deemed to be so entitled or possessed, as the case may be, as a trustee for the purposes of this Act, and the Court may, if it thinks expedient, make an order vesting the land or any part thereof for such estate or interest as the Court thinks fit in the purchaser or mortgagee or in any other person. Vesting order consequential on judgment for specific performance, etc
49. Where a judgment is given for the specific performance of a contract
concerning any interest in land or for sale or exchange of any interest in land, or generally where any judgment is given for the conveyance of any interest in land either in cases arising out of the doctrine of election or otherwise, the Court may declare— (a) that any of the parties to the action are trustees of any interest in the land or any part thereof within the meaning of this Act, or (b) that the interests of unborn persons who might claim under any party to the action, or under the will or voluntary settlement of any deceased person who was during his lifetime a party to the contract or transaction concerning which the judgment is given, are the interests of persons who, on coming into existence, would be trustees within the meaning of this Act, and thereupon the Court may make a vesting order relating to the rights of those persons, born and unborn, as if they had been trustees. Effect of vesting order
50. A vesting order under any of the foregoing provisions shall in the case of
a vesting order consequential on the appointment of a trustee, have the same effect— (a) as if the persons who before the appointment were the trustees, if any, had duly executed all proper conveyances of the land for such estate or interest as the Court directs; or (b) if there is no such person, or no such person of full capacity, as if such person had existed and been of full capacity and had duly executed all proper conveyances of the land for such estate or interest as the Court directs; and shall in every other case have the same effect as if the trustee or other person or description or class of persons to whose rights or supposed rights the said

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 35 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 provisions respectively relate had been an ascertained and existing person of full capacity, and had executed a conveyance or release to the effect intended by the order. Power to appoint person to convey
51. In all cases where a vesting order can be made under any of the foregoing
provisions, the Court may, if it is more convenient, appoint a person to convey the land or any interest therein or release the contingent right, and a conveyance or release by that person in conformity with the order shall have the same effect as an order under the appropriate provision. Vesting orders as to stocks and things in action
52. (1) In any of the following cases, namely—
(a) where the Court appoints or has appointed a trustee, or where a trustee has been appointed out of court under any statutory or express power; (b) where a trustee entitled, whether by way of mortgage or otherwise, alone or jointly with another person, to stock or to a thing in action— (i) is under disability, or (ii) is out of the jurisdiction of the Court, or (iii) cannot be found, or being a corporation, has been dissolved, or (iv) neglects or refuses to transfer stock or receive the dividends or income thereof, or to sue for or recover a thing in action, according to the direction of the person absolutely entitled thereto for twenty-eight days next after a request in writing has been served on him; or (v) neglects or refuses to transfer stock or receive the dividends or income thereof, or to sue for or recover a thing in action, for twenty-eight days next after an order of the Court for that purpose has been served on him; (c) where it is uncertain whether a trustee entitled alone or jointly with another person to stock or to a thing in action is alive or dead; (d) where stock is standing in the name of a deceased person whose personal representative is under disability; (e) where stock or a thing in action is vested in a trustee whether by way of mortgage or otherwise and it appears to the Court to be expedient, the Court may make an order vesting the right to transfer or call for a transfer of stock, or to receive the dividends or income thereof, or to sue for or recover the thing in action, in any such person as the Court may appoint:
Provided that—

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(i) where the order is consequential on the appointment of a trustee, the right shall be vested in the persons who, on the appointment, are the trustees; and (ii) where the person whose right is dealt with by the order was entitled jointly with another person, the right shall be vested in the last-mentioned person either alone or jointly with any other person whom the Court may appoint. (2) In all cases where a vesting order can be made under this section, the Court may, if it is more convenient, appoint some proper person to make or join in making the transfer. (3) The person in whom the right to transfer or call for the transfer of any stock is vested by an order of the Court under this Act, may transfer the stock to himself or any other person, according to the order, and all companies shall obey every order under this section according to its tenor. (4) After notice in writing of an order under this section it shall not be lawful for any company to transfer any stock to which the order relates or to pay any dividends thereon except in accordance with the order. (5) The Court may make declarations and give directions concerning the manner in which the right to transfer any stock or thing in action vested under the provisions of this Act is to be exercised. (6) The provisions of this Act as to vesting orders shall apply to shares in ships registered under the Acts of Parliament or other law relating to merchant shipping as if they were stock. Vesting orders of charity property
53. The powers conferred by this Act as to vesting orders may be exercised
for vesting any interest in land, stock, or thing in action in any trustee of a charity or society over which the Court would have jurisdiction upon action duly instituted, whether the appointment of the trustee was made by instrument under a power or by the Court under its general or statutory jurisdiction. Vesting orders in relation to infant’s beneficial interests
54. Where an infant is beneficially entitled to any property the Court may,
with a view to the application of the capital or income thereof for the maintenance, education, or benefit of the infant, make an order— (a) appointing a person to convey such property; or (b) in the case of stock, or a thing in action, vesting in any person the right to transfer or call for a transfer of such stock, or to receive the dividends or income thereof, or to sue for and recover such thing in action, upon such terms as the Court may think fit. Orders made upon certain allegations to be conclusive evidence
55. Where a vesting order is made as to any land under this Act founded on
an allegation of any of the following matters namely— (a) the personal incapacity of a trustee or mortgagee; or

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 37 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (b) that a trustee or mortgagee or the personal representative of or other person deriving title under a trustee or mortgagee is out of the jurisdiction of the Court or cannot be found, or being a corporation has been dissolved; or (c) that it is uncertain which of two or more trustees, or which of two or more persons interested in a mortgage, was the survivor; or (d) that it is uncertain whether the last trustee or the personal representative of or other person deriving title under a trustee or mortgagee, or the last surviving person interested in a mortgage is living or dead; or (e) that any trustee or mortgagee has died intestate without leaving a person beneficially interested under the intestacy or has died and it is not known who is his personal representative or the person interested, the fact that the order has been so made shall be conclusive evidence of the matter so alleged in any court upon any question as to the validity of the order; but this section does not prevent the Court from directing a reconveyance or surrender or the payment of costs occasioned by any such order if improperly obtained. Orders of Court to be registered
56. In all cases where the Court shall, under the provisions of this Act, make a
vesting order, or any order having the effect of a conveyance or assignment of any land or any interest therein, or having the effect of a release or disposition of the contingent right of any unborn person, or class of unborn persons, in any land, an office copy of such order shall be registered in the office of the Registrar of Deeds, and such order shall take effect upon and from the time of the registration of such office copy:
Provided that where the land or any interest therein is subject to the provisions of the Title by Registration Act, the Registrar of Deeds shall, on production of an office copy of the order and on payment of the prescribed fees, duly register such order and cause a note thereof to be endorsed on the grant or certificate of title in respect of such land, and thereupon the person in whom the land is vested by the order shall be the registered proprietor thereof without the production of any instrument of transfer. Registration of vesting order made by Court in England
57. (1) Where the court in England has made a vesting order under the
Trustee Act, 1925, in respect of land or personal estate in the Territory, and the vesting order so made is produced to the Registrar of Deeds for registration, such vesting order shall, on payment of a fee of five dollars be registered in the office of the Registrar of Deeds. (2) For the purposes of this section, a duplicate of a vesting order sealed with the seal of the court making the same, or a copy thereof certified as correct by the officer having the custody of the original order, shall have the same effect as the original. (3) In this section “court” has the same meaning as the court referred to in
section 67 of the Trustee Act, 1925.

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Jurisdiction of Court to vary trusts
58. (1) Where property, whether real or personal, is held on trusts arising
whether before or after the passing of this Act, under any will, settlement or other disposition, the Court may if it thinks fit by order approve on behalf of— (a) any person having, directly or indirectly, an interest, whether vested or contingent, under the trusts who by reason of infancy or other incapacity is incapable of assenting; or (b) any person (whether ascertained or not) who may have become entitled, directly or indirectly, to an interest under the trusts as being at a future date or on the happening of a future event a person of any specified description or a member of any specified class of persons, so however that this paragraph shall not include any ascertained person who would be of that description or a member of that class, as the case may be, if the said date had fallen or the said event had happened at the date of the application to the Court; or (c) any unborn person; or (d) any person in respect of any discretionary interest of his under protective trusts where the interest of the principal beneficiary has not failed or determined, any arrangement (by whomsoever proposed, and whether or not there is any other person beneficially interested who is capable of assenting thereto) varying, adding to, revoking or replacing all or any of the trusts, enlarging, restricting or removing all or any of the powers of the trustees of managing or administering any of the property subject to the trusts or all or any other powers of the trustees, or varying, adding to, removing or replacing any or all of the other provisions of the trusts:
Provided that except by virtue of paragraph (d) the Court shall not approve an arrangement on behalf of any person if carrying it out would be detrimental to that person. (Amended by Act 11 of 2003) (2) In the foregoing subsection “protective trusts” means an interest specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) of section 34 or any like trusts, “the principal beneficiary” has the same meaning as in the said subsection (1); and “discretionary interest” means an interest arising under the trust specified in paragraph (a) of the said subsection. (3) Nothing in the foregoing provisions of this section shall apply to trusts affecting property settled by any law of the Territory. (4) Nothing in this section shall be taken to limit the powers conferred by
section 59 or by section 6 of the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court
(Virgin Islands) Ordinance.
(5) The references to an interest in subsections (1)(a) and (1)(b) shall be construed to include references to a discretionary interest. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) (6) This section applies to any trust, whether created before, on or after the date on which this subsection comes into force. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003)

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 39 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 Power to appoint persons to consent to variations on behalf of those incapable 58A. (1) Where a trust instrument provides for the appointment of any person (including the holder of any office under the trust) to approve any arrangement described in section 58(1) on behalf of any of the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) thereof (whether specified by name or by description and whether or not the identity of such persons is ascertained or ascertainable), and where such approval is subsequently given pursuant thereto, such approval shall have the same effect as if the Court had approved such arrangement on behalf of such persons pursuant to the powers vested in it by section 58(1):
Provided that no such approval shall be given on behalf of any persons referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 58(1) unless, in the opinion formed in good faith of the person giving the approval, carrying out and giving effect to such arrangement would not be detrimental to the person or persons on whose behalf it is given. (2) Nothing in subsection (1), nor in any such provision in a trust instrument as is referred to in that subsection, shall be taken to limit the powers conferred by section 58 or 59 or by section 6 of the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court (Virgin Islands) Act. (3) References to the holder of any office under the trust in subsection (1) include references to a trustee or any protector or protective committee of the trust. (4) This section applies only to trusts created on or after the date on which this section comes into force. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Power of Court to authorise dealings with trust property
59. (1) Where in the management or administration of any property vested in
trustees, any sale, lease, mortgage, surrender, release, or other disposition, or any purchase, investment, acquisition, expenditure, or other transaction, is in the opinion of the Court expedient, but the same cannot be effected by reason of the absence of any power for that purpose vested in the trustees by the trust instrument, if any, or by law, the Court may by order confer upon the trustees, either generally or in any particular instance, the necessary power for that purpose, on such terms, and subject to such provisions and conditions, if any, as the Court may think fit and may direct in what manner any money authorised to be expended, and the costs of any transaction, are to be paid or borne as between capital and income. (2) The Court may, from time to time, rescind or vary any order made under this section, or may make any new or further order. (3) An application to the Court under this section may be made by the trustees, or by any of them, or by any person beneficially interested under the trust. Persons entitled to apply for orders
60. (1) An order under this Act for the appointment of a new trustee or
concerning any interest in land, stock, or thing in action subject to a trust, may be

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VIRGIN ISLANDS made on the application of any person beneficially interested in the land, stock, or thing in action, whether under disability or not, or on the application of any person duly appointed trustee thereof. (2) An order under this Act concerning any interest in land, stock, or thing in action subject to a mortgage may be made on the application of any person beneficially interested in the equity of redemption, whether under disability or not, or of any person interested in the money secured by the mortgage. Power to give judgment in absence of a trustee
61. Where in any action the Court is satisfied that diligent search has been
made for any person who, in the character of trustee, is made a defendant in an action, to serve him with a process of the Court, and that he cannot be found, the Court may hear and determine the action and give judgment therein against that person in his character of a trustee as if he had been duly served, or had entered an appearance in the action, and had also appeared by his counsel and solicitor at the hearing, but without prejudice to any interest he may have in the matters in question in the action in any other character. Power to charge costs on trust estate
62. The Court may order the costs and expenses of and incident to any
application for an order appointing a new trustee, or for a vesting order, or of an incident to any such order, or any conveyance or transfer in pursuance thereof, to be raised and paid out of the property in respect whereof the same is made, or out of the income thereof, or to be borne and paid in such manner and by such persons as to the Court may seem just. Power to relieve trustee from personal liability
63. If it appears to the Court that a trustee, whether appointed by the Court or
otherwise, is or may be personally liable for any breach of trust, whether the transaction alleged to be a breach of trust occurred before or after the commencement of this Act, but has acted honestly and reasonably, and ought fairly to be excused for the breach of trust and for omitting to obtain the directions of the Court in the matter in which he committed such breach, then the Court may relieve him either wholly or partly from personal liability for the same. Power to make beneficiary indemnify for breach of trust
64. (1) Where a trustee commits a breach of trust at the instigation or request
or with the consent in writing of a beneficiary, the Court may, if it thinks fit, and notwithstanding that the beneficiary may be a married woman restrained from anticipation, make such order as to the Court seems just, for impounding all or any part of the interest of the beneficiary in the trust estate by way of indemnity to the trustee or persons claiming through him. (2) This section applies to breaches of trust committed as well before as after the commencement of this Act.

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 41 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 Payment into Court Payment into Court by trustees
65. (1) Trustees, or the majority of trustees, having in their hands or under
their control money or securities belonging to a trust, may pay the same into Court; and the same shall, subject to rules of court, be dealt with according to the orders of the Court. (2) The receipt or certificate of the proper officer shall be a sufficient discharge to trustees for the money or securities so paid into Court. (3) Where money or securities are vested in any persons as trustees, and the majority are desirous of paying the same into Court, but the concurrence of the other or others cannot be obtained, the Court may order the payment into Court to be made by the majority without the concurrence of the other or others. (4) Where any such money or securities are deposited with any banker, broker, or other depositary, the Court may order payment or delivery of the money or securities to the majority of the trustees for the purpose of payment into Court. (5) Every transfer payment and delivery made in pursuance of any such order shall be valid and take effect as if the same had been made on the authority or by the act of all the persons entitled to the money and securities so transferred, paid or delivered.
PART VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Application of Act
66. (1) This Act, except where otherwise expressly provided, applies to trusts
including, so far as this Act applies thereto, executorships and administratorships constituted or created either before or after the commencement of this Act. (2) The powers conferred by this Act on trustees are in addition to the powers conferred by the instrument, if any, creating the trust, but those powers, unless otherwise stated, apply if and so far only as a contrary intention is not expressed in the instrument, if any, creating the trust, and have effect subject to the terms of that instrument. (3) This Act does not affect the legality or validity of any thing done before the commencement of this Act, except as otherwise hereinbefore expressly provided. Indemnity
67. This Act, and every order purporting to be made under this Act, shall be a
complete indemnity to all persons for any acts done pursuant thereto, and it shall not be necessary for any person to inquire concerning the propriety of the order, or whether the Court by which the order was made had jurisdiction to make it.

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PART VII
PERPETUITIES AND ACCUMULATIONS
Powers to specify perpetuity period
68. (1) Subject to subsection (2) and subsection (3) of section 76, where the
instrument by which any disposition is made so provides, the perpetuity period applicable to the disposition under the rule against perpetuities, instead of being of any other duration, shall be of a duration equal to such number of years not exceeding 360 as is specified in that behalf in the instrument. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993 and amended by Act 6 of 2013) (2) Subsection (1) shall not have effect where the disposition is made in exercise of a special power of appointment, but where a period is specified under that subsection in the instrument creating such a power the period shall apply in relation to any disposition under the power as it applies in relation to the power itself. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) (3) The reference in subsection (1) to the period not exceeding 360 years shall apply only in relation to instruments taking effect after the 15th day of May, 2013 and, in the case of an instrument made in the exercise of a special power of appointment, shall apply only where the instrument creating the power takes effect after that date. (Inserted by Act 6 of 2013) Presumptions and evidence as to future parenthood
69. (1) Where in any proceedings there arises on the rule against perpetuities
a question which turns on the ability of a person to have a child at some future time, then, subject to subsection (2), it shall be presumed that a male can have a child at the age of 14 years or over, but not under that age, and that a female can have a child at the age of 12 years or over, but not under that age or over the age of 55 years. (2) In the case of a living person evidence may be given to show that he or she will or will not be able to have a child at the time in question. (3) Where any such question is decided by treating a person as unable to have a child at a particular time, and he or she does so, the court may make such order as it thinks fit for placing the persons interested in the property comprised in the disposition, so far as may be just, in the position they would have held if the question had not been so decided. (4) Subject to subsection (3) above, where any such question is decided in relation to a disposition by treating a person as able or unable to have a child at a particular time, then he or she shall be so treated for the purpose of any question which may arise on the rule against perpetuities in relation to the same disposition in any subsequent proceedings. (5) In the foregoing provisions of this section references to having a child are references to begetting or giving birth to a child, but those provisions, except subsection (2), shall apply in relation to the possibility that a person will at any time have a child by adoption, legitimation or other means as they apply to his or her ability at that time to beget or give birth to a child. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993)

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 43 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 Uncertainty as to remoteness
70. (1) Where, apart from the provisions of this section and sections 71 and
72 (“the said provisions”) a disposition would be void on the ground that the interest disposed of might not become vested until too remote a time, the disposition shall be treated, until such time, if any, as it becomes established that the vesting must occur, if at all, after the end of the perpetuity period, as if the disposition were not subject to the rule against perpetuities; and its becoming so established shall not affect the validity of anything previously done in relation to the interest disposed of by way of advancement, application of intermediate income or otherwise. (2) Where, apart from the said provisions, a disposition consisting of the conferring of a general power of appointment would be void on the ground that the power might not become exercisable until too remote a time, the disposition shall be treated, until such time, if any, as it becomes established that the power will not be exercisable within the perpetuity period, as if the disposition were not subject to the rule against perpetuities. (3) Where, apart from the said provisions, a disposition consisting of the conferring of any power, option or other right would be void on the ground that the right might be exercised at too remote a time, the disposition shall be treated as regards any exercise of the right within the perpetuity period as if it were not subject to the rule against perpetuities and, subject to the said provisions, shall be treated as void for remoteness only if, and so far as, the right is not fully exercised within that period. (4) Where this section applies to a disposition and the duration of the perpetuity period is not determined by virtue of section 68 or subsection (3) of
section 76, it shall be determined as follows—
(a) where any persons falling within sub-section (5) are individuals in being and ascertainable at the commencement of perpetuity period the duration of the period shall be determined by reference to their lives and no others, but so that the lives of any description of persons falling within paragraph (b) or (c) of that subsection shall be disregarded if the number of persons of that description is such as to render it impracticable to ascertain the date of death of the survivor; and (b) where there are no lives in being within the meaning of paragraph (a) the period shall be 21 years. (5) The said persons are as follows— (a) the person by whom the disposition was made; (b) a person to whom or in whose favour the disposition was made, that is to say— (i) in the case of a disposition to a class of persons, any member or potential member of the class; (ii) in the case of an individual disposition to a person taking only on certain conditions being satisfied, any person as to whom some of the conditions are satisfied and the remainder may in time be satisfied;

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(iii) in the case of a special power of appointment exercisable in favour of members of a class, any member or potential member of the class; (iv) in the case of a special power of appointment exercisable in favour of one person only, that person or, where the object of the power is ascertainable only on certain conditions being satisfied, any person as to whom some of the conditions are satisfied and the remainder may in time be satisfied; (v) in the case of any power, option or other right, the person on whom the right is conferred; (c) a person having a child or grandchild within subparagraphs (i) to (iv) of paragraph (b), or any of whose children or grandchildren, if subsequently born, would by virtue of his or her descent fall within those subparagraphs; and (d) any person on the failure or determination of whose prior interest the disposition is limited to take effect. (6) The provisions of this section shall be deemed to apply to any trust created on or after 16th July, 1964 with an express perpetuity period not exceeding 80 years, and where a disposition made on or after 16th July, 1964 would have been void ab initio but for this provision the disposition shall be deemed to be valid if the trustees of the trust declare in writing that the provisions of this subsection shall apply to the disposition. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Reduction of age and exclusion of class members to avoid remoteness
71. (1) Where a disposition is limited by reference to the attainment by any
person or persons of a specified age exceeding 21 years, and it is apparent at the time the disposition is made or becomes apparent at a subsequent time that the disposition would, apart from this section, be void for remoteness, but that it would not be so void if the specified age had been 21 years, the disposition shall be treated for all purposes as if, instead of being limited by reference to the age in fact specified, it had been limited by reference to the age nearest to that age which would, if specified instead, have prevented the disposition from being so void. (2) Where in the case of any disposition different ages exceeding 21 years are specified in relation to different persons— (a) the reference in subsection (1) to the specified age shall be construed as a reference to all the specified ages; and (b) subsection (1) shall operate to reduce each such age so far as is necessary to save the disposition from being void for remoteness. (3) Where the inclusion of any persons, being potential members of a class or unborn persons who at birth would become members or potential members of the class, prevents the foregoing provisions of this section from operating to save a disposition from being void for remoteness, those persons shall thenceforth be deemed for all the purposes of the disposition to be excluded from the class, and the said provisions shall thereupon have effect accordingly.

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 45 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (4) Where, in the case of a disposition to which subsection (3) does not apply, it is apparent at the time the disposition is made or becomes apparent at a subsequent time that, apart from this subsection, the inclusion of any persons, being potential members of a class or unborn persons who at birth would become members or potential members of the class, would cause the disposition to be treated as void for remoteness, those persons shall, unless their exclusion would exhaust the class, thenceforth be deemed for all the purposes of the disposition to be excluded from the class. (5) Where this section has effect in relation to a disposition to which
section 70 above applies, the operation of this section shall not affect the validity
of anything previously done in relation to the interest disposed of by way of advancement, application of intermediate income or otherwise. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Condition relating to death of surviving spouse
72. Where a disposition is limited by reference to the time of death of the
survivor of a person in being at the commencement of the perpetuity period and any spouse of that person, and that time has not arrived at the end of the perpetuity period, the disposition shall be treated for all purposes, where to do so would save it from being void for remoteness, as if it had instead been limited by reference to the time immediately before the end of that period. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Saving and acceleration of expectant interests
73. A disposition shall not be treated as void for remoteness by reason only
that the interest disposed of is ulterior to and dependent upon an interest under a disposition which is so void, and the vesting of an interest shall not be prevented from being accelerated on the failure of a prior interest by reason only that the failure arises because of remoteness. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Powers of appointment
74. For the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, a power of appointment
shall be treated as a special power unless— (a) in the instrument creating the power it is expressed to be exercisable by one person only; and (b) it could, at all times during its currency when that person is of full age and capacity, be exercised by him so as immediately to transfer to himself the whole of the interest governed by the power without the consent of any other person or compliance with any other condition, not being a formal condition relating only to the mode of exercise of the power, except that for the purpose of determining whether a disposition made under a power of appointment exercisable by will only is void for remoteness, the power shall be treated as a general power where it would have fallen to be so treated if exercisable by deed. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993)

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Administrative powers of trustees
75. (1) The rule against perpetuities shall not operate to invalidate a power
conferred on trustees or other persons to sell, lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of any property for full consideration, or to do any other act in the administration (as opposed to the distribution) of any property, and shall not prevent the payment to trustees or other persons of reasonable remuneration for their services. (2) Subsection (1) shall apply for the purpose of enabling a power to be exercised at any time after the commencement of this Part notwithstanding that the power is conferred by an instrument which took effect before that commencement. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Options relating to land
76. (1) The rule against perpetuities shall not apply to a disposition consisting
of the conferring of an option to acquire for valuable consideration an interest reversionary, whether directly or indirectly, on the term of a lease if— (a) the option is exercisable only by the lessee or his successors in title; and (b) it ceases to be exercisable at or before the expiration of one year following the determination of the lease. (2) Subsection (1) shall apply in relation to an agreement for a lease as it applies in relation to a lease, and “lessee” shall be construed accordingly. (3) Except, as provided in subsection (1), in the case of a disposition consisting of the conferring of an option to acquire for valuable consideration any interest in land, the perpetuity period under the rule against perpetuities shall be 21 years, and section 68 shall not apply. (4) Subsection (3) shall not apply to a right of pre-emption conferred on any governmental or public authority in respect of land used or to be used for religious purposes where the right becomes exercisable only if the land ceases to be used for such purposes. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Possibilities of reverter, conditions subsequent exceptions and reservations
77. (1) In the case of—
(a) a possibility of reverter on the determination of a determinable fee simple; or (b) a possibility of a resulting trust on the determination of any other determinable interest in property, the rule against perpetuities shall apply in relation to the provision causing the interest to be determinable as it would apply if that provision were expressed in the form of a condition subsequent giving rise, on breach thereof, to a right of reentry or an equivalent right in the case of property other than land, and where the provision falls to be treated as void for remoteness the determinable interest shall become an absolute interest. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993)

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 47 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 Accumulation of income
78. Subject to any term of a trust prohibiting the accumulation of income or
directing or authorizing the accumulation of income for a period shorter than the period of the trust, income may be accumulated for the duration of the period of the trust. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Interpretation and extent of Part VII
79. (1) In this Part—
(a) “disposition” includes the conferring of a power of appointment and any other disposition of an interest in or right over property, and references to the interest disposed of shall be construed accordingly; (b) “in being” means living or en ventre sa mere; (c) “power of appointment” includes any discretionary power to transfer a beneficial interest in property without the furnishing of valuable consideration; and (d) “will” includes a codicil. (2) For the purposes of this Part a disposition contained in a will shall be deemed to be made at the death of the testator. (3) For the purposes of this Part a person shall be treated as a member of a class if in his case all the conditions identifying a member of the class are satisfied, and shall be treated as a potential member if in his case some only of those conditions are satisfied but there is a possibility that the remainder will in time be satisfied. (4) Nothing in this Part shall affect the operation of the rule of law rendering void for remoteness certain dispositions under which property is limited to be applied for purposes other than the benefit of any person or class of persons in cases where the property may be so applied after the end of the perpetuity period. (5) This Part shall apply in relation to a disposition made otherwise than by an instrument as if the disposition had been contained in an instrument taking effect when the disposition was made. (6) This Part shall apply, except as provided in subsection (6) of section 70, and subsection (2) of section 75, only in relation to instruments taking effect after the commencement of this Part, and in the case of an instrument made in the exercise of a special power of appointment shall apply only where the instrument creating the power takes effect after that commencement except that
section 74 shall apply in all cases for construing the foregoing reference to a
special power of appointment.
(Inserted by Act 7 of 1993)

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PART VIII
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Determination of proper law of trust
80. (1) The proper law of a trust or a particular aspect of a trust is—
(a) the law of the jurisdiction expressly designated by the terms of the trust as being the law that is to govern the trust or the particular aspect of the trust, as the case may be; (b) if the terms of the trust do not expressly designate the governing law for the trust or the particular aspect of the trust, then the law of the jurisdiction that may reasonably be inferred from the terms of the trust as being the law that is to govern the trust or the particular aspect of the trust, as the case may be; or (c) if the terms of the trust do not expressly designate the governing law for the trust or the particular aspect of the trust and no reasonable inference may be drawn from the terms of the trust as to the governing law, then the law of the jurisdiction with which the trust at the time it was created had the closest connection. (2) For the purposes of paragraph (c) of subsection (1) in ascertaining the law with which a trust is most closely connected at the time it was created reference shall be made in particular to— (a) the place of administration of the trust designated by the settlor; (b) the situs of the assets of the trust; (c) the place of residence or business of the trustee; and (d) the objects of the trust and the places where they are to be fulfilled. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Change of proper law
81. (1) If the terms of the instrument creating a trust so provide, the proper
law of the trust may be changed from the law of the Territory to the law of another jurisdiction, or from the law of another jurisdiction to the law of the Territory, provided that in the case of a change from the law of the Territory the new proper law would recognize the validity of the trust and the respective interests of the beneficiaries. (2) A change in proper law shall not affect the legality or validity of, or render any person liable for, anything done before the change. (3) Without limiting or affecting subsection (2), the instrument creating a trust may provide that— (a) the proper law be changed to that of any other jurisdiction specified in the trust; or (b) the trust assets be transferred to a trustee in that other jurisdiction,

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 49 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 upon the occurrence of any event, other than any of the events described in subsection (4), which is, specified in the trust instrument. (Amended by Act 11 of 2003) (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) (4) The events referred to in subsection (3) are— (a) an order of the Court; (b) the institution of criminal proceedings against the settlor, the trustees or any of the beneficiaries; and (c) an investigation in relation to the settlor, the trustees, any of the beneficiaries of the trust or any part of the trust property by the Financial Services Commission pursuant to any enactment. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Jurisdiction of court
82. The court has jurisdiction where—
(a) the proper law of a trust or a particular aspect of a trust is the law of the Territory; (b) the trustee of any trust is resident in the Territory; (c) in the case of a corporate trustee of any trust, it is incorporated or registered to do business in the Territory; (d) any trust property is situate in the Territory but only in respect of property so situate; (e) the administration of any trust is carried on in the Territory; (Amended by Act 11 of 2003) (f) the Court is otherwise the natural forum for the litigation; (Substituted by Act 11 of 2003) (g) the parties submit to the jurisdiction of the Court; or (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) (h) the trust instrument contains a provision referring disputes to the jurisdiction of the Court (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Proper law to determine disposition of personal property
83. (1) If a person transfers or disposes of personal property to the trustee of
a trust—
(a) he shall be deemed to have had capacity to do so if he is at the time of such transfer or disposition of full age and of sound mind under the law of his domicile; and (b) no rule relating to inheritance or succession of the law of his domicile shall affect any such transfer or disposition or otherwise affect the validity of such trust. (2) For the avoidance of doubt it is declared that the provisions of this
section shall app1y notwithstanding any other provisions of this Part and shall

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VIRGIN ISLANDS apply only to transfers or dispositions of property made to a trustee of a trust after the commencement of this Part, but this declaration shall be without prejudice to the validity or otherwise of transfers or dispositions made before that time. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) (3) This section shall only apply to trusts created before the date on which
section 83A comes into force. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003)
Conflict of law rules for certain trusts and dispositions 83A. (1) In this section and the First Schedule, unless the context otherwise requires— “disposition” in relation to any property, includes every form of conveyance, transfer, assignment, lease, licence, mortgage, charge, pledge, encumbrance or other transaction of that property or by which any interest in it is created or extinguished; “foreign law” means the law of any part of the world outside the Territory, other than a provision in an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, or an enactment made under such Act, which extends to the Territory as part of the law of the Territory; “Hague Trusts Convention” means the convention on the Law Applicable to Trusts and on their Recognition, as applicable to the Territory by virtue of the Recognition of Trusts Act 1987 (Overseas Territories) Order 1989; “heirship rights” means any right, claim or interest in, against or to property of a person arising, accruing or existing in consequence of, or in anticipation of, that person’s death, other than any such right, claim or interest created by will or other voluntary disposition by such person or resulting from an express limitation in the disposition of the property to such person; “judgment” means any judgment or award of arbitration given by a court, tribunal or arbitrator in any part of the world, whatever the judgment or award may be called, including a decree, order, decision or writ of execution, as well as the determination of costs or expenses by an officer of the court or by a tribunal or arbitrator; “personal relationship” includes every form of relationship by blood or marriage, including former marriage, and, in particular, a personal relationship between two persons exists if— (a) one is the child of the other, natural or adopted (whether or not the adoption is recognised by law), legitimate or illegitimate; (b) one is married to the other (whether or not the marriage is recognised by law); (c) one cohabits with the other or so conducts himself in relation to the other as to give rise in any jurisdiction to any rights, obligations or responsibilities analogous to those of a parent and child or husband and wife; or (d) personal relationships exist between each of them and a third person;

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 51 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 “settlor”, in relation to a trust, includes every person who, directly or indirectly, on behalf of himself or on behalf of any other, as owner or as holder of a power in that behalf, makes a disposition of property to be held in that trust or declares or otherwise creates such trust; “terms” includes express and implied terms; “Virgin Islands trust” means a trust the essential validity of which is, for the time being, governed by the law of the Territory and which is— (a) created on or after the date on which this section comes into force; or (b) created before the date on which this section comes into force, but the proper law of which has been changed to the law of the Territory after that date in accordance with section 81. (2) For the purposes of this section and the First Schedule, no change in circumstances causes a personal relationship, once established, to terminate. (3) In the definition of “Virgin Islands trust” in subsection (1), subsections (9) and (12) and items 2, 3, 4(A) and 7 of the First section and the First Schedule, where the context so admits, “law” excludes choice of law rules, but otherwise in this Schedule, “law” includes choice of law rules. (4) In subsection (11), “internal law” excludes choice of law rules. (5) For the purposes of identifying the law applicable under this section and the First Schedule, the Territory shall be treated as a State and where a State comprises more than one territorial unit, each of which has its own rules of law, each territorial unit shall be treated as a State. (6) Without prejudice to subsections (13) to (18), in ascertaining whether a trust has been completely constituted, the preliminary issues referred to in
Article 4 of the Hague Trusts Convention shall be determined, to the extent so
provided, in accordance with subsections (7) to (11) and the First Schedule. (7) The formal and essential validity of a disposition, not being a testamentary disposition, of immovable property or tangible movable property, and the capacity to make the disposition, shall be determined according to the law of the State in which the property is situated at the time of the disposition. (8) The formal and essential validity of a disposition, not being a testamentary disposition, of intangible movable property, and the capacity to make the disposition, shall be determined in accordance with the First Schedule, or, in the case of intangible movable property not provided for in the First
Schedule, in accordance with the law under which the property came into
existence.
(9) The capacity to subject property to a trust, not being a testamentary trust, as distinct from the capacity to dispose of that property, shall be determined in accordance with the law governing the essential validity of the trust. (10) Where a person declares a trust of his own property, there shall be no requirement for compliance with the rules on formal or essential validity or capacity applicable to a disposition of that property or of any interest in it.

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(11) Where, under subsections (6) to (10) and the First Schedule, an issue falls to be determined by the law of the Territory, the choice of law rules of the Territory shall designate the internal law of the Territory to determine the issue. (12) Subject to subsections (6) to (11) and the First Schedule, all questions arising in regard to the validity, construction, effect or administration, whether the administration is conducted in the Territory or elsewhere, of a trust including— (a) questions relating to any of the following matters, being matters specified in Article 8 of the Hague Trusts Convention— (i) the appointment, resignation and removal of trustees, the capacity to act as a trustee, and the devolution of the office of trustee; (ii) the rights and duties of trustees among themselves; (iii) the right of trustees to delegate in whole or in part the discharge of their duties or the exercise of their powers; (iv) the powers of trustees to administer or to dispose of trust assets, to create security interests in the trust assets, or to acquire new assets; (v) the powers of investment of trustees; (vi) restrictions upon the duration of the trust, and upon the power to accumulate the income of the trust; (vii) the relationships between the trustees and the beneficiaries including the personal liability of the trustees to the beneficiaries; (viii)the variation or termination of the trust; (ix) the distribution of trust assets; (x) the duty of trustees to account for their administration; and (b) to the extent that they do not fall under paragraph (a), questions as to— (i) the fiduciary or non-fiduciary powers, obligations or duties of the trustees or to the liabilities or rights of the trustees; (ii) the existence and extent of powers conferred or retained, including powers to vary or revoke the trust and powers of appointment, and questions as to the validity of any exercise of any such power, are to be determined by the proper law of the trust or, where there are different proper laws for different aspects of the trust, the proper law applicable to the area in which the question falls. (13) Subject to any express provision to the contrary in the trust or disposition, no Virgin Islands trust, and no disposition of property to be held upon the trusts of such a trust, is void, voidable, liable to be set aside or defective in any fashion, nor is the capacity of any settlor in relation to the trust or disposition to be questioned, nor is the trustee or any beneficiary or other person to be subjected to any liability or deprived of any right, by reason that—

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 53 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (a) the law of any foreign jurisdiction prohibits or does not recognise the concept of a trust, or (b) the Virgin Islands trust or the disposition— (i) avoids or defeats any right, claim or interest conferred by foreign law upon any person by reason of a personal relationship to the settlor or by way of heirship rights; or (ii) contravenes any rule of foreign law or any foreign judicial or administrative order or arbitration order or action intended to recognise, protect, enforce or give effect to such a right, claim or interest. (14) Heirship rights conferred by foreign law in relation to the property of a living person shall be disregarded when determining rights of ownership of property subject to, or claimed to be subject to, a Virgin Islands trust. (15) Heirship rights conferred on persons by foreign law shall not be taken to constitute those persons creditors for the purposes of section 81 of the Conveyancing and Law of Property Ordinance, nor to constitute those persons “creditors or others” for the purposes of the Act against Fraudulent Deeds, Gifts, Alienations, etc. to the extent, if any, that that Act has any application in the Territory. (16) Subject to subsection (17), the law designated as applicable to succession by virtue of the Territory’s choice of law rules shall apply to a Virgin Islands trust, not being a testamentary trust, only to the extent that it does not contain rules conferring any right, claim or interest upon any person by reason of a personal relationship to the settlor or by way of heirship rights. (17) Subsection (16) shall not apply where the law so designated is that of the Territory. (18) In the case of a conflict between any of the provisions of subsections (13) to (17) and any of the provisions of subsections (6) to (11) and the First
Schedule, the provisions of subsections (13) to (17) shall prevail.
(19) To the extent that it is inconsistent with subsections (13) to (18), a foreign judgment shall not be recognised or enforced or give rise to any estoppel, and both its recognition and its enforcement shall be regarded as contrary to the public policy of the Territory, (20) Subsections (6) to (12) apply only to trusts created on or after the date on which this section comes into force. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Purpose trusts
84. (1) For the purpose of this section—
(a) “designated person” means—
(i) a legal practioner practising in the Territory, (Substituted by Act 6 of 2013) (ii) an accountant practising in the Territory who qualifies as an “auditor” for the purposes of the Banks and Trust Companies Act,

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(iii) a licensee under the Banks and Trust Companies Act, or (iv) such other person as the Minister of Finance may by order designate; and (b) “trust for any purpose” means a trust other than a trust— (i) that is for the benefit of particular persons whether or not immediately ascertainable, or (ii) that is for the benefit of some aggregate of persons ascertained by reference to some personal relationship. (2) A person may create a valid trust for any purpose, whether charitable or not, if— (a) the purpose is specific, reasonable and possible; (b) the purpose is not immoral, contrary to public policy or unlawful; (c) at least one trustee of the trust is a designated person; (d) the trust instrument appoints a person, who may be a protector, to enforce the trust and provides for the appointment of a successor to such person; (e) the person appointed to enforce the trust is a party to the trust instrument or consents in writing, addressed to the trustee who is a designated person, to enforce the trust; and (f) the trust instrument specifies the event upon the happening of which the trust terminates and provides for the disposition of surplus assets of the trust upon its termination. (3) The rule against perpetuities and remoteness of vesting shall not apply to a trust to which subsection (2) applies and, for the avoidance of doubt, the rule against perpetuities and remoteness of vesting includes the rule against inalienability, the rule against perpetual trusts, any rule prohibiting a trust under which trust property would, apart from that rule, be inalienable beyond a permissible period, and any rule prohibiting a trust or power under which trust property would, apart from that rule, be capable of application for a purpose beyond a permissible period. (Amended by Act 11 of 2003) (4) Nothing in this section shall affect the existing law with respect to trusts established for charitable purposes. (5) Where a trustee who is a designated person has reason to believe that a person who is appointed to enforce the trust is dead, is unwilling, refuses or is unfit to act or is incapable of acting, then that trustee shall as soon as practicable inform the Attorney General in writing of the fact and send him a copy of the instrument creating the trust, together with all relevant documents attesting to the inability of the designated person to act. (6) The Attorney General on being informed under subsection (5) may within 90 days apply to a Judge in Chambers for the appointment of a person to enforce the trust and the court may, unless it feels that the person is not fit, by order declare that person to be the person to enforce the trust.

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 55 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (7) The order of the court under subsection (6) is conclusive evidence of the appointment of the person to enforce the trust and the appointment takes effect as from the date of the order. (8) Where any costs are incurred by the Attorney General in connection with any application under subsection (6), the court may make such order as it considers just as to the payment of those costs out of the assets of the trust. (9) Where a designated person fails to comply with subsection (5), then, subject to subsection (10), the designated person is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $5,000. (10) It shall be a defence to a charge of committing an offence under subsection (9) to prove that the designated person took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence. (11) The person appointed pursuant to paragraph (d) of subsection (1) shall be entitled, in addition to any documents, information or other rights specifically provided for in the trust instrument, to— (a) annual accounts of the trust; (b) copies of the trust instrument and deeds and other written instruments executed pursuant to the trust instrument; and (c) counsels’ opinions and legal advice received by the trustees. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) (12) Where any of the persons specified in subsection (13) has reason to believe that no trustee of a trust to which subsection (2) applies is a designated person or that no designated person is likely in the immediate future to be appointed as a trustee pursuant to the terms of the trust instrument, that person shall use all reasonable endeavours to secure the appointment of a designated person as a trustee of the trust and if such endeavours fail to result in such an appointment he shall make an application to the Court for the appointment of a designated person pursuant to the provisions of subsection (14). (13) The persons referred to in subsection (12) are— (a) any trustee of the trust who is not a designated person; and (b) any person who has been appointed to enforce the trust. (14) If, at any time following its creation, a trust to which subsection (2) applies does not have at least one trustee who is a designated person, on the application in relation to the trust by— (a) any existing trustee of the trust, (b) a person who has been appointed to enforce the trust, or (c) the Attorney General, the Court shall make an order appointing a designated person as a trustee of the trust. (15) On an application in relation to a purpose trust by— (a) a trustee of the trust; or (b) a person who has been appointed to enforce the trust,

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VIRGIN ISLANDS the Court may in such manner as it thinks fit vary any of the purposes of the trust, or enlarge or otherwise vary any of the powers of the trustees or other provisions of the trust. (16) In exercising the powers conferred upon it by subsection (15), the Court shall have regard to such factors as the Court thinks material, which may include— (a) such changes in circumstances since the trust was created as are in the opinion of the Court relevant; and (b) such factors and proposals as are set out in the application. (17) The changes in circumstances referred to in subsection (16)(a) may include the fact that the execution of the trust in accordance with its terms has become in whole or in part— (a) impossible or impracticable; (b) unlawful or contrary to public policy; or (c) obsolete in that, by reason of changed circumstances, it fails to achieve the intention of the settlor and the spirit of the gift. (18) Where any costs are incurred in connection with an application under subsection (15), the Court may make such order as it considers just as to payment of those costs, including payment out of the property of the trust. (19) Where any costs are incurred by the person who has been appointed to enforce the trust in connection with enforcement, the Court may make such order as it considers just as to payment of those costs, including payment out of the property of the trust. (20) For the purposes of section 203 of the Criminal Code property held upon the trusts of a trust to which subsection (2) applies shall be regarded, as against the trustee and as against the person who has been appointed to enforce the trust, as belonging to others, and an intention on the part of any such person to defeat the trust shall be regarded as an intention to deprive others of their property. (21) The trustee of a trust to which subsection (2) applies who is a designated person shall keep in the Territory a documentary record of— (a) the terms of the trust; (b) the identity of any other trustees and the person who has been appointed to enforce the trust; (c) all settlements of the property upon the trust and the identity of settlors; (d) the accounts of the trust; and (e) all distributions or applications of the trust property. (22) This section shall only apply to trusts created before the date on which
section 84A comes into force.
(Inserted by Act 11 of 2003)

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 57 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 Purpose trusts created on or after the commencement of this section 84A. (1) For the purposes of this section— “charitable trust” means a trust for exclusively charitable purposes; “designated person” means— (a) a legal practitioner practising in the Territory; (b) an accountant practising in the Territory who qualifies as an auditor for the purposes of the Regulatory Code, or any financial services legislation; (c) a licensee under the Banks and Trust Companies Act; (d) a private trust company within the meaning of paragraph 1 of Part I of the Schedule to the Financial Services (Exemptions) Regulations; or (e) such other person as the Minister of Finance may, by Order published in the Gazette, designate; and (Substituted by Act 6 of 2013) “rule against trusts or powers of excessive duration” includes, but without limitation— (a) the rule known as the rule against inalienability, sometimes referred to as the rule against perpetual trusts; and (b) so far as not embraced within paragraph (a)— (i) any rule prohibiting a trust under which trust property would, apart from the rule, be inalienable beyond a permissible period, and (ii) any rule prohibiting a trust or power under which trust property would, apart from the rule, be capable of application for a purpose beyond a permissible period. (2) A person may create a valid trust for any purpose or purposes if the conditions set out in subsection (3) are satisfied. (3) The conditions referred to in subsection (2) are— (a) the purpose or purposes are specific, reasonable and possible; (b) the purpose or purposes are not immoral, contrary to public policy or unlawful; (c) at least one trustee of the trust is a designated person; (d) the trust instrument appoints a person as enforcer of the trust, and provides for the appointment of another enforcer on any occasion on which there is no enforcer, or no enforcer able and willing to act; (e) the enforcer appointed by the trust instrument is a party to the trust instrument or gives his consent in writing, addressed to the trustee who is a designated person, to act as enforcer of the trust.

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(4) In this section a trust for a purpose or purposes that satisfies the conditions in subsection (3), not being a charitable trust, is referred to as a “purpose trust”. (5) No rule against trusts or powers of excessive duration shall apply to a purpose trust. (6) Nothing in this section shall operate to invalidate a trust which, apart from this section, would be a valid trust. (7) Nothing in this section affects the law with respect to charitable trusts and, in particular, nothing in this section shall affect the ability of the Attorney General to enforce a charitable trust. (8) Without prejudice to subsections (6) and (7), any purported appointment of an enforcer of a charitable trust shall be of no effect. (9) The Court may, whenever it is expedient to appoint an enforcer of a purpose trust and it is found inexpedient so to do without the assistance of the Court, make an order appointing an enforcer either to fill a vacancy or in substitution for the existing enforcer. (10) Where a trustee of a purpose trust who is a designated person has reason to believe that there is no enforcer of the trust, or no enforcer able and willing to act, and that no enforcer is likely in the immediate future to be appointed, that trustee shall as soon as practicable inform the Attorney General in writing of the fact and send him a copy of the instrument creating the trust. (11) On being informed under subsection (10), the Attorney General shall, with all reasonable speed but in any event within ninety days, apply to the Court for the appointment of an enforcer under subsection (9). (12) Where any costs are incurred by the Attorney General in connection with any application under subsection (11), the Court may make such order as it considers just as to the payment of those costs out of the assets of the trust. (13) Where a designated person fails to comply with subsection (10), then, subject to subsection (14), the designated person commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars. (14) It shall be a defence to a charge of committing an offence under subsection (13) to prove that the designated person took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence. (15) A trustee of a purpose trust shall provide the enforcer of the trust with— (a) the accounts of the trust; (b) copies of the trust instrument and of deeds and other written instruments executed pursuant to the trust instrument; (c) legal and other professional advice received by the trustees; and (d) such, if any, other documents and information as the trust instrument requires to be provided. (16) The instrument declaring or evidencing a purpose trust may, but need not, do any of the following—

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 59 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (a) specify an event or date upon the happening or occurrence of which the trust ceases to be a purpose trust; (b) provide for the disposition of assets of the trust when the trust ceases to be a purpose trust; or (c) provide that, for so long as the trust is a purpose trust, the trustees owe no duty— (i) to any persons entitled to such assets when the trust ceases to be a purpose trust; or (ii) in relation to any purposes for which such assets are then to be applied. (17) An enforcer of a trust appointed in accordance with the provisions of this section shall have both the power and the duty of enforcing it. (18) A person may not be or become a trustee of a purpose trust while he is the enforcer of that trust. (19) Where any of the persons specified in subsection (20) has reason to believe that no trustee of a purpose trust is a designated person or that no designated person is likely in the immediate future to be appointed as a trustee pursuant to the terms of the trust instrument, that person shall use all reasonable endeavours to secure the appointment of a designated person as a trustee of the trust and if such endeavours fail to result in such an appointment he shall make an application to the Court for the appointment of a designated person pursuant to the provisions of subsection (21). (20) The persons referred to in subsection (19) are— (a) any trustee of the trust who is not a designated person; (b) the enforcer of the trust. (21) If, at any time following its creation, a purpose trust does not have at least one trustee who is a designated person, on the application in relation to the trust by any of the following persons— (a) the settlor, unless the trust instrument provides otherwise, (b) any existing trustee of the trust, (c) the enforcer of the trust, or (d) the Attorney General, the Court shall make an order appointing a designated person as a trustee of the trust. (22) On an application in relation to a purpose trust by— (a) any person appointed by the instrument declaring or evidencing the trust for the purposes of this subsection, (b) the settlor, unless the trust instrument provides otherwise, (c) a trustee of the trust, or (d) the enforcer of the trust,

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VIRGIN ISLANDS the Court may in such manner as it thinks fit vary any of the purposes of the trust, or enlarge or otherwise vary any of the powers of the trustees or other provisions of the trust. (23) In exercising the powers conferred upon it by subsection (22), the Court shall have regard to such factors as the Court thinks material which may include— (a) such changes in circumstances since the trust was created as are in the opinion of the Court relevant; and (b) such factors and proposals as are set out in the application. (24) The changes in circumstances referred to in subsection (23)(a) may include the fact that the execution of the trust in accordance with its terms has become in whole or in part— (a) impossible or impracticable; (b) unlawful or contrary to public policy; or (c) obsolete in that, by reason of changed circumstances, it fails to achieve the intention of the settlor and the spirit of the gift. (25) Where any costs are incurred in connection with an application under subsection (22), the Court may make such order as it considers just as to payment of those costs, including payment out of the property of the trust. (26) Where any costs are incurred by the enforcer of a trust in connection with enforcement, the Court may make such order as it considers just as to payment of those costs, including payment out of the property of the trust. (27) For the purposes of section 203 of the Criminal Code property held upon the trusts of a purpose trust shall be regarded, as against the trustee and as against the enforcer of the trust, as belonging to others, and an intention on the
part of any such person to defeat the trust shall be regarded as an intention to
deprive others of their property.
(28) The trustee of a purpose trust who is a designated person shall keep in the Territory a documentary record of— (a) the terms of the trust; (b) the identity of any other trustees and the enforcer of the trust; (c) all settlements of the property upon the trust and the identity of settlors; (d) the accounts of the trust; and (e) all distributions or applications of the trust property. (29) This section shall only apply to trusts created on or after the date on which this section comes into force. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Trustees to act by majority
85. (1) Subject to any provision contained in the instrument creating the
trust—

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 61 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (a) every decision made, resolution passed or power or discretion exercised by trustees is valid if made, passed or exercised by a majority of the trustees if there are more than 2 of them; and (b) any deed or other instrument executed pursuant to such a decision, resolution or exercise of power or discretion is likewise valid as if it had been executed by all the trustees. (2) This section shall not apply to trusts in existence at the time the
section comes into effect.
(Inserted by Act 7 of 1993)
Protector of trusts
86. (1) An instrument creating a trust may contain provisions by virtue of
which the exercise by the trustees of any of their powers and discretions shall be subject to the previous consent of the settlor or some other person, whether named as protector, nominator, committee or any other name; and if so provided in the instrument creating the trust the trustees shall not be liable for any loss caused by their actions if the previous consent was given. (2) There may be conferred on the settlor or some other person, whether named as protector, nominator, committee or by any other name, by the instrument creating the trust, any powers, and without limitation to the foregoing power may be conferred on that person to do any one or more of the following— (a) determine the law of which jurisdiction shall be the proper law of the trust; (b) change the forum of administration of the trust; (c) remove trustees; (d) appoint new or additional trustees; (e) exclude any beneficiary as a beneficiary of the trust; (f) include any person as a beneficiary of the trust in substitution for or in addition to any existing beneficiary of the trust; and (g) without consent from specified actions of the trustees either conditionally or unconditionally. (3) A person exercising any of the powers set forth in paragraphs (a) to (d) and (g) of subsection (2) shall not by virtue only of the exercise of the power be deemed to be a trustee; and unless otherwise provided in the instrument creating the trust, is not liable to the beneficiaries for the bona fide exercise of the power. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Managing trustee
87. A trust instrument may contain provisions by virtue of which the exercise
of any of the trustee's powers may be reserved to a managing trustee, and no other trustee is liable for any of the decisions, acts or transactions of the managing trustee in so far as they amount to exercise of powers reserved by the trust instrument to the managing trustee. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993)

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Successor trustee
88. In the absence of any contrary provisions in the trust instrument, a
successor trustee may exercise all powers and discretions granted to the original trustee including, without limitation, any power to select from a class of beneficiaries those persons entitled to income or principal of the trust fund. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Construction of power to amend trust
89. (1) In the absence of any contrary provisions in the trust instrument, an
express power to amend in a trust instrument shall be construed as a power to vary all or any of its terms, including terms implied by law. (2) In this section— “vary” includes enlarge, add to, replace, remove, and restrict; “terms” means terms of any description whatsoever, and in particular, but without limitation, terms declaring trusts and terms conferring powers whether dispositive or administrative; and “power to amend” includes any express provision, howsoever worded, contained in the trust instrument indicating that the trust or the trust instrument may be varied, amended or modified by the trustees or any other person. (3) This section applies to any trust, whether created before, on or after the date on which this section comes into force. (Substituted by Act 11 of 2003) Exemption from income tax, etc
90. (1) Notwithstanding any provisions of the Income Tax Act, the income of
any trust in the hands of a trustee is exempt from income tax and the beneficiaries of any trust who are not persons resident in the Territory shall likewise be exempt from payment of income tax in respect of any moneys received by them from the trustee of any trust. (2) No estate tax, inheritance tax, succession tax, gift tax, rate, duty, levy or other charge is payable by beneficiaries who are not resident in the Territory in respect of any distribution to them by the trustee of any trust. (3) Notwithstanding any provision of the Stamp Act, any trust that does not have as beneficiaries persons resident in the Territory shall be exempt from the payment of stamp duty with respect to— (a) the deed or other written instrument creating the trust; (b) all deeds and other written instruments of appointment made pursuant to the trust; (c) all deeds and other instruments by which assets are transferred to or from the trustee of a trust; and (d) all instruments relating to the transfer of beneficial interests in a trust. (4) The exemptions in this section do not apply to any trust which— (a) has as an underlying asset land in the Territory; or

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 63 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (b) carries on a business or trade in the Territory. (5) The provisions of this section apply to all trusts in existence at the time of the coming into operation of this Act. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Exemption from registration
91. (1) Notwithstanding any provisions of the Registration and Records
Act—
(a) any deed creating a trust;
(b) all deeds of appointment made pursuant to the terms of a trust; and (c) all other deeds executed by the trustees, settlors, beneficiaries or protectors of a trust pursuant to the powers and discretions specified in the instrument creating the trust, are exempt from registration under the provisions of the Registration and Records Act. (2) The exemption granted by subsection (1) applies to all deeds referred to therein executed prior to the time when this provision becomes effective. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Trust duty
92. (1) In this section—
“authorised person”, for the purposes of a trust to which a chargeable instrument relates, means— (a) the settlor of the trust; (b) a trustee of the trust; (c) any person who has executed the chargeable instrument on behalf of a corporate trustee of the trust; (d) any person duly authorised to execute documents on behalf of a corporate trustee of the trust; (e) any beneficiary or person capable of benefiting from the trust; (f) any person authorised or appointed by any of the persons described in paragraphs (a) to (e) to cancel the revenue or postage stamp referred to in subsection (3)(a); (g) a barrister, solicitor, attorney, advocate or lawyer acting for any of the persons described in paragraphs (a) to (f) who is admitted to practise in any jurisdiction other than the Territory; or (h) a legal practitioner who is admitted to practise in the Territory; (Substituted by Act 6 of 2013) “chargeable instrument” means an instrument in writing executed on or after the date on which this section comes into force, which is either—

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(a) an instrument declaring or evidencing a trust of which the proper law is, immediately following the creation of the trust, the law of the Territory, or (b) an instrument changing the proper law of a trust to the law of the Territory, but which is not— (i) a will or codicil; (ii) an instrument creating or recording a bare trust; (iii) an instrument creating or recording a trust which is exclusively for charitable purposes; (iv) an instrument executed in exercise of a power vested in a trustee or any other person conferred or reserved by the terms of a trust; or (v) an instrument directing or declaring that further property is to be held upon the trusts of an existing trust; “trust duty” means the duty referred to in subsection (2). (2) Every chargeable instrument shall be liable to trust duty in the sum of two hundred dollars. (Amended by Act 6 of 2013) (3) Subject to subsection (4), trust duty shall be deemed to have been duly paid on a chargeable instrument only when within three months of the date of the instrument— (a) a revenue or postage stamp of the Territory for two hundred dollars is affixed to the chargeable instrument; and (Amended by Act 6 of 2013) (b) an authorised person has cancelled the revenue or postage stamp referred to in paragraph (a) by writing on or across it his name and the date on which his name has been so written on or across it. (4) Where, in relation to a trust, two or more instruments are chargeable instruments, trust duty shall be deemed to have been paid on each of those instruments if it is deemed to have been duly paid, by virtue of a stamp affixed and cancelled in accordance with subsection (3), on any one of them. (5) Where trust duty is not deemed to have been duly paid on a chargeable instrument in accordance with the provisions of this section, that instrument (and, in the case of a chargeable instrument changing the proper law of a trust to the law of the Territory, any instrument declaring or evidencing the trust to which such chargeable instrument relates) may not be pleaded or given in evidence or admitted to be good, useful or available in law or equity in civil proceedings unless, following the payment in the manner described in subsection (7), of— (a) a penalty in the sum of four hundred dollars for each calendar year or part thereof that shall have elapsed from the creation of the trust to which the instrument relates or the date upon which its proper law became the law of the Territory, as the case may be, and (Amended by Act 6 of 2013)

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 65 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (b) the sum of two hundred dollars (hereinafter in this section called “late duty”), (Amended by Act 6 of 2013) the Court by order at its discretion so directs. (6) The provisions of subsection (5) shall not affect any rights to plead or give in evidence or admit to be good, useful or available in criminal proceedings any chargeable instrument or other document. (7) The penalty referred to in subsection (5)(a) and the late duty shall be paid by affixing to the chargeable instrument a revenue or postage stamp of the Territory for the amount of the penalty and the late duty on or across which shall be written by any person, the date upon which the stamp is affixed to the instrument. (8) No chargeable instrument or other document which is liable to trust duty, the penalty referred to in subsection (5)(a) or the late duty shall be produced to the Treasury, Post Office or other public body for the purposes of payment of such trust duty, penalty or late duty. (Substituted by Act 11 of 2003)
PART IX
INCORPORATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS BY REFERENCE Incorporation by reference
93. (1) Any instrument creating any trust may incorporate by reference any of
the provisions set out in the Second Schedule, in which case the following expressions appearing in the provisions have, unless a contrary intention appears, the meanings respectively assigned to them— “the Trustees” means the trustees for the time being of the Trust; “the Trust Fund” means— (a) the property in respect of which trusts are declared; (b) all property paid or transferred to or otherwise vested in and accepted by the Trustees; (c) all income which, in accordance with the provisions of the trust, is accumulated by the Trustees and added to the capital thereof; and (d) all money, investments and other property from time to time representing all property and income mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) and any part of the said property or income. (2) A memorandum signed by the Trustees as to property paid or transferred to or otherwise vested in or accepted by the Trustees is conclusive evidence of the payment, transfer or other vesting. (Amended by Act 11 of 2003)

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PART X
TRUSTEES AND DEALINGS WITH THIRD PARTIES
Definitions
94. (1) In this Part—
“contract” includes a warranty, undertaking, covenant and any other legal commitment; “transaction” includes a contract; “trust fund”, in relation to a trust, means the property for the time being subject to the trust. (2) In this Part, references, in relation to a power, to requirements for its exercise are references solely to requirements for the exercise of the power, including, in particular, requirements for consent, expressly laid down by the terms of the power. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Transactions deemed to be properly entered into with trustees
95. (1) For the purposes of this Part, where a person (“the third party”) enters
into a transaction with a trustee, the transaction shall be deemed to be properly entered into by the trustee if the condition stated in subsection (2) is satisfied. (2) The condition referred to in subsection (1) is that when entering into the transaction it appears to the third party after reasonable enquiry that— (a) the trustee has power, conferred by the terms of the trust or by law, to enter into a transaction of the kind in question; and (b) if there are any requirements for exercise of that power, the trustee has complied with them. (3) Satisfaction of the condition in subsection (2) shall not require the third party to make enquiry as to whether, in the particular case, the exercise of the power referred to in subsection (2)(a) would be in breach of any duty of the trustee, apart from any duty to comply with any requirements for its exercise. (4) Subsection (1) shall not apply in construing the provisions of sections 97(3) and (4) and 98(2). (5) Subsection (1) shall not apply otherwise than for the purposes of this
Part, and in particular shall not affect a trustee’s obligation to make restitution or
pay compensation if he has acted improperly.
(Inserted by Act 11 of 2003)
Protection of persons dealing with trustees
96. (1) Where a person (“the third party”) enters into a transaction with a
trustee of a trust and that transaction has been properly entered into by the trustee, the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) shall apply, except to the extent that the transaction otherwise provides. (2) Property acquired by the third party in or by virtue of the transaction shall be taken free and discharged from the trust.

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 67 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 (3) The third party shall not be concerned to see that property acquired by the trustee from the third party in or by virtue of the transaction is properly applied. (4) Subsections (1) to (3) shall not prejudice any other right or claim of the third party in relation to the transaction. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Optional provision concerning liability of trustees
97. (1) This section applies to a trust where the terms of the trust expressly so
provide.
(2) Where this section applies to a trust, the provisions of subsections (3) and (4) shall have effect. (3) Except as otherwise provided in the contract, a trustee of the trust shall not be personally liable under or by virtue of a contract with any party properly entered into by the trustee in the trustee’s fiduciary capacity in the course of administering the trust if the trustee disclosed in the contract the fiduciary capacity, or if the party was otherwise aware of that capacity. (4) A claim based on— (a) a contract entered into by a trustee of the trust, (b) an obligation arising from ownership or control of trust property, or (c) a tort committed in the course of administering the trust, may be asserted by a party in a judicial proceeding against the trustee in the trustee's fiduciary capacity, whether or not the trustee is personally liable for the claim, and so that the claimant shall be entitled to satisfaction out of the trust fund directly rather than by way of subrogation to any right of indemnity of the trustee. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Limitation of trustee’s personal contractual liability
98. (1) Where section 97 does not apply to a trust, this section shall apply to
it.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), where, in a contract properly entered into by a trustee, the trustee discloses his fiduciary capacity, or the other party was otherwise aware of that capacity, the trustee is personally liable for any sum payable under the contract only to the extent of the value of the trust fund when the payment falls due. (3) When computing the value of the trust fund for the purposes of subsection (2), the fund shall be treated as still including any property which, since the contract was entered into, has been distributed. (4) Subsections (2) and (3) shall have effect subject to any contrary provision in the contract. (5) For the purposes of subsection (3), property shall be taken to have been distributed if it has ceased to be subject to the trust otherwise than on a

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VIRGIN ISLANDS disposal in good faith for valuable consideration in the management or administration of trust property. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Protection from tortious liability
99. A trustee is personally liable for torts committed in the course of
administering a trust, or for obligations arising from ownership or control of trust property, including liability for violation of any law relating to protection of the environment, only if the trustee is personally at fault. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Provisions relating to the right of subrogation
100. (1) Subject to the terms of the trust and without prejudice to section 97
where applicable—
(a) where a trustee of a trust has incurred a liability in favour of another party (“the third party”) under or by virtue of a contract properly entered into by the trustee, the trustee shall have a right of indemnity in relation to that liability against the trust fund and against distributed property or its traceable product, to which right the third party shall be subrogated; and (b) in computing the amount of the indemnity any indebtedness of the trustee shall be disregarded. (2) If the contract is deemed, by virtue of section 95, to be properly entered into when in fact it was entered into without the requisite power or without compliance with any requirements for its exercise or otherwise in breach of duty, the trustee shall be liable to compensate the trust fund for any amount to which the right of subrogation applies by virtue of subsection (1). (3) The disregarding of any indebtedness of the trustee under subsection (1)(b) shall be solely for the purpose of establishing the extent of the third party’s right of subrogation, and shall not eliminate or otherwise affect that indebtedness. (4) For the purposes of this section, indebtedness of a trustee includes all liability, quantified or not, of the trustee to make restitution or pay compensation to the trust fund, including the liability specified in subsection (2). (5) Rights of indemnity conferred by this section— (a) shall not prejudice any rights of indemnity or reimbursement to which, apart from this section, a trustee would be entitled; (b) shall subsist notwithstanding any purported waiver or exclusion, in whole or in part, by the trustee. (6) For the purposes of subsection (1), property shall be taken to have been distributed if, since the contract was entered into, it has ceased to be subject to the trust otherwise than on a disposal in good faith for valuable consideration in the management or administration of trust property. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003)

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101. (1) This section applies to a trust where the terms of the trust expressly so
provide.
(2) Where this section applies to a trust, subsections (3) to (6) shall have effect. (3) Where a person (“the lender”) lends money or other assets to a trustee of the trust, whether on security or not, that trustee or any trustee for the time being in office may, where so requested by the lender for the lender’s protection, by declaration in writing, to such extent and in such manner as the trustee thinks fit, restrict, or impose conditions on the exercise of, any of the following— (Amended by Act 6 of 2013) (a) powers of investment and other powers in the management and administration of trust property; (b) rights of beneficiaries, including objects of powers, to actual receipt of trust property to which they have or may become entitled; (c) powers relating to the appointment, retirement or removal of trustees. (4) A declaration pursuant to subsection (3)— (a) shall not be made by a trustee unless he considers it to be compatible with his equitable duties under the trust in relation to its beneficiaries; (b) shall not affect any power of the Court. (5) A restriction or condition made or imposed under a declaration pursuant to subsection (3) may subsist only during such time or times as there is a liability for money or other assets lent under or by virtue of a contract properly entered into by a trustee of the trust. (Amended by Act 6 of 2013) (6) If, and to the extent that, a trust is for purposes, the reference in subsection (4)(a) to a trust’s beneficiaries shall be taken to include a reference to those purposes. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Optional power to create charges
102. (1) This section applies to a trust where the terms of the trust expressly so
provide.
(2) Where this section applies to a trust, subsections (3) to (12) shall have effect. (3) A trustee of the trust may grant security in accordance with this
section in favour of a person (referred to in this section as a “third party”) acting
in good faith and for value in relation to liabilities to that third party incurred by the trustee under or by virtue of a contract properly entered into by the trustee. (4) The grant of security may take the form of a fixed legal or equitable mortgage or charge over all or any of the property subject to the trust, or of a right in equity in accordance with subsection (5).

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(5) A trustee may by writing grant a third party the right in equity, which shall be enforceable as such, to require the trustee to discharge liabilities to that third party out of the trust fund, or some part of it, and a right so granted is referred to in this section as a “trustee statutory charge”. (6) A trustee statutory charge shall, except to the extent otherwise agreed by the parties concerned, have priority over— (a) rights of persons under the terms of the trust, (b) obligations under the trust to apply property for any purpose, (c) trustees’ rights of indemnity against the trust fund, (d) creditors’ claims against the trust fund not secured by any fixed charge or right in the nature of a fixed security over any trust property, and (e) any trustee statutory charge entered into at a later time, but shall be subject to any fixed charge or right in the nature of a fixed security over any trust property, and subject to any trustee statutory charge entered into at an earlier time. (7) Nothing in subsection (6) shall affect the rights of a person claiming under a floating security created over property subject to a trust prior to its becoming so subject. (8) A person receiving any trust property, otherwise than on a disposal by a trustee for value in course of management or administration of the trust fund, shall take it subject to any subsisting trustee statutory charge, but without prejudice to any claim of a third party against a trustee for distributing property before the charge has been satisfied. (9) A security granted pursuant to subsection (3) may be on such terms and conditions as the trustee thinks fit. (10) Subject to the terms of the charge, the trustee for the time being of a trust shall pay due regard, in the execution, management and administration of the trust, to the interest of any person entitled to the benefit of a trustee statutory charge. (11) The Bills of Sale Act shall have no application to a trustee statutory charge. (12) The powers conferred by this section shall be in addition to any powers to grant security conferred by the trust instrument or by any other provision of law. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Prohibition of amendment of applied sections
103. This Part does not permit the application of section 97, 101 or 102 to a
trust other than in the terms of the relevant section.
(Inserted by Act 11 of 2003)

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104. This Part shall apply to trusts created on or after the date on which this
Part comes into force.
(Inserted by Act 11 of 2003)
PART XI
CHARITIES
Definitions
105. (1) In this Part—
“charitable company” means a charity which is a company or other body corporate; “charity trustees” means the persons having the general control and management of the administration of charity; “gross income”, in relation to a charity, means its gross recorded income from all sources including property which is held and administered by or on behalf of a charity for any special purposes of the charity, and is so held and administered on separate trusts relating only to that property; and “trusts”, in relation to a charity, means the provisions establishing it as a charity and regulating its purposes and administration, whether those provisions take effect by way of a trust or not. (2) In this Part, the expression “charity” does not include any ecclesiastical corporation or any trust of property for purposes for which the property has been consecrated. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Occasions for applying property cy-pres.
106. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the circumstances in which the original
purposes of a charitable gift can be altered to allow the property given or part of it to be applied cy-près shall be— (a) where the original purposes, in whole or in part— (i) have been as far as may be fulfilled; or (ii) cannot be carried out generally or according to the directions given and to the spirit of the gift; or (b) where the original purposes provide a use for part only of the property available by virtue of the gift; or (c) where the property available by virtue of the gift and other property applicable for similar purposes can be more effectively used in conjunction, and to that end can suitably, regard being had to the spirit of the gift, be made applicable to common purposes; or

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(d) where the original purposes were laid down by reference to an area which then was 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 since ceased to be suitable, regard being had to the spirit of the gift, or to be practical in administering the gift; or (e) where the original purposes, in whole or in part, have, since they were laid down— (i) been adequately provided for by other means; or (ii) ceased, in law, to be charitable on the grounds that they have become useless or harmful to the community or for other reasons; or (iii) ceased in any other way to provide a suitable and effective method of using the property available by virtue of the gift, regard being had to the spirit of the gift. (2) Subsection (1) shall not affect the conditions which must be satisfied in order that property given for charitable purposes may be applied cy-près except insofar as those conditions required a failure of the original purposes. (3) References in subsections (1) and (2) to the original purposes of a gift shall be construed, where the application of the property given has been altered or regulated by a scheme or otherwise, as referring to the purposes for which the property is for the time being applicable. (4) It is hereby declared that a trust for charitable purposes places a trustee under a duty, where the case permits and requires the property or some
part of it to be applied cy-près, to secure its effective use for charity by taking
steps to enable it to be so applied.
(Inserted by Act 11 of 2003)
Power for the Court to authorise dealings with charity, property, etc.
107. (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, where it appears to the Court
that any action proposed or contemplated in the administration of a charity is expedient in the interests of the charity, it may by order authorise that action, whether or not it would otherwise be within the powers exercisable by the charity trustees in the administration of the charity to do so, and anything done under the authority of such an order shall be deemed to be properly done in the exercise of those powers. (2) An order under this section may be made so as to authorise a particular transaction, compromise or the like, or a particular application of property, or so as to give more general authority, and without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), may authorise a charity to use common premises, or employ a common staff, or otherwise combine for any purpose of administration, with any other charity. (3) An order under this section may give directions as to the manner in which any expenditure is to be borne and as to other matters connected with or arising out of the action thereby authorised, and where anything is done in pursuance of an authority given by any such order, any directions given in connection therewith shall be binding on the charity trustees for the time being

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 73 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 as if contained in the trusts of charity, but any such directions may on the application of the charity be modified or superseded by a further order. (4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3), the directions which may be given by an order under this section may in particular include directions for— (a) meeting any expenditure out of a specified fund; (b) charging any expenditure to capital or to income; (c) requiring expenditure charged to capital to be recouped out of income within a specified period; (d) restricting the costs to be incurred at the expense of the charity; or (e) the investment of moneys arising from any transaction. (5) No order under this section shall authorise the doing of any act expressly prohibited by any enactment or by the trusts of the charity, nor shall it extend or alter the purposes of the charity. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Power to spend capital
108. (1) This section applies to a charity if—
(a) it has a permanent endowment which does not consist of, or comprise, any land; (b) its gross income in the twelve months period ending on the date on which the resolution referred to in subsection (2) is passed did not exceed two thousand, five hundred dollars or such greater sum as the Governor in Council may, by Order, specify; (c) there is no express provision in the trust instrument to the effect that this section does not apply to the charity; and (d) it is not a charitable company. (2) Where the charity trustees of a charity to which this section applies are of the opinion that the property of the charity is too small, in relation to its purposes, for any useful purpose to be achieved by the expenditure of income alone or that its purposes can be more effectively served by the expenditure of all or any part of its capital, they may resolve for the purposes of this section that the charity ought to be freed from the restrictions with respect to expenditure of capital to which its permanent endowment is subject. (3) Any resolution passed under subsection (2) shall be passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of such charity trustees as vote on the resolution. (4) Where charity trustees pass a resolution under subsection (2), they shall— (a) give public notice of the resolution in such manner as they think reasonable in the circumstances; and (b) send a copy of the resolution to the Attorney General, together with a statement of their reasons for passing it.

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(5) The Attorney General may, when considering the resolution, require the charity trustees to provide additional information or explanation— (a) as to the circumstances in and by reference to which they have determined to act under this section, or (b) relating to their compliance with this section in connection with the resolution, and the Attorney General shall take into account any representations made to him by persons appearing to him to be interested in the charity where those representations are made within the period of six weeks beginning with the date when the Attorney General receives a copy of the resolution by virtue of subsection (4)(b). (6) Where the Attorney General has so received a copy of a resolution from any charity trustees and it appears to him that the trustees have complied with this section in connection with the resolution, the Attorney General shall, within the period of three months beginning with the date when he receives the copy of the resolution, notify the trustees, in writing, that he either— (a) concurs with the resolution; or (b) does not concur with the resolution. (7) Where the Attorney General notifies the trustees of his concurrence with the resolution under subsection (6)(a), the charity trustees shall have, as from such date as may be specified in the notification, power by virtue of this
section to expend any property of the charity without regard to any such
restrictions as are mentioned in subsection (2).
(8) An Order under subsection (1)(b) may apply either generally in relation to all charities or in relation to charities specified in the Order. (9) A charity shall be deemed for the purposes of this section to have a permanent endowment unless all property held for the purposes of the charity may be expended for those purposes without distinction between capital and income, and in this section “permanent endowment” means, in relation to any charity, property held subject to a restriction on its being expended for the purposes of the charity. (Inserted by Act 11 of 2003) Application of Part.
109. This Part applies in relation to trusts whether created before, on or after
the date on which this Part comes into force.
(Inserted by Act 11 of 2003)

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 75 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 FIRST SCHEDULE (Section 83A) Type of Intangible property Law to determine questions of essential and formal validity and capacity

Shares in a body corporate. The law of the State of incorporation
(and in the case of a corporate body whose place of incorporation has changed, the law of the State of incorporation at the time of the disposition) Type of Intangible property Law to determine questions of essential and formal validity and capacity
Rights of all descriptions arising
from a contract (not being rights attaching to shares in a body corporate). The law governing the essential validity of the contract This category includes, in particular— (a) rights to subsisting contractual debts; (b) rights to payments under a contract that might fall due in the future; (c) rights, subsisting or future, under policies of insurance or assurance.
Rights to non-contractual debts. The law under which the debt
was created.
Interests in trusts and other
equitable interests.
(A) As regards disposability, the law governing the essential validity of the trust or interest. (B) As regards the disposition itself, the law of the State in which the equitable interest is situated. Type of Intangible property Law to determine questions of essential and formal validity and capacity

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5. Patents, trademarks, designs, and
similar rights, required to be deposited or registered.
The law of the State in which the deposit or registration has been applied for, or has taken place or is under the terms of an international convention deemed to have taken place.
6. Intellectual property not falling
within item 5.
The law under which the property came into existence.
7. Claims in tort. The law of the State in which the tort
occurred.
SECOND SCHEDULE
(Section 83)
Trust for Sale

(1) The Trustees shall stand possessed of any real property from time to
time comprised in the Trust Fund Upon Trust to sell the same with power to postpone the sale thereof or of any part thereof for such period as they shall in their absolute discretion think fit and shall stand possessed of all other investments comprised in the Trust Fund Upon Trust at such discretion either to retain the same in the existing state thereof for such period as they shall think fit or at any time or times to sell the same or any part thereof. (2) The Trustees shall hold the net proceeds of any sale of investments comprised in the Trust Fund and all other monies held or received by them as capital monies Upon Trust to invest the same at their discretion in or upon any of the investments by this instrument authorised with power to vary or transpose such investments for or into any others of a like nature. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Powers of Investment
Trust moneys to be invested under the trusts of this instrument may be
applied or invested in any currency and in any part of the world in the purchase of or upon the security of such common or preferred stocks shares mutual fund shares unit trust units or other securities or commodities (including precious metals) bonds notes debentures certificates of deposit or time deposits land or other investments or property of whatever nature (and whether or not income producing or paying dividends or interest) and whether involving liabilities or not or upon such personal credit with or without security as the Trustees in their absolute discretion think fit without being restricted to trustee investments prescribed under the proper law governing this instrument and to the intent that the Trustees shall have the same powers in all respects as if they were absolute owners beneficially entitled and in addition (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) the Trustees may invest the Trust Fund in the shares or debentures of any company whatsoever and wheresoever incorporated without the need for diversification and without being liable for any loss occasioned thereby. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993)

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 77 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 Power with regard to mode of application of capital and income
3. Any power by this instrument or by law conferred on the Trustees to pay
transfer appropriate or apply the Trust Fund or any income thereof for the benefit of any beneficiary may at the discretion of the Trustees be validly exercised (without prejudice to the generality of such power or to any other mode of application)— (a) by paying or transferring the same to the Trustees of any settlement (whether or not such Trustees are resident in the British Virgin Islands and whether or not the proper law of such settlement is the law of the British Virgin Islands) the provisions of which are in the opinion of the Trustees for the benefit of such beneficiary notwithstanding that such settlement may also contain trusts powers or provisions (discretionary or otherwise) in favour of other persons or objects provided however that no such payment or transfer shall be made so as to infringe the rule against perpetuities as applicable to the trusts created by this instrument; or (b) (in the case of any such person who is a minor) by paying or transferring the same to such minor’s parent or guardian or some other person for the time being having the care or custody of such minor upon the recipient undertaking to apply the same for the benefit of the minor; And the Trustees shall not thereafter be under any obligation to see to the further application of the capital or income so paid or transferred and the receipt of such trustees parent guardian or other person shall be a full sufficient and complete discharge to the Trustees. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Additional powers
4. The Trustees shall have the following powers in addition to those
conferred by law—
(a) power to receive any property from any person as an addition to the Trust Fund either by gift inter vivos or by will or under the provisions of any other settlement or trust or otherwise; (b) power to borrow on the security of the Trust Fund and for such purpose to make any out lay out of the Trust Fund or the income thereof and to enter into such contracts mortgages charges or undertakings relating thereto as the Trustees may in their absolute discretion think fit; (c) power to lend any part of the Trust Fund to any person (whether or not a beneficiary) upon such terms (if any) as to security repayment rate of interest and otherwise as the Trustee in their absolute discretion may determine;

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(d) with respect to any property comprised in the Trust Fund power to exercise all powers relating thereto as if the Trustees were the absolute beneficial owners thereof including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power)— (Amended by Act 11 of 2003) (i) power to vote upon or in respect of any shares securities bonds notes or other evidence of interest in or obligations of any corporation trust association or concern whether or not the exercise of such power affects the security or the apparent security of the Trust Fund or the purchase or sale or lease of the assets of any such corporation trust association or concern, (ii) power to deposit any such shares securities or property in any voting trust or with any depository designated thereby, (iii) power to give proxies or powers of attorney with or without power of substitution for voting or acting on behalf of the Trustees as the owners of any such property, and (iv) power to omit to register bonds or securities; (e) power (at the expense of the Trust Fund) to incorporate or register or to procure the incorporation or registration of any company (with limited or unlimited liability) in any part of the world for any purpose including the acquisition of the Trust Fund or any
part thereof and so that (if thought fit) the consideration on the
sale of the Trust Fund to any such company may consist wholly or partly of fully paid shares debentures debenture stock or other securities of the company credited as fully paid which shall be allotted to or otherwise vested in the Trustees and be capital moneys in the Trustees’ hands; (f) power at any time to apply any part of the Trust Fund of the income thereof in effecting or joining in effecting or otherwise acquiring any policy or assurance on the life of any beneficiary or of any other person or any endowment or other policy and to maintain surrender exchange exercise any option thereunder or otherwise deal with such policies as if the Trustees were absolutely entitled thereto; (g) power to pay out at any time any part of the Trust Fund in purchasing or acquiring or making improvements in or repairs to or on any land or building (whether freehold leasehold or of any other tenure or interest and of whatsoever description and situate in any part of the world) in the occupation of or intended for occupation by any beneficiary and power to permit any beneficiary to occupy until sale any land or building purchased or acquired as aforesaid or otherwise comprised in the Trust Fund upon such terms (as to payment or non-payment of rent outgoings repairs or otherwise) as the Trustees may think fit; (h) power at any time or times to lay out any part of the Trust Fund in the purchase or other acquisition of any yachts boats motor vehicles works of art household furniture plate linen china cutlery

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 79 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 other articles of household use ornament or equipment and other chattels for the use of any beneficiary whether occupying a building purchased or acquired as aforesaid or otherwise and power to hand over to any such beneficiary for his use any property so purchased or acquired by the Trustees as aforesaid or otherwise forming part of the Trust Fund upon and subject to such terms and conditions (if any) as the insurance preservation maintaining inventories and otherwise as the Trustees think fit; (i) power to grant options for such consideration and exercisable at such time or times or within such period as the Trustees think fit for the purchase of any property subject to the trusts of this instrument or the acquisition of any interest therein; (j) power to keep the Trust Fund either in or out of the British Virgin Islands and if the Trustees think fit to hold in any part of the world all or any securities or other property in bearer form or registered in the name of the Trustees or nominees without disclosing the fiduciary relationship; (k) in the event of any duties fees or taxes whatsoever becoming payable in any part of the world in respect of the Trust Fund or arty part thereof in any circumstances whatsoever power to pay all such duties fees or taxes out of the Trust Fund or the income thereof with discretion as to the time and manner in which the said duties fees or taxes shall be paid and the Trustees may pay such duties fees or taxes notwithstanding that the same shall not be recoverable from the Trustees or from any persons interested under the trusts of this instrument or that the payment shall not be to the advantage of such persons; (l) power to make such reserves out of the Trust Fund or the income thereof as the Trustees deem proper for expenses taxes and other liabilities and to pay from capital or income or to apportion between capital and income any expenses of making or changing investments and selling exchanging or leasing (including brokers commissions and charges) and generally to determine what part of the expenses of administering the trusts of this instrument shall be charged to capital and what part to income; (m) power to make execute and deliver deeds assignments transfers leases mortgages instruments of pledge creating liens contracts and other instruments sealed and unsealed; (n) power to institute prosecute and defend any suits or actions or other proceedings affecting the Trustees or the Trust Fund and to compromise any matter of difference or to submit such matter for arbitration and to compromise or compound any debt owing to the Trustees or any other claims and to adjust any disputes in relation to debts or claims against them as trustees upon evidence that the Trustees shall deem sufficient and to make partition upon such terms (including if thought fit the payment or receipt of equality money) as the Trustees shall deem desirable with coowners or
joint tenants besides the Trustees having any interest in any property in which the Trustees are interested and to make

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VIRGIN ISLANDS partition either by sale or by set-off or by agreement or otherwise; (Amended by Act 11 of 2003) (o) power to make any distribution of the Trust Fund pursuant to the trusts of this instrument in cash or in kind or partly in cash and partly in kind and in the case of a distribution to more than one person not strictly rateably but on the basis of equal or other proportionate value (as the case may require) according to the judgment of the Trustees which shall be binding on all persons interested under this instrument; (p) power to take at the expense of the Trust Fund or the income thereof the opinion of legal counsel concerning any question arising under this instrument or on any matter in any way relating to the Trust Fund or the duties of the Trustees in connection with this instrument and the Trustees shall not be liable for any action taken in good faith pursuant to or otherwise in accordance with the opinion or advice of such counsel; (q) power— (i) to engage the services of such investment counsel, adviser or manager (“the Investment Adviser”) as the Trustees may from time to time think fit (including the settlor or any trustee of this instrument or any corporate trustee or any parent subsidiary or affiliate of such corporate trustee) in order to obtain advice on the investment and reinvestment of the Trust Fund and to delegate to the Investment Adviser without being liable for any consequential loss discretion to manage the portfolio or any part thereof within the limits and for the period stipulated by the Trustees and the Trustees— (aa) shall settle the terms and conditions for the remuneration of the Investment Adviser and the reimbursement of the Investment Adviser’s expenses as in their uncontrolled discretion they deem proper and such remuneration and expenses may be paid by the Trustees from and out of the Trust Fund, and (bb) shall not be liable for any action taken in good faith pursuant to or otherwise in accordance with the advice of the Investment Adviser, (ii) to employ and pay at the expense of the capital or income of the Trust Fund any agent or agents in any part of the world whether solicitors bankers accountants stockbrokers managers or other persons (including the settlor or any trustee of this instrument or any corporate trustee or any parent subsidiary or affiliate of such corporate trustee) to transact any business or to do any act requiring to be transacted or done in execution of the trusts of this instrument including the receipt and payment of money and the execution of documents and in any such event the trustee, the corporate trustee or the parent subsidiary or the affiliate of such corporate trustee is entitled to charge and be paid and to retain for his or its own account all usual professional and other fees and commissions

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 81 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 normally paid for such services including fees and commissions shared with other agents; (r) power for all or any of the Trustees— (i) to exercise or join or concur in exercising all or any of the powers and discretions by this instrument or by law given to the Trustees notwithstanding that such trustee may have a personal interest in the mode or result of exercising any such power or discretion or may be interested therein in some other fiduciary capacity but any trustee may abstain from acting except as a merely formal party in any matter in which he may be so interested as aforesaid and may allow his cotrustees to act alone in the exercise of such powers and discretions in relation to such matter, and (ii) to purchase or sell any property notwithstanding that the vendor or purchaser is the same as or includes the Trustees or any of them provided that the price payable on any such purchase or sale is certified as fair and reasonable by an independent valuer employed for the purpose by the Trustees; (s) power to effect any transaction concerning or affecting the Trust Fund or any other property whatsoever and to do all other acts and things which the Trustees may in their absolute discretion think expedient in the interests of the Trust Fund or any beneficiary and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “transaction” includes any sale exchange assurance conveyance grant lease surrender reconveyance release reservation or other disposition and any purchase or other acquisition and any covenant contract licence option right or pre-emption and any compromise or partition and any company reconstruction or amalgamation and any other dealing or arrangement and “effect” has the meaning appropriate to the particular transaction and references to property include references to restrictions and burdens affecting the property; (Amended by Act 11 of 2003) (t) all the powers of sale (by public auction or private contract) exchange mortgaging leasing or other disposition management repair building and improvement and all other powers of an absolute beneficial owner in respect of any property for the time being comprised in the Trust Fund including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) the power of borrowing on the security of the Trust Fund and for such purpose to make any outlay out of the income or capital of the Trust Fund and to make such contracts and to enter into such undertakings relating thereto as the Trustees in their absolute discretion shall think fit; (u) power at any time in the Trustees’ discretion and on such terms as they deem fit to appropriate or to apply the capital or income of the Trust Fund or any part thereof in order to secure the payment of money owed by any beneficiary and to give any guarantee or to become surety for any beneficiary and for such purposes to mortgage or charge any investments or property for the time being forming part of the Trust Fund
or to deposit or transfer any

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VIRGIN ISLANDS such investments or property with or to any person by way of security; and (v) power from time to time by deed revocable or irrevocable wholly or partially to release extinguish or restrict any power by this instrument or by law conferred on the Trustees notwithstanding the fiduciary nature of any such power (but not so as to invalidate any prior exercise thereof). (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Exclusion of appointments
5. Unless the Trustees in their absolute discretion shall otherwise determine
all dividends and other income received shall be treated for all purposes as income accruing at the due date of payment whether or not such dividends or income may have been earned and accrued wholly or partially in respect of a period prior to such date. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Protection of third parties in dealings with trustees
6. (1) No person or corporation dealing with the Trustees and no purchaser
on any sale made by the Trustees shall be concerned to enquire into the propriety or validity of any act of the Trustees or to see to the application of any money paid or property transferred to or upon the order of the Trustees. (2) No firm association or corporation any of whose securities are comprised in the Trust Fund and no purchaser or person dealing with any trustee purporting to act under any delegation of authority from any other trustee shall be required to ascertain or enquire whether a case exists in which such delegation is permitted or whether such delegated authority is still subsisting. (3) When anything is dependent upon the value of any property or the existence of any fact a certificate of the Trustees as to such value or fact shall be conclusive in favour of anyone thereon in good faith. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) Power in relation to underlying company
7. Any trustee of this instrument and director officer or employee of a
corporate trustee or of a parent subsidiary or affiliate of such corporate trustee may act as a director officer manager or employee of any company whose shares or debentures may be comprised in the Trust Fund or as a director officer manager or employee of any subsidiary or holding company of any such company and may retain for himself or itself any remuneration which he or it may receive as such director officer manager or employee notwithstanding that any votes or other rights attaching to such shares or debentures may have been instrumental either alone or in conjunction with other matters or by reason of their non-exercise in procuring or continuing for him or it his or its position as such director officer manager or employee or that his or its qualifications for any such position may be constituted in part or in whole by any such shares or debenture. (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993)

LAW OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Trustee Act 83 Revision Date: 1 Jan 2020 Trustees not bound to interfere with company management.
8. The Trustees shall not be bound or required to interfere in the
management or conduct of the affairs or business of any company in which the Trust Fund may be invested (and whether or not the Trustees have the control of such company) and so long as no trustee of this instrument has notice of any wilful negligence wilful default or fraud or dishonesty on the part of the directors having the management of such company they may leave the same (including the payment or non-payment of dividends) wholly to such directors and no beneficiary is entitled as such beneficiary in any way to compel control or forbid the exercise (including in any particular manner) of any voting or other rights at any time vested in the Trustees with regard to such company including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing any powers the Trustees may have (even if also directors of such company) of compelling such company to distribute any dividend. (Amended by Act 11 of 2003) (Inserted by Act 7 of 1993) _________

Trustee Act (Revised 2020)

Lineage: In force

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