Productivity, Real Estate and Luxury In the Exumas

Executive Global: Many of the islands in the Exumas are privately owned, with Eddie Murphy, Faith Hill and Johnny Depp owning islands or residences here. What is it that makes this jewel of the Bahamas the perfect playground for adventurers? 

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Judith Hurlock: Proximity to the USA by air to Florida, Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC. Unparalleled beauty in the pristine beaches and waters. Friendly people - I hear this comment frequently from visitors. Upgraded International airport - still in the pipeline.

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EG: Yntegra Group are investing $650 million USD in Exuma, citing the region to be ‘an untouched jewel with tremendous potential.’ What may the Exumas offer in the next few years for investors wise enough to invest here early?

JH: New and improved infrastructure, The Queens Highway which runs NE to SW the length of Great and Little Exuma, is being repaved as we speak. The airport is being enlarged and renovated and the runway increased from 10,000 feet. Also, a taxiway is being constructed. This will allow larger airplanes to land here, making for new direct routes from the US and Canada ( not yet verified).
   

EG: How would you compare and contrast the areas of George Town, Exuma Cays, Emerald Bay and what makes them unique?

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JH: George Town is the capital ‘city’ of the Exumas. Although still not much more than a settlement/village it is the hub. Exuma Cays: Voted to be ‘the best sailing grounds for yachts in the world’. Emerald Bay is a gated community with large-boat marina able to service luxury yachts; an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course, Sandals Resort and Grand Isle Resort within it’s boundaries.

EG: Can you recall three productive moments in the past where your career started to take off, along with the factors that can be attributed to your success? 

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JH: My husband and I started Dillycrab Realty in 2005, which became a huge success story before ending in 2010 due to the world economy. We started again in 2019 with Seahorse Realty, which is also a very well-respected real estate company, due in part to myself (not bragging here) having lived on the island for almost 40 years at that time and being an expert in all things Exumian. My focus is entirely on the Exuma chain of islands.
 

EG: What would you say are the archetypal qualities found in the most productive and successful real estate agents in the luxury market?

JH: I might say here that I am not necessarily exclusively in the luxury market. However, knowledge of product, putting the client first at all times and being visible.

EG: Tell us about the Bahamian tax regime and how this may offer additional advantages for affluent American buyers? 

JH: This answers it better than I ever could: The Bahamas remains the leading tourist destination in the Caribbean region. In 2019, The Bahamas welcomed 7.216 million visitor arrivals, the most ever for the country, and a 9 percent increase compared to 2018. Several large hotels have completed expansion projects in Nassau/Paradise Island, and new airlines have started services to the Bahamas. Nearly half of the country’s GDP is derived from tourism, and tourism-related industry.
 

The Bahamas is today one of the world’s principal international financial centers. The country’s progressive legislation and regulatory structure, its highly skilled workforce, and its responsive government have attracted many of the world’s largest and most prestigious financial institutions. Convenient air transportation, modern infrastructure, including an excellent telecommunications system, all support efficient business operations.
 

The Bahamas offers a varied and attractive package to the potential investor: a stable democratic environment, relief from personal and corporate income taxes, timely repatriation of corporate profits, proximity to the United States with extensive air and communication links, a good pool of skilled professionals, and preferential access to major markets.
 

In The Bahamas there are no income, capital gains, wealth, inheritance, succession, or gift taxes. Tax revenue in The Bahamas is derived primarily from VAT, import duties, stamp duties, real property tax, casino taxes and license fees.   EG