Caribbean News
Debate begins in Jamaica on Land-titling System reform
#KINGSTON, April 22 (JIS): The House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 21) began debate on the Registration of Titles (Amendment) Act, 2020, which is aimed at reforming Jamaica’s land-titling system.
In his opening remarks, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said the reform is necessary due to the large number of persons occupying land whose names are not on the titles, sometimes for generations; and the need to modernise, as well as enhance administrative structures to simplify processes and reduce costs.
He further noted that the desired outcomes include increased security of tenure and a more efficient and systematic land-titling system.
“Consequently, the Bill seeks to give effect to the policy decision for implementation of an adjudication-centric and driven process for proving the ownership of land and the separation of the processes of planning and subdivision approval from the issuing of titles, under the Registration of Titles Cadastral Mapping and Tenure Clarification (Special Provisions) Act,” Mr. Vaz said.
Other outcomes include consequentially amending the Limitation of Actions Act to provide that, where boundaries are adjudicated upon and pursuant to a systematic registration process, are deemed to be acquiesced, notwithstanding any enactment to the contrary and provided the parties do not object to same.
Regarding sections of the Bill, Clause three seeks to amend Section 15 of the Act by inserting paragraph (d), which empowers the Registrar of Titles (hereinafter “Registrar”) to lodge caveats for: the protection of Trusts; and the protection of a charge for outstanding property taxes that may be applicable to any land that is the subject of the proposed section 28A (1) (b).
“The lands, subject to section 28A(1)(b), are those that the applications for registered titles were reviewed by an Adjudication Committee, which issued an Adjudication Certificate under the Registration of Titles Cadastral Mapping and Tenure Clarification (Special Provisions) Act,” Mr. Vaz said.
In addition, clause four seeks to insert Sections 28A and 28B in the Act. Mr. Vaz said the proposed Section 28A(1) seeks to provide for applications to be made to obtain registered titles without reference to the Referee of Titles where a Certificate of Compliance is issued under the Facilities for Titles Act and the applicant or his personal representative is named in the said Certificate of Compliance; an Adjudication Certificate is issued [under the] Registration of Titles Cadastral Mapping and Tenure Clarification (Special Provisions) Act by the Director of Adjudication Services or the Adjudication Committee directing that the Registrar of Titles shall issue an absolute or qualified title; and pursuant to a Court Order under which the court has determined ownership.
Clause 10 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 178 of the Act. The effect of this amendment is to increase the maximum value of the monetary penalty for offences under the Act.
Mr. Vaz said the proposed amendment empowers the Parish Court to impose on a convicted offender a fine of up to $1 million instead of the existing maximum of $1,000.
The proposed amendment also prescribes a term of imprisonment of up to six months in default of the payment of the fine, and prescribes that any certificate of title, entry, erasure or alteration so procured or made by fraud shall be void as against all parties or persons privy to such fraud.
Meanwhile, debate also started on the companion legislation, entitled, Registration of Titles Cadastral Mapping and Tenure Clarification (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2020.
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Land-titling System…3
The Bill seeks to give effect to the policy decision to provide for the full operations of the Land Administration and Management Programme processes, including the adjudication processes to fall under the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer of the National Land Agency, and amend the Registration of Titles Cadastral Mapping and Tenure Clarification (Special Provisions) Regulations to give effect to the changes that will be made to the Act.
JIS News By LATONYA LINTON
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Anguilla, March 22, 2025 – The new premier of Anguilla is historically, a woman, Cora Richardson-Hodge, who led her Anguilla United Front (AUF) to a dominating victory of at the polls in the February 26 General Election in the British Overseas territory; gaining four seats and 49% of the vote.
When she addressed the nation from the House of Assembly on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 as the newly sworn-in Premier, her focus was on commitments made on the campaign trail; to build a more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable Anguilla.
“Our primary goals include: economic diversification. We recognize the need to move beyond traditional industries, and by investing in areas like renewable energy, technology and agriculture we can create a more resilient economy that offers opportunities for all,” said Richardson-Hodge.
Young people are also a priority, said Premier Richardson-Hodge who reminded of the AUF’s ‘People First’ plan.
“Our youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are valuable contributors to our present and the architects of our future. They are innovators, dreamers and change makers. However, for them to flourish, we must prioritize their needs and aspirations that is our People First agenda places their needs at the forefront.”
Mentorship programs are coming, so is investment in business ideas to broaden the commercial landscape of the island nation, she said.
“We will establish initiatives, that support young entrepreneurs in their business endeavours by providing mentorship programs, access to
funding and training in business development. We aim to foster a generation of entrepreneurs who can create jobs and drive economic growth in Anguilla.”
The Premier wants to modernise education and resuscitate healthcare for the 16,000 residents of Anguilla.
“We pledge to improve educational facilities and transform our healthcare services into institutions of which we can be proud.”
Responsible tourism is also prioritised for the new AUF Government administration. Renewable Energy is elevated in the new regime, she said.
In her maiden speech, she informed Anguillans that their involvement and solidarity are essential.
“Governance is not just for the appointed, it is for every Anguillan, and we will establish regular forums for community feedback and consultation, ensuring that your voices guide our decisions.
To achieve these ambitious objectives, unity is essential. We must come together, government officials, business leaders, civil society and most importantly, the people of Anguilla,” said the representative for Sandy Hill, a 15-year MP.
Premier Richardson-Hodge reached across the aisle with her words, inviting the members opposite her physically to be tied to a better Anguilla, bi-partisanly.
“It is time to transcend political divides and collaborate for the greater good. Let us focus on what binds us together, our love for Anguilla and our committee for a brighter future for our families and our children. And as we embark on this journey, I urge each one of you to join us in embracing this People’s first agenda. Each one of us plays a vital role in shaping the future of Anguilla. Let us work side by side as partners in progress as we reclaim our narrative and craft a legacy that future generations will be proud of.”
The AUF won eight of the 11 seats with the outgoing Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) headed by now former premier Dr Ellis Webster, winning the other three seats. Webster was among the victorious candidates for his party.
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Trinidad and Tobago, March 22, 2025 – From the energy minister to the Prime Minister and now a general election set for April 28 already announced; it has been a whirlwind week on the political scene for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Keith Rowley did as was expected when he stepped down as the country’s prime minister, after ten of service in that role. Taking on the job of chief executive in governance is Stuart Young, an attorney by profession and the man who has held several ministerial portfolios including Energy, Communications and Security.
One day after becoming the Prime Minister, Stuart Young made headlines again when he demonstrated a readiness to receive a clear
mandate from the nation’s voters and announced a national poll.
In addition to the election announcement, Young has re-organised the Cabinet. He has named Camille Robinson-Regis, an attorney as the new Attorney General; Adrian Leonce is now the Housing Minister; Marvin Gonzales, is the new Security Minister and shifted from the Ministry of Finance is Colm Imbert, who now takes up the Public Utilities portfolio.
It was just days into the new year when Keith Rowley announced his successor as Stuart Young.
Young had been selected, he said, by the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s National Movement (PNM) as the party’s next leader.
Young has also served as National Security Minister and Communications Minister and is the eighth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
Nomination Day is April 4, 2025.
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