Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 05, 2014 News
– Fight against corruption in the Deeds Registry continues
The Deeds Registry has put a new system in place which requires businesses to renew their licences on the date of the initial registration, rather than the first month of each year as previously obtained.
The Deeds Registry is housed on the bottom flat of the High Court. The Registry is responsible for maintaining public records and documents pertaining to real estate deeds including transports, powers of attorney, bills of sale and all conveyance in respect or in relation to the sale of properties owned by transport. It is under micro management by the Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall.
According to Nandlall, “An amendment to the Business Names Registration Act was passed in 2013. This was done to facilitate the renewal of business registration on the anniversary date, that is, the date upon which they originally registered their company. So if the company first registered on February 23, then the following year it will renew its licence on that same date.”
He said, “It is much more effective this way, to have the renewal done on the anniversary date as opposed to having it done at the commencement of each year. The rationale behind this change is to avoid long lines of persons assembling at the Deeds Registry to renew their licences. We feel doing it in such a manner would significantly reduce the hardship and inconvenience which are associated with a one-off renewal. This change only lends to greater efficiency and speed in the system.”
Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Ms. Azeena Baksh noted, “The change brings with it many benefits not only to the Registry but also to the businessmen. The renewal is still being done for the same cost of $2,500. I believe that it is going to make the process easier and it will provide for a decrease in the intensely accumulated work which occurred prior to the amendment.”
While they expect an improvement in their system in this regard, Ms. Baksh reminded that their fight against corruption will continue and they will ensure that all is done to reduce cases of fraud and improve the transparency framework at the Registry.
Just last year, there were several scams at the registry which involved members of staff allegedly accepting bribes to forge several legal documents.
With particular regard to such matters, the Legal Affairs Minister stated that he will not relent until, “Everyone understands that corruption will not be tolerated at the Registry.”
The Registrar reminded of two specific cases which involved employees who provided members of the public with bogus documents. Both matters are engaging the court’s attention.
Nandlall explained that the fight against corruption is an ongoing one and urged members of the public to report incidents of improper behavior by employees of the Deeds Registry. He encouraged citizens to conduct their affairs within the confines of the law and not fall prey to giving bribes.
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