Registrar of Lands

Posted by Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment

Job Title: Registrar of Lands

Location: Brades, Montserrat
Salary: Included
Expiry Date: Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Posted by Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Registrar of Lands, within the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment.

JOB PURPOSE

The successful applicant will manage and undertake the quasi-judicial functions of the department to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the Land Registry. Responsible for the administration of lands in accordance with the Registered Lands Act CAP 08.01 of Montserrat.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage the activities and deploy the staff at the Land Registry;
  • Maintain the Land Register and associated parcel files including reviewing and approving applications and transfers for property along with such encumbrances as may be attached to such property e.g. cautions, easements, leases, charges or other restrictive agreements required;
  • Conduct caution and restriction hearings, claims to interest in unclaimed lands, prescriptive application hearings etc.;
  • Prepare and issue orders under the provisions of the Registered Lands Act, Crown Tile Act, Land Adjudication Act, Limitation Act, Property Tax Act, Companies act, Landholding Control act, Wills Act, Intestate Act, Immigration Act;
  • Process and prepare Landholding Licences in accordance with the Landholding Control Act (Cap. 8.02); 
  • Conduct legal research to supplement legislative provisions applicable to the Land Registry Department, including matters of: prescriptive title, succession, easements, restrictive agreements, joint tenancy and tenancy in common, and cautions;
  • Provide affidavits and evidence in civil proceedings against the Land Registry;
  • Manage the department's website;
  • Manage and update the electronic land registration system along with streamlining the procedures in the Registry to increase efficiency to enhance the customer experience and make recommendations for improvement so that revenue and operational efficiency targets are met;  
  • Advise MALHE and Government of Monserrat on land registration and administration matters;
  • Propose amendments to the Registered Lands Act and regulations;
  • Work with the Ministry to develop a comprehensive Land Management Policy by reviewing the existing regulatory framework;
  • Liaise with Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute breaches of the provisions of the Registered Lands Act, including boundary disputes;
  • Prepare the Annual Work Programme, Strategic and Operational Plans for E-conveyancing within the Land Registry Section.
  • Prepare the annual budget and accurate quarterly reports to monitor/evaluate the division’s performance based on the indicator/measures agreed in the MALHE Strategic Plan;
  • Review individual work plans and performance assessments of the staff at the unit;
  • Implement an Education Programme to enhance the practical and legal knowledge of the lands & Survey staff, and to empower them in carrying out their functions;
  • Implement a Public Awareness Programme to enlighten the public on the services provided by the Land Registry; 

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

The successful candidate should:-

  • Have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience practicing as an Attorney-at- law;
  • Be experienced in conducting public hearings; qualifications in land surveying and valuation would be an asset;
  • Be familiar with the Torrens System of registration;
  • Be able to interpret related laws and manage the staff of the unit;
  • Be able to take and provide evidence and prepare Court brief;

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

 Appointment will be made on a Contractual or Permanent and Pensionable Basis.

Basic Salary

R12- R8:    XCD $66,852.00 - $73,020.00 / Year

Allowances

Housing - $18,000.00  
Legal Services - $48,000.00  
Telephone - $720.00  
Transport - $9,600.00

Benefits
27 paid vacation days annually
Up to 25 paid sick days annually
Permanent & Pensionsable Position (Probationary Period)
Annual Performance-based Increments
Personal Development Opportunities
Access to Personal Advances
Medical Insurance available
Paid Holidays

Deadline: November 30th, 2022

CLICK HERE TO APPLY